The Lead Ministry Podcast

249. Why Your Volunteer Shortage Is Actually A Disciple-making Opportunity Oct 28, 2024

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh and Bill break down a powerful shift in how ministry leaders should view recruiting: it’s not just about filling spots, it’s about making disciples. Too many leaders feel overwhelmed by the need for volunteers, but this episode reveals how recruiting is a crucial opportunity to disciple people into deeper faith and community.

Josh shares a deeply personal story of desperation when he needed 125 volunteers, and how that challenge transformed his understanding of recruitment as an act of spiritual growth. Bill and Josh explain how you can reshape your recruiting mindset to see it as disciple-making, where volunteers not only serve but grow closer to God.

Key Topics Covered:

Recruiting is Discipleship – Why asking people to serve is a step in their spiritual growth.
From Overwhelm to Opportunity – How to turn the stress of volunteer shortages into a moment for disciple-making.
Framing Volunteer Roles – Learn how to position ministry roles as key growth opportunities for your volunteers.
Creating a Growth Environment – Build a team dynamic that fosters both service and personal spiritual development.

Key Quote: "When I involve somebody in ministry, they are going to be in a place where discipleship happens. Recruiting is disciple-making."

Scripture References:

Matthew 28:19 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…”
1 Corinthians 12:27 – “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

Takeaway: Recruiting volunteers isn’t just about getting tasks done—it’s about placing people in environments where they can grow as disciples. By shifting your mindset and approach, you’ll not only fill ministry roles, but also create a space where your volunteers deepen their faith and connection to God.

Call to Action: If this episode inspired you to rethink your volunteer recruitment strategy, subscribe and share it with other ministry leaders. Join us next week for more insights on building a thriving, disciple-making ministry team.

Stay connected with us for more resources and updates:

Visit our website: leadministry.com
Follow us on Facebook: Lead Volunteers Facebook
Check out our Instagram: @leadvolunteers

248. The Secret To Get More Volunteers: Recruiting is Sales Oct 21, 2024

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh and Bill dive into a game-changing concept for ministry leaders: treating recruiting like sales to bring in top volunteers. Recruiting isn’t just about filling a role—it’s about building a team that pushes your ministry to thrive. Too often, leaders settle for whoever is available, but Josh and Bill challenge you to go after the best.

This episode uncovers the number one secret to recruiting volunteers: developing a strategy just like you would in sales. By shifting your mindset, you can bring in volunteers who will take ownership of their roles and elevate the entire ministry. Josh and Bill provide insights and strategies to help you recruit with confidence and precision.

Key Topics Covered:

Recruiting is Sales – Why you need a sales mindset when approaching potential volunteers.
Shifting Your Recruitment Strategy – Overcome the fear of being "pushy" and start aiming higher.
Creating a Volunteer Pitch – Learn how to craft an effective elevator pitch that draws in top talent.
Post-Recruitment Follow-Up – Build a long-term relationship with volunteers to keep them engaged and committed.
Why Your Ministry Deserves the Best – Stop settling and start building a team that reflects excellence.

Key Quote:
"Stop settling for mediocrity. Recruiting is about more than filling spots—it's about inspiring and empowering a team that will drive your ministry forward."

Scripture References:

Proverbs 27:17 – "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
Colossians 3:23 – "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

Takeaway:
When recruiting volunteers, don’t just fill roles—find the best people who will be passionate about your ministry. Aiming for excellence creates a culture that both attracts and retains top talent. When your ministry sets a high standard, it honors God and encourages others to give their best.

Call to Action:
If this episode motivated you to rethink your volunteer recruitment strategy, make sure to subscribe and share the podcast with fellow ministry leaders. Stay tuned for more insights on building an effective ministry team that drives real impact.

247. Recruit the Best: Stop Settling on Lower Tier Volunteers Oct 14, 2024

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh and Bill explore a crucial aspect of leadership: recruiting top volunteers who elevate your ministry. Recruitment is not just about filling slots; it's about building a high-quality team that will truly impact your church. Too often, leaders settle for less because they hesitate to ask the best candidates. Josh and Bill challenge this mindset and share strategies for aiming higher in your recruitment efforts. This episode uncovers how to identify and recruit the best talent without feeling intimidated or self-defeating. Josh and Bill offer practical advice for overcoming common recruitment fears, setting higher standards, and improving ministry quality. You'll learn how to create a ministry environment that attracts top talent and keeps them engaged. Key topics covered include: Why aiming for the best volunteers can transform your ministry. Overcoming self-defeating attitudes that hinder recruitment efforts. How to create a ministry environment that attracts and retains top talent. The importance of continually improving ministry practices to reduce turnover. Practical strategies for building relationships and playing the long game in recruitment. Scripture References: Proverbs 27:17 – "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Colossians 3:23 – "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." Key Quote: “Stop settling for mediocrity. Recruiting the best isn't about convenience—it's about creating a ministry that honors God and inspires people.” Takeaway: Don’t settle for less when it comes to your volunteer team. Aim higher, and be bold in recruiting top candidates. By fostering a culture of excellence, you'll create a ministry that thrives and draws others to serve with passion and purpose. Call to Action: If this episode inspires you to aim higher in your volunteer recruitment, be sure to subscribe and share it with fellow ministry leaders. Stay tuned for more practical insights on leading your ministry with excellence and intention!

246. The Best Recruiting Line You’ve Never Heard Oct 07, 2024

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh and Bill dive deep into a vital leadership skill: recruiting volunteers with freedom and grace. Volunteer recruitment is crucial in ministry, but too often, leaders rely on high-pressure tactics that leave volunteers feeling cornered. Josh and Bill share a game-changing approach—allowing people the freedom to say no. This strategy not only respects people's autonomy but also helps build a healthier, more engaged volunteer team.

This episode explores how to recruit in a way that empowers volunteers to make their own decisions without feeling manipulated or guilted into serving. Josh and Bill offer practical advice on how this approach can actually deepen discipleship, by helping individuals connect their service to their spiritual growth.

Key topics covered include:

Why allowing volunteers the freedom to say no is a powerful recruitment strategy.
The danger of high-pressure recruitment tactics and how to avoid them.
How to connect volunteer recruitment to discipleship and spiritual growth.
The importance of minimizing the “bullhorn effect” in leadership.
Practical tips for encouraging volunteers to seek God’s guidance in decision-making.

Scripture References:

Matthew 9:37 – "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Ephesians 4:12 – "To equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."

Key Quote:
“Recruiting is not about filling roles—it's about inviting people into a journey of discipleship and spiritual growth.”

Takeaway:
Recruiting volunteers should never be about coercion. By giving potential volunteers the freedom to say no, you respect their autonomy and trust God to guide them. This approach fosters a healthier volunteer culture and deepens the impact of ministry through genuine, Spirit-led engagement.

Call to Action:
If this episode gave you a fresh perspective on volunteer recruitment, be sure to subscribe and share it with other leaders. Stay tuned for more practical strategies on leading your ministry with wisdom and grace!

245. The #1 Mistake in Recruiting Volunteers (And How to Avoid It) Sep 30, 2024

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh and Bill tackle one of the most critical challenges in ministry leadership: recruiting volunteers effectively. Volunteer recruitment is essential for sustaining and growing your ministry, but many leaders unknowingly make a common mistake that can undermine their efforts. Josh and Bill share insights on how to avoid this pitfall and provide a fresh perspective on how to recruit with purpose and impact.

This episode delves into the importance of highlighting the blessings of serving, rather than overselling the sacrifices, to attract and retain passionate volunteers. They offer real-life examples and practical advice on how to communicate the true value of volunteer roles, turning recruitment into a disciple-making opportunity.

Key topics covered include:

The #1 mistake leaders make in volunteer recruitment.
How to balance the realities of sacrifice with the joys of service.
Effective communication strategies for inspiring potential volunteers.
The connection between volunteer recruitment and disciple-making.
Practical steps to create a positive and compelling recruitment message.

Scripture References:

Ephesians 4:12 – "To equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."
Matthew 9:37 – "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."

Key Quote:
"The worst way to recruit is to oversell the sacrifice and under-share the blessing."

Takeaway:
Recruiting volunteers is more than filling roles—it's about inviting people into a journey of discipleship and service. By focusing on the blessings and growth opportunities of serving, you can build a committed and enthusiastic volunteer team that drives your ministry forward.

Call to Action:
If this episode gave you fresh ideas for improving your volunteer recruitment process, be sure to subscribe and share it with other ministry leaders. Stay tuned for more insights on leading your church with wisdom and impact!

244. Bonus: Managing Conflict in a Divisive Political Season Sep 23, 2024

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh and Bill dive deep into a timely and critical leadership skill: conflict management during a divisive political season. Conflict is inevitable in ministry, especially in politically charged times, but how you approach it can make all the difference. Josh and Bill share practical strategies for navigating political tensions and leading your church through challenging conversations without alienating people.

This episode explores how to reduce conflict, build unity, and lead with grace, even when opinions are strong and emotions are high. They offer real-life examples and actionable insights for keeping the peace during election seasons and beyond.

Key topics covered include:

Managing political strife within your church community.
Strategies for leading volunteers with diverse political views.
Why church unity is more important than political alignment.
Practical approaches to minimize conflict and maximize understanding.
How to create a safe space for conversation without compromising truth.

Scripture References:

James 1:20 – “Human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Romans 13:1 – “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.”

Key Quote:
"Any fool can cause strife and conflict, but it takes an emotional genius to broker peace."

Takeaway:
Church conflict is unavoidable during divisive political seasons, but it doesn’t have to divide your congregation. With the right strategies, you can lead through these challenging times with wisdom, compassion, and clarity. Equip yourself with the tools to build unity in your church, even when the world outside is polarized.

Call to Action:
If this episode gave you new ideas for managing conflict in your ministry, don't forget to subscribe and share it with other leaders. Stay tuned for more episodes on how to navigate ministry challenges with wisdom and peace!

243. The Power of Informed Conflict Management Sep 16, 2024

In Episode 243 of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh and Bill explore a crucial leadership skill: informed conflict management. Conflict is inevitable in ministry, but being caught off guard doesn’t have to be. In this episode, they discuss how gathering the right information before stepping into conflict can drastically change the outcome. By leading with wisdom and understanding, you can manage difficult situations with grace and confidence.

Discover how informed leadership can prevent unnecessary conflict and help you handle inevitable challenges with a clear strategy. Josh and Bill share real-world examples and offer actionable advice for leaders looking to navigate conflict with a well-rounded perspective.

Key topics covered include:

Why informed leadership is essential for minimizing and managing conflict.
How to gather key information about individuals and situations before addressing conflict.
The difference between informed leadership and gossip, and why intent matters.
Practical steps for preventing leadership disasters by staying well-informed.
Strategies for building unity and avoiding unnecessary conflicts in ministry.

Scripture References:

Proverbs 18:13 – “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.”
Ephesians 4:3 – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Key Quote: “Any fool can create conflict, but it takes an emotional genius to broker peace.”

Takeaway: Informed leadership is good leadership. By taking the time to gather the right information, you can prevent unnecessary conflict and handle tough situations with wisdom and grace. Don’t walk into conflict flat-footed—equip yourself with the knowledge to lead effectively.

Call to Action: If this episode helped you rethink your approach to conflict management, be sure to subscribe and share it with other ministry leaders. Stay tuned for more insights on leading with wisdom and clarity!

242. Stop Listening to EVERYONE Sep 09, 2024

In Episode 242 of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh and Bill tackle one of the most overlooked aspects of leadership: not all opinions are created equal. As ministry leaders, we often feel the pressure to please everyone, but doing so can lead to chaos and burnout. In this episode, they reveal how to wisely discern whose opinions carry the most weight and how to manage those that don’t.

Discover how to stop counting opinions and start weighing them, a key strategy for leading effectively and avoiding unnecessary conflict. Josh and Bill share real-world examples and actionable advice for how you can make decisions that align with your ministry’s goals while maintaining peace and integrity.

Key topics covered include:

Why you shouldn't treat all opinions equally in ministry.
How to weigh opinions based on character, commitment, and competence.
The dangers of bowing to pressure from influential or connected people.
Practical ways to protect your ministry from the chaos of people-pleasing.
Strategies to lead with confidence and focus on long-term success.

Scripture References: James 2:1-4 – “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.” Proverbs 15:22 – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Key Quote: “I don’t count opinions, I weigh them.”

Takeaway: Leadership is about discerning the voices that matter and making decisions that align with your ministry’s vision. By weighing opinions based on character, commitment, and competence, you can avoid the trap of people-pleasing and lead with clarity and confidence.

Call to Action: If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe and share it with other ministry leaders. Start weighing opinions and leading with wisdom today! Be sure to join us next week for more insights on effective ministry leadership.

241. Are You Making These Leadership Mistakes? Sep 02, 2024

Episode 241: Are You Making These Leadership Mistakes?

In Episode 241 of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh and Bill unpack the critical leadership mistakes that often go unnoticed yet can have a significant impact on your ministry. Conflict is an inevitable part of leadership, but how you navigate it can make or break the trust within your team. In this episode, they break down preemptive strategies to help you minimize conflict and manage it effectively when it arises.

Discover how to avoid common pitfalls in leadership and learn practical tips for turning challenging situations into opportunities for growth and unity. From the importance of establishing clear guidelines to capitalizing on "golden moments" during your ministry time, this episode equips you with the tools needed to lead well, even in the face of conflict.

Key topics covered include:

The biggest leadership mistakes that often go unnoticed.
Proactive leadership techniques to avoid conflict before it starts.
How to capitalize on “golden moments” to build stronger relationships.
The role of conduct policies in reducing conflict and promoting fairness.
How to lead with a “white hat” mindset to foster peace in your ministry.

Scripture References:

James 3:1 – "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."
Romans 12:18 – "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

Key Quote: “Any fool can create conflict, but it takes an emotional genius to broker peace.”

Takeaway: Leadership isn’t about avoiding conflict, but about managing it with wisdom and grace. By setting clear expectations, creating preemptive strategies, and focusing on building relationships during golden moments, you can lead through conflict and avoid making costly leadership mistakes. This episode helps you embrace a mindset of peace and proactive leadership to ensure smoother ministry operations.

Call to Action: If this episode helped you, be sure to subscribe and share it with other ministry leaders. Start implementing these preemptive leadership strategies and see how they transform your ministry. Tune in next week for more practical insights!

240. Simple Strategies to De-Escalate Tense Situations in Ministry Aug 26, 2024

Episode Description:
In episode 240 of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh and Bill dive deep into effective strategies for de-escalating tense situations in ministry. Conflict is inevitable, but how we handle it can either bring resolution or escalate tensions. In this insightful conversation, they introduce the "Slow, Soft, and Small" approach to handling conflict with emotional intelligence, ensuring that you lead with calm and composure. From practical body language tips to adopting the fruits of the Spirit in your responses, this episode equips you with tools to navigate and resolve conflict in ministry contexts.

Key topics covered include:

The biological and psychological factors that influence conflict escalation.
Practical tips on managing conflict through body language: slowing down, softening your tone, and minimizing physical presence.
The role of emotional intelligence in ministry leadership and conflict resolution.
How to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively when facing conflict.
The importance of modeling peaceable practices to de-escalate situations and promote unity in the church.

Scripture References:

James 1:20 - "For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

Key Quote:
"Slow down your words, lower your volume, and be intentional in your response. It’s not about winning the conflict, but about finding resolution and unity."

Takeaway:
Conflict is a natural part of ministry, but how you respond can either fuel the fire or bring peace. By practicing patience, lowering your intensity, and controlling your body language, you can lead through conflict with grace and maturity. This episode provides practical tools to help you de-escalate tense situations and foster healthy communication in your ministry.

Call to Action:
If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe and share it with fellow ministry leaders. Practice the “Slow, Soft, and Small” approach and see how it transforms your conflict resolution skills. Tune in next week for more valuable insights!

239. Navigating Conflict with Maturity in Ministry Aug 19, 2024

Episode Description: In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, we dive deep into the challenges of managing conflict in ministry. Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to the role, conflict is inevitable—but how you handle it can make all the difference. Josh and Bill explore the difference between immature and mature reactions to conflict, offering practical tools to help you navigate these tricky situations with grace and wisdom.

Key topics covered include:

The importance of understanding the root of conflict and recognizing when the issue isn’t really the issue.
How hurt people can unintentionally hurt others, and how to approach these situations with empathy.
The controversial but crucial concept that conflict often arises among the less mature and how to handle these situations without dismissiveness.
Why it's essential to avoid categorizing every complaint as a sign of immaturity and the dangers of becoming a dismissive leader.
Practical advice for ministry leaders on developing the right tools to manage conflict effectively, including the importance of teaching and patient correction.

Scripture References:

2 Timothy 2:24-26 - "The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition..."

Key Quote: "Immature believers can elevate their personal preferences to Defcon five. This is a hallmark of an immature person. So what do we do? We deal tenderly with them, guiding them with patience and understanding."

Takeaway: As ministry leaders, we must strive to understand the underlying causes of conflict, approach each situation with a shepherding heart, and resist the urge to be dismissive. This episode provides practical insights to help you manage conflict with the maturity and grace that your calling demands.

Call to Action: If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe and share it with your fellow ministry leaders. And as always, we encourage you to dive deeper into 2 Timothy 2:24-26 to guide your approach to conflict management in your ministry.

238. The Number One Rule When Managing Conflict Aug 12, 2024

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, hosts Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk tackle the critical topic of conflict management within ministry. They focus on the number one rule when managing conflict: the importance of including all stakeholders, especially spouses, in the resolution process. Through engaging discussions and real-life examples, Josh and Bill reveal how this approach can prevent misunderstandings, foster unity, and create lasting peace. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the dynamics of conflict and learn practical strategies to manage it effectively within their ministry teams.

Key Takeaways:

Inclusion of Spouses: Ensure both spouses are present in conflict resolution to prevent misunderstandings and re-ignition of issues.
Understanding Human Dynamics: Recognize that normal, rational people can become irrational when it involves their children.
Two-Pronged Approach: Focus on both reducing the likelihood of conflict and intelligently managing it when it arises.
Proactive Strategies: Implementing these principles can prevent future conflicts and build a stronger, more unified ministry team.

Notable Quotes:

"Any fool can create conflict; it takes an emotional genius to broker peace."
"Including all stakeholders in conflict resolution is the key to lasting peace."

End Notes: For more resources and to stay connected with Lead Ministry, follow us on social media:

Lead Ministry Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
Lead Ministry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers
Lead Ministry website: https://www.leadministry.com

Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on all major platforms and stay tuned for more insights on conflict resolution in ministry!

237. The Four Keys to Mastering Conflict Before It Starts Aug 05, 2024

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, hosts Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk delve into the essential topic of conflict management within ministry. They introduce the concept of the "Four Keys" to mastering conflict before it starts, offering practical insights and strategies to help ministry leaders prevent conflicts from arising. Throughout the discussion, they highlight the significance of character, chemistry, competence, and circumstances of life in building a harmonious team. With their combined wisdom and real-life examples, Josh and Bill provide listeners with actionable advice to foster unity and reduce the likelihood of conflict in their ministries.

Key Takeaways

Character First: Ensure team members possess strong moral and biblical character to create a solid foundation for your ministry.
Chemistry Matters: Prioritize harmonious relationships within your team to promote a cooperative and supportive environment.
Competence is Key: Select individuals with the right skills and abilities to fulfill their roles effectively and confidently.
Consider Life Circumstances: Be mindful of external factors that might impact team members' performance and well-being.
Proactive Conflict Prevention: Implement these four keys to significantly reduce the chances of conflict arising in the first place.

Notable Quotes

"The best way to manage conflict is to prevent it from happening in the first place."
"A team that works well together can overcome almost any challenge."

End Notes

For more resources and to stay connected with Lead Ministry, follow us on social media:

Lead Ministry Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
Lead Ministry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Lead Ministry website: https://www.leadministry.com

Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on all major platforms and stay tuned for more insights on conflict resolution in ministry!

236. Can You Master Conflict in Ministry and Lead with Peace? Jul 29, 2024

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, hosts Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk tackle the unavoidable reality of conflict in ministry. They introduce listeners to the new course "Lead Conflict," which aims to help ministry leaders navigate and manage conflicts effectively. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the importance of being emotionally intelligent when addressing conflict, as well as strategies to reduce its frequency. With insightful anecdotes and approaches to improve conflict management skills, Josh and Bill equip listeners to transform challenges into opportunities for growth within their ministries.

Key Takeaways

Conflict is Inevitable: Conflict is a natural part of ministry life; understanding this can help leaders manage their expectations.
Emotional Intelligence Matters: Successfully managing conflicts requires emotional intelligence and strategic thinking to broker peace.
Minimize and Manage: While it’s essential to minimize conflict, it’s equally important to have strategies in place for managing the conflicts that inevitably arise.
Skill Development: Conflict management is a skill that can be developed over time, no matter your level of experience in ministry.

Notable Quotes

"Any fool can create conflict. It takes an emotional genius to broker peace."
"If you're experiencing conflict in ministry, pause for effect. You are experiencing a good case of the normals."

End Notes

For more resources and to stay connected with Lead Ministry, follow us on social media:

Lead Ministry Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
Lead Ministry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Lead Ministry website: https://www.leadministry.com

Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on all major platforms and stay tuned for more insights on conflict resolution in ministry!

