The Small Church Ministry Podcast

In this episode of Stop Doing This to Volunteers: Top Mistakes Our Churches Are Making, we talk about something subtle but powerful: the way our language and posture shape culture. 
When we treat people like “just volunteers,” we reinforce hierarchy instead of partnership, and “helping” instead of ownership.
In this episode, we cover:
How subtle language changes send powerful messages
How hierarchy creeps in without us noticing
Small shifts that move us toward shared ownership

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In Stop Doing This to Volunteers: Top Mistakes Our Churches Are Making, this episode looks at a mistake that feels kind - but ends up weakening people and teams over time. 
When we over-simplify roles in the name of “helping,” we don’t just remove responsibility - we remove meaning. People don’t stay because a job is easy. They stay because it matters.
In this episode, we cover:
How doing too much for people isn't always helpful
Why easier isn’t the same as healthier
People who feel needed show up with different energy

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Join our free Facebook Community
Support the show

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches who need to hear this.
🎙 Thanks for tuning in to Small Church Ministry Podcast! See you next week!


FOLLOW US:
Website: smallchurchministry.com
Instagram: instagram.com/smallchurchministry
Facebook: facebook.com/smallchurchministry
Creative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry
Small Church Network: smallchurchministry.com/membership

This episode kicks off our Stop Doing This to Volunteers series by naming a simple but overlooked leadership habit: never revisiting where someone serves once they’ve said yes. 
We talk about the fear that keeps churches from inviting movement, and the belief many people carry that enjoying their role — or wanting something different — is somehow selfish instead of faithful.
In this episode, we cover:
Why long-term service doesn’t always mean long-term fit
The fear that asking “what would you rather be doing?” will leave you short-handed
Why liking what we do - and wanting something different - doesn’t make us less holy

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Join our free Facebook Community
Get the Ministry Bundles here!
Support the show

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches who need to hear this.
🎙 Thanks for tuning in to Small Church Ministry Podcast! See you next week!


FOLLOW US:
Website: smallchurchministry.com
Instagram: instagram.com/smallchurchministry
Facebook: facebook.com/smallchurchministry
Creative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry
Small Church Network: smallchurchministry.com/membership

Your small church already has a digital ministry - whether you’ve planned for it or not. Through your website, social media, and emails, you’re constantly communicating who you are and what people can expect, sometimes clearly and sometimes unintentionally sending the wrong message. 
In this episode, we talk about why that matters more than we think and how small, thoughtful shifts can help your digital presence reflect your heart, not just your information.
In this episode, we talk about:
How churches unintentionally communicate confusion, pressure, or disconnection online
Why your digital presence shapes trust long before someone ever visits in person
What “digital ministry” actually means for small churches (without adding more work)
Simple ways to align your online presence with the experience you want people to have

Connect with Leslie Kons: studiokons.com
Join our free Facebook Community: facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry

Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts

"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!
Get the Ministry Bundles here!
Support the show

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches who need to hear this.
🎙 Thanks for tuning in to Small Church Ministry Podcast! See you next week!


FOLLOW US:
Website: smallchurchministry.com
Instagram: instagram.com/smallchurchministry
Facebook: facebook.com/smallchurchministry
Creative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry
Small Church Network: smallchurchministry.com/membership

We’re sharing something special this week. Right after our Women’s Ministry for Small Churches Conference, we’re bringing you the opening mainstage session - a conversation that pushes back on the pressure-filled, program-heavy version of outreach many of us were handed.
In this episode, we explore:
Why traditional outreach models often don’t work in small churches
How Jesus-centered outreach starts with people, not programs
What it looks like to live with our communities instead of trying to draw people in
Simple, relational ways to practice outreach without burnout or pressure

Get the replays before Wednesday at midnight! www.smallchurchsummits.com
Join our free Facebook Community: facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry

Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts

"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!
Get the Ministry Bundles here!
Support the show

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches who need to hear this.
🎙 Thanks for tuning in to Small Church Ministry Podcast! See you next week!


FOLLOW US:
Website: smallchurchministry.com
Instagram: instagram.com/smallchurchministry
Facebook: facebook.com/smallchurchministry
Creative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry
Small Church Network: smallchurchministry.com/membership