134 episodes

The only podcast for volunteers in small churches and those who lead them, this show is about embracing small church ministry for what it should be - a unique place where God is already at work. Founder of Small Church Ministry, Laurie Acker, shares why large church strategies don’t work in small churches and how to get moving on what does. Each episode dives into creative solutions to small church struggles with a mix of inspiration, leadership skills, and actionable next steps to make an impact. Here’s to healthy small church ministry where you have all the volunteers you need to do exactly what God has in mind! Small church ministry isn’t less - but it is different. Small Church Ministry, the World's #1 Resource for Small Churches, includes a top-rated website, a Facebook community spanning 6 continents, free quarterly online conferences, and a small church ministry certification program.

The Small Church Ministry Podcast Laurie Acker

    • Religion & Spirituality
    • 5.0 • 71 Ratings

The only podcast for volunteers in small churches and those who lead them, this show is about embracing small church ministry for what it should be - a unique place where God is already at work. Founder of Small Church Ministry, Laurie Acker, shares why large church strategies don’t work in small churches and how to get moving on what does. Each episode dives into creative solutions to small church struggles with a mix of inspiration, leadership skills, and actionable next steps to make an impact. Here’s to healthy small church ministry where you have all the volunteers you need to do exactly what God has in mind! Small church ministry isn’t less - but it is different. Small Church Ministry, the World's #1 Resource for Small Churches, includes a top-rated website, a Facebook community spanning 6 continents, free quarterly online conferences, and a small church ministry certification program.

    134: How A Small Church Became A Hub For Disaster Relief, Racial Reconciliation, & A K-12 School | with Dr. Dawn Baldwin Gibson

    134: How A Small Church Became A Hub For Disaster Relief, Racial Reconciliation, & A K-12 School | with Dr. Dawn Baldwin Gibson

    When Pastors Anthony & Dawn Baldwin Gibson set out to plant a church, they had no idea they would be feeding thousands, helping to heal a community, and building a school. Not only have they built community partnerships in their local area, but they also help other smaller churches identify needs, mobilize volunteers, and find resources they need to serve their communities. Listen in as Dr. Gibson shares their church story of: Transforming Lives,Strengthening Families, andIntent...

    • 33 min
    133: Small Church Mindset Shifts, Strategies, & Support | A Story Of Renewal With Allison Marco

    133: Small Church Mindset Shifts, Strategies, & Support | A Story Of Renewal With Allison Marco

    After years of small church setbacks and church trauma, Allison and her husband were on the verge of walking away from ministry. After finding our community, this pastoral couple made simple mindset shifts that not only changed their personal trajectory but also greatly influenced their church culture to move from unhealthy to thriving. From feeling burned out to feeling totally blessed, listen in as Allison shares some easy-to-make ministry changes and self-care practices that made...

    • 30 min
    132: Church Growth & The Comparison Trap | with Cledra Gross

    132: Church Growth & The Comparison Trap | with Cledra Gross

    Comparing numbers seems unavoidable in church ministry. For those of us in small churches, comparison can leave us feeling defeated. Today’s guest shares why numbers are not the end of the story and often send people in directions that are not based on biblical truth. Join the conversation with ministry leader Cledra Gross as she unpacks a bit of her journey from a big church to a small church and the comparison trap ministry leaders fall into. Listen in to hear:How comparison ...

    • 29 min
    131: Encouragement From A Small Church Pastor’s Wife | with Joni Topper

    131: Encouragement From A Small Church Pastor’s Wife | with Joni Topper

    Life and ministry in a small church isn’t always easy. We share seasons of dwindling numbers, missing volunteers, and wondering if we’re making a difference. And yet, the unique impact of small churches is also undeniable. In this heartfelt episode, pastor’s wife and ministry leader Joni Topper shares her heart and ultimate motivation to serve and to keep on serving in a small church.Connect with Joni Topper:www.morningloryministry.comwww.facebook.com/Morningloryjoni Rate, Review, &...

    • 34 min
    130: You Can’t Lead Well If You Don’t Teach Well: Healthy Leadership Is Others-Centered

    130: You Can’t Lead Well If You Don’t Teach Well: Healthy Leadership Is Others-Centered

    In this episode, we’re unpacking the difference between leading and teaching and why both are vital in our serving. We’re talking about getting beyond knowledge transfer and inspiring others to personal growth and transformation. This is what Jesus did. Listen in to learn how.See our resources for sale: resources.smallchurchministry.comRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" If that's like you, please consider rating ...

    • 36 min
    129: We Can’t Love Well Without Understanding: Church Health & Community

    129: We Can’t Love Well Without Understanding: Church Health & Community

    This episode continues our series about healthy churches, starting with us as individuals and continuing into our relationships. Too often, when we think of church success, we immediately jump to evaluating programs, attendance, and finances when the real success in our local churches is evidenced by how we love. Learn how to grow in understanding for those the hardest for us to love - and why it matters. Email Laurie: laurie@smallchurchministry.comSee our resources for sale: resources.smallc...

    • 39 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
71 Ratings

71 Ratings

ColoradoToIndy ,

Small church preschool director DB

Thank you for these encouraging and practical thoughts

Nannierachel ,

Hope!

Every time I listen to an episode, I have new hope and anticipation for what our small church can accomplish for the Lord. More churches need to hear Laurie’s perspective on what being small actually means (and doesn’t mean!!)

Morning Glory Joni ,

Core Values

This topic is spot on. Thank you for the reminders and for bringing the subject back to the basics which are so easy to forget. I can really hear your heart as you speak.

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