Best Small Church Summits Podcasts (2025)

1
206: Rethinking Your Church Budget: From Scarcity to a Story of Possibility | Church Finance Series (Part 4) 32:52

Play Pause

1d ago32:52

32:52

Most small-church budgets weren’t really created; they just grew over time. Leftovers from last year, assumptions from a decade ago, and line items no one can quite explain anymore. And when a budget is shaped by nostalgia, fear, or “what we used to do,” it can make a church feel like it’s failing even when it’s not. In this episode, we explore how…

1
Suffering, Identity & Hope: Christian Approaches to Caregiving - Ep 252 43:58

7d ago43:58

43:58

Keith Dow is a theologian who focuses on care and community, as he does in his book "Formed Together: Mystery, Narrative, and Virtue in Christian Caregiving" (Baylor, 2021) and in his work with Karis Disability Services. He talks with host David Guretzki about Christian perspectives on disability, the ethics of care and issues like MAiD and euthana…

1
205: Why People Aren’t Giving to Churches (And the Hopeful Shift That Brings Generosity Back) | Church Finance Series (Part 3) 33:53

9d ago33:53

33:53

This episode unpacks one of the most misunderstood issues in small churches: declining giving. It’s not that people have stopped being generous - generosity is everywhere. The real challenge is that many churches have slowly lost the connection between giving and a visible, meaningful impact. When we stop assuming stinginess and start rebuilding tr…

1
204: Models That Work: Paid Pastors, Bi-Vocational Leaders, and Fully Volunteer Churches | Church Finance Series (Part 2) 36:48

16d ago36:48

36:48

A large part of a small church budget often goes to paying the pastor. Most small churches assume there’s only one “real” model of leadership - usually the one we’ve always known - and anything different feels like failure, pride, or danger. But there’s no single “biblical” or “more noble” model here. Healthy, vibrant churches exist in every struct…

1
Reaching and supporting migrants with the gospel - Ep 251 40:23

20d ago40:23

40:23

Guest host David Guretzki chats with Shoaib Ebadi about reaching and supporting migrants with the gospel. Since 2010 Shoaib Ebadi and his wife have, from Canada, been running an evangelical TV program called Secret of Life, which is broadcast in Afghanistan where he grew up as a Muslim. Ebadi directs Square One World Media, an organization producin…

1
203: Money & Mission: Why Revenue Doesn’t Save the Church | Church Finance Series (Part 1) 36:39

23d ago36:39

36:39

This episode reframes the entire money conversation by separating the Church from the nonprofit structure that houses it. We name the fear, pressure, and assumptions that swirl around finances - and then clarify why revenue impacts the organization, not the mission. When we stop confusing the two, financial decisions get calmer, clearer, and more g…

1
202: Do No Harm - Sorting Through Counselors, Coaches & Confusion (and Why It’s Worth the Effort )| with Licensed Therapist Kati Quigley 43:16

30d ago43:16

43:16

Finding the right kind of help shouldn’t feel complicated - but between long waitlists, confusing titles, and church mixed messages about therapy, it often does. In the final part of the Do No Harm series, Laurie and licensed therapist Kati Quigley talk about what makes finding help so hard, and why it’s still worth the effort. Together, they unpac…

1
201: Do No Harm - What Churches Can Do to Support Real Healing | with Licensed Therapist Kati Quigley 30:50

1M ago30:50

30:50

In small churches, we’re often the first people others turn to when life falls apart - whether we’re on staff, leading worship, teaching kids, or serving on the elder board. In Part Two of the Do No Harm series, Laurie and licensed therapist Kati Quigley talk about what churches can do to help create more emotionally healthy spaces. This isn’t abou…

1
Pastoral shortages? Calling and training for ministry - Ep 250 42:18

1M ago42:18

42:18

Rick Hiemstra is a former Wesleyan pastor who now directs the EFC's Centre for Research on Church and Faith. He and host David Guretzki reflect on increasing concerns over upcoming pastor retirements and the shrinking numbers of future pastors. They consider issues around training, educational structures, public reputation around pastoral careers, …

1
200: Do No Harm - The Hidden Damage of Pastoral and Biblical Counseling | with Licensed Therapist Kati Quigley 42:14

