The Lead Ministry Podcast

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**The Lead Ministry Podcast**

Lead Ministry is here for you, the dedicated people in ministry leadership. Our fast-paced, inspirational podcast offers practical steps in each episode to help you thrive.

Our focus:
*GET SKILLS – Implement systems to avoid burnout.
*GET INSPIRED – Embrace leadership as a path to disciple-making.
*GET MOVING – Apply episode ideas to enhance your ministry.

Join us on a journey to navigate the challenges of ministry, from volunteer management to team building, and lead with purpose and passion in your service.

Latest Episodes:

322. Planning Events That Don't Kill You Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

Episode Description

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Vance Martin

from Slingshot Group tackle a critical issue for ministry leaders: how to

plan events without burning out. Building on last week's 3x3 Framework,

they introduce five planning principles designed to protect your team and

your energy. From breaking tasks into smaller pieces to documenting as you

go, this episode provides a practical playbook for sustainable event

planning. If you have ever felt crushed by an event that was supposed to be

life-giving, this episode will show you a better way forward.

Key Topics Covered

*Doable Hard vs. Destructive Hard* — The critical distinction between

healthy challenge and unsustainable strain

*Break Everything Into Smaller Pieces* — Why defining every task is the

first step to organized execution

*Start Dates and Done Dates* — How to avoid due date deception by planning

when work begins, not just when it is due

*Pre-Event Milestones* — Treating planning deadlines and marketing launches

as events on the calendar

*Fill Open Time Wisely* — Redistributing workload into slower seasons

instead of stacking it into brutal ones

*Give Away Tasks and Leadership* — Why organization enables delegation and

the best events are led by teams, not heroes

*Document as You Go* — Building reusable templates and using post-event

evaluations like the Six Thinking Hats framework

*Gantt Charts for Ministry* — Using project management tools to visualize

timelines and assign ownership

Key Quote

"What gets defined gets done."

Scripture References

None directly cited in this episode.

Takeaway

Stop treating event planning as a sprint you survive. Start treating it as

a system you build. Break down tasks, set start dates, create milestones,

distribute the workload, and document everything so next year is easier

than this year.

Call to Action

We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and

stay tuned for more resources each week.

Stay Connected for More Resources

Visit our website: http://leadministry.com

Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

321. Designing Events That Serve Everyone Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

Episode Description

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart welcomes back

Vance Martin from Slingshot Group to introduce the 3x3 Framework for

Strategic Events. They explore why events miss the mark — through

misalignment, mismanagement, and mistiming — and offer a powerful new lens

for event planning. The framework identifies three cultures to target

(kids, parents, volunteers), three purposes to fulfill (find, fun,

formation), and three event types to deploy (show up, show out, showdown).

If you have ever felt like your events serve some people but leave others

behind, this episode will give you a practical grid to design events that

serve everyone.

Key Topics Covered

*The Three Misses* — Why events fail through misalignment (no purpose),

mismanagement (no team), and mistiming (no margin)

*Three Cultures to Target* — Kids, parents, and volunteers each need

distinct event attention

*Three Event Purposes* — Find (outreach), fun (connection and belonging),

and formation (discipleship and equipping)

*Three Event Types* — Show up (low-pressure), show out (structured), and

showdown (high-energy, wide-reach)

*The 3x3 Grid* — How to plot your annual calendar using colored sticky

notes to ensure balanced investment across all groups

*Events as Recruiting Tools* — How one-time serve opportunities at events

become gateways to long-term volunteer teams

Key Quote

"A killer event shouldn't kill you, and it shouldn't kill your team."

Takeaway

Stop planning events in isolation. Use the 3x3 Grid to ensure you are

intentionally serving all three cultures — kids, parents, and volunteers —

with the right purpose and the right format. Plot it visually, step back,

and see where the gaps are.

Call to Action

We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and

stay tuned for more resources each week.

Stay Connected for More Resources

Visit our website: http://leadministry.com

Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

320. Events Should Lead Somewhere Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Episode Description

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk explore why every ministry event should lead somewhere — not end at a dead end. They unpack the concept of events as stepping stones across a river, moving people from first-time guests to committed members. They also introduce a breadcrumb analogy, showing how a thoughtful sequence of events can guide families through a clear pathway toward deeper engagement. If you have ever planned an event and wondered what comes next, this episode will equip you with a strategic framework for year-round event planning.