235. Success - Transforming Tragedy into Triumph Jul 22, 2024

Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode of the Lead Ministry podcast, host Josh Denhart sits down with guest Josh Zello to celebrate a remarkable success story in ministry. Together, they explore the journey of transforming tragedy into triumph and share practical insights that can help anyone in children's ministry, youth ministry, or any church leadership role. Through a heartfelt conversation, Josh Zello discusses how his innovative outreach, including leadership in a community park tot lot, has led to significant wins not just for his church, but for the broader community.

Key Takeaways:

Emphasize Relationship-Building: Personal connections and community engagement can lead to meaningful ministry success.
Leveraging Church Resources: Using church resources effectively can meet the needs of the community and support personal ministry efforts.
Success in Outreach: Community initiatives, such as the park tot lot, can become platforms for ministry outreach and personal connection.

Notable Quotes:

"You can be successful too. I know you know it's true. And that's where we're headed."
"We want to help you get organized, help you stop the revolving door of volunteers, and prevent ministry burnout."
"It's almost as if you're running a second secular children's ministry, but it's the tot lot. But you're running it the same way because you have these leadership abilities and gifts."

End Notes:

For more information and resources mentioned in this episode, check out the links below:

Visit Lead Ministry: https://leadministry.com
Follow Lead Ministry on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
Follow Lead Ministry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

234. The Success of 'Switching, Not Ditching' Jul 15, 2024

Episode Summary:

In episode 234 of the Lead Ministry podcast, host Josh Denhart brings on special guest Josh Zello to discuss an impactful ministry strategy called "Switching, Not Ditching." Josh Zello, a theologian and preschool ministry expert, joins the show to share his success story. By applying the techniques and tools from the Lead Volunteers program, Zello transformed the volunteer system at his church, minimizing last-minute chaos and enhancing overall organization. The host and guest delve into the details of why "Switching, Not Ditching" works, share personal anecdotes, and offer actionable advice for ministry leaders looking to adopt this system.

Key Takeaways:

Switching, Not Ditching: A strategy to replace last-minute cancellations with proactive volunteer swapping, reducing stress and improving reliability.
Implementation: How Josh Zello utilized the Lead Volunteers resources to streamline volunteer management and saw significant improvements.
Two Versions: The evolution from "Switch, Not Ditch 1.0," which failed, to "Switch, Not Ditch 2.0," which succeeded by enhancing communication and understanding.
Practical Tips: Importance of planning ahead and organizing volunteers to prevent burnouts and ensure ministry continuity.
Leadership Insights: Leadership involves maintaining constant vigilance and creating a structure where volunteer efforts are continually appreciated and acknowledged.

Notable Quotes:

"Switching, not ditching, changed my whole life. Being in this role is such a joy now because Saturday nights aren't chaotic anymore."
"It's an organized system that is relationally heavy, helping volunteers avoid the revolving door and keeping leaders from burning out."
"We just have to make sure that we're applauding the things that we want to be repeated."

End Notes:

Subscribe to the Lead Ministry podcast and never miss an episode: Lead Ministry Podcast
Follow Lead Ministry on Facebook to stay updated and access exclusive content: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
Check out our Instagram for inspiring stories and latest news: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

233. Success Stories: Transforming Ministry Challenges Together Jul 08, 2024

Episode Summary

In this enlightening episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, host Josh Denhart welcomes a very special guest, Josh Zello. This episode dives into a powerful success story that spans the realms of podcast impact, ministry coursework, and one-on-one coaching. Zello shares his journey from being a preschool pastor to leading a comprehensive children's ministry at a church plant in Baltimore. He talks about the instrumental role of the Lead Volunteers coursework and the transformative experience of personalized coaching with Denhart, culminating in strategically navigating and overcoming significant ministry challenges. Join us as we explore the impactful changes and insights that can emerge through dedicated mentorship and community support.

Key Takeaways

Importance of Core Ministries: The foundational core of the church's ministry is crucial and everything else should support this core.
Transition and Growth: Insight into transitioning from a large church setting to a smaller church plant, and the different challenges and learning experiences that come with it.
Strategic Leadership: Benefits of individualized coaching and courses in developing strategic leadership capacities in ministry.
Community Impact: Proactive involvement and growth in various demographics such as men's and women's ministries through well-structured childcare systems.

Notable Quotes

"It's not only a Lead Ministry success story, it actually is a Lead Ministry Podcast success story, but also it is a Lead Ministry coaching success story."
"My executive pastor said, 'When you first started to talk, I was not with you. But you've convinced me. And that completely makes sense.'"
"I am here not to do child care. I am here to do ministry."

End Notes

Josh's Ministry Resources: To learn more about how Lead Volunteers can support your ministry, visit Lead Volunteers on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers and Lead Volunteers on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==.
Connect with Us: Follow our journey and get the latest updates on our social media channels.

Stay connected and empowered to lead effectively in your ministry with insights and stories from experienced leaders. Listen to the full episode for more!

232. Serving Outside the Walls Jul 01, 2024

Episode Summary:

In this impactful episode of the Lead Ministry podcast, host Josh Denhart is joined by guest Preston Hocker to explore the transformative power of serving beyond traditional church roles. They discuss the importance of community service and share personal experiences of engaging in various outreach projects, from homeless shelter cleanups to initiatives aimed at combating human trafficking. Preston emphasizes how stepping out of usual church responsibilities and contributing to community projects can enrich both personal faith and the lives of those served. This episode is a call to action for listeners to find unique and meaningful ways to serve others in their communities.

Key Takeaways:

Broadening Service Horizons: Serving outside the typical church environment can lead to significant growth and fulfillment.
Volunteer Preparation: The importance of being ready and equipped to meet the needs of the community effectively.
Impactful Projects: Emphasizing involvement in local projects, such as homeless shelters and food banks, to provide essential support.
Personal and Spiritual Growth: How serving in various capacities can foster personal development and a deeper understanding of community needs.
Faith in Practice: The value of demonstrating faith through tangible acts of service and outreach.

Notable Quotes:

"We can't let our volunteers out volunteer us."
"Serving outside our local church helps us find new ways to connect and grow."
"There are plenty of good organizations around you that need help. Serving elsewhere can renew and deepen your faith."

End Notes:

For more information on the resources and organizations discussed in this episode, visit the following links:

Lead Security: www.leadsecurity.com
Lead Ministry Facebook: www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
Lead Ministry Instagram: www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

231. Why Being a Lizard Could Be Your Key to Success Jun 24, 2024

Episode Summary In episode 231 of the Lead Ministry Podcast, host Josh Denhart along with co-host Bill Van Kirk delve into the intriguing concept of "Why Being a Lizard Could Be Your Key to Success." Inspired by the wisdom of Proverbs, they examine how the characteristics of a lizard can offer profound lessons in gaining access to influential people and opportunities. This episode is packed with practical advice and real-life stories that highlight the importance of persistence, creativity, and strategic networking. Listeners will discover how adopting a lizard's adaptability can significantly impact their ministry and personal growth.

Key Takeaways

Lizard Characteristics: Understanding the unique qualities of a lizard that enable it to navigate obstacles and gain entrance, symbolizing the need for adaptability and resilience.
Strategic Networking: Learn how to identify and connect with key individuals who can propel your ministry or career forward through targeted and genuine networking efforts.
Persistence and Creativity: Discover the importance of being resourceful and persistent in overcoming barriers, akin to how a lizard maneuvers through challenging environments.
Value Proposition: Offering tangible value to others as a strategic approach to gaining their attention, trust, and support, thereby creating mutually beneficial relationships.
Biblical Insights: Applying the timeless wisdom from Proverbs about the lizard to modern networking and productivity challenges, providing a spiritual foundation for practical strategies.

Notable Quotes

"The lizard finds a way through persistence and creativity; it climbs walls, swims moats, and squeezes through cracks."
"Getting in front of the right people can transform your productivity and open doors you never imagined."
"Provide value to others, and they will feel a sense of indebtedness, creating opportunities for you."
"A man skilled in his work will stand before kings; this principle is timeless and powerful for anyone seeking success."

End Notes Connect with Lead Ministry:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

230. The Locust Strategy: Mastering Organization Jun 17, 2024

Episode Summary

In episode 230 of the Lead Ministry Podcast, host Josh Denhart along with co-host Bill Van Kirk dive deep into the art of organization through the unique lens of the "Locust Strategy." Drawing inspiration from Proverbs, they explore how self-leadership and systematic organization can lead to greater success in ministry and other areas of life. Whether you're naturally organized or struggling to maintain order, this episode offers practical tips and insights that will help you overcome chaos and enhance productivity.

Key Takeaways

Define Organization: Understanding what organization truly means and its significance in ministry.
Developing Systems: How structured systems can reduce chaos and improve efficiency.
Self-Leadership: The importance of leading yourself even when you lack a direct leader.
Practical Tips: Real-life examples and actionable steps to create and maintain order.
Biblical Insights: How the wisdom from Proverbs on the locust can be applied to modern organizational challenges.

Notable Quotes

"Organizing maximizes my kingdom impact and multiplies my time for other kingdom ventures."
"You just increased your recruiting prowess by about 5,000% because you have an SOP."
"Quit weeping about the idea that you have nobody over the top of you leading. Grow up, get over it and start leading yourself. Get organized like the Locust."
"If you have 15 different projects going, you're never going to be able to slow down enough and take the time that's necessary to build an effective system."

End Notes

Connect with Lead Ministry:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igshid=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

229. Unlocking the Secret Wisdom of the Rock Badger Jun 10, 2024

Episode Summary: In episode 229 of the Lead Ministry Podcast, hosts Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk dive into the fascinating and unconventional wisdom of the rock badger, inspired by an obscure passage from the book of Proverbs. They explore how this small creature embodies powerful principles of focus, security, and productivity. Drawing parallels between the rock badger's behavior and our own lives, Josh and Bill offer practical strategies for applying these lessons to enhance our daily productivity and spiritual journey. Join the discussion and discover the intriguing insights that a rock badger can offer!

Key Takeaways:

Focus Over Strength: Rock badgers are not strong, but they find security by living in the rocks. This teaches us that strategic focus is more powerful than sheer strength.
Limiting Exposure: By hunkering down in their caves, rock badgers minimize their exposure to threats. Similarly, we should limit distractions and focus on our key priorities.
Wisdom in Simplicity: The rock badger's simple but wise approach to survival can inspire us to simplify our lives and concentrate on what truly matters.
Biblical Insights: The episode continues the exploration of productivity through biblical wisdom, specifically focusing on Proverbs and its teachings about animals as metaphors for human behavior.

Notable Quotes:

"Rock badgers are not fighters, and so they've had to biologically adapt to go, 'I'm not strong enough to fight, so I'm going to position myself in a place of strength.'" - Josh Denhart
"Rock badgers are not mighty people, yet they make their houses in the rocks." - Josh Denhart
"The badger says, 'I'm really not that mighty. I think a better choice is to live close to my cave of security.'" - Josh Denhart
"Ministry is filled with too many good people chasing too many good things at the cost of their highest calling." - Josh Denhart

End Notes:

Lead Ministry on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
Lead Ministry on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

228. Productivity Secrets from Ants? Jun 03, 2024

Episode Summary

In episode 228 titled "Productivity Secrets from Ants?", hosts Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk explore the concept of diligence, drawing inspiration from the industrious nature of ants. They discuss how this tiny creature's habits can teach us valuable lessons in preparation, consistency, and long-term productivity. With personal stories, biblical insights, and practical tips, Josh and Bill delve into how embracing diligence can enhance personal and professional growth.

Key Takeaways

Pre-preparation is Key: Josh emphasizes the importance of preparing the night before to avoid decision fatigue in the morning.
Consistent Effort Yields Results: Diligence cultivates more diligence; the more you practice it, the more natural it becomes.
Biblical References: Proverbs highlights the diligence of ants, illustrating the benefits of preparing ahead.
Practical Examples: From setting out clothes to preparing the coffee maker, small acts of diligence can alleviate future stress.
Long-Term Payoff: Short-term efforts in diligence can result in significant future benefits.

Notable Quotes

"Diligence begets diligence. It kind of like self feeds." - Josh Denhart
"Doing your best today puts you in the best position for tomorrow." - Josh Denhart
"Diligence does what nobody wants to do; get up right now when nobody wants to do it." - Josh Denhart
"Pre preparing. And so all of a sudden I want to do there's a great quote. And it says doing your best today puts you in the best position for tomorrow." - Josh Denhart

End Notes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igshid=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Website: https://www.leadministry.com

227. Don't Just Love the Pretty People May 27, 2024

In this insightful episode, hosts Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk delve into the importance of building a ministry team that values every individual, regardless of their background. They discuss the natural human tendencies to gravitate towards certain people and how to consciously break these habits to create a more inclusive and impactful ministry environment. Featuring engaging stories and practical advice, this episode aims to equip leaders with the tools to recognize and address favoritism within their teams.

Addressing Favoritism: Recognize and combat the natural tendency to favor certain individuals in your ministry.
Team Building: Develop a team ethos that actively seeks out and supports the struggling and marginalized.
Leadership Mindset: Understand the importance of self-awareness and training your team to adopt inclusive behaviors.
Compassion in Action: Apply actions of compassion by intentionally engaging with those often overlooked.

"Sometimes those people are the people that you actually need to bring close, that you actually need to give extra attention to, and you need to figure out what's going on with them because everyone has a story." - Josh Denhart
"It's easy to love the pretty people, but the kingdom of God is actually flipped on its head. It's not about how the world loves one another." - Josh Denhart
"Our tendency is to want to go to the important people, but as leaders, we must seek out the struggling sheep." - Bill Van Kirk
"This is one of those things where it has to start with you, but you can also train the people that you oversee." - Bill Van Kirk

Follow Lead Ministry on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
Follow Lead Ministry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxN

226. What Puzzle Piece are You? May 20, 2024

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, host Josh Denhart and co-host Bill Van Kirk explore the captivating concept of how each of us plays a unique role in the lives of those around us. Through heartfelt stories and Biblical insights, they discuss the importance of encouragement and how seemingly small actions can fit into God's larger plan. Together, they paint a vivid picture of how our interactions, like puzzle pieces, contribute to the beautiful mosaic of God's work.

Key Takeaways

God's Ongoing Work: God is continuously working in and through us, completing His good work (Philippians 1:6).
Impact of Words: Our words hold power to uplift and encourage, changing the course of someone's life.
Everyday Ministry: Ministry isn't confined to church; daily acts of kindness and encouragement are vital.
Puzzle Piece Metaphor: Every person's life is a complex puzzle, and our encouragement can be a key piece.

Notable Quotes

"God sees the potential in you even when you don’t. Remember, you are a vital piece in His grand design."
"Encouragement is like fitting a piece in the puzzle of someone’s life – it might seem small, but it’s crucial."
"Your role in others' lives can be as significant as a corner piece in a puzzle, defining and shaping their paths."
"You carry a bag of puzzle pieces – use your words and actions to fill in the important gaps in others' lives."

End Notes

For more information and resources mentioned in the episode, visit:

Lead Ministry Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
Lead Ministry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you found this episode inspiring. God bless!

225. Dealing with Grief in Ministry May 13, 2024

Episode Summary: In this heartfelt episode, hosts Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk offer a deep dive into the emotional complexities of fostering and losing connections in the world of ministry. They share personal stories and reflections on the profound relationships that are built through spiritual work and the intense emotions that come with the loss of a ministry colleague. This episode serves as a poignant guide for navigating grief while continuing the journey in ministry.

Key Takeaways:

Depth of Ministry Relationships: Ministry often fosters uniquely deep and personal bonds, significantly impacting personal and spiritual growth.
Embracing Emotional Vulnerability: It's vital to embrace and express one's emotions within these close-knit relationships.
Grief and Celebration Intersect: Acknowledging the pain of loss while also celebrating the life and contributions of the deceased reflects the unique sorrow and joy in ministry.
Lasting Legacy of Shared Service: Relationships formed through shared ministry work leave enduring impacts both personally and within the wider community.
Commitment to Connection: The discussion encourages open emotional engagement and cultivating meaningful connections without reservation.

Notable Quotes:

"Ministry intertwines deeply with our lives, affecting us on all levels." - Josh Denhart
"It's crucial to cherish every moment and tell people what they mean to you while you can." - Bill Van Kirk
"At funerals, we confront the finality of life and the importance of the legacy we are crafting." - Bill Van Kirk

End Notes: Listeners seeking further insight and resources on handling grief in ministry can visit LeadMinistry.org.

224. A Predator Among Us May 06, 2024

Episode Summary:
Join hosts Josh Denhart and Preston Hocker on a compelling episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast as they address a critical and sensitive topic — dealing with predators within the church community. Along with sharing a profound personal story from Josh’s experience, this episode introduces "Lead Security," a vital resource designed to ensure the safety and security of church environments. Dive deep into discussions about preventive measures, the significance of background checks, and the launch of a supportive webinar slated for May 14th, 2024.

Key Takeaways:

Personal Encounter with a Predator: Josh recounts a real and stirring encounter with a predator within his ministry, detailing the challenges faced and the lessons learned.
The Critical Role of Background Checks: Emphasizing that while essential, background checks alone are not enough for ensuring safety.
Launch of Lead Security: Introduction of a new initiative featuring a webinar with comprehensive resources to bolster church security.
Recognizing and Addressing Grooming Behaviors:Insights into the subtle manipulations by predators and how to effectively recognize and counteract them.
Strategic Preparedness: The necessity for churches to remain both welcoming and secure through strategic planning and implementation of security measures.

Notable Quotes:

"Ensuring safety isn’t about instilling paranoia but fostering preparedness." - Josh
"Background checks are just the first step; real security involves constant vigilance and education." - Preston
"Understanding grooming is key to prevention. It’s about recognizing the wolf in sheep’s clothing." - Josh

End Notes: For more detailed information and to register for the Lead Security webinar, visit Lead Ministry Security Webinar. Follow us on our social media pages for more updates and resources on church security and volunteer management.

223. How to Predator-Proof your church! Apr 29, 2024

Episode Summary:
Join hosts Josh Denhart and Preston Hocker as they explore essential strategies for predator-proofing your church in this crucial episode. They discuss the comprehensive Lead Security course, designed to empower ministry leaders with robust background check processes and proactive security measures. The episode highlights real-life scenarios that underscore the importance of these checks in maintaining a safe environment for all church members.

Key Takeaways:

Importance of Comprehensive Background Checks:Ensuring thorough screenings to detect any red flags that could jeopardize church safety.
Ethical Responsibility: Emphasizing the moral obligation to implement rigorous security measures to protect all community members, especially the vulnerable.
Confidentiality and Sensitivity: Handling sensitive information with the highest level of integrity and privacy.
Real-Life Examples: Discussion of specific instances where effective background checks have prevented potential harm.
Ongoing Vigilance: The necessity of regular updates and continuous monitoring to uphold safety standards.

Notable Quotes:

"We live in a fallen world, and we have a responsibility as church staff members to protect people." - Josh Denhart
"It's not just about finding out the bad; it's about ensuring the safety and trust within our community." - Preston Hocker

End Notes: For additional resources and training on implementing effective safety measures in your ministry, visit LeadMinistry.org. Also, don't forget to register for our upcoming webinar focused on church security at Lead Security Webinar.

222. Lead Security Essentials Apr 22, 2024

Link to Seminar: https://leadministry.com/register-lead-security-webinar/

Episode Summary: In this pivotal episode, hosts Josh Denhart and Preston Hocker discuss the launch of "Lead Security," a comprehensive training program designed to enhance church security while maintaining a welcoming environment. They cover various security concerns such as cybersecurity, child safety, and emergency responses, emphasizing the importance of a well-trained volunteer security team. The episode also introduces the upcoming Lead Church Security Podcast and highlights the significant impact of having robust security measures in place.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction of Lead Security: A new, extensive training program aimed at improving church security protocols.
Child Safety Awareness: Emphasis on child safety as a cornerstone of church security, especially highlighted during Child Safety Awareness Month.
Comprehensive Security Concerns: Discussion on various security issues including cybersecurity, emergency responses, and handling legal vs. illegal protests.
Preparation for Difficult Conversations: Importance of being prepared for challenging discussions related to security, with resources provided by Lead Security.
Launch of a New Podcast: Announcement of the "Lead Church Security Podcast," which will focus exclusively on church security.

Notable Quotes:

"Your church should be inviting, yet secure. It's not just a necessity; it's our responsibility." - Josh Denhart
"We've tackled everything from cybersecurity to child safety. It's comprehensive because that's what our churches deserve." - Preston Hocker
"Seeing the impact of our work gives me goosebumps. It's about saving lives, both physically and spiritually." - Josh Denhart

End Notes: For more information and to register for the upcoming webinar visit: https://leadministry.com/register-lead-security-webinar/

221. Mastering the Art of Habits Apr 15, 2024

Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode, Josh Denhart and co-host Bill Van Kirk delve into the transformative power of habits. They explore the definition, development, and practical application of habits, emphasizing their role as automatic behaviors triggered by cues in our environment. The discussion highlights the significance of consistency, the myth of the 21-day habit formation theory, and the potential for habits to lead to compound growth. Through engaging dialogue, Josh and Bill offer insights into how habits shape our lives and how, by mastering our habits, we can lead ourselves more effectively.

