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What To Do When … Offerings Are Down
No church ever has enough money to fund the ministries it wants to do or to meet the needs of the community. However, most churches can increase their offerings significantly by employing some simple practices. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris offer suggestions for raising your weekly offerings.
Length: 15:45
Create a Christmas Eve of Dreams
Your Christmas Eve worship service is most likely the one service where you’re most likely to get the most receptive visitors of the year. Although there’s an expectation that the worship service will be all warm and fuzzy, many of those warm fuzzies come from an idealized Norman Rockwell-ian kind of memories. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill will offer recommendations that will change your visitors’ “that was nice” experience to and impression-making memory that will last a lifetime.
Length: 18:02
What To Do When: You’re an Aging Congregation
The average age of church members in the US is around 55 – and it’s higher in mainline churches. However, the longer a church has been established, the older the average age of its membership. Today, it’s not uncommon for the average age of a small to mid-sized church to be mid-60s or even young-70s. And even though larger churches … even mega churches … are experiencing the aging-effect, by and large these churches have significantly lower age-averages than smaller churches. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris address this phenomenon and offer strategies to deal with the issue.
Length: 14:49
What To Do When: You’re Burning Out
“But nobody likes me. Everyone is mean to me. I’m not learning anything and no one listens to me. I don’t want to go,” he complained. “Hush now. You’re the pastor, you have to go to church!” It happens to the best of us. Too much work; too much pressure; too many missed expectations; too much to do and too few hours. The next thing you know it, you don’t want to get out of bed, let alone go to work. Burn out is a serious problem in ministry. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris tackle this energy-sapping problem with hope for those who find themselves in a spiral.
Length: 14:53
Helping Identify a Call to Ministry
Believe it or not, there is a growing shortage of pastors and other professional ministry leaders in the North American church. Once upon a time, youth often came to a realization of a call to ministry at outdoor ministry events. Today, however, for whatever reason, it’s not as “cool” to become a minister. Therefore, it’s become critical for those of us in the church to recognize God’s calling on those around us. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill share insights on how your church can help identify future ministers. With special guest Fran Schnarre, president of the Mid-America Center for Ministry (http://midamericacenterforministry.com/)
Length: 12:24
What To Do When … A Fight Breaks Out (Part 2)
Sometimes it just happens. A slip of the tongue (or not) and someone either takes exception or disagrees … strongly. Or someone undermines someone else or some project or … The list of why we fight at church is unending. It’s not supposed to be that way, but it happens. The question is, what to do about it. When Tom won’t speak to Bob or refuses to attend until Bob is replaced … what’s a pastor or a church leader to do? In this episode Drs. Kris and Bill offer practical steps to take when you’re faced with it happening.
Length: 15:50
What To Do When … A Fight Breaks Out (Part 1)
Sometimes it just happens. A slip of the tongue (or not) and someone either takes exception or disagrees … strongly. Or someone undermines someone else or some project or … The list of why we fight at church is unending. It’s not supposed to be that way, but it happens. The question is, what to do about it. When Tom won’t speak to Bob or refuses to attend until Bob is replaced … what’s a pastor or a church leader to do? In this episode Drs. Kris and Bill offer practical steps to take when you’re faced with it happening.
Length: 15:53
What To Do When … You Can’t Get New Leaders
It’s one of the top five concerns we hear whenever we work with a stuck church: “We’re so tired and we just can’t get new leaders to take over for us.” It’s not just that the 80/20 rule seems to be in play, it’s that apparently more and more members are leaving the game to go sit in the stands as a spectator. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris offer specific recommendations to help you ensure you have the leaders you need for your essential ministries.
Length: 17:01
What To Do When … You Have to Do the “Children’s Sermon”
We see it all the time. Good hearted people who volunteer (or are volunteered) to do “The Children’s Time” during the adult worship service. But in the end, the children’s message is too long, too grown-up, too lame, too distracting … and one look at the kids let’s you know that someone badly missed the target. Even some of the best children’s sermon materials end up flopping. What’s the deal? What are you going to do when you’ve got to do the children’s sermon? In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill provide some tips on what to do when. This week with Dr. Melanie Barton, author of The ABC’s of Children’s Sermons.
Length: 14:22
To Do When … Your Small Group Wanes
The great hope of the church from the nineties to the present has bee focused on small groups. Small groups were where we expected people to get connected, to get spiritually fed, and to grow as a disciple. Some churches also hoped the groups would do hands-on mission and multiply as well. Only thing is, most small group initiatives in most churches start with a bang and then whither on the vine. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris will offer some helps to get your small groups back on track.
Length: 14:50
What To Do When … You Have No Visitors
A too common cry from congregations is “But we don’t have any visitors,” which is often followed by a perceived observation that “everyone is moving out” or “nobody is moving in.” Believe it or not, unless you’re Detroit (where street after street after street is filled with vacant houses) new people are moving into neighborhoods and even the smallest of communities. If you’re not seeing any visitors, there’s something more afoot than people beat-feeting it away or choosing to foot it into other communities. In this session Drs. Bill and Kris look at what a congregation can – needs? – to do when a congregation faces the reality of no visitors.
