Fly on the Wall Podcast With Chris Sonksen

Church Boom

Be a “Fly on the Wall” as Chris Sonksen takes you behind the scenes on a coaching call with a ministry leader. In each episode, you’ll get to hear how a coaching call happens, practical tips on how to grow your ministry, and what it takes to be a healthy leader in today's culture. You'll get to be a "fly on the wall" and listen to a live coaching session between Chris and a church leader like yourself. 

  1. 4d ago

    216 | The Mistake That Keeps Churches Stuck

    A lot of churches don’t fail because they lack passion. They fail because they lose focus. In Episode 216 of the Fly on the Wall Podcast, Chris sits down with Josh from Denver for one of the most practical conversations we’ve had yet on church planting, leadership development, and building momentum from the ground up. Because when you’re starting a church—or trying to break through a plateau—it’s tempting to think the answer is more programs, more ministries, or more activity. But Chris makes a powerful point throughout this episode: Growth doesn’t come from adding more. It comes from building better processes. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for pastors trying to create healthy, sustainable growth without burning themselves out. Here’s some of what they unpack: Why most churches grow to the level of the pastor’s personality—and then get stuck The danger of adding too many programs too early How to focus on the few activities that actually create momentum Why Sunday experience + follow-up + engagement should dominate your early strategy The difference between personality, programs, and processes How “speed of engagement” can completely change the trajectory of your church Why churches should focus on activity goals instead of obsessing over attendance numbers A practical framework for developing volunteers into real leaders How leadership circles and apprenticing create long-term multiplication One of the strongest moments in the episode: “The scorecard has to change from results to activity.” Chris also shares one of the biggest frustrations he sees in ministry today—the lack of hunger many pastors have for personal growth and coaching. And honestly, that part of the conversation hits hard. Because healthy churches are almost always led by leaders who are committed to learning, improving, and growing themselves first. If you’re planting a church, rebuilding momentum, or trying to create stronger systems and leadership pipelines, this episode is full of immediately actionable insight. 👉 Listen to Episode 216 and join the conversation.  And if your church feels stuck right now, don’t forget to grab Church Boom’s free resource, Unstoppable Momentum—8 practical training videos and a workbook designed to help your church experience breakthrough and growth. Get it free at churchboom.org/momentum. Let’s build with intention. 👍🏼 Follow us on social media  + Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/church.boom + Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mychurchboom + Website: https://www.churchboom.org 👋 About Us Fly on the Wall Podcast, presented by Church Boom, takes pastors into a live coaching session with Chris Sonksen, CEO & Founder of Church Boom. Each episode features a pastor, just like you, as they share the challenges they face and get practical advice on how to overcome them.

    42 min

  2. May 27

    215 | Streamline What Matters Most

    Busy doesn’t always mean effective. In Episode 215 of the Fly on the Wall Podcast, Chris sits down with Pastor Daryl for a conversation every pastor—especially bivocational leaders—needs to hear. Because one of the biggest mistakes churches make when trying to grow… is adding more. More programs. More events. More meetings. More pressure. But growth rarely comes from doing more things halfway well. It comes from getting focused on the few things that matter most. This episode dives into what Chris calls “mission critical” leadership—the ability to streamline your church around the core activities that actually create momentum. Here’s some of what they unpack: Why churches often stay stuck because they’re too busy doing everything How bivocational pastors can protect their time and energy without sacrificing growth The importance of creating a strong Sunday experience before adding more ministries Why engagement matters more than endless programming Practical ways to structure small groups without overwhelming your schedule How to delegate effectively instead of carrying everything yourself Why boundaries at home are essential for pastors and ministry families One of the most important moments in the conversation: “Instead of the 28 things we do okay… what are the four things we need to do really well?” Chris also shares practical insight on protecting your family while leading in ministry—especially when church life and family life start blending together. This conversation is honest, practical, and incredibly helpful for pastors trying to lead sustainably without burning out. 👉 Listen to Episode 215 and join the conversation.  And if your church feels stuck right now, don’t miss Church Boom’s brand-new free resource: Unstoppable Momentum—8 practical training videos and a workbook designed to help your church experience breakthrough and growth. You can grab it at churchboom.org/momentum. Let’s lead with focus. 👍🏼 Follow us on social media  + Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/church.boom + Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mychurchboom + Website: https://www.churchboom.org 👋 About Us Fly on the Wall Podcast, presented by Church Boom, takes pastors into a live coaching session with Chris Sonksen, CEO & Founder of Church Boom. Each episode features a pastor, just like you, as they share the challenges they face and get practical advice on how to overcome them.