Key Takeaways:

Habits are automatic behaviors triggered by environmental cues.
Consistency is crucial for habit formation, debunking the 21-day myth.
Habits can lead to compound growth, significantly impacting our lives.
The process of changing habits is challenging but entirely possible.
Habits operate in cycles, starting with a trigger and ending with a routine.
Habit excellence is not an act but a habit itself, shaping our future actions.

Notable Quotes:

"Show me your habits, and I will tell you the path of your future."
"You are what you repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."
"Habits shape our lives more than we're actually aware of."
"You can change your habits. You can change your life."

End Notes: For more insights and resources on mastering your habits and leading yourself effectively, visit LeadMinistry.org for amazing training. Follow us on our social media handles to stay updated on future episodes and join our community of growth-minded individuals.

220. Breaking Barriers: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities Apr 08, 2024

Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode, we delve into the universal challenge of overcoming obstacles, both internal and external. Josh and Bill explore the nature of obstacles as defined by personal experiences and historical insights. They share powerful quotes, personal anecdotes, and practical strategies for transforming obstacles into stepping stones for growth and success. The discussion emphasizes the importance of mindset, resourcefulness, and the transformative power of facing challenges head-on.

Key Takeaways:

Obstacles are a natural part of life and can be internal or external.
The mindset with which we approach obstacles significantly impacts our ability to overcome them.
Creative problem-solving and resourcefulness are key to navigating around obstacles.
Overcoming obstacles often leads to personal growth and development.
Internal obstacles, such as procrastination and self-doubt, can be more challenging than external ones but are surmountable with the right approach.

Notable Quotes:

"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal." - Henry Ford
"The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it."
"Obstacles are just these huge moments in time that God can use to change us and grow us."
"Never say die when it comes to obstacles."
"Obstacles are not abnormal. They are a good case of the normals."

End Notes: For more insights and strategies on overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals, visit LeadMinistry.org for amazing training resources. Follow us on our social media handles for updates and more inspirational content.

Start

219. Mastering Time Management Apr 01, 2024

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, we delve deep into the crucial skill of time management, a foundational element for personal and professional success. Our hosts share their personal journeys from being overwhelmed and reactive to becoming proactive masters of their schedules. They discuss the importance of eliminating time wasters, controlling your environment, and the game-changing strategy of batching work. Through candid conversations, they reveal practical tips and psychological hacks to help listeners prioritize tasks, achieve goals efficiently, and lead a less stressful life.

Key Takeaways:

Time Management is Strategic: It's about the strategic allocation of your most limited resource, time, to prioritize tasks and achieve goals efficiently.
Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan: Success in time management comes from planning your activities and following through with your plan.
Eliminate Time Wasters: Identifying and avoiding distractions, like social media, can significantly increase productivity.
Control Your Environment: Creating an environment conducive to focus and productivity is crucial.
Batch Your Work: Focusing on one type of task at a time can lead to major gains in efficiency and effectiveness.
Pre-Plan Your Day: Writing down tomorrow’s tasks today can psychologically prepare you to tackle them more effectively.

Notable Quotes:

"Time management is the strategic allocation of your most limited resource."
"I am a recovering, terrible time manager."
"Batching is... I'm not thinking about anything. I'm thinking about this one thing and I'm going to spend an enormous amount of time doing that."
"If you manage time poorly, you're going to have a far more stressful experience in your life."

End Notes:

For more resources on mastering time management and other leadership skills, follow us on our social media handles and visit our website. Stay tuned for more episodes in our series about leading yourself and managing your time effectively.

218. The Super-Power of Self-Awareness Mar 25, 2024

### Episode Summary:

Welcome to an intriguing installment of the Lead Ministry Podcast, where host Josh Denhart engages in a thought-provoking discussion around the significance of Emotional Intelligence (EI or EQ) in leadership and personal growth. This episode marks a celebratory moment for the podcast, having undergone a rebranding from Lead Volunteers to Lead Ministry Podcast. Josh, alongside co-host Bill Van Kirk, delves into the intricacies of emotional intelligence and how mastering this vital skill can empower leaders to read the room, connect with others, and lead with confidence.

The conversation begins with an emphasis on the four cornerstones of Emotional Intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management. Josh and Bill share personal anecdotes, highlighting the real-world application and importance of each component. They stress that intellectual capabilities are significantly enhanced when paired with emotional insight, making it a critical factor in leadership effectiveness.

As the dialogue advances, the hosts present actionable strategies to foster high emotional intelligence. They discuss the value of active listening, stress management, empathetic engagement, and conflict resolution skills. This episode provides listeners with a clear roadmap to developing and honing these capabilities to achieve better organization, lead confidently, and avoid burnout in their personal and professional lives.

### Key Takeaways:

- Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is as crucial as IQ for effective leadership and features four primary components: self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management.

- Self-awareness involves identifying and acknowledging one's emotions, while self-regulation focuses on controlling and navigating emotional responses.

- Social awareness is the skill of reading and interpreting the emotional climate of others, aiding in response to social cues and interactions.

- Building strong relationships through emotional intelligence involves nurturing connections, demonstrating genuine empathy, and managing interactions judiciously.

- Developing emotional intelligence is a continuous process, and practicing active listening, managing stress, resolving conflicts skillfully, and giving genuine compliments are essential techniques.

### Notable Quotes:

- "It's really important to be smart, but if you can't read the room and control yourself... you're going to damage. It's too much for too long for that dear person."

- "Social awareness. Paying attention to the emotional climate of those around you is like having a social barometer."

- "If you're a leader in ministry... people will come to you when they like you, when they feel they trust you."

- "If somebody was going to be successful at this thing, they would... then I was like, dang, just do that."

- "There's an enemy in our story. There's an enemy, and that enemy is lurking in the shadows. That enemy is burnout."

We hope you enjoy episode 218 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leadvolunteers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and get started today!

Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

217. Unlocking Your Potential: Cultivating a Growth Mindset Mar 18, 2024

Episode Summary:

In another invigorating session of the Lead Ministry Podcast, hosts Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk dive deep into the concept of cultivating a growth mindset within the realm of ministry leadership. The conversation challenges the notion that personal and professional limitations are fixed, exploring the transformative potential of embracing change and growth in one's life and work.

Within the episode, the dialogue pivots from defining a rigid versus a dynamic way of thinking, to actionable steps leaders can take to move past stagnant waters. The hosts discuss critical strategies such as falling in love with the process rather than the endpoint, planning for failure, and measuring personal progress in realistic increments. Key insights are drawn from recognized resources, and personal anecdotes emphasize the practicality of the discussed concepts.

Key Takeaways:

Embracing the growth mindset means understanding that personal change and improvement are always obtainable, as opposed to having a fixed mindset.

Transition from trying to train, affirming the power of committing to small, incremental steps toward a goal.

Recognize and transform self-limiting beliefs by aligning your actions with the identity of the person you aim to become.

Celebrate daily wins and progress, however small, to maintain motivation and acknowledge growth.

Facing and planning for inevitable failures is a critical component of cultivating a resilient growth mindset.

Notable Quotes:

"If you argue for your limitations, you keep them. But if you agree with God about your potential, you grow into it." - Bill Van Kirk

"You have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable." - Bill Van Kirk

"Every day that you're not 19 pounds less, you believe in your mind that you're losing… You don't have to wait until you lost 19 pounds to win. You win every single day." - Bill Van Kirk

"Identify the identity. So a lot of times the actions that you're taking day to day are based on an identity that you've created." - Bill Van Kirk

"Our ability to change and grow is always more than we think it is." - Bill Van Kirk

Resources:

Book Recommendation: "Personality Isn't Permanent" by Benjamin Hardy.

Follow the Lead Ministry Podcast on social media for shorts and reels from the conversations.

For further information and resources related to leadership and ministry, listeners can visit leadministry.com.

Join us on the Lead Ministry Podcast for insightful conversations that empower you to lead with purpose and passion. Don't miss the full conversation in this episode for more strategies on cultivating a growth mindset that can revolutionize your approach to ministry leadership. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with wisdom and actionable advice!

216. Why we need Core Values Mar 11, 2024

216. Why we need Core Values

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of the "Lead Ministry Podcast," hosts Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk delve into the profound subject of self-leadership and the significance of core values. The podcast, formerly known as the "Lead Volunteers Podcast," has evolved to cover a broader range of topics beyond volunteerism, yet continues to emphasize volunteering as a pivotal aspect of ministry life.

The episode begins with Josh and Bill introducing a new series aptly titled, "Lead Yourself," prompting listeners to contemplate the ability to exert self-control, execute self-discipline, and establish personal mastery. They talk about leading oneself in the context of personal life, ministry, and relationships, tying it intricately with the ideas of self-governance and integrity. Throughout their engaging conversation, listeners are prompted to examine their own core values — those defining principles that guide decision-making and behavior.

Key takeaways from this episode center around the discovery and application of personal core values. Bill discusses various strategies for identifying core values, including reflecting on victories, admiring qualities in others, and seeking feedback. They emphasize the importance of these values in shaping one's path, molding a legacy, and ensuring an alignment of actions with biblical wisdom. The hosts encourage listeners to write down their values, set goals according to these principles, and constantly revisit them to maintain relevance and authenticity in life.

Key Takeaways:

Core values are essential principles guiding our actions, decisions, and personal identity. Authentic living, grounded in these values, results in integrity and a meaningful legacy.
One's victories and admired qualities in others provide insight into personal core values.
Journaling and seeking feedback are practical tools for unveiling and aligning with one's values.
Core values can change over time; they should remain anchored in biblical teachings and reflect one's true self.
Writing down core values, keeping them visible, and setting goals around them are strides toward living a life of true purpose and conviction.

Notable Quotes:

"The hardest person that you will ever lead is yourself."
"If you live according to your internal metric, you will leave a legacy."
"If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything."
"Inauthenticity is exhausting."
"It is a spiritual discipline to look for the positive."

We hope you enjoy episode 216 of the Lead Ministry Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LeadMinistry.com and get started today!

Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

215. The Power of Ownership and Influence in Ministry Mar 04, 2024

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Lead Volunteers podcast, host Josh Denhart and guest Bill Van Kirk explore the concept of ownership and influence in ministry leadership. They challenge the conventional wisdom of top-down leadership and emphasize the importance of empowering volunteers and team members to have a voice and shape the future of the ministry. By giving others ownership and influence, leaders can create a culture of collaboration and engagement, leading to greater success and fulfillment for everyone involved. The conversation delves into the benefits of shared leadership, the value of diverse perspectives, and the importance of building trust and open communication within a team.

Key topics discussed in this episode include the Foxy Peddler analogy, the distinction between leading by an inch versus leading by a mile, the significance of assuming that volunteers are smart and capable, and the importance of weighing opinions rather than simply counting them. The episode concludes with practical advice on how to solicit feedback, navigate roadblocks, and foster a culture of ownership and influence within a ministry.

Key Takeaways:

Shared leadership and giving volunteers ownership and influence in ministry leads to greater engagement, commitment, and success.

Leaders should assume that volunteers are smart and capable, and actively seek their input and ideas.

Weighing opinions based on factors such as tenure, track record, teachability, and tone can help leaders discern the value and credibility of feedback.

Differentiating between street cleaners (those who anticipate and address problems) and roadblocks (those who hinder progress) is crucial for effective leadership.

Starting small and building trust with volunteers is key when soliciting feedback and navigating potential obstacles.

Notable Quotes:

"If you want them to stay, give them say. People are more likely to put their heart behind something when they feel their voice is shaping the future of the ministry." - Josh Denhart

"Leading by an inch means recognizing that you have more ownership, but inviting others to have influence and be part of the ministry." - Bill Van Kirk

"Not all opinions are created equal. Weigh opinions based on factors like tenure, track record, teachability, and tone." - Josh Denhart

"Be a street cleaner, not a roadblock. Anticipate problems and remove obstacles to help the vision move forward." - Bill Van Kirk

Resources:

Lead Volunteers YouTube Channel: Link

The Foxy Pedaler: Link

To listen to the full episode and gain more insights on fostering a culture of ownership and influence in ministry leadership, tune in to the Lead Volunteers podcast. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking conversations and practical advice on leading with excellence.

We hope you enjoy episode 215 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leadvolunteers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and get started today!

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214. Leadership Unleashed - A New Era Feb 26, 2024

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Lead Ministry podcast, we delve into the transformative role of digital tools in ministry leadership. Join host Josh and guest Bill Van Kirk as they discuss the evolution of the podcast, the significance of quality content, and the future of digital ministry.

Key Takeaways:

The transition from Lead Volunteers to Lead Ministry podcast.
The critical role of quality content in preventing burnout and enhancing ministry effectiveness.
The importance of embracing digital strategies for modern ministry leadership.
The impact of short-form content in reaching and engaging a broader audience.

Notable Quotes:

"It's more than just leading volunteers; it's leading the ministry." - Josh
"We want to reach more people with everything that Lead Ministry is doing." - Bill
"Burnout is truly lurking; we want to give you sustenance and food so that you're not famished." - Josh
"I want people to be fed; I want them to get sustenance and get nurtured." - Josh
"This podcast is part of my life's calling, and I'm honored that any human being would join me on this journey." - Josh

Actionable Items:

Check out Lead Ministry's digital courses, including Lead Up, Lead Digital, and Lead Volunteers.
Consider implementing short-form content strategies to enhance engagement in your ministry.
Focus on self-care and continuous learning to avoid burnout in ministry leadership.

Be sure to listen to the full episode for a deeper understanding of how digital discipleship can transform your ministry efforts in captivating and contemporary ways. Stay tuned for more compelling stories and practical advice from Josh, Bill, and other leaders in the field.

We hope you enjoy episode 214 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leadvolunteers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and get started today!

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213. Getting Started with Digital Discipleship Feb 19, 2024

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of the Lead Volunteers podcast, Josh Denhart and his new podcast partner, Bill Van Kirk, delve into the concept of "digital discipleship" and its impact on modern ministry. The duo unpacks how visual content and digital strategies can reengage audiences and deepen their faith journey. Offering practical guidance and inspirational insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone leading volunteers and looking to prevent burnout in the ever-evolving landscape of ministry.

Fostering an engaging atmosphere, Josh and Bill explore the significance of adopting digital tools to enhance the discipleship process. They confirm the timeless goal of drawing nearer to Christ, while illustrating the advantages digital platforms bring to achieving this in the 21st century. The conversational dynamic showcases how digital ministry, such as video messages, can effectively communicate, connect and cast vision to volunteers and congregants alike, ensuring the church remains relevant in an increasingly digital world.

Key Takeaways:

Digital discipleship utilizes modern technology to deepen and extend the reach of traditional ministry efforts.

Embracing digital platforms like video can enhance communication with volunteers and churchgoers, making messages more personal and impactful.

By leading with videos, ministries can increase engagement and participation from their audience, especially among younger digital-native generations.

Simple yet authentic videos, even short greetings or thank-you messages, can make a profound difference in making individuals feel seen and valued.

Leveraging volunteer involvement in creating digital content can spread the responsibility and encourage collective investment in the ministry.

Notable Quotes:

"It's about visual. This is such a terrible way to put it, but it's kind of like visual candy that keeps people just. It reengages. It's another quick reengagement." - Josh Denhart

"The normal, average person is watching videos every day… And so it's an area that the church had better… get into." - Bill Van Kirk

"If you know where you're going, people truly will follow." - Josh Denhart

"The tide has changed. It's no longer just the bizarro, geeky dude who's like, hey, let me tell you about this thing called the interwebs. No, it is ubiquitous." - Josh Denhart

"It's just so important for us to be using digital means to reach them in all sorts of different ways… that's where the church needs to be." - Bill Van Kirk

Resources:

https://www.loom.com/

Be sure to listen to the full episode for a deeper understanding of how digital discipleship can transform your ministry efforts in captivating and contemporary ways. Stay tuned for more compelling stories and practical advice from Josh, Bill, and other leaders in the field.

We hope you enjoy episode 213 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leadvolunteers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and get started today!

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212. The Amazing Power of Streamlined Systems Feb 12, 2024

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of the Lead Volunteers Podcast, host Josh Denhart warmly welcomes Virgil Sierra, a dynamic senior pastor with a passion for ministry leadership. The conversation delves into the challenges and strategies of managing a thriving church and fostering a willing volunteer community. Virgil's unique story and dedication provide listeners with an intimate glimpse into the rewarding journey of spiritual leadership.

Virgil shares the impactful narrative of his church's growth from its humble beginnings to its present success as a bilingual hub serving over a thousand congregants. The episode unfurls the indispensable role of structured systems in volunteer management, emphasizing the delicate balance between spiritual guidance and practical organization. Virgil's insights into leadership development and the significance of character in potential volunteers are fundamental to understanding the essence of the church's progress.

Key Takeaways:

Casting Vision and Systems: A well-articulated vision and efficient systems are vital for church growth and volunteer management.
Growth Track Process: Vertical Church implements a simple, yet effective, three-step growth track for assimilating volunteers into their roles, helping uncover their spiritual gifts and purpose within the ministry.
Continuous Reevaluation: It is crucial to constantly reevaluate ministry processes, determining what to start, stop, and sustain for continued growth and improvement.
Investing in Leaders: Investing time and resources in key leaders cultivates strong leadership and ensures the transmission of the church's core values and mission.
Beware of Premature Leadership Roles: Assigning leadership roles without adequate assessment of character and compatibility can result in detrimental impacts on the church and its followers.

Notable Quotes:

"We're making it simple, making it uncomplicated for people to take steps." - Virgil on easing the volunteer assimilation process.
"We need a solid system where you're helping people identify that not only does God want you to be saved… but also, here on earth, there's a purpose to live out." - Virgil discussing the importance of systems in ministry.
"Your design reveals your destiny." - Virgil emphasizes the connection between one’s inherent gifts and their role in volunteering.
"If my bullet fits your gun, shoot it." - Virgil highlights the pragmatic approach of adopting successful practices from other churches.
"Leadership is a great responsibility, especially in the church, because we're leading people." - Virgil speaks on the careful consideration needed when appointing leaders.

Resources:

Tune in to the full episode to dive deeper into Josh's engaging conversation with Virgil Sierra and learn invaluable strategies for leading a volunteer community. Don't miss the wealth of knowledge in this episode and join us for more inspiring content on the Lead Volunteers Podcast.

We hope you enjoy episode 212 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leadvolunteers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and get started today!

Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

211. Multiplying Leaders: Breaking the Lid on Ministry Growth Feb 05, 2024

Episode Summary:

In this enriching episode of the Lead Volunteers Podcast, host Josh Denhart engages in a fascinating conversation with seasoned ministry veteran Bill Van Kirk. Together, they delve into the transformative concept of multiplying ourselves in ministry, an area that excites both speakers. Through their dialogue, they explore how ministry leaders can break through their own limitations to unlock the full potential of their congregations.

Bill Van Kirk shares insightful strategies to empower others within the church, fostering a culture of growth and active participation. From observing and assisting with tasks to taking ownership and providing feedback, Bill emphasizes a practical approach to leadership development. The conversation illuminates the importance of understanding and leveraging individual gifts within the ministry, creating a more vibrant and effective church community.

Key Takeaways:

The practice of effectively multiplying ministry by delegating and training others.

Understanding that one's own capacity can limit ministry growth, termed as being a "leadership lid."

The value of enlisting and empowering volunteers within the church to take on various tasks.

Insights into the benefits and personal growth that come from teaching and investing in others.

The necessity of adopting a kingdom mindset when training others, focusing on overall kingdom growth rather than personal or immediate ministry returns.

Notable Quotes:

"The process is to have them come and observe you, and maybe observe you a couple of times doing that process, and then you do it with them."

"You're blessing people by allowing them to step into ministry and use their gifts. That's the model God created for the church."

"The easy way to start doing this is to pick one task that you think that you could give to somebody else."

"I'm not trying to put a burden on you. I'm inviting you to something bigger than yourself."

"God has crafted you with a certain set of abilities that he's called you to do."

We hope you enjoy episode 211 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leadvolunteers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and get started today!

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210. Behind the Scenes: The Secrets to Pulling Off a Large-Scale Event Jan 29, 2024

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of the Lead Volunteers podcast, host Josh Denhart is joined by the passionate Rhonda Duckworth to discuss the power of strategic outreach and community engagement in ministry. Together, they delve into the planning and execution of a large-scale event called the Day of Science, aimed at extending the church's reach into local public schools.

In their deep dive, Denhart and Duckworth explore the key strategies that drove the event's success, including the cultivation of community partners, meticulous organizational tactics, and the energizing commitment from church volunteers. Duckworth candidly reveals the challenges and triumphs from her initial step of reaching out to community groups through social media platforms, such as Facebook, to the festive culmination in a church-hosted family science show.

Listeners will be captivated by the duo's recounting of the eighteen-month journey from conceptualization to realization, marked by significant community impact, robust volunteer involvement, and a clear demonstration of faith in action.

Key Takeaways:

Rhonda Duckworth's innovative outreach led to the successful implementation of the Day of Science at local public schools, serving as a mission field for the children's ministry.
Strategic community partnerships and diligent fundraising efforts were critical to the event's success, involving significant legwork and novel marketing approaches.
The Lead Volunteers podcast emphasizes the scalability and ease of event execution through sound administrative planning and resourceful volunteer management.
The outreach event provided a platform for sharing the Gospel with a broad audience, underlining the relationship between good works, goodwill, and witnessing.
Rhonda and her team, despite initial hesitation, demonstrated that pushing beyond one's comfort zone can lead to formidable ministry opportunities and substantial community outreach.