Key Topics Covered

Events as Stepping Stones — Why each event should connect to the next, creating a natural pathway from guest to committed member

The Breadcrumb Strategy — How to lay out a series of appealing events that guide people through a forest of unfamiliarity toward deeper church involvement

Building Familiarity — Practical ways to reduce the "deer in the headlights" experience for newcomers at your church

The Six Parts of an Event (Airplane Model) — Leadership, volunteers, promotion, going live, follow-up, and recovery

Gathering Contact Information — Why collecting info at events is non-negotiable for effective follow-up

Calendar Strategy — How to space events at a natural human rhythm, avoiding gaps that are too large or too small

Key Quote

"The event isn't the event. The event is meeting their deepest needs. An event is nothing but an excuse to develop relationships and a level of consistency."

Scripture References

Psalm 34:8 — "Taste and see that the Lord is good." (referenced in breadcrumb analogy)

Takeaway

Stop thinking of events as standalone experiences. Start viewing them as strategic stepping stones that move people from their first visit toward genuine connection with the body of Christ. Map your entire year of events and make sure each one promotes the next.

Call to Action

We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.

Stay Connected for More Resources

Visit our website: http://leadministry.com

Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

319: One Trailer. Hundreds of Conversations. Zero Burnout. Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Episode Description

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart tells the story behind a simple but powerful outreach tool: a mobile block party trailer. He explains how one shared resource empowered everyday church members to love their neighbors, host gatherings, and start meaningful conversations without burning out leaders or volunteers.

If your church wants outreach that is relational, repeatable, and sustainable, this episode offers a practical model that works in real neighborhoods.

Key Topics Covered

The block party trailer concept – Outreach that scales through people

Earning the right to be heard – Building relationships before invitations

Sustainable outreach systems – High impact without burnout

Key Quote

“One simple trailer created hundreds of meaningful conversations.”

Scripture References

Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others.”

1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have.”

Takeaway

Outreach does not have to be complicated or exhausting. When churches equip people with simple tools and clear vision, relational impact multiplies naturally.

Call to Action

We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.

Stay Connected for More Resources

Visit our website: http://leadministry.com

Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

Bonus Episode: How Churches Are Gaining Access To Public Schools Again Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

Episode Description

In this bonus episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart shares how churches are gaining unprecedented access to public schools by serving real community needs. Drawing from his background as a science educator, Josh explains a practical outreach approach that builds trust, creates goodwill, and opens doors for the gospel.

If your church has felt shut out of public schools or unsure how to begin those conversations, this episode offers a clear, proven path forward rooted in service and wisdom.

Key Topics Covered

Why churches lost access to public schools – Understanding the relational gap

Good works and goodwill – Earning the right to be heard again

The Day of Science – A bridge building outreach model

Key Quote

“We must serve our way into the hearts of people.”

Scripture References

Joshua 3:7 – “I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel.”

1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have.”

Takeaway

Access to public schools is not gained through arguments but through service. When churches meet real needs with excellence, doors reopen and trust is restored.

Call to Action

We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.

Stay Connected for More Resources

Visit our website: http://leadministry.com

Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

318. A Killer Outreach Event That Won’t Burn You Out Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

Episode Description

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart explores how churches can host high impact outreach events without exhausting their leaders or volunteers. He introduces a practical outreach model built around clarity, simplicity, and gospel faithfulness.

If you have ever wondered whether live outreach events are worth the cost, effort, or risk, this episode will equip you with a framework for doing them in a sustainable and effective way.

Key Topics Covered

Burnout and outreach – Why many events cost more than they give back

A killer event that does not kill your team – Designing for sustainability

The Amazing Chemistry Show – A practical outreach model that works

Key Quote

“A killer event doesn’t have to kill you or your team.”

Scripture References

Joshua 3:7 – “I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel.”

Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”

Takeaway

Effective outreach does not require chaos, exhaustion, or embarrassment. When events are designed with the gospel, the audience, and volunteers in mind, outreach becomes energizing instead of draining.

Call to Action

We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.