    15 min

  3. May 20

    214 | Preparing Your Church for the Next Season of Growth

    What happens when momentum starts building—but your systems, leadership structure, and culture aren’t fully ready for what’s next? In Episode 214 of the Fly on the Wall Podcast, I sit down with my friend RJ Johnson for a practical and strategic conversation on preparing your church for growth during major transitions. RJ is navigating two massive shifts at the same time: moving from portable to permanent and launching a second service. In this coaching session, we talk through the leadership, systems, and structural decisions that can either help a church grow—or cause momentum to stall. In this episode, we cover: The biggest mistakes churches make when launching a second service or moving into a new buildingWhy preparation matters more than excitementThe systems that often break when attendance suddenly growsHow to double down on assimilation before growth arrivesWhy leaders must shift from being the best player to becoming the best coachThe danger of culture dilution during seasons of rapid growthWhy churches must create more room for volunteers and leadership developmentHow to think beyond launch day and prepare for the next 90 days after momentum hitsWe also dive into leadership pipelines, volunteer structures, and why growing churches need to focus less on how many volunteers they have and more on how many they’re actually using each Sunday. This conversation is packed with practical leadership insight for pastors preparing for growth, navigating transitions, or trying to steward momentum well. 🎧 Listen to Episode 214 now and sit in on this live coaching conversation. And while you’re at it, grab a copy of my newest book, Making Vision Happen, at makingvisionhappen.com. It’s designed to help leaders turn vision into action and build teams that actually move things forward. 👍🏼 Follow us on social media  + Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/church.boom + Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mychurchboom + Website: https://www.churchboom.org 👋 About Us Fly on the Wall Podcast, presented by Church Boom, takes pastors into a live coaching session with Chris Sonksen, CEO & Founder of Church Boom. Each episode features a pastor, just like you, as they share the challenges they face and get practical advice on how to overcome them.

    29 min

  4. May 13

    213 | How to Shape the Culture of Your Church

    Culture isn’t built by accident. It’s shaped—intentionally or unintentionally—by what you emphasize every single week. In Episode 213 of the Fly on the Wall Podcast, Chris sits down with Brent to tackle one of the most important (and often misunderstood) aspects of leadership: How do you actually shape and form culture in your church? Because every church has a culture… The real question is: Is it the one you meant to build? Here’s what this conversation unpacks: Why doing more programs might actually be hurting your church How to focus your ministry on what truly matters (and stop spreading your team too thin) The difference between task, team, and title—and why most leaders skip a critical step A practical, biblical framework for apprenticing leaders (and why the church is often behind on this) How to honor the past while still moving your church forward What culture really is—and how to know if yours is working One of the most powerful takeaways: “Culture is shaped by the stories you tell, the heroes you make, and the things you celebrate.” If you want a stronger culture… Start there. Because whatever you consistently highlight becomes what your church naturally embodies. And if you’re feeling isolated in leadership, don’t do this alone—check out the Church Boom Network at churchboom.org. It’s a place to grow, connect, and lead alongside other pastors across the country. Let’s build culture on purpose. 👍🏼 Follow us on social media  + Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/church.boom + Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mychurchboom + Website: https://www.churchboom.org 👋 About Us Fly on the Wall Podcast, presented by Church Boom, takes pastors into a live coaching session with Chris Sonksen, CEO & Founder of Church Boom. Each episode features a pastor, just like you, as they share the challenges they face and get practical advice on how to overcome them.

    27 min

  5. May 6

    212 | Change Your Thinking, Change Your Ministry

    If nothing changes… nothing changes. That sounds obvious—but it’s exactly where a lot of churches get stuck. In Episode 212 of the Fly on the Wall Podcast, Chris sits down with JJ to talk about something deeper than strategy, systems, or even leadership tactics: Your thinking. Because the truth is—your ministry will never outgrow your mindset. This conversation goes beyond surface-level leadership and gets right to the core of what actually drives growth (or keeps you stuck). Here’s what you’ll walk away with: A healthy, grounded perspective on using AI in ministry (and where to draw the line) Why most churches stay stuck between 100–200—and the real lever that breaks that barrier The shift from attendance-focused thinking → engagement-focused leadership Why “new blood” is the key to sustainable growth The difference between lead goals vs. lag goals (and why most leaders focus on the wrong one) Why systems, strategy, and Spirit must work together—not compete The powerful mindset shift: “Don’t ask what to do—ask how to think.” One of the most important takeaways: “Stop focusing on the result. Focus on the activity that produces the result.” But maybe the most challenging part of this episode is personal… Chris unpacks how many pastors unknowingly limit their church because of how they see themselves—and how shifting your internal narrative might be the breakthrough you’ve been praying for. 👉 Listen to Episode 212 and join the conversation: And if you’re serious about growing as a leader, check out Church Boom University at churchboom.org—ongoing training, coaching, and resources designed to help you think (and lead) at a higher level. Let’s lead differently. 👍🏼 Follow us on social media  + Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/church.boom + Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mychurchboom + Website: https://www.churchboom.org 👋 About Us Fly on the Wall Podcast, presented by Church Boom, takes pastors into a live coaching session with Chris Sonksen, CEO & Founder of Church Boom. Each episode features a pastor, just like you, as they share the challenges they face and get practical advice on how to overcome them.