Notable Quotes:

"Wherever the kids are is going to be schools." - Rhonda Duckworth
"This is unlike anything else that they'd ever seen. So, you just don't know what it looks like until you see it." - Rhonda Duckworth
"Everything is so organized and so measured. And really, all you have to do is follow the instructions." - Rhonda Duckworth
"I was convinced that this would be something amazing for our community..." - Rhonda Duckworth

We hope you enjoy episode 210 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leadvolunteers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and get started today!

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209. Mastering the Elementary to Jr. High Gap Jan 22, 2024

Episode Summary:

In this eye-opening episode of the Lead Volunteers podcast, host Josh Denhart introduces us to Sandy Harper, a vibrant volunteer in West Virginia whose innovative approach to youth ministry is preventing the all-too-common disconnect between elementary and junior high students within the church. This episode delves into a creative ministry initiative that captivates young minds, building skills and relationships centered around faith and culinary arts.

Sandy Harper shares the journey of how a simple cooking class evolved into a multifaceted ministry that not only provides students with valuable life skills but also creates a smoother transition into youth ministry. By utilizing the church's industrial-sized kitchen as a classroom, Harper engages fourth through sixth graders in preparing elaborate, from-scratch breakfasts each week. As the students cook and eat together, they learn more than just recipes—they develop leadership skills, practice hospitality, and enjoy Biblical teachings in a unique, hands-on environment. Incorporating community outreach and mentorship, the program exemplifies how leveraging personal passions can transform volunteer work into a life-changing experience for all involved.

Key Takeaways:

Sandy Harper is pioneering a unique ministry approach by combining cooking with character and connection to bridge the gap between elementary and junior high youth in the church.
The hands-on cooking class not only engages the students in meal preparation but also provides a platform for teaching life skills, biblical lessons, and fostering strong community bonds.
The class emphasizes the importance of mentorship, with older students taking on leadership roles to guide their younger peers.
The program's success is highlighted by the continuity of youth involvement, as graduates of the class often continue serving and leading in various church capacities.
This episode showcases how individual passions and talents can be utilized to create an impactful and sustainable volunteer ministry.

Notable Quotes:

"And you said, okay, I want to show you our fourth, fifth, and 6th grade Sunday school classroom. And it was a full industrial size kitchen." - Josh Denhart
"The cooking is actually nothing more than the vehicle through which we make relationships with these kids." - Sandy Harper
"For them to be able to thank God for this and to lead… And that makes a good leader. Nine times out of ten, if they come on up to youth, they will be given a message in the youth ministry before you know it." - Sandy Harper
"You're achieving that which other national leaders are desperate to find a way to succeed. You're doing it well." - Josh Denhart
"And who doesn't live with a regret or two from back in the day when we weren't walking with the Lord… I became a Christian at 21, but may God put the healing sav of Jesus Christ all over you as you were doing for others, that which would have been extremely beneficial to you." - Josh Denhart

Resources:

The resources mentioned in this episode are primarily the personal experiences and the strategies utilized by Sandy Harper and her team. Don't forget to check out leadministry.com for more insights and guidance on church volunteer management and other related topics by Josh Denhart.

We hope you enjoy episode 209 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leadvolunteers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and get started today!

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208. The Power of Building Relationships in Ministry Jan 15, 2024

Summary:

In this episode, host Josh Denhart and Tyler Loy discuss the importance of building relationships in ministry, particularly with kids. They emphasize the need for ministry leaders to understand and engage with the culture and interests of the children they serve. Tyler shares personal stories and practical tips for connecting with kids on their level, including watching popular shows and playing video games. They also discuss the significance of relationships with parents and volunteers in creating a thriving ministry environment.

Key Takeaways:

Building relationships with kids is essential for effective ministry.

Understanding and engaging with kids' culture and interests helps to establish common ground and connection.

Taking the time to know a child's backstory can provide valuable insight and enable more effective ministry.

The golden moments in ministry are when the body is gathered, and leaders should prioritize relationships during these times.

It is important to love and minister to all kids, including those who may be more challenging or have special needs.

Quotes:

"Kids are quick to judge, but they're also really easy to work with if you earn the right to be heard." - Tyler Loy

"Relationships provide the context for effective ministry." - Josh Denhart

"The game is a means for relationship. The game doesn't have any value. The game is moving people toward relationship and fun." - Josh Denhart

We hope you enjoy episode 208 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leadvolunteers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and get started today!

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207. Building Effective Ministry Teams Jan 08, 2024

Summary:
Brian Dollar joins the Lead Volunteers podcast to discuss the importance of building teams in ministry. He emphasizes that everything is better in teams and that ministry should never be done alone. Brian shares how his church has made building teams a core value and the process they use to recruit and train volunteers. He also highlights the biblical basis for teamwork and the long-term benefits of investing in others.

Key Takeaways:

Building teams is a biblical principle and essential for the long-term success of a ministry.
Core values should reflect what a church truly values and not just be empty words on a wall.
The process of recruiting and training volunteers should involve clear communication, personal contact, and shadowing experienced team members.
Serving alongside others in ministry deepens relationships and creates a sense of fulfillment and camaraderie.
The long game is the only game to play in ministry, as it allows for the development of strong teams and lasting impact.

Quotes:

"You can't call it a core value unless you value it." - Brian Dollar
"If you want something to last, do it together." - Brian Dollar
"Building teams is not just about making ministry easier, but about making it more fruitful, biblical, and fulfilling." - Brian Dollar

We hope you enjoy episode 207 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leadvolunteers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and get started today!

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206. Are Teenage Volunteers Worth It? Jan 01, 2024

Summary: Tyler Loy shares his experience of leveraging and utilizing teens in ministry. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships with teens, providing consistent training, and overcoming challenges such as technology distractions. Tyler believes that investing in teens prepares them for future leadership roles and helps them grow into strong individuals.

Key Takeaways:

Building relationships with teens is crucial for their growth and development as leaders.
Consistency and training are key when working with teens in ministry.
Overcoming challenges, such as technology distractions, can be achieved through innovative strategies.
Investing in teens prepares them for future leadership roles and helps them grow into strong individuals.

Quotes:

"Teens are in process, and we have the opportunity to shape them for their future."
"Teens have the potential to be great leaders, but they need consistency and training to reach their full potential."
"Investing in teens prepares them for future leadership roles and helps them grow into strong individuals."

We hope you enjoy episode 206 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leadvolunteers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and get started today!

Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

205. Lead Volunteers Christmas Special 2023 Dec 25, 2023

In this short holiday edition of the Lead Volunteers podcast, Josh Denhart expresses his gratitude for the listeners and shares his vision for the longest game in ministry. He emphasizes the importance of success in ministry being measured by what happens if you never came back. Josh highlights the resources available through the podcast, Lead Ministry courses, and one-on-one coaching. He also teases upcoming guests, a new team member, and exciting episodes for the future. Josh wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and encourages them to take time for themselves and their families.

Key Takeaways:

Success in ministry is measured by what happens if you never came back.
The Lead Volunteers podcast has reached over 150,000 downloads and is approaching its four-year anniversary.
Lead Ministry offers courses on various topics, including security, conflict management, and communication.
One-on-one coaching with certified coaches provides an outside voice to support and guide individuals in ministry.
The Lead Volunteers podcast will have a new guest host and a new team member in the future.

Quotes:

"Success in ministry isn't what you do. Success in ministry is what happens if you never came back."
"We want to help you think in terms of the longest game possible."
"We have a new guest host that's kind of exciting."
"Keep yourself healthy, take some time off, and I'm excited to partner with you in this upcoming year."

We hope you enjoy episode 205 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠leadvolunteers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and get started today!

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204. Creating a Recruiting Elevator Pitch Dec 18, 2023

Summary: In this episode, Josh Denhart and Jeff discuss how to create an elevator pitch for recruiting volunteers. They provide five do's and five don'ts for creating an effective elevator pitch. They emphasize the importance of sharing kingdom vision, keeping the pitch short, providing options, and being conversational. They also caution against crying wolf, begging, sounding like an ad, demanding answers, and assuming gifting.

Key Takeaways:

Share kingdom vision and emphasize the eternal impact of volunteering.
Keep the elevator pitch short and concise.
Provide options for different types of volunteer roles.
Be conversational and allow for a natural flow of conversation.
Avoid crying wolf, begging, sounding like an ad, demanding answers, and assuming gifting.

Quotes:

"This is about laying up treasure in heaven and helping someone not live their life in the ditch." - Josh Denhart
"Clear is kind, and clear is kind." - Jeff
"If you want a succinct, crystal clear message, it's going to take time." - Josh Denhart

We hope you enjoy episode 204 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out ⁠⁠⁠leadvolunteers.com⁠⁠⁠ and get started today!

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203. Concerned About Many, Responsible For Few Dec 11, 2023

Summary:
Josh Denhart discusses the frustration and obsession that can arise when ministry leaders focus on the mistakes and shortcomings of other ministry areas. He shares a practical strategy to stop this cycle and redirect energy towards improving one's own ministry. By acknowledging the frustration, focusing on one's own responsibilities, and making necessary changes, leaders can have a positive impact on their own areas and potentially influence others.

Key Takeaways:

Focusing on the mistakes and shortcomings of other ministry areas is a waste of energy and can lead to frustration and obsession.
Leaders should acknowledge their concerns but recognize that they have limited control over other areas.
By focusing on their own responsibilities and making necessary improvements, leaders can have a positive impact on their own ministry and potentially influence others.

Quotes:

"Quit being a nervous Nellie and trying to reach over and grab the wheel of somebody else's car."
"The negativity that I was rolling in my mind and my frustration towards these people was sapping my very own energy."
"The reason why I was in the insanity loop is because I did care. I needed to give myself emotional freedom to say, that bothers me because I care."
"The goal is to internally take a little humble pie and make your own ministry the best that it can be."
"The amount of influence that I ended up having was a result of cleaning up my own area and making it excellent."

We hope you enjoy episode 203 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out ⁠⁠leadvolunteers.com⁠⁠ and get started today!

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202. Artificial Intelligence and Ministry Dec 04, 2023

Summary:

Josh Denhart interviews Parker Loy, co-pastor of First Assembly of God in North Little Rock, who is at the forefront of using artificial intelligence (AI) in ministry. They discuss the neutral nature of technology, the potential pitfalls and advantages of using AI in ministry, and the importance of personalization in ministry. Parker shares how AI can enhance and expedite ministry processes, such as feedback, customer relations, sermon preparation, and discipleship material creation. He emphasizes the need to approach AI as a tool and not rely solely on it for the entire ministry process.

Key Takeaways:

AI can be a valuable tool in sermon preparation and presentation, but it should not replace the active study and personal revelation that comes from wrestling with God.
Technology, including AI, can enhance and expedite ministry processes such as feedback, customer relations, sermon preparation, and discipleship material creation.
AI has the potential to personalize ministry and provide tailored resources and support to individuals in need.
It is important to approach AI as a tool and not rely solely on it for the entire ministry process.

Quotes:

"Technology is neutral. It's the human being that brings forth whether it's used for good or used for evil." - Josh Denhart
"The danger of AI is letting it do the whole piece of the process of sermon prep. We can't go from prompt to preach." - Parker Loy

We hope you enjoy episode 202 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out ⁠leadvolunteers.com⁠ and get started today!

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201. Multiply Your Ministry Nov 28, 2023

#201 – Coaching is such a valuable tool for ministry leaders that is often overlooked. The truth is, you will gain so much more than you “lose” by finding a ministry coach. In today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Cathy Storey and talk about how coaching helped her unlock an incredible amount of potential in her ministry through systematizing, having a fresh set of eyes, and multiplying herself in a sustainable way.

We hope you enjoy episode 201 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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200. Ministry Lessons From A Morning TV Show Nov 20, 2023

#200 – As ministry leaders, it can be easy to live within the echo-chamber of ministry insight. And while there is an infinite level of wisdom that can be learned through christian media, it can also be valuable to observe systems outside of our normal channels in order to learn lessons that can be applied to ministry. In today’s episode, Josh talks us through his experiences hosting the morning show and all of the “ministry” lessons he learned along the way.

We hope you enjoy episode 200 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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199. Building The Gifts Of Others Nov 13, 2023

#199 – Does your church need an administrative overhaul? In order for your church and ministry to successfully grow, your systems need to be able to scale successfully. In today’s episode of the podcast we sit down with our friend Michael Byrd and talk about the growth he’s seen within his church through the systems and teams he’s built along the way. We’ve said it before - all ministry cannot and should not flow through you. It is through the building and empowering of individuals to do the work of the ministry that enables growth and success beyond your individual capacity.

We hope you enjoy episode 199 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

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198. How To Recover When You Blow It Nov 06, 2023

#198 – Failure in ministry is inevitable. We have all had moments where we’ve blown it, dropped the ball, and missed the mark. In today’s episode of the podcast we sit down with our friend Brian Dollar to discuss his new book “I Blew It” and how failure plays a role in our spiritual growth, and the growth in us as leaders. You will never meet a leader who hasn’t made a mistake. So, rather than becoming a timid leader who’s afraid to make mistakes, how can you live deeper into who God has called you to be and learn from the mistakes you’ve made.

We hope you enjoy episode 198 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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197. How To Leave A Ministry With Honor Oct 30, 2023

#197 – There are good ministry exits and there are toxic ministry exits. While nuance and circumstance determines each unique situation, at the end of the day, there will be an exit. So - what legacy do you want to leave behind? Our goal with this episode is to have you, the ministry leader, understand how to leave as graciously as possible and with as much honor towards God, and people, as possible. In a season that is likely filled with emotion and difficult decisions, we want to help guide you through these steps with clarity, confidence, and honor.

We hope you enjoy episode 197 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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196. How To Know When It’s Time To Move On Oct 23, 2023

#196 – In today’s episode of the podcast we’re talking about transition. We’ll be discussing 7 indicators to help you navigate the thought process of discerning if it’s the right time for you to move on from your ministry role, and things to consider before you make any decisions. Leaving your ministry can be a very emotional time, and in today’s episode, we want to help you think through this process well, and also walk alongside you in the journey. Our hope and prayer is that you are loving and thriving in your current ministry role, however, life circumstances both within and/or outside of the church can lead you to consider whether it’s time to move on or not - and we want to help you think through it.

We hope you enjoy episode 196 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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195. How Coaching Changes Everything Oct 16, 2023

#195 – As ministry leaders, we always want to be honing in our craft, developing as leaders, and growing our ministry. However, at some point, we need wisdom beyond our own imagination to continue to grow. This is where coaching comes into the picture. On today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with a ministry leader who has benefitted tremendously from ministry coaching through lead ministry, and discuss the ways he, and his ministry, are thriving because of this kingdom changing investment.

We hope you enjoy episode 195 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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194. Ministry Multiplication (Part 5 of 5) Oct 09, 2023

#194 – As we close out this 5 part series on ministry multiplication, we take a look at Paul and how he set the stage for ministry multiplication within the early church and beyond. Throughout this series we’ve been able to see how ministry multiplication has been a key piece of wisdom passed on throughout the entire narrative of scripture, which begs the question - what does ministry multiplication look like in your context? It’s important to think about because like we’ve been saying; the success of your ministry is not about what you do, but what would happen if you never came back. The Kingdom depends on it - your ministry cannot end with you!

We hope you enjoy episode 194 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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193. Ministry Multiplication (Part 4 of 5) Oct 02, 2023

#193 – Does your ministry have the structure to grow at the rate of your dreams and prayers? The early church grew at such a rate it quickly realized it didn’t have the infrastructure to keep up. Rather than double down and work harder, the apostles gathered their people around and multiplied themselves by giving away ministry in a way that hadn’t been done before. When faced with a problem, they multiplied themselves in order to solve those problems - and in the same way, we can notice the problem areas of our ministry and multiply ourselves in a way that not only fixes the problem, but helps that area thrive.

In this 5-part series, we will be walking through key moments throughout the biblical narrative that highlight the importance of multiplying yourself and building up leaders to do the work of the ministry.

We hope you enjoy episode 193 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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192. Ministry Multiplication (Part 3 of 5) Sep 25, 2023

#192 – When looking for ministry advice, what better place to look than the life and ministry of Jesus. In today’s episode of the podcast we get super practical and break down the layers of relationship and training within Jesus’ ministry that can be directly applied to your very own ministry.

In this 5-part series, we will be walking through key moments throughout the biblical narrative that highlight the importance of multiplying yourself and building up leaders to do the work of the ministry.

We hope you enjoy episode 192 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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191. Ministry Multiplication (Part 2 of 5) Sep 18, 2023

#191 – The road to ministry multiplication is neither glamorous nor flashy, but it is a long, hard-fought, process that may just transform the future of your ministry, and more importantly, the lives of the people who show up. In today’s episode of the podcast, we look at a piece of Elijah’s story to see how years of intentional work led to unprecedented ministry multiplication.

In this 5-part series, we will be walking through key moments throughout the biblical narrative that highlight the importance of multiplying yourself and building up leaders to do the work of the ministry.

We hope you enjoy episode 191 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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190. Ministry Multiplication (Part 1 of 5) Sep 11, 2023

#190 – Success in ministry is not measured by what you do. Success in ministry is measured by what happens if you never returned. There’s no denying that there will be a day when you are no longer in charge of your ministry. Whether because of a transition or your eventual retirement, there will be a day when you are no longer in charge. When that day comes, will you be leaving behind a mess? Or will the person inheriting your ministry be blessed?

In this 5-part series, we will be walking through key moments throughout the biblical narrative that highlight the importance of multiplying yourself and building up leaders to do the work of the ministry.

We hope you enjoy episode 190 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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189. Embracing The Digital Era Sep 05, 2023

There’s no denying that the world of technology has completely changed how we function as a society. Since the invention of the iPhone, we now have access to an unlimited amount of resources right in our pocket. However, throughout the course of history, while technology advance, the church has historically been skeptical when it comes to engaging new technologies. Well, in today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Brittany Nelson and discuss ways that you can embrace new technologies that help advance your ministry and its mission forward.

We hope you enjoy episode 189 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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188. How To Run An Annual Meeting Aug 28, 2023

#188 – Running an annual meeting can feel like a combination of herding cats, talking to a wall, and feeling as though it should have gone better. We’ve all been there. But what if there is a better way? In today’s episode of the podcast we talk through a practical system that can turn your annual training meetings into a fun time of growth and connection for your volunteers.

We hope you enjoy episode 188 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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187. Ministry In Crisis Mode Aug 20, 2023

#187 - If you’ve been a ministry leader for more than 15 minutes, you’ve likely experienced some form of crisis. The last few years have been filled with chaos, unexpected realities, and yes - crisis. Now, situations of crisis are usually out of our control, however on today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Esther Moreno and discuss how some people can be more prone to crisis - not necessarily because of their circumstances, but because of their personal tendencies.

We hope you enjoy episode 187 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out ⁠leadministry.com⁠ and get started today!

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186. Multisite Ministry Insights Aug 14, 2023

#186 - While many ministry leaders wish their ministries were bigger and reaching more people, many often overlook the added complexity that comes with growth. It’s one thing to lead a large ministry at a large church, it’s an entirely different thing leading a large ministry over multiple campuses. On today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Delia Cornwell and talk about how she manages leading at a multisite church.

We hope you enjoy episode 186 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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185. What Makes A Healthy Church? Aug 07, 2023

#185 - If your church were to hire a consultant to observe your church and its ministries both in front of, and behind, the scenes; what do you think they would see? In today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with consultant, speaker, and author, Dr. Tom Clegg and talk about the ins and outs of healthy churches - and what makes them that way. Here at Lead Volunteers, we care about the health of your church and ministry. So, whether your church is thriving or declining, we hope this conversation blesses your team, church, and the ministry you’re doing.

We hope you enjoy episode 185 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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184. Leading International Missions Jul 31, 2023

#184 - The last few years have completely changed what international travel and missions look like. As international mission trips are becoming possible again, we’re excited to discuss the ways we can make the greatest impact. On this week’s episode of the podcast we sit down with our friend PJ Holmertz and talk through the importance of communicating to team members how their story and involvement impacts the bigger picture of the overarching vision of the organization, and how these training principles can translate to your weekly ministry volunteers.

We hope you enjoy episode 184 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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183. Giving Leaders A Ladder To Climb Jul 24, 2023

#183 - In today’s episode of the podcast we continue our conversation from episode 172 with Taylor Mugge and talk about the creative ways he has effectively recruited, trained, and retained volunteers within his ministry.

We hope you enjoy episode 183 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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182. The Process Of Building Healthy Teams Jul 17, 2023

#182 - Building healthy teams is one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, aspects of ministry leadership that can absolutely transform the trajectory of your ministry. Everyone wants a healthy team - and in today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Jodi Quinn and talk about the process of building healthy teams that allow us to build layers, do more, and avoid loneliness in ministry.

We hope you enjoy episode 182 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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181. When To Cut A Program Jul 10, 2023

#181 - Is there ever an appropriate time to cut a ministry? We don’t want to deny the difficulty of cutting programs that have been around forever, but are no longer producing fruit - however, it is possible that there are ministries and programs within your church that are no longer worth justifying and cluttering up your church’s overall mission. In today’s episode of the podcast, we talk about the idea of having too many ministries (and the painful effects it has on your church and its staff members) and how to become laser focussed on your vision.