1M ago42:14

42:14

When the Church tries to heal what it doesn’t understand, even good intentions can cause real harm. In this first conversation of the Do No Harm series, Laurie and licensed therapist Kati Quigley talk about the unseen damage that happens when untrained pastoral or biblical counseling takes the place of trauma-informed care. It’s not about blame; it…

1
199: Church Spotlight: A Really Free Market - How One Small Church Is Reaching Its Community | with Ruth A. Popkin 40:44

2M ago40:44

40:44

In this Church Spotlight, Ruth A. Popkin shares how her small church started A Really Free Market - a ministry built on listening, not assumptions. Instead of following trends, they followed people, meeting real needs with dignity and creativity. It’s a story of simple generosity that’s reshaping how small churches think about outreach. Listen in f…

1
198: Navigating Pastoral Transition Without Losing Your Peace (or Your People) 35:03

2M ago35:03

35:03

When a pastor retires, moves, or suddenly steps away, small churches often feel lost in the in-between. If this is hitting home for you, you’re not alone. Pastoral transitions are on the rise as more pastors retire and fewer step into ministry roles. In this episode, Laurie talks with Kari Bartkus, who served on her church’s pastoral transition tea…

1
Christians in Montreal today and across history - Ep 249 45:22

2M ago45:22

45:22

By Faith Today

1
197: Reaching Young Families In An Older Church: What Small Churches Can Really Offer 26:14

2M ago26:14

26:14

If your church feels “too old” or “too small” to reach young families, this episode is packed with simple, practical ideas you can try this week. We’re talking about how small churches can connect with young families—not by doing more, but by showing up differently. It’s not about flashy programs or keeping up with trends. It’s about presence, warm…

1
196: Say It Louder for the People in the Back! Women, Small Churches, & Culture Change 52:47

2M ago52:47

52:47

You don’t need a title to change the culture of your church. You’re already carrying influence—whether anyone names it or not. In this Lead Well replay, we’ll talk about how emotional health, spiritual maturity, and everyday presence shift the room around us—and why that matters more than chasing status or hustling harder. What you’ll hear in this …

1
195: "We’ve Always Done It This Way." The Small Church Lie That Keeps Us Stuck | with Ebonie Mukasa 44:18

3M ago44:18

44:18

Tradition can be beautiful — but when “we’ve always done it this way” becomes the default answer, it stops being wisdom and starts being a wall. In this episode, we talk about why resistant church culture burns women out, silences new ideas, and quietly drives people away. And honestly? It’s costing us more than we realize. What you’ll hear in this…

1
194: Pastor. Pastor’s Wife. Volunteer. Leader. Are We Really That Different? | with Kristen Joy Humiston 44:24

3M ago44:24

44:24

In small churches, titles can build invisible walls—like pastors’ wives on one side, “regular” women on the other. Or ministry leaders here, and occasional volunteers over there. But those labels don’t tell the whole story, and they often keep us from the deep, honest community we long for. In this episode, Kristen Joy Humiston and I share from bot…

1
Christian living in secular Canadian society - Ep 248 35:21

3M ago35:21

35:21

Guest host David Guretzki speaks with Dom Ruso, who leads a church called The180 in Laval, Que., that he helped to plant in 2016. Ruso was born and raised in Montreal, holds a PhD in historical theology and has also worked pastoring young adults. The180 church is an interdenominational church under the umbrella of The Alliance Canada. Ruso has a ne…

1
193: The “Strong Woman” Lie That’s Breaking Us In Small Churches | with Dee Bryce 49:16

3M ago49:16

49:16

Women have often been told to be strong, hold it together, and do it all for everyone else. But the truth? That version of “strength” is quietly breaking us — and it’s breaking our small churches too. In this episode, we name the lie, call out the pressure, and talk about a better way to live and serve. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why the “do…

1
Jesus and the revolutionary kingdom of peace - Ep 247 58:21

3M ago58:21

58:21

Jesse Nickel of Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, B.C., published a compelling book last year about how Jesus' ministry and presentation of the Kingdom of God contrast with human understandings of power (A Revolutionary Jesus: Violence and Peacemaking in the Kingdom of God, Fortress Press, 2024). He talks with host Bill Fledderus about the chal…