    28 min

  6. Apr 29

    211 | The Real Reason Your Church Feels Stuck

    Ever feel like your church is growing… but not actually moving forward? You see new people come. You feel momentum building. And then somehow… it slips back again. In Episode 211 of the Fly on the Wall Podcast, Chris sits down with Matthew to tackle one of the most common (and frustrating) realities in ministry: breaking through growth barriers and becoming a “sticky” church. This conversation gets incredibly practical. Here’s what you’ll take away: Why most churches stay stuck between growth and declineThe concept of a “church dashboard”—and how to identify exactly where things are breaking downWhy your problem might not be attendance… but engagementThe truth about “speed of engagement” (and why waiting too long is costing you people)Why systems—not just great services—actually change behaviorHow to shift your scorecard from attendance to engagement metrics that drive growthThe difference between building teams vs. building tribesWhy simplicity—not more programs—is the key to breaking past 100One of the most powerful lines from this episode: “Messages inspire, but systems change behavior.”If people are coming but not staying, it’s not a passion problem—it’s a process problem. 👉 Listen to Episode 211 and sit in on this coaching session:  And if you’re ready to stop guessing and start growing with clarity, check out churchboom.org—especially executive coaching. Having someone walk with you through these challenges changes everything. Let’s break the barrier. 👍🏼 Follow us on social media  + Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/church.boom + Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mychurchboom + Website: https://www.churchboom.org 👋 About Us Fly on the Wall Podcast, presented by Church Boom, takes pastors into a live coaching session with Chris Sonksen, CEO & Founder of Church Boom. Each episode features a pastor, just like you, as they share the challenges they face and get practical advice on how to overcome them.

    24 min

  7. Apr 22

    210 | What Thriving Churches Are Actually Doing Differently

    What separates churches that are truly thriving… from those that are just getting by? In Episode 210 of the Fly on the Wall Podcast, Chris sits down with Justin to unpack what he’s seeing across churches of every size—and the patterns that consistently show up in churches that are growing, healthy, and sustainable. This isn’t theory. It’s what’s actually working right now. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why authenticity and real spiritual movement matter more than everHow the speed of engagement is changing everything—and why waiting 6–9 months is too longThe shift from relying on outside leaders to building your own leadership pipelineWhy apprenticeship (not just classes) is the key to developing real leadersHow to move from just having a system… to creating a weekly rhythm of leadership growthThe difference between managing a ministry and multiplying leadersWhy your scorecard should focus on who you’re developing—not just what you’re doingOne of the biggest takeaways: Thriving churches are not leaving leadership development to chance—they are building intentional pathways and investing in people at every level. If you’re serious about growth, this conversation will challenge the way you think about engagement, leadership, and long-term sustainability. 👉 Listen to Episode 210 and sit in on this coaching session:  And if you’re ready to take the next step in your leadership, head over to churchboom.org. From Church Boom University to coaching and community, there are tools designed to help you grow and lead with clarity. Let’s keep building what matters. 👍🏼 Follow us on social media  + Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/church.boom + Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mychurchboom + Website: https://www.churchboom.org 👋 About Us Fly on the Wall Podcast, presented by Church Boom, takes pastors into a live coaching session with Chris Sonksen, CEO & Founder of Church Boom. Each episode features a pastor, just like you, as they share the challenges they face and get practical advice on how to overcome them.

    29 min

  8. Apr 15

    209 | The Courage to Grow Into Your Next Level

    Growth doesn’t just require new strategy… it requires new courage. Because the very things that helped you grow early on can quietly become the things that hold you back from your next level. That’s what we unpack in Episode 209 of the Fly on the Wall Podcast, as I sit down with my friend Adam for a coaching conversation on what it really takes to move from one level of growth to the next.  In this episode, we talk through: Why every new level of growth requires a new way of thinkingThe leadership habits you must leave behind to keep growingWhy you can’t lead a larger organization the same way you led a smaller oneThe shift from doing everything… to focusing only on what matters mostWhy delegating authority (not just tasks) is critical for scalingThe danger of protecting what you’ve built instead of continuing to grow itHow fear quietly replaces courage as your church growsWhy most churches plateau between growth levels—and how to avoid itThe leadership truth: You don’t have a growth problem—you have a thinking problemIf you feel stuck, stretched, or unsure how to break into your next level of growth, this conversation will challenge you to lead with clarity and courage. 🎧 Listen to Episode 209 now and sit in on this coaching conversation. And don’t forget to check out churchboom.org for coaching, Church Boom University, and resources designed to help you grow and lead with confidence. You’re not meant to do ministry alone. 👍🏼 Follow us on social media  + Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/church.boom + Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mychurchboom + Website: https://www.churchboom.org 👋 About Us Fly on the Wall Podcast, presented by Church Boom, takes pastors into a live coaching session with Chris Sonksen, CEO & Founder of Church Boom. Each episode features a pastor, just like you, as they share the challenges they face and get practical advice on how to overcome them.

    30 min
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About

Be a “Fly on the Wall” as Chris Sonksen takes you behind the scenes on a coaching call with a ministry leader. In each episode, you’ll get to hear how a coaching call happens, practical tips on how to grow your ministry, and what it takes to be a healthy leader in today's culture. You'll get to be a "fly on the wall" and listen to a live coaching session between Chris and a church leader like yourself. 

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