We hope you enjoy episode 181 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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180. Unleashing Your Leadership Potential Jul 03, 2023

#180 - Maybe you’ve heard it said “there is no one alive who is youer than you!” We were all made uniquely in the image of God with differing gifts, abilities, and talents. So, how do we fit into a ministry that comes with predetermined systems and expectations? On today’s episode of the podcast we sit down with our friend Melissa MacDonald and talk about how we can harness our uniqueness in order to advance the Kingdom of God.

We hope you enjoy episode 180 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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179. Why People Are Leaving Your Ministry Jun 26, 2023

#179 - Are you experiencing a high turnover rate for one or more positions in your church or ministry? While, in some cases, it can be difficult to find the right people for the job, it could also be the position itself that is causing so many people to cycle through. In today’s episode of the podcast we talk about how investing in the product, process, and people of your ministry will create a foundation for longevity when it comes to your volunteers and staff.

We hope you enjoy episode 179 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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178. The Secret To Equipping Volunteers Jun 19, 2023

#178 - What does it look like to leverage the gifts of the body to advance the mission of the ministry? Well, in today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Jason Houser and discuss a variety of ways he invited people in to his ministry to develop and showcase their gifts. The good news? You can do it too!

We hope you enjoy episode 178 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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177. The Key To Volunteer Retention Jun 12, 2023

#177 - How are you pouring into your volunteers? It can be easy as ministry leaders to get stuck in program mode and forget to ask about the lives of our volunteers who are sacrificing time, energy, and resources for the ministry. If we want to see a high retention rate of our volunteers, we need to do life with them beyond the surface. In today’s episode we talk about practical ways to not only be available for you volunteers, but show interest and care for their lives.

We hope you enjoy episode 177 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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176. The Effort Behind Effortless Success Jun 05, 2023

#176 - Here’s the secret - the leader who makes success in ministry look effortless is putting in so much effort behind the scenes to make it that way. No matter your personality type, taking the time to plan, prep, and organize creates a culture of consistency, order, and organization that allows everyone to focus on the vision without excessive distractions.

We hope you enjoy episode 176 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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175. 10 Ways To Lose A Volunteer (Part 2) May 30, 2023

#175 - In today’s episode of the podcast, we continue our discussion about the 10 different ways you, as a ministry leader, could lose a volunteer. While we would never do anything to intentionally lose our volunteers, it’s possible we may have some unintentional bad habits built up that are doing more harm than good. Avoiding some of these simple things could help your volunteer culture thrive for years to come. If you haven’t listened to part 1, go check it out!

We hope you enjoy episode 175 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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174. 10 Ways To Lose A Volunteer (Part 1) May 22, 2023

#174 - In today’s episode of the podcast, we kick off part one of two as we discuss 10 different ways you, as a ministry leader, could lose a volunteer. While we would never do anything to intentionally lose our volunteers, it’s possible we may have some unintentional bad habits built up that are doing more harm than good. Avoiding some of these simple things could help your volunteer culture thrive for years to come!

We hope you enjoy episode 174 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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173. Communicating With Confidence May 15, 2023

#173 - As ministry leaders we all want to see the mission of our church or organization move forward, but there are times when our ideas for how to make that move get shut down. So what do we do? When we’re not the ones ultimately in charge of green-lighting ideas, budget, and resources, in can feel intimidating to communicate our ideas with senior staff out of fear of e rejection. Well, in todays episode, we sit down with our friend Lori Bethran and practically discuss ways to communicate with confidence and get senior level approval for your ideas much more often.

We hope you enjoy episode 173 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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172. How Camp Blessed Me May 08, 2023

#172 - On today’s episode of the podcast we flip the script and get the chance to hear a powerful piece of Josh’s testimony. Hidden Acres Camp has played such a powerful role in Josh’s story throughout the years - and now, years later, he is still seeing how camp is playing a similar role in the lives of so many kids, teens, and adults. Today, we sit down with our friend Taylor Mugge, assistant ministry and program director at Hidden Acres Christian Center, and talk about the blessing, opportunity, and beauty of camp.

We hope you enjoy episode 172 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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171. When You’re Leading On Autopilot May 01, 2023

#171 - Sometimes as leaders we can feel pressure of needing to have it all together all of the time. While preaching messages or giving lessons on grace, rest, and vulnerability, we don’t recognize the gap between our internal and external self and continue externally running on autopilot, while internally burning ourselves out. In today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Nicki Straza and talk about vulnerability in leadership, and how impactful it can be for our communities and ministries when “we go first” and give permission to be authentic to the people around us.

We hope you enjoy episode 171 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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170. Faithfulness In Ministry Apr 24, 2023

#170 - We’ve heard it said “those who are faithful in little is also faithful in much.” We all have a bunch of “what if’s” and “if only” scenarios that would help advance our ministry forward, but what if instead of waiting on those, we continued to be faithful in what God has given us now? In today’s episode of the podcast we sit down with our friend, Catherine Huang, a Children’s Pastor at Mariners Church, and talk about faithfulness in ministry. We talk ministry, transition, growth, and so much more!

We hope you enjoy episode 170 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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169. Starting A New Ministry Position (Well) Apr 17, 2023

#169 - Do you remember what it was like to first start out in your ministry role? Leading when you have no relational or experiential capital can be difficult, but in today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend, Joe Mally, and discuss how to transition in a way that honors the history of the ministry, while at the same time leading forward with humility and curiosity.

We hope you enjoy episode 169 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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168. Healthy Relationships With Your Senior Pastor Apr 10, 2023

#168 - Lead Pastors and ministry staff have been butting heads for centuries. Instead of clocking out at 5 and leaving our problems at the office, ministry adds a layer of relational and spiritual depth to working relationships that is hard to manage without intentionality. On today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Brian Dollar and talk about the importance of having a healthy relationship with your senior pastor and a few ways to help you make that happen.

We hope you enjoy episode 168 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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167. Making The Most Of Your Time Apr 03, 2023

#167 - Have you ever wished you had more time in the day? I’m sure we all have. There are certainly days, or seasons, where we feel busier than ever and like we’re having trouble managing our time well, and the only solution would simply be to have more of it. However, as we know, we’re all given the same amount of time each day. On today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Brian Eno to discuss ways we can not only manage our time more efficiently, but steward it well.

We hope you enjoy episode 167 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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166. How To Lead As A Young Leader Mar 27, 2023

#166 - Being a leader in today’s world is already hard enough, but throw being a young leader into the mix and it can feel like drinking from a firehouse. In today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Lauren Jackson and speak to a few of the tendencies we see in young leaders and how to best point those gifts, abilities, and passion in a direction that helps push vision forward and make an eternal impact on the next generation.

We hope you enjoy episode 166 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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165. Creating A Buzz In Your Ministry Mar 20, 2023

#165 - Have you ever found yourself wondering how you can create momentum within your ministry that gets people excited to attend, participate, and serve? If you’ve been in ministry for longer than a day, we’re sure you have. In today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Rachel Eugene and talk about practical ways to create a buzz in your ministry that helps build your ministry on a strong foundation. And get this - it’s not as hard as you think.

We hope you enjoy episode 165 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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164. Can Serving Save The Next Generation? Mar 13, 2023

#164 - Did you know that kids who serve with their families in ministry are far more likely to stay connected to Christ through and beyond High School? We hear so often that young people are leaving the church in droves - but rather than ask why they are leaving, let’s ask why they’re staying. On today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our good friend Kimberly Stuart to discuss “Love Corp” - a self-made family ministry that has brought families together, and opened their eyes to the needs of their own cities - creating deeper connections between ministries, families, and Christ.

We hope you enjoy episode 164 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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163. The Power Of Kindness Mar 06, 2023

#163 - The old saying goes “you can draw more bees with honey than vinegar” and that’s no different in ministry. One of the most endearing qualities in a person is simply their kindness. Being nice goes a long way, and in today’s podcast, we sit down with one of the world’s nicest, Don Busse, and talk about the importance of being kind ministry.

We hope you enjoy episode 163 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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162. Results Speak Volumes Feb 27, 2023

#162 - Not every pastor is at the top of the org chart. In fact, most aren’t. So how then can pastors effectively lead, get approval for, and implement new ideas by their superior - and gain their trust in the process? In today’s episode of the podcast we talk about you can produce results that speak for themselves.

We hope you enjoy episode 162 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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161. The Mental Health Of Pastors Feb 20, 2023

#161 - Anxiety, Depression, and Burnout is at an all time high in pastors and ministries leaders. From top to bottom, more and more ministry leaders feel unable to process their thoughts and emotions due to the fact that they lead in the church. Processing a difficult conversation amongst friends about your boss as a bank teller is different than if you’re a pastor. Many ministry leaders feel like there simply isn’t an opportunity or safe place for them to process - because we’re the ones who are “supposed to have it all figured out,” right? That’s simply not the case. And in today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our good friend and pastoral counselor, Kent Schornack, and talk about the realities, and importance, off ministry leaders having a counselor they trust - and the potential dangers of putting it off.

We hope you enjoy episode 161 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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160. Pastor Your Volunteers Feb 13, 2023

#160 - The battle of people vs programming has been ongoing within the ministry world for years. As ministry leaders, we obviously love and care for the people serving within our ministries, however, at the same time, Sunday is always coming and we have programs to run and slots to fill. So, what’s the solution? How do we love, honor, and do life with the people we serve with in our ministries while also running effective programming? On today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our good friend Ryan Frank and talk about how we can pastor our volunteers, and avoid the easy-button-tendancy of viewing our volunteers as slot-fillers instead of real people.

We hope you enjoy episode 160 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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159. Creating A Volunteer Round-About (On Ramps + Off Ramps) Feb 06, 2023

#159 - When it comes to leading volunteers, clarity and communication may just be two of the most important words to keep in mind and practice as a leader because they play such a huge role in fostering health, longevity, and relationship for your volunteers. One of the biggest reasons we see volunteers not sticking around for very long in a certain ministry isn’t so much that they don’t enjoy it, but rather because they aren’t sure what they’ve signed up for; is it a life-long commitment? Just for the summer? And on today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Leann Woelk and talk about creating healthy on ramps and off ramps for your volunteers, and the benefits that come from doing so.

We hope you enjoy episode 159 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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158. Reaching A Generation Jan 30, 2023

#158 - One of the secret weapons of volunteer leadership is being able to multiply yourself. And in this week’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Gregg Johnson, founder of J12 ministries, and discuss how multiplying yourself as the ministry leader can transform the next generation for christ.

We hope you enjoy episode 158 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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157. How To Get Volunteers To Do What You Need Jan 23, 2023

#157 - Volunteer training is a universal ministry task that never seems to work itself out on its own. Training takes time, effort, and intentionality that we, as ministry leaders, don’t always feel like we have. On this week’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Doug Franklin and discuss why it’s so hard to train adult volunteers, and ways to not only make it easier for ourselves, better better for our volunteers as well.

We hope you enjoy episode 157 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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156. Developing A Ministry Team Jan 16, 2023

#156 - Developing volunteer teams that not only function well, but are effective and last, can be a challenge. In this week’s episode of he podcast, we sit down with our friend, Sid Koop, and soak up some of his wisdom and advice for developing teams that help ministry leaders continue to push the mission and vision forward.

We hope you enjoy episode 156 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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155. Is Everybody Really Welcome? Jan 09, 2023

#155 - It’s easy to love the people that are easy to love, but what about the people that aren’t so easy to love. As ministry leaders, we do a great job of welcoming, loving, and encouraging those who look like us, think like us, and act like us, however, if we take a deeper look at the life and ministry of Jesus, we notice his unwavering love and commitment to the "least of these." In today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Matt Moeckl, Executive Director of Wildwood Hills Ranch, and talk about how the family unit, and the church, can transform the lives and futures of marginalized individuals.

We hope you enjoy episode 155 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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154. Leading A Worship Team Doesn't Have To Be Performative Jan 02, 2023

#154 - On today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our old friend Kevin David and talk all things worship — how to lead, how to lead a team, and all of the nuances in between. In a world of front-man-celebrity worship leaders, Kevin walks us through his method of building up the body to do the work of the ministry within his worship team.

We hope you enjoy episode 154 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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153. Merry Christmas From Lead Ministry 🎄 Dec 26, 2022

#153 - Merry Christmas from us to you! We have so much to be thankful and grateful for this year - and a lot of that is because of you taking time to listen to this podcast. We couldn’t do what we do without you, and we not only want to let you know how thankful we are, but take some time to appreciate you for making this podcast what it is. We hope you had an amazing Christmas spent with friends and family and have the happiest of New Year’s!

We hope you enjoy episode 153 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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152. Last Minute Changes Dec 19, 2022

#152 - We’ve all had to make a last minute changes to our plans - but at what point does making last minute changes to agreed upon plans become a detriment to the staff or volunteers we lead? In today’s episode of the podcast, we talk about when it’s appropriate to make changes, and when it might just simply be a pattern of inconsistency in ones leadership. There’s a time and a place for an audible, and in today’s episode, we talk about just that.

We hope you enjoy episode 152 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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151. Mob Mentality Dec 12, 2022

#151 - I’m guessing you’ve likely been a part of a group a friends that, at one point or another, let a situation get a little out of hand. What started as a fun evening turned into a crazy memory that leaves you wondering how no one ended up in the hospital (or worse). As ministry leaders, part of our job is to create an atmosphere of fun during our events and programming - but what happens when “mob mentality” takes over and the fun goes too far? In today’s episode of the podcast, we talk about ways you can implement policies and training that not only keeps everybody safe, but doesn’t kill the fun either.

We hope you enjoy episode 151 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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150. Guilt And Control Dec 05, 2022

#150 - Would you say you tend to guilt your volunteers into doing things - or control them into doing things? Well, we hope the answer is neither, and on todays episode of the podcast, we talk about ways to you help you as a ministry leader steer clear of the (often times unintentional) tendency to use guilt and control as a tool to lead your volunteers.

We hope you enjoy episode 150 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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149. Letting Go & Letting Leaders Lead Nov 28, 2022

#149 - Many leaders struggle with control. It’s hard to let go when our passion for ministry is so high, but as we’ve seen time and time again, it’s not healthy long-term for leaders to be in control of every aspect within their ministry. In fact, we’d even suggest that the health of a ministry can be determined by what would happen if the leader wasn’t there. On today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Tom Hansen and discuss the ways he distributes leadership throughout the church so that no one person feels the weight of it all.

We hope you enjoy episode 149 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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148. How Close Should Your Staff Be? Nov 22, 2022

#148 - Leadership dynamics can be complicated. When it comes to the people you report to, or the people that report to you, it’s important to be intentional about your interactions and relationship with them to not only succeed as a team, but set your ministry up to succeed for generations to come. On today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with long time friend Janet Young and discuss some of their church’s systems and practices that not only focus on health, but also on sustainability and longevity. We hope you enjoy episode 148 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context! If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

147. How To Connect With Local Schools Nov 14, 2022

#147 - Connecting your church with local schools is oftentimes a difficult feat. Most of time, collaboration includes a significant compromise by one party or the other. However, on today’s episode of the podcast, Josh sits down with our friend, Tasha Haley, and discuss their experience partnering with local schools in a way that provides a win for faculty, staff, students, volunteers, and the church - that’s a lot of wins!

We hope you enjoy episode 147 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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146. Guilt And Control Nov 07, 2022

#146 - One of our goals as ministry leaders is to multiply ourselves. Developing leaders to do the work of the ministry is such a big part of working with volunteers, and on today’s episode of the podcast, we talk about how to do that well so we don’t unintentionally guilt and control our volunteers.

We hope you enjoy episode 146 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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145. Don't Require Serving Oct 31, 2022

#145 - Have you ever found yourself short on volunteers? Welcome to ministry, right? While there are hundreds of resources to advise us on how to find the volunteers we need, there are very few that talk about the potential dangers of charging forward. In today’s episode of the podcast, we talk about just that - a few of the unintentional dangers that can accompany a plea for more help.

We hope you enjoy episode 145 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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144. Doable Hard vs. Destructive Hard Oct 24, 2022

#144 - It’s one thing to go through a hard or intense season of ministry, it’s another thing to compulsively embrace hard seasons. In today’s episode of the podcast we discuss the difference between DOABLE hard, and DESTRUCTIVE hard. Knowing the difference can not only help you become a better leader, but also help you become a leader that sticks around for the long-haul.

We hope you enjoy episode 144 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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143. "What's Next For You?" Climbing vs. Calling Oct 17, 2022

#143 - Have you ever been asked what your next role in ministry will be? Many people mean well in asking what your future goals are when it comes to your job in ministry, but what if your passion and calling don’t include “moving up the ministry ladder?” In today’s episode of the podcast, we talk about the difference between calling and climbing - and why you shouldn’t feel ashamed of loving where you’re at.

We hope you enjoy episode 143 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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142. Are You Ready To Hire More Staff? Oct 10, 2022

#142 - A common misconception for ministry leaders is that if they only had more staff working for them, they’d be able to do more. However, what we’ve seen time and time again is that it’s impossible to staff the complete needs of a church. Volunteers are not only necessary, but they are the engine that keeps the church moving forward. In today’s episode of the podcast, we talk about the importance of building our volunteer teams as if they were the staff you wish you had.

We hope you enjoy episode 142 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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141. Making Leadership Development Reproducible Oct 03, 2022

#141 - *We apologize for this week’s audio issues. However, this was such a fun podcast jam-packed with wisdom that we just had to share it.*

On today’s episode of the podcast we sit down with our friend Mac Lake, founder of Multiply Group, and discuss the power of reproducing the process of leadership development.

We hope you enjoy episode 141 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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140. Making An Impact As A Volunteer Sep 26, 2022

#140 - Every volunteer’s story is different. However, every volunteer has the same opportunity to serve the same amazing God in their area. On this week’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friends Tracey Gilliard who went from being volun-told to volunteer in kids ministry, to eventually being a Children’s Pastor at the church he was serving.

We hope you enjoy episode 140 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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139. What We're Developing In Leaders Sep 19, 2022

#139 - Many churches function from a “top to bottom” leadership system - but what if your church’s lead pastor positioned themselves at the “bottom” in order to prop up the ministry leaders around them? In today’s episode of the podcast we sit down with Lead Pastor Robert Sweeney and discuss his philosophy of ministry, and how his intentional effort in developing his team of leaders leaks into every aspect of the church.

We hope you enjoy episode 139 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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138. How To Make Your Job Easier Sep 12, 2022

#138 - Lead Volunteers is a proven system meant to help ministry leaders recruit, train, and retain volunteers in a way that helps volunteers feel seen, heard, welcomed, and valued in their role - which ultimately means they’ll stick around longer AND enjoy serving on your team. On today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Shannon Teague, a Children’s Director and Lead Volunteers user who talks us through her experience using the course and all of the success she’s seen through it.

We hope you enjoy episode 138 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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137. What SHAPE Are Your Volunteers In? Sep 06, 2022

#137 - When it comes to leading volunteers, one of the best ways we can connect and better understand our volunteers on a deeper level is by getting to know their SHAPE. The SHAPE assessment helps you gain a deeper understanding of the gifts, passions, and desires of your volunteers so you can equip them to live into their God-given purpose. In today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Tim Davis and discuss all of the ways his ministry has been blessed because of a few simple steps their church has taken to develop a healthy, sustainable, and relational volunteer culture.

We hope you enjoy episode 137 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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136. Are You Asking Too Much Of Your Volunteers? Aug 29, 2022

#136 - How much is too much when it comes to asking of your volunteers? It’s easy to ask your best volunteers to keep showing up more and more because they are so great, but when we ask more than we celebrate, we tend to burn people out. In today’s episode of the podcast we sit down with our friend Wayne Murray and discuss the importance of developing a culture of health, feedback, ownership, and strength. Through both success and failure, Wayne has gained a wealth of wisdom that we’re excited to share with you this week.

We hope you enjoy episode 136 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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135. Making It Easy To Be On Your Team Aug 22, 2022

#135 - One of the simplest ways we can help our volunteers stick around is by making it easy for them to volunteer. How do we do that? Well, in todays episode, we sit down with our friend Jonny Radcliff and discuss three specific ways we can make it easy for our volunteers to serve: 1) By being clear and reasonable, 2) By being concise in your communication, and 3) By having relational and task roles. If you're looking to have a high volunteer retention rate, you're not going to want to miss this conversation.

We hope you enjoy episode 135 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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134. 4 Ways To Steward Your Volunteers Aug 15, 2022

We may not always think of it in these terms, but ministry is a stewardship, and your volunteers are a huge part of that stewardship. However, unlike finances and time, when it comes to our volunteers, we're talking about people. So, how do we steward people well? In today's episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Evan Fortunato, Kids Pastor at Grace Assembly of God in Greenwood, IN, and talk about 4 key, and measurable ways we can steward our volunteers well based on the teachings of scripture. We hope you enjoy episode 134 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context! If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

133. The Power of an Equipped Volunteer Aug 09, 2022

#133 - If we had a multiple choice option in front of us to decide between a fully engaged and passionate volunteer, and a “warm body” who’s simply there to fill a slot, we would choose the fully engaged leader every time, right? But what if there was a way we could equip leaders to engage and take ownership as a part of our training? In today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with Youth Ministry expert, Doug Franklin, and talk about the ways he’s put this into practice over his years of ministry.

