The Church Lobby podcast

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The Church Lobby

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Karl Vaters interviews church leaders about the important issues of faith and ministry. It's called The Church Lobby because: The church lobby is where the church meets and does ministry. The church lobby moves conversations from the stage to the floor. The church lobby is a good place to take the temperature of a church’s health. Karl Vaters is the author of several books, including Small Church Essentials and The Grasshopper Myth. Formerly known as Can This Work In a Small Church?, this podcast primarily looks at church leadership from a small church perspective.

109 епізодів

#Karl Vaters

The Church Lobby

updated 13 днів тому

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109 епізодів

#Karl Vaters

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1
Ep 105: Recovering from Sexually Related Trauma, with Rachel Bren 46:53

13 днів тому46:53

46:53

Rachel Bren is a survivor of sexually related trauma, and now she serves with SRTServices.org , which helps people recover from their trauma, and can help you and your church. She’s also the co-host of the Grace & Grenades podcast. Karl Vaters interviews Rachel about what sexual related trauma is, how the church can help those dealing with it, some mistakes to avoid, and more. Links: SRTServices.org Grace & Grenades Our church introduction video Brene Brown video on sympathy vs. empathy The Allender Center Podcast The Place We Find Ourselves Podcast Grace & Grenades Podcast You can reach Rachel by email at rachel@srtservices.org and the website www.srtservices.org Bonus video How Your Church Can Help People Recover from Sexually Related Trauma, with Rachel Bren Karl Vaters talks with Rachel Bren about how SRTServices.org can come alongside your church to give you the tools to help people who are dealing with sexually related trauma. Links: SRTServices.org Grace & Grenades To get Bonus Content every week, click here to become a Financial Partner , or here to subscribe to the Free Weekly Newsletter .…

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Ep 104: What Is the Minimum for a Church to be Viable? with Sam Peters 54:36

28 днів тому54:36

54:36

Karl Vaters interviews Sam Peters about the microchurch model, and more specifically, what are the minimum aspects that need to be in place for a church to be a church? If you’re serving a small church that’s considering if you have a viable path forward, the microchurch model is worth considering, and Sam offers some help for thinking about it in fresh, new ways. Sam Peters is a church consultant, and the author of several books, including Small Church, Big Opportunity ; BIG Faith: Six Key Factors that Grow Your Faith in God , & Rebuilding Stronger: Navigating the Post-Pandemic Landscape of Worship . Links: SmallChurchCoaching.com LinkTree You can follow Sam on Facebook and X Bonus video The Limitations of the Institutional Church in Reaching the Community Karl Vaters interviews Sam Peters about some of the limitations that are now coming to light about the institutional church model (building, salary, etc.) that we’ve both spent our lives in. The challenges we talk about include: 1. Physical and Financial Constraints: Many churches invest most of their resources into maintaining buildings and programs rather than directly engaging the lost. This is especially difficult for smaller congregations. 2. Passive Churchgoers Instead of Active Disciple-Makers: Institutional churches can unintentionally foster a consumer mindset, where members attend services but are not equipped to lead or disciple others. 3. Limited Reach Beyond Church Walls: Most churches expect people to come to them rather than embedding the Gospel in everyday life and relationships. 4. Slow Adaptation to Cultural Shifts: In an age of rapid change, large churches with complex structures often struggle to pivot quickly to meet new challenges and opportunities. 5. Overemphasis on Sunday Gatherings: The primary focus in many churches is the Sunday experience, but disciple-making happens most effectively in smaller, relational environments. To get Bonus Content every week, click here to become a Financial Partner , or here to subscribe to the Free Weekly Newsletter .…

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Ep 103: Helping Small Churches Win Guests, with Desmond Barrett 1:01:36

6 weeks тому1:01:36

1:01:36

Karl Vaters interviews Desmond Barrett about how small churches can do a better job at reaching, welcoming, and keeping guests. Desmond is the author of Helping Small Churches Win Guests: Preparing to Increase Attendance , which is a short, but very practical book that pastors will find great benefit in. Karl and Desmond talk about: How to reimagine the church facility from the parking lot to the pew Why sharing updates about facility improvements is attractive to guests Why so many pastors and church leaders resist doing what needs to be done Why “we just need to attract young families” is never the answer The good news that new Christians are not looking for programs, they’re wanting to live on mission Links: Helping Small Churches Win Guests: Preparing to Increase Attendance Revitalizing the Declining Church with Dr. Desmond Barrett (podcast) Desmond's Amazon Author Page Libby App Bonus video 5 Options When a Church Property is Too Big for the Congregation, with Desmond Barrett Karl Vaters talks with Desmond Barrett, the author of Helping Small Churches Win Guests: Preparing to Increase Attendance , about a subject that is a challenge for a growing number of congregations. What can you do when a church facility that was built to hold hundreds of people has just a handful or worshipers left? The five options they discuss are: Do Nothing Share the Property Rent the Property Sell the Property Recreate the Property Links: Helping Small Churches Win Guests: Preparing to Increase Attendance To get Bonus Content every week, click here to become a Financial Partner , or here to subscribe to the Free Weekly Newsletter .…