1
192: Women, You’re Not Too Emotional (You Might Not Be Emotional Enough) | with Becky Brown 42:38

3M ago42:38

42:38

Women in small churches often feel like we have to hold it all in or keep it together for everyone else. But shutting down emotions doesn’t make us stronger — it cuts us off from one of the main ways God shapes us. In this episode, Becky Brown and I bust the myth that emotions are a weakness and show why they might be your greatest strength. What y…

1
191: Stop Saying People Aren’t Committed - It’s Hurting Your Ministry 32:21

4M ago32:21

32:21

When people don’t show up, it’s easy to assume they don’t care. But labeling them “uncommitted” doesn’t make us stronger leaders—it just makes us bitter, burned out, and less curious. In this episode, we’re calling out the commitment myth that keeps showing up in church conversations—and talking about what it really means to lead with presence, hop…

1
190: Grace, Bullies, & Boundaries: How To Stay In The Conversation 35:21

4M ago35:21

35:21

If you listened to Episode 189, you know we tackled the hard truth about what happens when grace gets twisted into protecting bullies in the church. This episode stands on its own — but it’s also a continuation of that conversation. We’re getting real about how to handle church conflict in a healthy, biblical way … and why the space between ignorin…

1
189: When “Grace” Protects Bullies: How We Confuse Avoidance With Christlikeness 31:49

4M ago31:49

31:49

Sometimes “just be gracious” is really code for “don’t rock the boat.” But when grace gets twisted into silence, avoidance, or fear, it stops looking like Jesus. In this episode, we’re talking about the quiet damage that happens when harmful behavior is tolerated in the name of patience or peace. What do you do when you’re not in charge but can’t i…

1
188: The Small Church Pay Debate: A Question That Drives Me Crazy! 25:44

4M ago25:44

25:44

That question — “Would you keep doing your ministry if you weren’t paid?” — drives me nuts. Ministry isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is pay. Some serve as a career, others as a calling — and both deserve respect. This episode isn’t about right or wrong; it’s about honesty, healthy boundaries, and giving yourself permission to choose what works…

1
187: When Your Church Feels Like It’s Dying: What to Do (and What’s Still True) 42:03

4M ago42:03

42:03

If your church is shrinking, struggling, or just doesn’t look like it used to—it can feel like failure. But what if it’s not? In this episode, we talk honestly about fear, change, and what actually makes a church vibrant (hint: it’s not numbers). Because while buildings close, callings don’t—and Jesus isn’t panicking. You’ll hear: Why panic isn’t a…

1
186: Planning Your KidMin Year | with Lauren Jackson 29:14

5M ago29:14

29:14

What if you could enter the next ministry year with clarity, unity, and a plan that actually fits your church? In this episode, I talk with Lauren Jackson from Kids Ministry Circle about how churches of any size can create a meaningful, intentional KidMin plan—and why July is the perfect time to start. Whether you're leading solo or working with a …

1
185: Finally, A Children’s Curriculum Made For Two Or More (Literally) | with Ali Thompson 36:35

5M ago36:35

36:35

What if your small church could run a meaningful, Jesus-centered children’s ministry—even with just a few kids and a couple of volunteers? In this episode, I’m talking with Group Publishing about their brand-new Sunday School curriculum, Two or More, designed specifically for smaller churches and mixed-age groups. If you've been trying to “make it …

1
184: Breaking Down Ministry Silos: Why Collaboration Matters in Small Churches 28:44

5M ago28:44

28:44

In this episode of The Small Church Ministry Podcast, Laurie names something many small churches deal with—but haven’t had the words for: ministry silos. You know when two ministries plan events on the same night—and no one realizes it? Or you hear about something great after it already happened? That’s a silo—and it’s more common than we think. We…

1
183: Church Spotlight: Building a Church-Wide Team - Involving All Ages in Children’s Ministry | with Heather Harkins 26:15

5M ago26:15

26:15

In this inspiring episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast, host Laurie Graham talks with Heather Harkins about transforming children's ministry in a small church. Heather shares practical strategies for increasing congregational involvement, breaking down traditional ministry barriers, and creating meaningful intergenerational connections. Lea…

