Is the local church enough for deep theological learning, or is formal education essential for ministry leadership? What if you feel called to more but seminary isn't an option? In this episode, we tackle the critical and often-debated topic of continuing education for ministry leaders. Joined by guests Lesleigh Carmichael and Bianca Howard, we explore the practical reasons for pursuing a seminary degree, how to build a powerful learning plan without formal education, and what to do when you encounter a leader who thinks they've already learned enough. This conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone feeling stuck or wondering what's next in their leadership journey.

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Are church milestones just traditions, or do they hold the power to shape faith and engage families? In this episode, we explore how to create a "theology of milestones" that moves beyond one-off events to become a core part of your discipleship journey. Joined by family ministry experts Elaine Pendergrass and Werner Ramirez, discover why celebrating everything from baptism to getting a driver’s license can be a profound act of ministry and the practical first steps you can take to make them more meaningful.

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Are small groups a non-negotiable for pastors and staff? This episode tackles the sensitive topic of staff participation, exploring how to foster genuine community while protecting your own soul. Guests Phyllis Kim Myung, a Lead Pastor in LA, and our very own Mike Crain join the conversation to unpack the nuance.

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Today we're joined by guests Candi Cylar and James Warren to unpack what keeps people coming back to churches and ministries. The conversation draws from decades of ministry leadership, event planning, and hands-on experience with church growth, all aimed to equip pastors, church leaders, and volunteers—especially those serving in small or plateaued churches.   Whether you're wrestling with attendance, wondering about the real impact of big events, or searching for actionable church marketing and hospitality tips, these comprehensive show notes will help you capture all the wisdom, strategies, and next steps discussed in the episode.   Full Show Notes

In this episode, we are joined by Derek DeGroot, President of Aspen Group, to explore the overlooked yet essential role of physical space in church ministry. Drawing from Derek's expertise as a licensed architect dedicated to designing and building church spaces, the discussion encompasses sacred stewardship, the intersection of tradition and innovation, and practical next steps for churches—especially those feeling stuck or seeking meaningful growth.

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In this episode of the Ministry Architects podcast, hosts Renee Wilson and Brandon Collins are joined by Keith Cureton, CEO of Bethany Christian Services. They dive deep into the urgent need for foster care and how churches and individuals can transform children's lives.

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In this value-packed episode, we dive deep into the world of ministry conferences, exploring everything from maximizing the conference experience for church teams to building meaningful connections. We discuss practical tips for both attendees and presenters, share strategies for implementing conference learnings, and offer guidance on selecting the right events for your team. Whether you're a seasoned conference-goer or considering your first event, this conversation provides actionable insights, encouragement, and even includes some lighthearted discussions about ice cream along the way.

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In this important episode, host Renée Wilson talks with Laura Addis and Anthony Prince about powerful, real-world experiences and insights from leading churches through devastating natural disasters. Laura Addis recounts her church's response to Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina (September 2024), while Anthony Prince shares lessons learned from the rapidly spreading wildfires in Los Angeles, California (January 2025). This conversation offers invaluable guidance for any church leader preparing for or currently navigating moments of widespread crisis.

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In this episode, Brandon and Renee chat with Todd Hixenbaugh, a ministry leader and podcaster, about the relevance, strategy, and practicalities of using podcasts as a tool for church ministry and communication. They explore current trends, audience engagement, content repurposing, and how to view podcasting as an integral part of ministry efforts.

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This episode dives deep into the latest research from the American Bible Society's "State of the Bible" report. John Plake shares surprising statistics about Bible engagement across different generations and demographics in America, discussing trends like "religious churn," the plateauing of the "nones," and how churches can effectively connect the gospel with today's culture. The conversation offers practical insights and challenges church leaders to innovate based on current data.

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