The Lead Ministry Podcast

Latest Episodes:

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

Show notes

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!

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

Show notes

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!

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

Show notes

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!

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

Show notes

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!

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

Show notes

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!

207. Building Effective Ministry Teams Jan 08, 2024

Show notes

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!

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

Show notes

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!

205. Lead Volunteers Christmas Special 2023 Dec 25, 2023

Show notes

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!

204. Creating a Recruiting Elevator Pitch Dec 18, 2023

Show notes

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!

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

Show notes

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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