1
182: We Turned Discipleship into a Lecture: What Happened to Heart & Soul? 24:00

6M ago24:00

24:00

In this series, we’ve been naming what’s broken in church culture—and today, we’re talking about what we lost in discipleship. When did spiritual growth become just facts, checklists, and classroom settings? Jesus didn’t disciple minds—He discipled hearts. He invited people into His life. He wept. He asked questions. He modeled emotional depth, not…

1
181: Let’s Stop Using ‘Biblical’ to Divide the Church 16:45

6M ago16:45

16:45

This anniversary series is about naming what’s broken in church culture—and making room for leadership that looks like Jesus. In this episode, we’re rethinking the phrase “We’re a biblical church.” It’s often used to divide, not unite—and that’s a problem. We’ll cover: 1. Why “we’re a biblical church” can actually drive people apart instead of unit…

1
Elephants, tigers, rabbits and the Great Commission in Canada - Ep. 246 37:22

6M ago37:22

37:22

Lisa Pak serves at Finishing the Task, a Great Commission initiative led by Rick Warren, founder of Saddleback Church. Her title at that “network of networks” is director of partnerships in Asia, for young leaders and women. She talked with guest host David Guretzki about diaspora communities and engaging younger generations with the gospel. Previo…

1
180: When Dysfunction Becomes the Culture—and No One Talks About It 20:51

6M ago20:51

20:51

Church should be a place of growth and healing—but too often, dysfunction gets disguised as “unity” or “God’s will.” In this episode of our anniversary series, we’re naming the unhealthy systems churches cling to and calling for leadership that reflects Jesus’ heart. We’ll talk about: 1. True unity vs. fear-based “togetherness” 2. The damage of avo…

1
179: Stop Using People: Volunteers Aren’t a Workforce—They’re Your Ministry 27:59

6M ago27:59

27:59

We’re kicking off our 4-part anniversary series: “Off Script: Five Years Later & Still Saying What No One Else Will.” This series names what’s broken in church culture—and calls us to something better. From power dynamics to discipleship, we’re going there. Today’s episode tackles a common problem: treating volunteers like a workforce instead of mi…

1
178: Church Spotlight: Unity in Action: Small Town Churches Collaborating to Meet Community Needs | with Carla Adams 31:27

7M ago31:27

31:27

In this inspiring episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast, Carla Adams shares how four churches in her small Georgia town broke down denominational barriers to unite in community service and fellowship. Learn how these churches - including Baptist, Methodist, and others - overcame historical divisions to collaborate on events like Easter sunri…

1
Strengthening Canadian Christian Education - Ep 245 37:27

7M ago37:27

37:27

Greg Needham of Salmon Arm, B.C., and Lauralynn Mercer of Ontario are educators leading the Canadian Christian Education Movement, a project of the global education ministry Teach Beyond (cemovement.ca). They spoke with host Bill Fledderus about Christ-centred education options in Canada and new ways to help them grow.…

1
177: The Small Church Advantage & The Vital Role of Laity | with Teresa Stewart 28:55

7M ago28:55

28:55

In this inspiring episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast, host Laurie Graham sits down with Theresa J. Stewart, author of "The Small Church Advantage," to challenge traditional views of small churches. Theresa shares powerful insights on how smaller congregations are not deficient, but unique "test kitchens" for innovative ministry. Learn how…

1
Thinking about church and mission - Ep 244 35:11

7M ago35:11

35:11

Guest host David Guretzki chats with Sarah Han about how church members can think about the church being intercultural and missional. Dr. Han is assistant professor of pastoral ministry at Tyndale University. She considers herself to be "third culture" Canadian-Korean-Chinese and her formative theology was shaped on the mission field abroad. She ha…

1
176: Getting on the Same Page: Trust & Understanding Between Pastor & Volunteers | with Doug Beutler 34:52

7M ago34:52

34:52

In this insightful episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast, host Laurie Graham sits down with Pastor Doug Butler to explore the often-challenging dynamics between pastors and church volunteers. They dive deep into building trust, understanding, and unity in small church settings, discussing how to: Overcome communication barriers Embrace diver…

