In this episode, learn why it’s important to understand the needs of neurodiverse adults and how creating a space where neurodiverse individuals are seen, heard, and celebrated strengthens your church body - from worshipers to volunteers. 

Pastor Ruth A. Popkin, a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and inclusion, joins us to discuss how small churches can better serve people of all ages in the neurodivergent community.

Listen in to hear:

• What neurodiversity includes and how common it is among adults
• How a homeschool co-op lit the fire for supporting those with neurodiversity in a local church
• Easy-to-implement ideas for a more supportive Sunday morning for neurodiverse adults and families

Connect with Ruth A. Popkin:
[email protected]

Join our free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry


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"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!

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Small Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

As we desire to create faith communities where all are welcome, we’ve dedicated a series of conversations to accessibility and inclusion in small churches.

Churches of all sizes are missing entire segments of people not far from our doorsteps, and we can do better.

Today’s topic dives into creating spaces and communities that are truly accessible for those with mobility challenges.

After an accident in her 20s, today’s guest found her life significantly altered as she adjusted to being a paraplegic. Joanne Petersen speaks to us today, raising awareness about accessibility issues in our churches and simple fixes to do better.

In addition to talking about wheelchair-friendly spaces, from restrooms to entryways, Joanne shares her heart on what it means to be truly considered by others who see her not as a person with a disability but as a friend. 


Join our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry


Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts

"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!

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Creative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry
Small Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

In this introductory episode of our Accessibility & Inclusion Series, we’re diving into how small churches can be amazing spaces of inclusion and belonging.

Join us as we chat with church leaders and members who are passionate about making their communities welcoming for everyone, no matter their abilities or differences. We’ll share real stories, helpful tips, and creative ideas that can inspire your church to embrace accessibility and foster a sense of belonging for all. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

• The difference between accessibility, inclusion, and belonging (& why it matters)
• How we sometimes unintentionally participate in “othering” at the same time that we’re trying to be accommodating
• A few questions to ponder and start productive conversations in your church to build greater awareness, understanding, and effective next steps toward building community for all

Join our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry


Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts

"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!

Support the show

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministry
Creative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry
Small Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

The topics of church hurt, church health, and toxic organizational systems are hot topics in today’s culture. 

In this episode, Pete Singer, Executive Director Of GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) helps us define and discuss what’s needed for a healthy church culture. 

Listen in for:

• Six key principles of trauma-informed ministry
• How to identify healthy vs. unhealthy systems
• And what to do about it (especially if you’re not in charge)

Connect with Pete Singer:
GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment): https://www.netgrace.org/
https://www.youtube.com/@gracegodlyresponsetoabusei6445
“Toward a More Trauma-Informed Church: Equipping Faith Communities to Prevent and Respond to Abuse”: https://currentsjournal.org/index.php/currents/article/view/444/483
Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church by Diane Langberg: https://www.amazon.com/Redeeming-Power-Understanding-Authority-Church/dp/1587434385

Join our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry


Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts

"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!

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Support the show

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Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/
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Creative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry
Small Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

Effective community outreach involves a lot more than just getting people in the door of your church. 

Successful outreach involves building connections where there were none, growing in awareness of needs outside your church walls, and stepping out to meet them. 

Christmastime is the perfect season to lean into the needs of your community.

Listen in to this week’s episode to hear:

1. Three things great outreach churches have in common
2. One need all of our communities have in common
3. How to use elements from a Blue Christmas service to open up ministry opportunities in women's ministry, Sunday School, youth group, and more

Get the Christmas Bundles: https://smallchurchministry.com/christmas/

Join our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry


Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts

"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!

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Support the show

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Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/
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Creative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry
Small Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

In this week’s episode, Pastor Doug Marshall shares practical insights on transforming church conflict into opportunities for growth and reconciliation. 

Discover the four essential steps that can guide your congregation toward peace and unity.

1. Discover why having a goal of “no conflict” can cause more harm than good
2. Gain tools to foster open communication and more collaboration
3. Explore the role of leadership in promoting a culture of peace.
4. Learn a simple four-step process to build bridges through a conflict

Join our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry


Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts

"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!

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Support the show

Follow Us:
Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/
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Creative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry
Small Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

If you struggle with participation in women’s ministry or are ready for a whole re-start, we got you covered! 

In this episode, we identify the most common mistakes smaller churches make in women’s ministry and how to avoid the pitfalls of a lackluster program. 

From establishing a long-term vision to hosting the best planning parties, listen in to discover simple steps to develop a women’s ministry that meets needs, encourages visitors, and fosters a sense of community that keeps everyone coming back.

Get the Women's Ministry Bundle: www.smallchurchministry.com/womensbundle

Join our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry


Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts

"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!

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Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/
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Small Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

Even the best curriculum falls short when you can’t get your teens and preteens engaged from the get-go. If your teens are less than enthused to be in class or you’re looking to up-level your youth ministry, this episode is for you. 

Today’s guest is making it easy to plan and prep for your next event with games that draw kids in. Meet Zach Hartman, youth ministry leader and founder of ActuallyFun.com. 

Join the conversation about why games aren’t just fun but are an ideal tool to build the connection needed to go deeper in discipleship. We’ll show you how to find the perfect games for your group size and age range.

Zach says, "Most games you find are either the same few activities that have been done to death, or even worse, they just aren’t fun. As a result, it takes hours of your time to either plan games from scratch or to find the few hidden treasures."

Let us save you time and money with easy-to-find games, tested by real kids, to help you go deeper in relationships and teaching too.

Connect with Zach Hartman:
www.actuallyfun.com
FREE Game Index: www.actuallyfun.com/game-index/

Join our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry


Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts

"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!

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Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/
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Creative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry
Small Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

In this crucial episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast, we delve into a vital topic of preventing and responding to sexual abuse within our church communities. 

With guests Pastor Brad Eubanks and ministry leader Kris Buckman, we’re spotlighting an invaluable, completely free resource that offers comprehensive support and guidance for your church.

Whether you’re a volunteer, ministry leader, or pastor, you can help make your church a safer place for all and help build the trust of your community as well. 

Tune in to discover how to use this free resource to make a meaningful difference in your church’s approach to abuse prevention and response.

Get the Essentials To Prevention & Protection: https://sbcabuseprevention.com/ministry-toolkit/

Join our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry


Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts

"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!

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Creative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry
Small Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

With epidemic levels of loneliness, depression, and anxiety disorders today, small churches have a unique opportunity to step into their community like never before. 

Mental Health Awareness Month and World Mental Health Day are perfect opportunities to join a movement that’s changing lives. 

Listen in as Laura Howe, founder of Hope Made Strong and the Church Mental Health Summit, shares practical ways for small churches to walk alongside those who long to know they are not alone. 

We’re talking about:

• Why you don’t need a mental health degree to offer hope to those who are hurting
• The incredible power of walking alongside people and listening without fixing
• Popular Christian quips to avoid that inadvertently lead people farther from the church
• How to access a completely free resource with everything you need to host a Mental Health Sunday at your church

Connect with Laura Howe:
Free Registration to the Chruch Mental Health Summit 2024: https://www.churchmentalhealthsummit.com/a/2147852404/yFsGboSZ
Free Mental Health Sunday Toolkit: https://www.hopemadestrong.org/2024MentalHealthSunday
The Sanctuary Course: https://sanctuarymentalhealth.org/sanctuary-course/
The Care Ministry Podcast with Laura Howe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-care-ministry-podcast/id1580616639

Join our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry


Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts

"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!

Get the Ministry Bundles here!

Support the show

Follow Us:
Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministry
Creative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry
Small Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/