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Ep 102: Five Trends In Technology and the Church, with Brad Hill 50:45

8 weeks тому50:45

50:45

Karl Vaters interviews Brad Hill about some of the latest findings concerning the church and technology. Brad is the Chief Solutions Officer at Gloo , an organization that came out of nowhere a few years ago, and now seems to be everywhere. After clarifying Karl’s curiosity about who/what Gloo actually is, they talk about some of the important findings from a recent study Gloo conducted with Barna . If you’re not an early adopter of technology, this can help you navigate the fast-changing landscape without getting bogged down in details. The five findings Karl and Brad discuss are: Christians see huge potential for churches to use digital tools effectively. Churchgoers want pastors to address AI use thoughtfully and wisely. Gen Z may live online, but they still crave in-person relationships over digital connections. Practicing Gen Z Christians feel uncertain about whether AI is a faithful tool. Pastors are intentional about using tech but still prioritize relationships and collaboration as the foundation of ministry. Links: Gloo State of the Church research Digital Tools article Barna To get Bonus Content every week, click here to become a Financial Partner , or here to subscribe to the Free Weekly Newsletter .…

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Ep 101: Ministry Sustainability without Money Stress, with Eric Hoke 48:25

10 weeks тому48:25

48:25

Eric Hoke is known as the “I Help Pastors Get Jobs” Guy. Karl Vaters talks with Eric about how to build long-term sustainable ministry, reduce financial stress, and create value in the marketplace by becoming an intentionally covocational pastor. Eric’s new book, Market Street Pastor: Ministry Sustainability without Money Stress , addresses many of the issues involved in making the shift toward covocational ministry. This conversation covers the subjects of: The mindset shift that most pastors must take to start down this road The value pastors bring to the marketplace Finding your marketable skills through using the Heart- Head-Hands-Feet method How to get through the clutter of thousands of job applicants How to present yourself and your skills And so much more Links from this episode: Market Street Pastor: Ministry Sustainability without Money Stress IHelpPastorsGetJobs.com Daily Examen App: "Reimagining the Examen" for iphone and android Bonus Content How to Build a LinkedIn Profile that Will Get Job Leads, with Eric Hoke LinkedIn remains a primary online site for those seeking employment, and it’s especially helpful for pastors seeking covocational employment. In this very practical conversation, Eric Hoke talks with Karl Vaters about some common mistakes to avoid and opportunities to take advantage of that will get you noticed—and get the side hustle job that suits your skills and needs. To get Bonus Content every week, click here to become a Financial Partner , or here to subscribe to the Free Weekly Newsletter .…

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Ep 100: The Pastor, the Bible, and Growing Up In a Pastor’s Home (with Albert Vaters) 47:24

12 weeks тому47:24

47:24

For Episode 100, Karl Vaters has a very special conversation with his father, Albert Vaters, about the pastor’s relationship with God’s Word, the Bible. In addition to each of them spending 40 years as pastors (over 80 years of combined pastoral ministry!), they were also both raised as preacher’s kids, so they can speak from multiple perspectives about life in a pastor’s home. In this conversation, Karl and Albert talk about: What it was like to be raised with a positive experience in a pastor’s home How to give the Bible a central place in our homes The importance of living what you’re preaching How to approach the Bible correctly as a pastor and a parent And more Links: John Lennox: God Does Exist John Lennox: The Bible and age of the earth? John Lennox: Why I am a Christian and a scientist…

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Ep 099: Russ Taff, on Childhood Trauma, Church Hurt, Alcoholism, Fame, Redemption, and His New Album 2:05:25

14 weeks тому2:05:25

2:05:25

Karl Vaters talks with Russ Taff. One of the great voices of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) in the 1970s-90s, Russ won five Grammys, 13 Dove Awards, and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame three times (with the Imperials, the Gaither Vocal Band, and as a solo artist). He also spent decades struggling with alcoholism, church hurt, and shame, stemming from the severe trauma he experienced in the pastor's house of his childhood. This interview is raw. It’s real, and it’s very emotional. In addition to talking through his testimony at length, Karl and Russ also take a song-by-song walk through his newest album, which is a journey through his story of pain, trauma, lament, and redemption. Links: Cover Story (The album) RussTaff.com Become a Financial Partner Subscribe to Karl's free weekly newsletter…