We hope you enjoy episode 133 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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132. Engaging Youth As Key Volunteers Aug 01, 2022

#132 - Engaging High School students in preteen ministry might be the best way to engage the next generation in a developing relationship with Jesus. There is an untapped resource of High School students in your church who not only have a desire to serve with kids and pre-teens, but will benefit greatly from the ownership and leadership that comes from serving in a high capacity. On today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with pre-teen ministry expert, Rob Quinn, and discuss ways that we can invest in our youth through connecting and serving.

We hope you enjoy episode 132 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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131. How To MAKE Coaches Jul 25, 2022

#131 - The job of a pastor is to build up the body to do the work of the ministry. One of the BEST ways that you can begin doing that in your ministry is by training coaches to be co-laborers alongside you, rather than doing ministry alone. In today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Kenny Conley, a 20-year veteran of kids and family ministry who currently serves as the NextGen Pastor at Mission Church in Gilbert, AZ, and has a huge passion to see the next generation come to know and follow Christ. Join our conversation as we talk through and rethink how ministry leaders can train coaches who make your ministry better.

We hope you enjoy episode 131 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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130. Challenging Kids In Ministry Jul 18, 2022

#130 - We all likely have at least one name that immediately pops into our head when we think of a challenging person in ministry. Part of doing life together in community is getting to know people at the best, and at their not so best. So then, how do we react, and minister, to the “challenging” ones? In today’s episode of the Lead Volunteers Podcast, we sit down with our friend Kim Botto and discuss ways we can engage, and connect, with challenging kids.

We hope you enjoy episode 129 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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129. Recruiting in Big vs. Small Churches Jul 11, 2022

#129 - What’s the best way to recruit and engage new volunteers? This is a question ministry leaders have been discussing and debating for years. While there are so many nuances to this question, we think there are just as many overlaps that can help you better recruit and engage new volunteers. On today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Mike Howard, who has been on the front lines of volunteer recruitment both in the mega-church and church-plant settings, and offers us insight and encouragement for both.

We hope you enjoy episode 129 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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128. A New Idea For 5th Sundays Jul 05, 2022

#128 - Looking for the best way engage your church and volunteers on 5th Sundays? Rather than stretching your volunteer pool, or barely skimming by, why not engage your entire church in a culture building day that makes a Kingdom impact in your local community? In today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Mike Howard, who walks us through their church’s 5th Sunday model and why it’s one of the biggest wins their church has ever seen.

We hope you enjoy episode 128 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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127. Parents Can Make Great Leaders Jun 27, 2022

#127 - When doing ministry, it can be easy to think that only a certain type of leader can work in a certain type of role. However, what would it look like if we expanded our definitions of what a good youth, kids, adult small group, etc. leader is? Often times, the people we don't think of have the potential to bring life experience, perspective, connection, and passion that we would otherwise glance over. In today's episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Dan Istvanik and discuss the wins of looking beyond our "classic" volunteer in order to breathe new life into our ministries.

We hope you enjoy episode 127 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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126. The Weight Of Leading A Ministry Jun 20, 2022

#126 - We’ve all felt the weight of ministry before - especially for those of us who have been leading through a global pandemic these past couple of years. It can be hard to be a leader, but it can also be incredibly fulfilling when we live into the calling Jesus has placed on us. In today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Vance Martin and discuss the “Work” vs. the “Weight” of ministry, and how we can work towards being Ephesians 4:11-12 leaders who equip our volunteers in order to build His Kingdom.

We hope you enjoy episode 126 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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125. How To Increase Your Volunteer Training Attendance Jun 13, 2022

#125 - Let’s all be honest - it can be hard to keep volunteers around sometimes. We’ve all been there - just when we find the last piece of the puzzle, another piece manages to fall off the table. At Lead Volunteers, we believe that one of the best ways we can keep volunteers engaged and passionate about the area they’re serving is by investing in the ways we train them. In today’s episode of the podcast, we talk with our friend Josh Renck and discuss the many ways we can beef up our volunteer training.

We hope you enjoy episode 125 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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124. Improving Your ASK - How to polish up your volunteer enlistment Jun 06, 2022

#124 - When asked what the hardest part of their job is, many ministry leaders will point towards the difficulty of recruiting volunteers. It’s a task that, for many, never seems to get any easier. But what if it could? What if you could improve your “ask process” that helps open the door for more volunteers? In this episode of the lead volunteers podcast, we sit down with our friend Christen Clark and answer questions to help make volunteer recruitment less daunting. Christen is a wife, mother, worship leader, seminary student, and podcast host of The Collide Kids Podcast. She has 16 years experience working in children's ministry and a heart for people to know they are loved by God.

We hope you enjoy episode 124 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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123. Small Church Leadership May 23, 2022

#123 - We’ve all read books and articles, attended breakouts and seminars, and listened to so many podcasts and speakers talk about what it takes to lead at large churches and organizations - but the reality is that a majority of churches in America are not mega churches. In fact, the average church size in America is 65 people, which begs the question - why is it that so much of our leadership training focusses on mega-church leadership? Well, in today’s episode of the podcast, Josh sits down with our friend Laurie Acker and talks about the realities, and even blessings, of leading at a smaller church. We hope you enjoy episode 123 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context! If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

122. Keeping The Faith In Harder Times Of Ministry May 16, 2022

#122 – As much as we wish the Christian life was void of obstacles and hardship, we know that just isn’t the case. In today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with one of our favorite guests, Hannah Denhart, and talk about how we can keep the faith during harder times of ministry.

We hope you enjoy episode 121 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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121. Leader, You Need Counseling Too May 09, 2022

#121 – In this week’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Doug Wolter and discuss the importance of counseling for ministry leaders, and a few easy and specific steps you can take to get you connected with the right counselor so you can keep living into the calling God has for your life.

We hope you enjoy episode 121 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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120. Building Teams For Large Events May 02, 2022

#120 – When leading large-scale events, it can be easy to shoulder the weight of responsibility yourself. We don’t want to place the burden on others, so we can take it on. However, as more and more ministry leaders are burning out, we’d like to offer up a solution that not only takes some of the weight off of your shoulders, but enables others to thrive and grow in the process. In today’s episode of the podcast we sit down with our friend Joe Budish and discuss some of the life-changing ways he’s put these ideas into practice.

We hope you enjoy episode 120 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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119. How Can Kids Serve In Church? Apr 25, 2022

#119 – On today’s episode of the podcast we’re talking biology, ministry, and creative ways we can engage kids in serving. We loved getting the chance to sit down with our friend Hunter Williams to discuss ways to make a kingdom impact in our kids’ lives.

We hope you enjoy episode 119 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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118. The Best Way To Train Your Volunteers Apr 18, 2022

#118 – What is the best way to train our volunteers? That’s a question I’m sure all of us are asking throughout the year. It’s hard to get everyone to a training event, watch training videos, or even read our emails at times. So, how do we effectively train our volunteers to be the best they can be? Well, on today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend David Rausch and discuss some of the best ways to continually train volunteers.

We hope you enjoy episode 118 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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117. How To Involve Youth Volunteers Apr 11, 2022

#117 – What is the best way to plug a middle/high school student into a volunteer position? Let’s face it - we’re looking for passionate, but responsible, people who can poor into the ministry we’re leading, and students aren’t always the most responsible. Well, in today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Trisha Peach and discuss some of the best ways we can use the passion and giftings of youth to make a kingdom difference.

We hope you enjoy episode 117 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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116. Why Adults Matter In A Kid's Life Apr 04, 2022

#116 – In today’s episode of the podcast we sit down with the CEO of AWANA, Valerie Bell to discuss the importance of healthy adult influence in a child’s life.

We hope you enjoy episode 116 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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115. Authentic Leadership That Lasts Mar 28, 2022

#115 – Have you ever had a volunteer who was eager and ready to serve, but after a while you noticed it may not be he best fit? What do you do in that situation when you know this fit won’t last? Well, in today’s episode of the podcast we sit down with our friend Jim Wideman and discuss ways that we can better lean into our volunteers’ gifting and create authentic leadership that lasts.

We hope you enjoy episode 115 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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114. How To Make Meetings A Party! Mar 21, 2022

#114 – Nobody likes attending a boring meeting. Whether you are a paid staff member or a volunteer, being a part of a meeting that lacks organization, direction, and fun can lead you to ask the all-too-familiar question: “why am I even here?” In today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Brittany Nelson to discuss ways we can not only ensure we never lead a boring meeting, but ways we can turn our meetings into a party!

We hope you enjoy episode 114 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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113. How To Recruit Post Pandemic Mar 14, 2022

#113 – It’s no secret that the already difficult task of recruiting volunteers has become even more difficult throughout the pandemic. People seem to be slowly returning to their seats at church, but not their roles as volunteers. In today’s episode of the podcast, Josh sits down with our friend Nick Blevins to discuss how to recruit volunteers post-pandemic.

We hope you enjoy episode 113 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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112. Five Places To Find Volunteers Mar 07, 2022

#112 – We’ve all inevitably asked this question before: “where can I find more volunteers?!” It seems as though there are always seasons where no matter how hard we look, we just can’t find the people we’re looking for. Well, on today’s episode of the podcast, Josh sits down with our friend Josh Mulvihill, who gives us 5 places to look for, and find, the volunteers we’re looking for.

We hope you enjoy episode 112 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadministry.com and get started today!

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111. Discipleship Is Simple Multiplication Feb 28, 2022

#111 – If only we had a few more clones of ourselves running around our church we’d be able to do all of the things we want to, right? Well, what if instead of cloning ourselves, all we had to do was train up and disciple a few people with hearts to serve? In todays episode of the podcast we sit down with Kim Hudson and take a look at the way Jesus led. SPOILER ALERT - he seemed to have an attitude of multiplication mores than an attitude of addition.

We hope you enjoy episode 111 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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110. Making Appreciation Ideas FUN! Feb 21, 2022

#110 – Most of us appreciate our volunteers more than they even know it. We thank them, throw an appreciation party, and maybe even write them a note from time to time - but how can we make sure we are communicating how appreciative we are of our volunteers? In today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Rachel Price to discuss ways we can make appreciation ideas FUN!

We hope you enjoy episode 110 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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109. More Than A Name On A Roster Feb 14, 2022

#109 – When developing a ministry team, it’s easy to get caught up in the details of planning, scheduling, and executing. The danger in this is it de-personalizes our ministry. From the people we lead to the people we’re serving - rather than being people, they become another name on a roster. We’ve all been there. Thankfully, in today’s episode we sit down with our friend Latara Aurthur and discuss ways for us to see people as more than just a name on a roster.

We hope you enjoy episode 109 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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108. How To Increase Volunteer Commitment Feb 07, 2022

#108 – One of the most difficult things about being a ministry leader is finding committed volunteers to join your team. It can be quite taxing on us. At lead volunteers, we’re committed to helping prevent burnout in leaders by giving practical ways for you to recruit, train, and retain volunteers, and in today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Nick Blevins and discuss ways to help increase volunteer commitment.

We hope you enjoy episode 108 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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107. How To Crush Your Administrative Tasks Jan 31, 2022

#107 – As ministry leaders, we would much prefer to spend all of our time dreaming up and planning the perfect event, experience, and method for our ministry, but in order to pull all of those things off, we need to spend time digging into the nitty gritty administrative tasks in order to make those things happen (whether you’re administratively gifted or not). In today’s episode of the podcast, we talk with our friend Esther Moreno and discuss the importance of administration in ministry.

We hope you enjoy episode 107 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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106. How To Host A Successful Annual Meeting Jan 24, 2022

#106 – Annual meetings with our volunteers are regular and routine, but are they fun and effective? If you’ve been leading in ministry for any length of time you probably have your annual meeting down to a science, but it can still benefit you as a leader to ask the question - would I want to attend my own meeting? In todays episode of the podcast we sit down with our friend Heather Soukup to discuss ways in which you can host a successful annual meeting.

We hope you enjoy episode 106 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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105. Leading At A Large Church (Victories & Challenges) Jan 17, 2022

#105 – We’ve all dreamed before of being at a church bigger than the one we’re currently at. More money. More resources. More opportunities. Bigger staff. The list goes on and on. However, while there are absolutely benefits to working for a large church, there are also absolutely negatives to working at a large church. In today’s episode of the podcast we sit down with our friend Cynthia Dixon to discuss the victories and challenges of leading at a large church.

We hope you enjoy episode 105 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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104. The Unfortunate Transformation Of Our Heart Jan 10, 2022

#104 – It’s not easy being a ministry leader. We spend a lot of time casting vision and creating opportunities for people to connect with Jesus. However, in our pursuit of the vision, it is not uncommon to experience an unfortunate transformation of our heart. Things like bitterness, doubt, cynicism, and more creep in and begin to take over. In today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Vance Martin and discuss ways we can identify this transformation in ourselves, and ways we can combat it going forward.

We hope you enjoy episode 104 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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103. How To Manage Your Life AND Calling Jan 03, 2022

#103 – We’ve heard many people discuss the importance of a good work/life balance, but in ministry, it’s a little deeper than that because our work is our calling, and that can be more difficult to balance. So, how do we do that? Well, in today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friends Ricardo Miller and discuss ho we can better manage our life and calling.

We hope you enjoy episode 103 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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102. A Leader In Tune With The Spirit Dec 27, 2021

#102 – As ministry leaders, we teach the importance of being in tune with the spirit to our volunteers and the people in our ministries, but what exactly does that look like, and why is it so important? Well, in today’s episode of the podcast we sit down with our friend Deanna Peacock and discuss the power of the Holy Spirit and how importance being connected to Him is.

We hope you enjoy episode 102 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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101. Transitioning OUT of and INTO a New Season Dec 20, 2021

#101 – Transitions in ministry (and life for that matter) can be difficult, awkward, and messy if we aren’t careful. In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with our friend Christie Penner Warden and discuss how to best transition out of, and into, a new season.

We hope you enjoy episode 101 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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100. The Ups & Downs Of Being A Pastor's Kid Dec 13, 2021

#100 – What’s it like being a Pastor’s kid? Well, what better way to find out then by asking one! In this very special 100th episode of the Lead Volunteers Podcast, Josh sits down with his oldest daughter, Hannah, to discuss the pros and cons of growing up as a PK.

We hope you enjoy episode 99 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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99. Doing Life With Your Volunteers Dec 06, 2021

#099 – What does your relationship look like with your volunteers? At lead Volunteers, we believe that pouring into the lives of your volunteers not only as a leader, but as a friend is SO important, and will reap benefits that make your ministry better and stronger.

We hope you enjoy episode 99 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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98. How To Sustain Momentum Nov 29, 2021

#098 – Momentum is something that seems hard to come by these days, but when you have it, you can’t stop it. As we ministry leaders, we seek to create, build, and sustain momentum within our ministries, but the million dollar question is - how do we do that? Well in today’s episode, Josh, and our friend Vance Martin, discuss a few ways that you can work on sustaining momentum within your ministry.

We hope you enjoy episode 98 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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97. Why Bring Volunteers To A Conference Nov 22, 2021

#097 – It’s easy to think of our volunteers as people who show up for our ministry’s scheduled events, help and serve as needed, and then return home for the rest of the week - but what if there was more to it than that? What if there were more ways that you could help build up, encourage, and equip your volunteers? Well, in today’s episode of the podcast, Josh and, our friend, Michayla White discuss not only the benefits, but the importance of bringing your volunteers to conferences.

We hope you enjoy episode 97 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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96. Ministry Decision Fatigue Nov 15, 2021

#096 – When there are so many resources, techniques, and popular (for now) ways of doing ministry, how do we pick a direction we want our ministry to head without getting pulled off course every mile or two? In today’s episode of the podcast, Josh wraps up this 3 part series with our friend, Deanna Peacock about “facing forward” and heading in a particular, intentional, and God-lead direction.

We hope you enjoy episode 96 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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95. Taking A Step Of Faith Nov 08, 2021

#095 – Let’s face it - we like having all of the answers. It’s difficult to take steps or make decisions without researching and weighing all of our options. However, we know that isn’t always possible, and not only that, but in some cases, God may even be calling us to step out in faith without knowing the exact path we’re heading down. In today’s episode of the podcast, Josh talks with our friend, Deanna Peacock about taking those first faithful steps (even when we don’t always know where they’ll lead).

We hope you enjoy episode 95 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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94. Next Level Leadership Nov 01, 2021

#094 – There are certain things that can help a leader go from good to great. In today’s episode of the podcast, Josh talks with our friend, Deanna Peacock about the benefits and importance of ministry coaching - and how it can take your leadership and ministry to the next level.

We hope you enjoy episode 94 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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93. Interviewing A Real Life Volunteer Oct 25, 2021

#093 – Have you ever wondered what your volunteers are actually thinking? Well, in today’s episode, Josh sits down with our friend, Warren Erickson - a real life volunteer, and asks some of the difficult, direct, and fun questions that we’d all like to know the answers to.

We hope you enjoy episode 93 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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92. Leading When You're Not The Boss Oct 18, 2021

#092 – Is it okay to be a ministry leader who has no desire to be the boss? The western work ethic has us working harder than ever before in order to climb the ladder of success until we’re in charge - but what if we’re not called to that? What if we are called to lead up from the second chair? In today’s episode, Josh, and our friend Christie Penner Worden, talk about just that.

We hope you enjoy episode 92 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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91. PIE Your Volunteers (In The Face!) Oct 11, 2021

#091 – Volunteer training can come in so many different shapes and sizes that it can be hard to determine which method works best for your team. However, in today’s episode, Josh and Brittany discuss a sure-fire way to get your volunteers prepared, inspired, and equipped - and all it requires is a PIE to the face. 😳

We hope you enjoy episode 91 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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90. Finding Inspiration Oct 04, 2021

#090 – It’s not always easy to find inspiration, especially through these past 19 months of Covid-19. We’ve all been stuck in crisis mode, with little margin to dream or be inspired. Well, on today’s episode of the podcast, Josh and Brian have a great discussion which we borrowed from a Facebook live that we hope inspires you as you head into the year!

We hope you enjoy episode 90 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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89. You Be You Sep 27, 2021

#089 – Haven’t we all felt the desire to be more like “that one church leader” or “that other ministry?” Comparison is a trap that snares far too many of us. However, what would it look like if we were to live into the unique and specific calling that God has created us for? In today’s episode, Josh and Kai talk about the concept of “You Being You” and it’s an episode you don’t want to miss.

We hope you enjoy episode 89 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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88. Winning Through Volunteer Care Sep 20, 2021

#088 – How would you react if 77 of your volunteers didn’t return because of Covid? Well, our friend and guest for today, Ryan Bensen, has had to navigate this loss throughout the last 18 months - and in today’s episode, he discusses the impact of that loss. However, his reaction to that loss may not only surprise you, but hopefully motivate and inspire you, and your approach, to volunteer care.

We hope you enjoy episode 88 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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87. The Recruiting Nightmare (And How To Overcome It) Sep 13, 2021

#087 – We’ve all experienced the recruiting nightmare, right? There just aren’t quite enough people willing to volunteer in the places we need them most. So, what do we do? How can we overcome this yearly (and sometimes more) nightmare? In today’s episode of the lead volunteers podcast, Josh, and our friend Amy Bates, discuss a proven, and repeatable, recruitment strategy that can turn your nightmare into a thing of beauty.

We hope you enjoy episode 87 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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86. The Power Of A Loving And Caring Adult Sep 07, 2021

#086 – The best curriculum and plan in the world can leave your ministry dry, empty, and unfruitful. How can our volunteers make the lifelong kingdom impact we desire for and from them? In today’s episode of the podcast, Josh, and our friend Matt Markins, discuss the importance and steps we can take to help disciple the people in our ministries to become the leaders and difference-makers they were created to be.

We hope you enjoy episode 86 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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85. Should Teenagers Volunteer? Aug 30, 2021

#085 – We all know teenagers as hormonal, moody, and a little selfish - which begs the question, should they be allowed to volunteer in your ministry? Will they be more of a help, or a liability? Well, in today’s episode of the podcast, Josh talks with our good friend, Catherine Hwang, about how volunteering as a teenager changed her life, and has led her to change the lives of other teens as well.

We hope you enjoy episode 85 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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84. The Power Of Observation Aug 25, 2021

#084 – When leading a ministry, some of the hardest things for you to see are right in front of your face. You’ve probably even been in a scenario where an outside observer brought something to your attention that seems so obvious, and yet, because of your familiarity with your ministry, you didn’t see it. How can we, as ministry leaders, avoid dropping the ball and missing those gaps? On today’s episode of the podcast, Josh and our friend, David Richards, discuss just that. We hope you enjoy episode 84 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context! If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

83. 5 Keys To Building A Team Aug 16, 2021

#083 – Everybody seems to have their own tips and tricks for team leadership, but in today’s episode of the podcast, Josh and our friend Rich Griffith, Kids Pastor at Victory Church in Tipp City, Ohio, discuss 5 biblical keys for team leadership that have not only worked for their own ministries, but for the ministries of hundreds, if not thousands, of leaders across the world.