1
175: Church Spotlight: Outreach Ideas To Increase Visibility and Connect with Your Community | With Sarah Harlow 30:45

7M ago30:45

30:45

In this special episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast, host Laurie Graham talks with Sarah Harlow about creative, meaningful outreach strategies for small churches. Sarah shares innovative ways her church connects with the local community, from blessing baristas to writing appreciation cards for community leaders. In this episode: Discover h…

1
Coping with stress in an increasingly unstable world - Ep 243 40:50

7M ago40:50

40:50

Many Canadians are feeling burdened by global economic and political turmoil. Jennifer Bowen of Shalem Mental Health Network chats with host Bill Fledderus about how such stress can impact mental health, relationships and faith communities. She offers suggestions informed by psychology and Christian faith for coping and cultivating peace, resilienc…

1
174: More Volunteers, Jesus-Style: Developing People, Not Just Programs 50:11

8M ago50:11

50:11

In this powerful opening session of the Small Church KidMin + Youth Ministry Conference, host Laurie Graham explores volunteer recruitment through a Jesus-centered lens. She challenges ministry leaders to shift from merely recruiting volunteers to developing people, emphasizing the importance of seeing and valuing individuals. Drawing on personal s…

1
173: Recognizing & Connecting With Hurting Kids: Broken Families, Shifting Realities, & Small Churches | with Melissa J. MacDonald 31:40

8M ago31:40

31:40

In this powerful episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast, host Laurie Graham sits down with Melissa MacDonald to explore the critical role of recognizing and connecting with hurting kids in small church settings. Melissa shares her personal experiences as a foster parent, after-school program director, and ministry leader, offering practical i…

1
172: Beyond Inclusion: Helping Every Child Find Their Place in Church | with Kim Botto 36:44

8M ago36:44

36:44

In this powerful episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast, host Laurie Graham sits down with Kim Botto to explore how small churches can create a welcoming environment for every child, especially those with neurodivergent needs or trauma backgrounds. Listen in to: Discover why 1 in 3 families with children with disabilities have left a church L…

1
171: Teaching Today’s Teens: Leveraging Their Limited Availability, Perceived Apathy, & Growing Agency | with Mike Haynes 42:02

8M ago42:02

42:02

Laurie Graham and youth ministry expert Mike Haynes discuss effective strategies for engaging and teaching teenagers in small church youth groups. Key topics include: Recognizing the challenges of over-scheduled teens Leveraging teenagers' natural agency Structuring interactive youth group time Adapting teaching methods to match teenage cognitive d…

1
170: A Great Children's Ministry Doesn’t Require A Building, A Budget, Or A Brand | with Angela Marks 36:56

8M ago36:56

36:56

Join Laurie Graham and special guest Angela Marks in this inspiring episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast as they dive deep into children's ministry. Angela shares her transformative journey from an IT professional to a passionate children's minister, revealing how a great children's ministry isn't about big budgets or fancy programs, but ab…

1
169: Engaging Adults With Disabilities In Your Small Church: Respect, Support, & Connection | with Victoria White 40:16

9M ago40:16

40:16

Laurie Graham and Victoria White discuss the inclusion of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the church. Victoria, an experienced advocate, shares her passion for this issue and the benefits of welcoming this population, such as slowing down and gaining new perspectives. The conversation covers practical steps for chur…

1
Helping kids grow in faith at home through little habits - Ep 242 34:28

9M ago34:28

34:28

Christie Thomas is an author, parent and children’s ministry leader in Alberta (littleshootsdeeproots.com). Her latest book Little Habits, Big Faith: How Simple Practices Help Your Family Grow in Jesus was published by NavPress in 2024. She chatted with Bill Fledderus about how parents can help plant seeds of faith and help them grow in our childre…

1
168: Church Spotlight: How A Planning Party Sparked Creativity, Community, and Collaboration | Kelly Wilson 28:48

9M ago28:48

28:48

In this episode, Laurie Graham welcomes guest Kelly Wilson to discuss her experience implementing a "planning party" at her small church. Kelly shares how the planning party concept helped address the challenges she and her husband faced as the primary planners and implementers of church activities. The planning party involved the congregation in a…