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Ep 098: Ten Things They Didn't Tell Me About Leadership, with Alberto Bello 50:28

16 weeks тому50:28

50:28

Alberto Bello is a church planter in Bakersfield CA, and he’s written one of those books everyone says they could write, Ten Things They Didn't Tell Me About Leadership . Karl Vaters talks with Alberto about that book, the experiences that led to it, and the lessons to be learned from it. Including: Knowing who you are in Jesus The Comparison Trap How failure is necessary for success How not to be people-pleasing leader And more Links: Ten Things They Didn't Tell Me About Leadership…

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EP 097: Getting Your Church on the Road to Greater Health, with Mike Rubino 53:16

18 weeks тому53:16

53:16

Mike Rubino is a pastor in the unique ministry environment of Long Island NY. He’s also the founder and director of Church Revitalize , which helps churches that need to revitalize their ministry, through cohorts, coaching, and more. Karl Vaters talks with Mike about church revitalization, with a focus on Mike’s new workbook, The Revitalize Roadmap: Getting Your Church on the Road to Greater Health . Subjects include: The difference between church growth and church revitalization The importance of pastoral health and renewal How to understand and fix your church’s blind spots Identifying your church’s God-given Geographic Responsibility And more Links: Church Revitalize The Revitalize Roadmap: Getting Your Church on the Road to Greater Health BeTheChurch.org Book - Crucial Conversations To get Bonus Content every week, click here to become a Financial Partner , or here to subscribe to the Free Weekly Newsletter .…

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Ep 096: Disability Inclusion In the Church, with Barb Stanley 41:12

20 weeks тому41:12

41:12

Every church should be open to everyone who wants to attend. So, we need to be more purposeful about making sure we're not unintentionally denying access without realizing it. Barbara Stanley oversees Wonderful Works Ministry , which equips churches to serve families affected by disability. They have a large and growing set of resources to help churches of all types. Karl Vaters talks with Barb about a variety of subjects, including: Why disability inclusion matters How to come alongside families who are affected by disability How every church can take some simple first steps toward disability inclusion How to deal with some of the changing language around disability Links: Wonderful Works Ministry Podcast: Wonderful Works Talks…

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Ep 95: The Clergy Sabbatical Toolkit, with Sean Nemecek 49:51

22 weeks тому49:51

49:51

A clergy sabbatical is not a luxury for the few, it’s an essential element in recalibrating your ministry and reestablishing healthy habits for ministry longevity. Sabbaticals are having a moment right now. With the accelerated pace of life and ministry, we’re recognizing their value in a fresh, new way. Sean Nemecek and the team at Pastor In Residence Ministries have been working with pastors for years, helping them get the most out of a sabbatical. And now they’ve put it all in one place with the Clergy Sabbatical Toolkit ,, a practical guide that will help pastors, their congregations, and their families. Karl Vaters talkes with Sean talk about the aspects of an effective sabbatical, including: What is a sabbatical? Why is a sabbatical important for pastors? What’s the ideal sabbatical length? Dealing with common objections to taking a sabbatical Financial considerations And more Links: Clergy Sabbatical Toolkit , Pastor In Residence Ministries Bonus Content Anger, Depression, and Temptation: Dealing with the Unexpected on Your Sabbatical, with Sean Nemecek Stuff happens when you step away from the hectic pace of everyday ministry life to take a multi-month sabbatical. Most of it is good, some of it is surprising, and if you’re not ready for it, some of it can cause damage. Thankfully, Sean Nemecek and the team at Pastor In Residence Ministries have been working with pastors for years, helping them get the most out of their sabbaticals. And now they’ve put it all in one place with the Clergy Sabbatical Toolkit. In this conversation, Karl Vaters talks with Sean about some of the unexpected things that happen on sabbatical, so you can be prepared to get the most out of your time of refreshing and renewal. To get Bonus Content every week, click here to become a Financial Partner , or here to subscribe to the Free Weekly Newsletter .…

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Ep 94: Using Storytelling Techniques to Make Your Message Stick, with Payton Minzenmayer 49:53