We hope you enjoy episode 83 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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82. Letting Results Speak For Themselves Aug 09, 2021

#082 – Have you ever tried to help someone out by sharing your systems and ideas with them, only to be shut out and shut down? You’re handing them the solution they need on a silver platter and they turn you down. I mean, you were only trying to help, right? Well, what if - from their perspective - all they saw was a person who approached them and told them about all of the ways they stink at their job and ministry? Not a fun place to be, right? Well, in today’s episode of the podcast, Josh and Jeff talk about the importance of not being so pushy with new ideas, but instead, letting your results speak for themselves.

We hope you enjoy episode 82 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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81. A Surefire Way To Lose Volunteers Aug 02, 2021

#081 – In today’s episode of the Lead Volunteers Podcast, Josh and Jeff talk about he importance of relational leading. We’ve all heard of or experienced stories where volunteers have quit or slowly burned out because they weren’t receiving the amount of intentionality and focus they required volunteers. Well today, we want to help you take a step out of the “slot filling” mentality, and step into the “relational leading” mentality so that your ministry can thrive for years to come.

We hope you enjoy episode 81 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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80. Don't Give Away The Keys To The Car Jul 26, 2021

#080 – What would you do if a stranger asked for the keys to your car? You probably wouldn’t just hand them over, right? In the same sense, what would you do if a first time guest to your church approached you with a grand new vision for your ministry. Would you hand over the keys - bending over backwards and rerouting the course of your ministry and team for this person? In today’s episode of the podcast, we talk about how to approach these unique situations in a helpful and productive way that benefits you and your volunteers.

We hope you enjoy episode 80 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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79. Don't Cry Wolf Jul 19, 2021

#079 – Do you have a firm grasp of the needs within your ministry? On today’s episode of the podcast we discuss the importance of understanding the needs of your ministry PRIOR to making a dramatic plea to the senior staff, and how that can save you from a great deal of misunderstanding and hurt.

We hope you enjoy episode 79 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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78. Making Changes In Your Ministry Jul 12, 2021

#078 – How much change is too much change? As ministry leaders, we always want what’s best for our ministry, but how often are we making changes at the expense of our leaders? On today’s episode of the podcast, we discuss the unintended consequences of making too much change too fast, and ways that we can intentionally and effectively make change that benefits both our ministry, and our volunteers.

We hope you enjoy episode 78 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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77. The Grass Is Always Greener Jul 05, 2021

#077 – Where would you like you and your ministry to be in 5 years time? What dreams do you have in store for what is to come? In ministry, it’s important to be looking ahead at where we’re going, but how often do we look back and celebrate where we’ve been and how far we’ve come? We understand that ministry is not always easy, but in those moments of frustration, one of the most important things we can do is press pause and see how far God’s taken us.

We hope you enjoy episode 77 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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76. You're Too Busy - Curing The Daily Grind Jun 28, 2021

#076 – There’s no denying that we live in a culture plagued by busyness - But, is overbooking our daily lives really the best way to work - or even live? Bronnie Ware, a hospice nurse, and author of the book, “Regrets Of The Dying,” states that as she sat with people throughout her career during the last moments of their lives, the second biggest regret people had was, “I wish I didn’t work so hard.” The question we want to ask ourselves on the podcast today is this: is the work work we’re doing accomplishing anything or simply keeping us busy?

We hope you enjoy episode 76 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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75. Safety For Some = Growth For All (w/ Vance Martin) Jun 21, 2021

#075 – The concept we’re taking about in today’s episode is the idea of “creating safety for some = growth for all.” It’s easy when we’re scheduling or recruiting volunteers to fall back on our faithful few who show up week in and week out - but what if instead of placing the weight of the ministry on their shoulders, we created a zone of safety around them that not only made them better volunteers, but created a culture and pathway of growth for others as well?

We hope you enjoy episode 75 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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74. The Power Of Pause (w/ Vance Martin) Jun 14, 2021

#074 – In our go, go, go culture, it can be difficult for us to press pause. The Navy Seals have a saying that “slow is smooth, and smooth is fast,” and when it comes to the ministry you lead, taking a second to slow down, press pause, and be present IN your ministry rather than constantly working ON your ministry can help give you the fresh eyes you need to see where you’re at, where your volunteers are at, where your ministry as a whole is at, and what direction you might need to head.

We hope you enjoy episode 74 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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73. Building A "Volunteer First" Culture (w/ Vance Martin) Jun 07, 2021

#073 – What is your job as a ministry leader? Well, if you’re the kids pastor, it’s ministering to kids, right? If you’re the youth pastor, it’s youth. Small groups, small groups - you get the idea. But what if we told you that your job as a ministry leader was not as directly correlated as you think? On today’s episode of the podcast, Josh and Vance discuss how time invested in volunteers can make a much bigger eternal impact than time invested directly into your ministry.

We hope you enjoy episode 73 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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72. This Is A Game Changer (w/ Vance Martin) May 31, 2021

#072 – We’ve all heard it said before that “vision leaks,” right? At Lead Volunteers, we believe that short little phrase is not only true, but should motivate us as leaders to put extra time and attention into casting vision and leading our volunteers as we push the mission forward. Amen? Well, on today’s episode of the podcast, Josh is sitting down virtually with our friend, Vance Martin, and they are discussing what might be the most significant pre-service strategy that your ministry can have, and it boils down to 3 simple letters - V.I.P.

We hope you enjoy episode 72 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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71. Why Ministry Leaders Quit Too Early May 24, 2021

#071 – Ministry leaders are burning out and quitting at a higher rate than ever before. This heartbreaking statistic is due to many reasons, including stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and a feeling of chaos within their ministry. But what if some of those feelings early on in ministry are a normal part of the transition? Well, at Lead Volunteers, we like to call this progression “storming, norming, and performing,” a progression of phases that every leader experiences within the first 5 years of ministry. Understanding and identifying this progression could be the thing that helps you or a leader you know avoid making that quitting decision far too quickly.

We hope you enjoy episode 71 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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70. Too Much Of A Good Thing May 17, 2021

#070 – We all want our volunteers to have ownership in their role, right? But is there such thing as too much ownership? When does ownership become over-stepping? Well, in today's episode of the podcast we talk about the difference between "little-o" and "big-O" ownership, and how many of our volunteers (and even ourselves if we're not careful) can develop big-O ownership, and thus create an unhealthy culture for relationship development, accountability, and leadership.

We hope you enjoy episode 70 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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69. Stop Winging It May 10, 2021

#069 – It’s happened to all of us - an event, meeting, or message has arrived and we have not put nearly as much time or energy into preparing as we would have liked, so we end up having to wing it. It happens. But what happens next? We, at Lead Volunteers, think a big danger in ministry can happen when we experience success through a “wing it” situation. Now, we certainly don’t wish failure upon anybody, but success on the back end of a lack of preparation can lead to a comfortability with our own abilities, which settles us into an acceptance with average, unplanned, and okay events, meetings, or messages. The only problem with a “winging it” strategy is that eventually, you’re gonna get burned, and in today’s episode, we talk about the importance of planning ahead, because it not only keeps you and your team more organized, it helps create a deeper and more meaningful impact for your ministry.

We hope you enjoy episode 69 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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68. What To Do With Summer Scheduling? May 03, 2021

#068 – It’s hard enough to find volunteers for regular weekly programming, but there are certain Sundays throughout the year that seem to make filling those spots even more difficult. Whether it’s Labor Day, Memorial Day, or even a month with 5 Sundays, there are times throughout the year where you can anticipate the difficulty of finding enough volunteers - so what do you do? In today’s episode of the podcast we talk about just that - strategies for scheduling volunteers during those Sunday oddities.

We hope you enjoy episode 68 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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67. Don't Miss The Party (w/ Michayla White) Apr 26, 2021

#067 – What does it mean to "practice sabbath?" We could probably all agree that it is more than simply a box to check for our weekly routine, but when it comes to the intricacies and activity of resting and recharging, what does it look like? Well, today we have the absolute pleasure to talk with Michayla White, the Executive Director of the International Network of Children's Ministry, to discuss the celebration of sabbath and what it can look like in your life.

We hope you enjoy episode 67 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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66. "If Only I Had More Volunteers" Apr 19, 2021

#066 – We've all had the thought before... "If only I had more resources," "if only there were more people," "if only I worked at a bigger church." If only, if only, if only. What's funny is it doesn't matter how large, or resourced, a church is, those thoughts are inevitable. So what's the solution? Well, on today's episode of the podcast we walk through a lesson from King David and his "mighty men" which reminds us that we go to war with the army we have, not the army we wish we had - Keeping in mind, it's how you develop your army that makes the kingdom difference.

We hope you enjoy episode 66 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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65. Community Beyond Your Spouse Apr 12, 2021

#065 – Who are the people in your life that you can process the intricacies of your ministry job with? No, we don’t mean that Facebook group or status - No, we don’t mean your coworkers - and No, we don’t even mean your spouse. On today’s episode of the podcast we discuss the importance of having a community of close friends BEYOND your ministry circle with whom you can process with. Does this mean you cannot process with your Facebook group, coworkers, or spouse? Of course not - but in addition to those people, you need people on the outside, and we’ll tell you “why” in today’s episode.

We hope you enjoy episode 65 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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64. Celebrating Ministry Spouses Apr 05, 2021

#064 – Oftentimes we express care and concern for pastors, but what about their spouses? It can be easy to place assumptions and expectations on a pastor's spouse, but in today's episode of the podcast, we discuss how to support ministry spouses and make sure we are serving and supporting them well too.

We hope you enjoy episode 64 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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63. Marriage and Ministry Mar 29, 2021

#063 – In this week's episode of the Lead Volunteers Podcast, Josh and Sarah talk about their experience doing ministry together for the past 25 years. The calling of ministry is a full-time+ job that not only affects the 9-5, but home life as well. So, how can we navigate these waters well?

We hope you enjoy episode 63 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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62. Healthy Vulnerability (w/ Sarah Denhart) Mar 22, 2021

#062 – Being vulnerable and honest is an important part of being human. We need people around us that we can be open and honest with. However, that doesn’t mean we should express our deepest thoughts and insecurities to the mailman as he walks by, does it? So, what boundaries and practices should we have in place to help us appropriately express our honest thoughts and feelings? In today’s episode of the podcast, Josh and Sarah discuss vulnerability, over-sharing, and how we can all begin practicing healthy vulnerability in our lives.

We hope you enjoy episode 62 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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61. Yes Face vs. Stress Face Mar 15, 2021

#061 – You can tell a lot by someone's body language, so what is yours communicating to your volunteers? Wearing a "stress face" to your ministry events can cause your volunteers to sense a danger that isn't even there. The good new is that with a little bit of intentionality, we can learn to wear a "yes face" that breathes life, energy, and encouragement to the people we encounter in ministry.

We hope you enjoy episode 61 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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60. What To Do With Needy Volunteers Mar 08, 2021

#060 – If I were to ask you to think of a “needy” volunteer in your ministry, it probably wouldn’t take you very long to think of a name or two - but let me ask you this question - which of your volunteers are you investing the most of your time in? On today’s episode of the podcast, Josh and Jeff discuss how if we’re not careful, we can end up investing too much of our time with our “needy” volunteers, and not nearly enough time with our thriving, “need-meeting,” volunteers.

We hope you enjoy episode 60 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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59. Hurt People Hurt People Mar 01, 2021

#059 – Have you ever noticed that the people who seem to hurt others the most are the ones who are actually hurting the most? On today’s episode of the podcast, we’re discussing the idea that “hurt people hurt people” and how we can better respond when we are the recipients of a hurting person’s hurt. Spoiler Alert: You will be challenged by the spiritual wisdom of a 1st grader.

We hope you enjoy episode 59 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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58. How To Endure Long Suffering Feb 22, 2021

#058 – On what is sure to be our most encouraging podcast to date, we’ll be discussing the inevitability of long suffering in ministry. There is no doubt that suffering is one of the most common unlisted roles in a pastor’s job description, but the question is – how do we suffer well? Is that even possible? Well, in today’s episode, we talk about what it means to suffer well and how we can all endure long suffering in our own ministry context.

We hope you enjoy episode 58 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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57. A Better Way To Sabbath Feb 15, 2021

#057 - We all understand it, but we don't always apply it. That's right, on this week's episode of the podcast we're talking about Sabbath and giving you, what is hopefully, a new and refreshing outlook on a piece of our created identity - given to us and applied by our creator himself. If you've been struggling to get into a rhythm of rest during this difficult and complicated season, this is the episode for you.

We hope you enjoy episode 57 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

To Hell With The Hustle - Jefferson Bethke

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry - John Mark Comer

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56. When Volunteers Cancel Last Minute Feb 08, 2021

#056 - Have you ever received that last minute phone call or text from a volunteer letting you know they won't be able to serve? I think we've all been there. On today's episode of the podcast we talk about a system that can help you avoid the stress and pressure of these last minute cancellations - it's called "switching not ditching" and it's a proven system that helps build ownership and relationship for your volunteer team.

We hope you enjoy episode 56 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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55. "Know Thyself" Part 2 of 2 Feb 01, 2021

#055 - Today we continue our two part episode on the importance of knowing yourself as a leader, however, this week we continue by talking about the importance of knowing your team and how that can help you ask a leader build a team that loves what they do, loves who they're with, and a team that lasts.

We hope you enjoy episode 55 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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54. "Know Thyself" Part 1 of 2 Jan 25, 2021

#054 - In order to lead others well you must first know how to lead yourself well. This idea is one of the basic rules of leadership, but not all of us do this well. So, the question is, how do we begin to "Know Thyself" and, in turn, begin to lead others better? Well, in today's episode we kick off a two part series about the importance of personal growth and understanding by discussing the SHAPE personality assessment and how this tool can be used to strengthen your leadership muscles.

We hope you enjoy episode 54 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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53. What Is Long Term Ministry Success? Jan 18, 2021

#053 - Have you ever thought about what the ministry you're leading will look like after you're gone? I'm not sure a lot of leaders have. I mean, you have plenty to worry about right now, let alone the future, right? But what if we told you that one of the best things you can be doing for your ministry is set it up for success in the future? You see, ministry is a long-game, and eternity is on the line. So, one of the best things we can do as leaders is slowly stack building blocks as a foundation that will help your ministry stand the test of time.

We hope you enjoy episode 53 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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52. Building A Team From Scratch Jan 05, 2021

#052 – We're kicking off the new year with a good one! When we feel like we have too much on our plate it's easy to dump off some of our tasks on other members of our team. However, on today's episode of the podcast we talk about the dangers of task dumping, and talk about ways that we can go beyond delegating, and turn task management into discipleship that sets up your ministry for success now and in the future!

We hope you enjoy episode 52 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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51. Merry Christmas! 🎄 Dec 23, 2020

Merry Christmas from the Lead Volunteers Podcast! We are so thankful for all of you and for 1 year of doing this podcast. We are excited for all that is to come next year! We hope you have a Merry Christmas - a Happy New Year - and we'll see you in 2 weeks for the next episode of the Lead Volunteers Podcast!

50. How To Push Forward When You Feel Like You Can't Dec 15, 2020

#050 – Crazy. Chaotic. Stressful. There are plenty of words we could use to describe this season of ministry – but what do we do when we feel the weight of the world on our shoulders? How do we react when we face uncertain times? To put it simply – chill out :) In today’s episode of the podcast we talk about the goodness and power of God and how we as leaders can cling to that when our programs fail. You don’t want to miss this one!

We hope you enjoy episode 50 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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49. Wisdom In Ministry (w/ Hampton Simms) Dec 07, 2020

#049 – We love getting the chance to sit down with ministry leaders from all over the country – and when you get the chance to sit down with someone like Hampton Simms, an incredible leader with 24 years of ministry experience, you don’t pass that up. In today’s episode of the podcast we learn some of Hampton’s keys to leading well in ministry and how surrounding himself, and applying, wisdom has helped him grow throughout the years.

We hope you enjoy episode 49 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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48. Your Job As A Leader (w/ Hampton Simms) Nov 30, 2020

#048 – At Lead Volunteers we believe the job of a leader is to build up the body to do the work of the ministry. However, there are some leaders who believe all of that work should fall on the shoulders of the hired ministry leader. In today's episode of the podcast, we sit down with Pastor Hampton Simms and talk not only about these differing philosophies of ministry, but how to react if there should be a philosophical disagreement between you and your superior.

We hope you enjoy episode 48 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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47. Is Progress Possible During Covid-19? Nov 23, 2020

#047 – Has it felt at all like you just cannot win during this season of ministry due to all of the external circumstances surrounding you? You’re not alone. This has been an incredibly discouraging and stressful season of ministry for so many. However, on today’s episode of the podcast, we would like to offer you some encouragement to not grow weary. Instead, lets begin planting seeds within our ministry that will help us bear fruit in the future - no matter what the world around us looks like.

We hope you enjoy episode 47 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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46. My Favorite Productivity Tip For Ministry Nov 16, 2020

#046 – The brain is an incredible thing - but have you ever thought of your brain as a tool? In today's episode of the Lead Volunteers Podcast we talk about how, in just 10 minutes, you can engage our subconscious to do work for you that will save you hours in the long run. We've all struggled with organizing our thoughts at one point or another - and we want to help you stay organized throughout your workday in a way that brings peace and productivity to your life.

We hope you enjoy episode 46 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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45. How I Avoid Burning Out Nov 09, 2020

#045 – Have you found yourself a little overwhelmed in the past 9 months? I think there are thousands and thousands of pastors and ministry leaders raising their hands with you right now. From the election, to racial injustice, to coronavirus, to the new and daunting ministry tasks we have on our plate - this has been an overwhelming season - to say the least. On this episode of the lead volunteers podcast we talk through three specific questions you can ask yourself when you're feeling overwhelmed to help you do a little self-diagnostics in an effort to help you identify some truths about your stress and how you can continue to move forward. These 3 steps have helped Josh in his ministry for decades, and we hope they can be valuable to you as well! Let's avoid spiritual paralysis - what do you say?

We hope you enjoy episode 45 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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44. Do Your Volunteers Actually Know Each Other? Nov 02, 2020

#044 – Have you ever forgotten someone’s name immediately after meeting them, but then felt too bad to ask them again? We’ve all been there, but when it comes to ministry and our volunteers, we hope to never stay there. Doing ministry with people we like is fun, but doing ministry with people we KNOW is life-changing. In today’s episode of the podcast we talk about an uncomfortable conversation that led to one of the greatest traditions in our ministry’s history in regards to volunteer relationships – and how you can implement the same strategies yourself.

We hope you enjoy episode 44 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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43. The Best FREE Ministry Tool Oct 26, 2020

#043 – Have you ever found yourself relying mostly on your own intuition and ability instead of relying on the leading and guidance of the spirit? Unfortunately, in our modern western culture, it's easy for us to default to our own ability to make things happen rather than tap into the relationship we have with the God of the universe. God is not a genie in a bottle waiting to grant your every wish, but he is a creator who cares infinitely more about the lives and souls within your ministry than you can. So why wouldn't we rely on his loving guidance instead of our own intuition? That's what we're talking about on today's episode of the podcast.

We hope you enjoy episode 43 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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42. Small-Time Ministry in a Big-Time Way (w/ Dawn Farris) Oct 19, 2020

#042 – “Those who are faithful in little, will also be faithful in much.” – It’s easy in ministry to covet the “numbers” and “success” of larger ministries, but what does that say to the majority of faithful servants whose name may never be known to the masses? The beauty of ministry is not found in self-glorification, but in the glorification of the God who created you and every single person in your ministry. In today’s conversation with Dawn Farris, we talk about how to lead your family while in full time ministry, how to win in ministry, how to fail gracefully and productively, and also how to be faithful servants in the places God has us.

We hope you enjoy episode 42 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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41. Let's Talk Recruiting Strategies (w/ Tim Gerber) Oct 13, 2020

#041 – Recruiting volunteers in ministry is one of the biggest headaches for many ministry leaders – no matter your church size. Is there a way to make it easier? While there may not be an “easy button” for volunteer recruitment, there are some practical steps you can take to up your game as a volunteer recruiter. Today we were able to sit down with Pastor Tim Gerber and pick his brain about the things he’s done to not just scrape by with his church’s volunteers, but how he has developed teams, individuals, and thriving volunteer cultures – so get your notebook and pen ready :)

We hope you enjoy episode 41 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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40. Is Your Ministry A Mess? Oct 07, 2020

#040 – They say “messiness begets messiness – cleanliness begets cleanliness.” So the question is, how would you define your ministry? Often times it’s easy to let things slide for a short while, but those few days can turn into weeks, which turn into months, which can turn into years - and before you know it, you are in middle of a messy, or chaotic, ministry culture. Well, the good news is that there is hope. There is hope for a clean and orderly ministry, and today’s episode of the podcast, we share with you some practical ways to make that your reality. The benefits are not only peace of mind for you and your team, but a more exciting ministry to be a part of!

We hope you enjoy episode 40 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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39. How To Easily Boost Your Productivity Sep 28, 2020

#039 – Mark Twain was credited with saying, “if the first thing you do in the morning is eat a live frog, you can go through the rest of the day knowing the worst is behind you.” When it comes to ministry, we often find ourselves doing the easy – low effort tasks at the beginning of our days to “ease ourself into the day.” While this “ease-in” method may seem nice, it is actually an enemy of your productivity. In today’s episode of the podcast we talk about our brain’s capacity for focus and execution – and how if we waste our time on easy tasks when our brains are most productive, we won’t have anything left to accomplish the “big-rock-tasks” that need to be moved to advance our ministry’s mission.