Stay Connected for More Resources

Visit our website: http://leadministry.com

Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

317: VBS Isn't Dead. BAD VBS IS Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

Episode Description

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart challenges the idea that VBS is outdated or ineffective. He explains why VBS still works as outreach when it is designed around clarity, sustainability, and gospel depth rather than exhaustion and overprogramming.

If you have ever wondered whether VBS is worth the time, energy, or budget, this episode will give you a fresh framework for doing it in a way that energizes leaders, engages kids, and reaches families.

Key Topics Covered

Why VBS still works as outreach – Separating bad models from good ministry

Burnout and volunteer fatigue – Designing systems that do not exhaust teams

A better VBS framework – Gospel clarity, simplicity, and sustainability

Key Quote

“VBS isn’t dead. Bad VBS is.”

Scripture References

Matthew 19:14 – “Let the little children come to me.”

Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.”

Takeaway

VBS becomes powerful outreach when it is built to serve leaders and volunteers, not drain them. When the gospel is clear every day and systems are simple, momentum follows.

Call to Action

We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.

Stay Connected for More Resources

Visit our website: http://leadministry.com

Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

316. Most Churches Get Outreach Backwards (Here’s the Order That Works) Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

Episode Description

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk challenge a common mistake churches make with outreach. They explore why most churches get outreach backwards and outline a biblical, relational order that actually works in today’s culture.

If you have ever felt like your outreach efforts were ignored, resisted, or ineffective, this episode will equip and inspire you with a healthier approach that rebuilds trust and opens doors for the gospel.

Key Topics Covered

Why outreach fails when the order is wrong – Leading with message before trust

Good works and goodwill – How service restores credibility

A sustainable outreach framework – From presence to proclamation

Key Quote

“Good works lead to goodwill, and goodwill opens the door to the good news.”

Scripture References

1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have.”

Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”

Takeaway

Effective outreach starts with service, not a pitch. When churches get the order right, trust grows and the gospel is heard differently.

Call to Action

We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.

Stay Connected for More Resources

Visit our website: http://leadministry.com

Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

315. The Progress Spiral: Finish What You Start With Clarity (Part 3) Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Vance Martin close out their three-part series on the Progress Spiral. They explore the final step — Complete — offering practical wisdom on collaboration, communication, and course correction for ministry leaders.

If you've ever felt the tension between good intentions and real follow-through, this episode will equip and inspire you with a clear path to trustworthy, consistent leadership.

Key Topics Covered
• Completing the Progress Spiral with conviction
• Why collaboration is essential for lasting change
• How communication becomes the gift that unlocks trust

Key Quote
"Your execution will only be as clear as your communication."

Scripture References
Proverbs 27:23 – "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds."
Luke 16:10 – "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much."

Takeaway
The spiritual and organizational health of your ministry grows when leaders commit to honest probing, thoughtful strategy, and faithful completion. Trust is built in the follow-through. And lasting change requires both the “plumbing” of systems and the “poetry” of conviction.

Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.

Stay Connected for More Resources
Visit our website: http://leadministry.com
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

314. The Progress Spiral: Build the Right Plan Before You Act (Part 2) Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and his co-host Vance Martin continue their three-part journey through the Progress Spiral. They explore why leaders must slow down long enough to assess the real problem before jumping into action, offering a practical and hope-filled framework for ministry leaders.

If you've ever felt like you’re fixing the same issues on repeat, this episode will equip and inspire you with a clear process for diagnosing challenges, shaping strategy, and preparing for meaningful change.

Key Topics Covered
The Progress Spiral – How leaders move from evaluation to strategy
The Three S’s of Strategizing – Situation, solution, and steps explained
Root vs. Fruit Problems – Why identifying causes matters more than treating symptoms

Key Quote
"Once you know what’s wrong, now it's time to build a plan to make it right."

Scripture References
Proverbs 15:22 – "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed."
Luke 14:28 – "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost…?"

Takeaway
Strategizing is where leadership slows down long enough to see the truth. When pastors and ministry leaders step back to understand the situation, name the real problem, and break solutions into actionable steps, progress becomes inevitable rather than accidental. Thoughtful strategy honors people, strengthens programs, and creates shared ownership for change.

Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.

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