24 weeks тому49:53

49:53

Have you ever noticed that people don’t pay attention to sermons the way they used to? It may not be the fault of shorter attention spans (not exclusively, anyway). There’s a lot more happening — and we, as pastors and communicators can do something about it. Karl Vaters talks with Payton Minzenmayer. He's a pastor, and the founder of ChristianStoryLab.com , a new website that offers great ideas to make our writing and speaking more engaging by using the aspects of story — just like Jesus did. Some of what they talk about includes: Gamification The Open Loop Method The Anapastic Meter Links: ChristianStoryLab.com 3 Proven Strategies to Gamify Your Storytelling Open Loop Method: Hook Your Reader And Keep Their Attention The Secret To Unforgettable Stories (The Anapastic Meter) ChurchFuel.com You can follow Payton on LinkedIn and X . Bonus video (Supporters and Subscribers only) 3 Simple Habits to Elevate Your Writing and Speaking, with Payton Minzenmayer Storytelling is the most powerful form of communication. But most of us could use help to do it better. Karl Vaters talks with Payton Minzenmayer, of ChristianStoryLab.com , about the three habits Payton uses every day to strengthen his storytelling muscles. They’re simple, repeatable, and so helpful. Links: ChristianStoryLab.com 3 Simple Habits to Elevate Your Writing In 30 Days Or Less To get Bonus Content every week, click here to become a Financial Partner , or here to subscribe to the Free Weekly Newsletter .…

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Ep 93: Cultivating a Multiethnic Kingdom Culture, with Jamaal Williams and Timothy Paul Jones 1:00:54

26 weeks тому1:00:54

1:00:54

According to John’s vision in Revelation 7:9, heaven will be filled with people who are still recognized by their ethnicity (every nation, tribe, people, and language). So, if we want the church here and now to reflect that, Sunday mornings must stop being the most segregated time of the week. That’s the premise of Karl Vaters’ conversation with Jamaal Williams and Timothy Paul Jones, the co-authors of In Church as It Is in Heaven: Cultivating a Multiethnic Kingdom Culture , which Karl named as one of his best nonfiction books of the year for 2024. Jamaal and Timothy focus on what we can do to create a more kingdom-minded approach to ethnic diversity, while acknowledging that ethnic diversity is not the point of the church, but a byproduct of the gospel message. Links: In Church as It Is in Heaven: Cultivating a Multiethnic Kingdom Culture Bonus video 3 Steps to Move Your Church Toward Multiethnic Generosity, with Jamaal Williams and Timothy Paul Jones One of the habits (liturgies) that Jamaal Williams and Timothy Paul Jones suggest in their book, In Church as It Is in Heaven: Cultivating a Multiethnic Kingdom Culture , is to help your church move toward multiethnic generosity. Karl Vaters talks with them as they suggest a simple plan to visit a faithful, gospel-driven church outside your own ethnicity or culture once every three months. Embrace this habit as an opportunity to learn from sisters and brothers in other cultures. And when you do, walk through these three steps: Consider your own preferences Visit the other church Be grateful for your preferences—and be willing to lay them down To get Bonus Content every week, click here to become a Financial Partner , or here to subscribe to the Free Weekly Newsletter .…

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Ep 92: How Christianity Became The Air We All Breathe, with Glen Scrivener 45:33

28 weeks тому45:33

45:33

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus changed everything. Not just for eternity, but for the world here and now. According to Glen Scrivener, the author of The Air We Breathe, How We All Came to Believe In Freedom, Kindness, Progress, and Equality , most of what we now consider to be self-evident human values were not so evident or common before Jesus. In this conversation, Karl and Glen talk about: How so many principles that most people consider universal, are actually the result of the Christian worldview Why this goes unnoticed by people, Christians and non-Christians alike Why it’s important to regain this understanding What the values of the world looked like before the cross upended everything How a clear understanding of the first three chapters of Genesis is the foundation for all of it Podcast Links: Speak Life Book: The Air We Breathe: How We All Came to Believe in Freedom, Kindness, Progress, and Equality Book: 3 2 1: The Story of God, the World and You Bonus Summary How Good Theology Became the Basis for Good Science, with Glen Scrivener Good theology and good science are good friends. In this short conversation with Glen Scrivener, Karl Vaters asks him about the three legs upon which this reality sits. These three principles become clear when we have a better understanding of the first three chapters of the Bible: The freedom of God That humans can understand God’s ways Taking human fallibility into account To get Bonus Content every week, click here to become a Financial Partner , or here to subscribe to the Free Weekly Newsletter .…

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Ep 91: The Prophetic Voice of Deconstruction, with Scot McKnight 44:26

30 weeks тому44:26