We hope you enjoy episode 39 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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38. Knowing When To Say "No" Sep 21, 2020

#038 – We live in a world with a seemingly endless amount of resources – especially in the church world! You’ve probably been to a conference or roundtable that presents you with the next best thing for your ministry. You’ve also probably had conversations with other ministry leaders or members of your church that give you a lead on a new resource that you should take advantage of. There is no shortage of materials and resources for us to take advantage of as leaders – so how do we know which one to pick? And once we decide which direction we’re heading, how do we stick with it and not get distracted by every shiny object that comes our way? Well, that’s what we’re going to talk about on today’s episode of the podcast – picking a direction and sticking with it.

We hope you enjoy episode 38 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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37. The Most Important Ministry In Your Church Sep 14, 2020

#037 – What would you say is the most important ministry in your church? I’m sure there are one or two things that come to mind (including the ministry you lead, of course), but what if we told you that there are more important things to focus on? Hard pill to swallow, right? In this episode of the podcast we talk about how to focus our ministries in on our "core" so that we don’t get repeatedly distracted and overwhelmed by the extra programming and tasks that seem to fill our plate as leaders.

We hope you enjoy episode 37 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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36. The Most Effective Recruiting Strategy Sep 08, 2020

#036 – Have you ever had the thought, “if only my church was bigger, I’d have more volunteers?” We have too. The problem is, that just isn’t the case. In fact, the opposite is usually true – the bigger the church, the harder it is to find volunteers - and the reason has to do with personal interaction and relationship. Recruiting is never easy no matter the size of your church, so in this week’s episode of the podcast we talk about the MOST EFFECTIVE way to recruit high-quality volunteers.

We hope you enjoy episode 36 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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35. Measure Twice, Cut Once Aug 31, 2020

#035 – You may have heard it said before – “measure twice, cut once.” This idea that we should double check our work before making a decision. This is a principle we can all take into our ministry contexts. In today’s episode we talk about a few tools that we can apply to help us measure twice and cut once in ministry such as “The 24 Hour Rule,” “Scripting our Thoughts,” and more. These simple things will not only help you clarify your vision as you move forward, but it will leave a lot less “scrap wood” in your wake.

We hope you enjoy episode 35 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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34. One Reason Your Volunteers May Quit Aug 24, 2020

#034 – What is the biggest reason volunteers quit? Our gut tells us that it’s because they were overworked, right? But what if instead of having too much to do as a volunteer, they actually had too little? It’s easy as ministry leaders to feel like we are burdening our volunteers with unbearable tasks (which is why so many of us are doing too many things ourselves), but what if we reframed our understanding of delegation and used the gifts and abilities of our team to advance the mission and gospel in our ministries? That’s what we’re talking about in today’s episode!

We hope you enjoy episode 34 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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33. Celebrating Your Team Aug 18, 2020

#033 – "When things are going well, look out the window. When things aren't going well, look in the mirror." Today's episode is full of wise leadership nuggets that will undoubtedly help you celebrate your team when things go well, and help you lead with humility when things don't go as planned. No matter the size of your team, this episode will help you create a culture of unity that will help your ministry thrive in the long run!

We hope you enjoy episode 33 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, such as the candy bar award ceremony cards, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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32. Lonely Leadership (And How To Avoid It) Aug 10, 2020

#032 – “They say if you think you’re leading, but no one is around you, you’re just taking a walk.” In today’s episode of the lead volunteers podcast we talk about two specific types of leadership: positional leadership and emotional leadership. It’s one thing to lead over people like a dictator, expecting your volunteers to blindly follow your every command, but it’s another thing to lead sacrificially from the bottom – as a part of a team who’s in it together.

We hope you enjoy episode 32 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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31. Focus On YOUR Few Aug 04, 2020

#031 – N.O.P.E - Not our problem everyone. It's very easy in the ministry world to notice the problems of other people's ministries while neglecting the problems within your own area. That's a tough pill to swallow, right? Well for years, we have sat through the agenda-less meetings, the not thought out events, and seen far too many leader wing it. As much as we want to point the finger and address the issues we see, maybe the first question we should be asking is, "do I display any of these frustrating qualities to my own team?" In this episode of the podcast, we talk about the importance of controlling what it is that we can control within our own area of ministry before we begin expanding our umbrella of "influence" onto ministries we have no authority over.

We hope you enjoy episode 31 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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30. How To Instantly Become A Better Leader Jul 28, 2020

#030 – “He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20 is a verse that rings oh so true in the world of leadership. Oftentimes as leaders we can become so focused on the growth of our ministry and teams that we forget to put time and energy into our own growth as leaders. The eagerness we once had to learn and grow early on in ministry has somewhat settled into a bank of knowledge and experiences that we feel is good enough. We become content in our abilities. But what if we were made to continually grow? What if we don’t have all of the answers? How can we continue to be students of the word and students of ministry all throughout our lives? These are the questions we aim to answer in today’s podcast episode.

We hope you enjoy episode 30 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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29. Dealing With Disunifying Leaders Jul 21, 2020

#029 – Have you ever had a disunifying person on your team? Now, we’re not talking about someone who has a slight disagreement with you, we’re talking about someone who is actively trying to change the course of the ministry in a different direction than you’re heading. It’s no fun, right? And seemingly impossible to deal with. Well, in this episode of the Lead Volunteers Podcast we aim to give you some direction and tips for how you can recognize disunifying people before you recruit them, but also how to deal with a disunifying person who’s already on your team.

We hope you enjoy episode 29 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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28. How To Lead Through Chaos Jul 13, 2020

#028 - Can we all admit that things have been a little chaotic lately?! It's super easy to get caught up in the craziness of this season, learning new ministry techniques, and navigating coronavirus. In this episode we talk about the importance of focussing on the mission rather than the methods of our ministry. In a time where things are up in the air, it's important that we center ourselves on the gospel and refocus our hearts on the most important thing in ministry. The questions is, how do we do that when things are so crazy around us? That's what we hope to answer for you today.

We hope you enjoy episode 28 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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27. How Automation Makes Ministry MORE Personal Jul 06, 2020

#027 - There’s a myth going around that automation restricts and depersonalizes ministry. Well we want to bust that myth today and give you some practical steps for automation within your ministry that will not only save you time and energy, but free you up to joyfully do the ministry that you are called to do. In today’s episode we encourage you to discover the things you repeatedly stumble over in ministry, back up 10 feet, and build a ramp of automation that helps you soar over it in the future – creating less stress, and providing more joy, for you and your team.

We hope you enjoy episode 27 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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26. Leading Through The Coronavirus Jun 29, 2020

#026 - Time + Consistency = Reputation. Doing ministry in the midst of a global pandemic was never on any of our radars when we signed up for this job, and yet here we are in the midst of one of the most unique ministry circumstances of our lifetime. So the question is, how do we lead through it? We've been in a season of reactionary leadership and we want to encourage everyone to be leading proactively instead.

Josh and I talk about a few key things you can be doing in your ministry as we enter into this new phase of coronavirus leadership.

We hope you enjoy episode 26 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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25. Building Leaders That Build Leaders w/ Yancy Jun 22, 2020

#025 – We all have a story about that one person who gave a chance. And no matter how much of a train wreck that leadership chance may have been, it was that first step, that initial spark, that defining moment that catapulted your passion for ministry. The question then becomes: how can we give people those same opportunities to lead (before they are "qualified")? In today's Episode, Yancy helps give us a few great answers to that very important question.

In this season of the Lead Volunteers Podcast we are interviewing some of the ministry world's brightest minds and gaining wisdom from their real life ministry experiences. We hope you enjoy these conversations as much as we did.

Be sure to share episode 25 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the volunteer resources mentioned in this episode along with hundreds more helpful ministry tools and resources, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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24. Why My Volunteers Always Show Up w/ Sean Sweet Jun 15, 2020

#024 – Some of us have had trouble in the past with out volunteers showing up consistently. And fair enough, they aren't paid, right? But what if our volunteers would not only show up for their role, but be a part of creating, developing, and implementing their role? Today we learn a technique and method that Sean has been using in his ministry for years with great success.

In this season of the Lead Volunteers Podcast we are interviewing some of the ministry world's brightest minds and gaining wisdom from their real life ministry experiences. We hope you enjoy these conversations as much as we did.

Be sure to share episode 24 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the volunteer resources mentioned in this episode along with hundreds more helpful ministry tools and resources, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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23. Can Ministry Be A Party? w/ Jared Lilly Jun 09, 2020

#023 - What if volunteering with your ministry was like being at the party that nobody wanted to miss? Well this week we're talking with Jared Lilly, one of the most fun guys you'll ever meet, and see how he engages his volunteer team in a fun way!

In this season of the Lead Volunteers Podcast we are interviewing some of the ministry world's brightest minds and gaining wisdom from their real life ministry experiences. We hope you enjoy these conversations as much as we did.

Be sure to share episode 23 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the volunteer resources mentioned in this episode along with hundreds more helpful ministry tools and resources, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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22. How To Be Successful In Ministry w/ Kelly Presson Jun 01, 2020

#022 – What does it mean to be successful in ministry? There are plenty of ways that we could measure our "success," but according to scripture and the way Jesus led, there's something beyond your personal production that measures your personal success in ministry. We loved getting the chance to sit down with Kelly Person and talk about what it means to be successful in ministry.

In this season of the Lead Volunteers Podcast we are interviewing some of the ministry world's brightest minds and gaining wisdom from their real life ministry experiences. We hope you enjoy these conversations as much as we did.

Be sure to share episode 22 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the volunteer resources mentioned in this episode along with hundreds more helpful ministry tools and resources, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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21. Are You Phoning In Your Spiritual Practices? w/ Michayla White May 26, 2020

#021 – Discipleship is a word that has been thrown around a lot within the church, but what does it actually look like? Everyone seems to have their own hot-take on how to make disciples which makes it nearly impossible to know whose method is best. In this episode we take a look back at the life of Jesus and see how HE made disciples, because if there's one person that we know we can trust when it comes to making disciples, it's Jesus.

In this season of the Lead Volunteers Podcast we are interviewing some of the ministry world's brightest minds and gaining wisdom from their real life ministry experiences. We hope you enjoy these conversations as much as we did.

Be sure to share episode 21 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the volunteer resources mentioned in this episode along with hundreds more helpful ministry tools and resources, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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20. How To Get The Most Out Of Your Volunteers w/ Michayla White May 18, 2020

#020 – Our volunteers are our greatest blessing as ministry leaders, but do they know it? We could not do what we do without them and yet there are many volunteers wondering what it is they are supposed to be doing. How can we as ministry leaders enable and equip our volunteers to develop not only the ministry they are a part of, but their own gifts and abilities as well?

In this season of the Lead Volunteers Podcast we are interviewing some of the ministry world's brightest minds and gaining wisdom from their real life ministry experiences. We hope you enjoy these conversations as much as we did.

Be sure to share episode 20 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the volunteer resources mentioned in this episode along with hundreds more helpful ministry tools and resources, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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19. Is Your Ministry Too Holy For God? w/ Vance Martin May 11, 2020

#019 - Ministry is hard...but does it need to be? We've all experienced our own ministry scars, but Jesus assures us that the burden is light. How can this be? In this new season of the Lead Volunteers Podcast we are interviewing some of the ministry world's brightest minds and gaining wisdom from their real life ministry experiences. We hope you enjoy these conversations as much as we did.

We hope you enjoy episode 19 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the volunteer resources mentioned in this episode along with hundreds more helpful ministry tools and resources, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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18. Going To War With The Army You Have w/ David Richards May 04, 2020

In this new season of the Lead Volunteers Podcast we are interviewing some of the ministry world's brightest minds and gaining wisdom from their real life ministry experiences. We hope you enjoy these conversations as much as we did.

We hope you enjoy episode 18 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the volunteer resources mentioned in this episode along with hundreds more helpful ministry tools and resources, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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17. The Hand Of The Diligent Will Rule Apr 27, 2020

#017 This is the final episode in our most recent three part series. Today, on the Lead Volunteers Podcasts, we talk about how diligence can propel you forward in your ministry context and allow you to do less of what you hate, and more of what you love. We are more excited than ever to walk you through these tips on how you can take the leaders you have and develop them into a well oiled ministry machine through the practice of diligence.

We hope you enjoy episode 17 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the volunteer job descriptions mentioned in this episode along with hundreds more helpful ministry tools and resources, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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16. Dominate With Diligence Apr 20, 2020

#016 - Last in our most recent series of three, this episode of the Lead Volunteers Podcasts tells you how to dominate in your ministry role through diligence. Like the humble ant, we learn from the book of proverbs that hard work on the front end makes a HUGE difference on the back end.

We hope you enjoy episode 16 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the volunteer job descriptions mentioned in this episode along with hundreds more helpful ministry tools and resources, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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15. The Poopy Stall Principle Apr 13, 2020

#015 - This one is a little messy, but we promise the mess is worth it. It's easy to get in the routine of doing everything yourself, but the Poopy Stall Principle reminds us that in order to receive a more bountiful harvest, there are going to be a few messes, and we believe that the goal of ministry is to manage the messes in the midst of the harvest, not to have a clean stall.

We hope you enjoy episode 15 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the information and resources mentioned in this episode along with hundreds more helpful ministry tools and resources, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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14. Volunteers And Beasts Of Burden Apr 06, 2020

#014 - In this episode of the Lead Volunteers Podcast we're kicking off a 3 part series and applying some of the Proverbs to leading volunteers. In today's episode we flip the script and see how we can best encourage and build up our volunteers by understanding that they have lives and responsibilities outside of our ministries, and yet they still carve time out of their lives to serve. So, the question then becomes; how can I pour into my volunteers rather than unintentionally drain them?

We hope you enjoy episode 14 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the volunteer call scripts mentioned in this episode along with hundreds more helpful ministry tools and resources, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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13. Volunteers and BIG Events - Part 2 Mar 30, 2020

#013 - Here is Part 2 of 2 on our leading volunteers for big events series. We know that managing volunteers for large events is not an easy thing to do! "How many do I need?" "What jobs are there?" "Do I have enough people?" "Do I have too many people?" "How many things can one person do?"... Am I missing anything? There are so many things to be thinking about when planning a large event and we want to do everything we can to help make sure that your volunteers (or lack thereof) don't become your greatest stressor while planning. We have a tested and proven plan to help you organize your volunteers and event in a way that allows you, the ministry leader, to use your time and energy to pour into the mission of the event, rather than meticulously worrying about the methods.

We hope you enjoy episode 13 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the volunteer job descriptions, task lists, and an in depth look at the 3 checkpoints mentioned in this episode along with hundreds more helpful ministry tools and resources, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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12. Volunteers and BIG Events - Part 1 Mar 23, 2020

#012 - Managing volunteers for large events is not an easy thing to do! "How many do I need?" "What jobs are there?" "Do I have enough people?" "Do I have too many people?" "How many things can one person do?"... Am I missing anything? There are so many things to be thinking about when planning a large event and we want to do everything we can to help make sure that your volunteers (or lack thereof) don't become your greatest stressor while planning. We have a tested and proven plan to help you organize your volunteers and event in a way that allows you, the ministry leader, to use your time and energy to pour into the mission of the event, rather than meticulously worrying about the methods.

We hope you enjoy episode 12 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the volunteer job descriptions, task lists, and an in depth look at the 5 P's mentioned in this episode along with hundreds more helpful ministry tools and resources, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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11. Are Your Volunteers Bored? (And About To Leave?) Mar 16, 2020

#011 - A lot of ministry leaders worry about burning out volunteers, but what about boring out volunteers? How can we as ministry leaders make sure our volunteers are being challenged enough? In today's episode we are continuing last week's conversation about burnout and talking through a few helpful ways that you, as the ministry leader, can get a read on the overall health and status of your volunteers. We certainly don't want to burn out our volunteers, but we don't want to bore them out either, and while the suggestions from today's episode may take a little bit of time and effort, they will help ensure the health and spiritual growth of your volunteers, which is priceless!

We hope you enjoy episode 11 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find it beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to some of the tools mentioned in this episode along with hundreds of other helpful ministry tools and resources that will save you time, energy, and stress, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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10. Are You Burning Out Your Volunteers? Mar 09, 2020

#010 - Some volunteers fill 92 slots per year and love every minute of it while others fill 11 slots and feel like they're barely hanging on. How can we as ministry leaders make sure we know how our volunteers are feeling? In today's episode we talk through a few helpful ways that you, as the ministry leader, can get a read on the overall health and status of your volunteers. These suggestions may take a little bit of time and effort, but they will help ensure the health and spiritual growth of your volunteers, which is priceless!

We hope you enjoy episode 10 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find it beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to some of the tools mentioned in this episode along with hundreds of other helpful ministry tools and resources that will save you time, energy, and stress, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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9. The 3 Signs Of A Miserable Volunteer Mar 02, 2020

#009 - The last thing we want to hear from our volunteers is that they're miserable. However, it happens more than you might think, AND could even be happening within your own ministry RIGHT NOW without you realizing it. In this episode of the Lead Volunteers Podcast we talk practically about how to recognize whether or not your volunteers are reaching their full potential and making the Gospel impact God created them for, and about ways that you can easily, consistently, and repeatedly cast vision and define wins for your team.

We hope you enjoy episode 9 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the volunteer survey mentioned in this episode along with hundreds more helpful ministry tools and resources, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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8. Purposelessness and Losing Volunteers Feb 24, 2020

#008 - You would think volunteering for a ministry would naturally come with its own sense of purpose, right? Well unfortunately, that's just not the case. It is so important for you as the ministry leader to engrain a sense of vision and purpose into your ministry culture so that your volunteers know, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are making a Kingdom impact!

So how do we do that? Well, in this episode of the Lead Volunteers podcast we take a look at 3 simple and easy things you can do today to help shift your ministry culture and instill a higher sense of purpose in your volunteers.

We hope you enjoy episode 8 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to over 50 pre-written scripture cards to inspire the volunteers in your church, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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7. The PAIN And GAIN Of Volunteer Job Descriptions! Feb 17, 2020

#007 - Why do my volunteers need a job description? This isn't a job! What sounds like a job is creating job descriptions for every single one of my volunteer positions.

Well, this may come as a surprise, but we believe that every church volunteer should have a list of a few short, clear, and effective job descriptions in order to make your life, and their life as a volunteer, SO MUCH EASIER! Thankfully, we are here to help guide you through some of the more difficult aspects of writing job descriptions in order to make it as easy and seamless as possible for you to plug them in to your ministry context.

We hope you enjoy episode 7 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to over 70 pre-written job descriptions for every ministry area in your church, check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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6. The Dangers Of Recruiting In A Digital World Feb 10, 2020

#006 - Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert? Regardless of the answer, your job as a ministry leader is going to require you to talk to people and, in some cases, require you to have uncomfortable conversations. I think we can all agree that these conversations are becoming increasingly more difficult because of the digital world we live in. Do I Text? Call? Email? Write them a letter? What am I supposed to say if they answer? Thankfully, we are here to help guide you through some of these recruiting conversations by giving you tools to use, and tools to avoid while recruiting volunteers.

We hope you enjoy episode 6 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

Check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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5. How To Release A Volunteer | Part 3 & 4 Feb 03, 2020

#005 - BONUS SEGMENT TIME! On this episode of the Lead Volunteers Podcast we are wrapping up our four-part series on how to effectively release a volunteer. We're here to help you IDENTIFY whether or not your leader should be released, NAVIGATE those conversations with practical strategies and examples, and give you a few examples of things you can implement into your ministry to help you PREVENT (as best you can) these conversations from needing to happen in the first place. We hope you enjoy part 3 AND 4 of this series and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

Check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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4. How To Release A Volunteer | Part 2 of 4 Jan 27, 2020

#004 - On this episode of the Lead Volunteers Podcast we are continuing our four-part series on how to effectively release a volunteer. We're here to help you IDENTIFY whether or not your leader should be released, NAVIGATE those conversations with practical strategies and examples, and give you a few examples of things you can implement into your ministry to help you PREVENT (as best you can) these conversations from needing to happen in the first place. We hope you enjoy episode 2 of this 4 part series and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

Check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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2. Share The Vision, Not The Sacrifice Jan 17, 2020

#002 - On this episode of the Lead Volunteers Podcast we talk about the best way that you can effectively recruit volunteers in a way that gets both you and your potential volunteers excited about ministry.

Check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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3. How To Release A Volunteer | Part 1 of 4 Jan 17, 2020

#003 - On this episode of the Lead Volunteers Podcast we are beginning a new four-part series on how to effectively release a volunteer. We're here to help you IDENTIFY whether or not your leader should be released, NAVIGATE those conversations with practical strategies and examples, and give you a few examples of things you can implement in your ministry to help you PREVENT (as best you can) these conversations from needing to happen in the first place. We hope you enjoy episode 1 of this 4 part series and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

Check out leadvolunteers.com and get started today!

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1. Always and Never Do's of Recruiting Jan 08, 2020

#001 - Welcome to the Lead Volunteers Podcast! Recruiting volunteers is difficult enough on its own. Here are some things that you should Always AND Never Do while recruiting volunteers, including the #1 recruiting line that will help you develop a healthy volunteer team and culture in no time!

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