Length: 15:40
What To Do When … Kids Hate Church
Let’s be honest. Little ones have little use for adult worship. They don’t understand the words to the songs, let alone the ones coming out of the preacher’s mouth. The prayers and the announcements are meaningless to their lives … they don’t even know Robert who’s in the hospital and they aren’t invited to the Women’s Fellowship Meeting. And the Kid’s Sermon? Even kids know when they’re being used as a cute intro to the upcoming adult sermon. So, what do you do when someone suddenly realizes that visitors with kids virtually never return and the average young adult parent is at their rope’s end fighting with their children to come to church? This week, Drs. Kris and Bill team up to share some solutions to What to do when … Kids Hate Church.
Length: 15:55
Effective Membership Tracking
As a church grows, keeping up with who does what, who’s gifted in that, and who loves doing this can be a daunting task. A membership tracking program can be a lifesaver for the church. But too many churches purchase membership tracking programs and then use them primarily, or too often exclusively, for giving reports. And yes, that’s a good use … but it’s only one use, and not even the best. In this episode Drs. Kris and Bill look at how the church can effectively use a membership tracking program. With special guest, Randy Clay creator of CDM+.
Length: 12:46
Small Church Thinking
The power of positive thinking may be overrated (or may not be), but there is no arguing that our attitudes have a huge impact on our lives. The same is true for the church. One of the reasons small churches stay small is that their thinking keeps them small. Small church thinking leads to small church attitudes and small church attitudes keep churches small. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris expose five Small Church Thinking’s that every church (no matter how small or how big) need to expunge
Length: 14:44
Hospitality Like Disney
Virtually anyone who’s ever visited Disneyland/world can attest that the Magic Kingdom is sometimes a lot more hospitable than the local church’s model of the Kingdom of God. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris offer concrete tips to ratchet up your congregation’s hospitality.
Length: 32:45
Church Growth: Then and Now (Part 2)
If you’ve been trying to grow you church, but aren’t seeing the results you expected, then you may want to tap into this episode. One of the most misunderstood realities is that the way churches grew once-upon-a-time just doesn’t work today. Although that may not be “news” to many pastors, the church’s “growth” practices often reflect yesterday’s growth strategy. In part two of this two-part episode, Dr. Bill explains what it takes at the core to grow a church today.
Length: 13:16
Church Growth … Then and Now (Part 1)
If you’ve been trying to grow you church, but aren’t seeing the results you expected, then you may want to tap into this episode. One of the most misunderstood realities is that the way churches grew once-upon-a-time just doesn’t work today. Although that may not be “news” to many pastors, the church’s “growth” practices often reflect yesterday’s growth strategy. In part one of this two-part episode, Dr. Bill explains how and why the church growth strategies of 1955 worked so well then, but don’t work now. In part two, Bill explains the core of how churches grow today.
Length: 11:14
When Not to Try a Transformation
Not every church is a viable candidate for a transformation. Likewise, not every pastor has the temperament or the ability to lead a transformation. But how do you know if the church or you are ready to take on a church growth initiative that will reach the community for Jesus Christ? In this episode Drs. Bill and Kris invite you to seriously explore whether or not a church transformation is in your future.
Length: 13:08
Managing Your Time Off … You ARE Taking Your Time Off, Right?
Some ministers can spend so much time taking care of others that they forget to take care of themselves. Other categories of self-care sacrifices include over-achieving ministers and those who lack good boundaries. Today’s episode is for those who neglect to take weekly days off and/or vacation time … and for those who have a responsibility to care for or supervise them.
Length: 14:00
Discovering Your Church’s Mission
A ship without a working rudder goes wherever the tides and winds will … until it runs aground. A church without a working mission statement suffers the same malady and fate. One of the most contentious processes in the church seems to be discovering the answer to the “Why are we here?” question, and yet of all the parts of the DNA, why your church exists is the easiest to discover. In the episode Drs. Kris and Bill tackle the Mission Monster, tame it, and teach how you can do the same.
Length: 30:01
Getting the Point: Thematic Worship
Do your members remember anything about last week’s message?
The days when a “three points and a poem” preaching was effective are long past. Today’s effective sermons make one major take-home point. And though many music ministers do their best to tie the music to the sermon and liturgists work to choose the appropriate responsive readings, the reality is that too many worship services look like a Golden Coral Lunch Buffet … there’s a little bit of everything in there. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill share how to help those in your congregation truly get that “one thing” – even if they nodded off during the sermon.
Length: 13:26
Building Alliances
Changing the culture of a church is a team effort. In churches averaging less than 300 in worship, that team is more than just the staff and key leaders … it takes congregational buy-in. But in churches under 200, and especially in churches under 100, getting that buy-in is more than a matter of preaching a visionary sermon and taking it to the board for a vote. The savvy church leader understands that in the real world congregational change takes strategic alliances. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill offer the keys practices that not only build alliances … they build the right alliances.
Length: 14:56
Make a Lasting Impression: Power Pointers
Screen technology is no longer a novelty and a majority of churches have adopted some sort of projection during worship. Unfortunately, the Digital Age largely hasn’t caught up with most church screens and for too many churches would do just as well with an inexpensive overhead projector with acetate slides. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris will provide some key power pointers for how to maximize the use of your digital projection during worship whether you use PowerPoint, MediaShout, SongShow Plus, or any other projection software.
Length: 14:18
Afraid of Your Shadow? Congregational Self-Esteem
Do your church members lack energy? Have they stopped inviting their friends and neighbors to church? Are you giving it everything you’ve got but getting tired from being the Energizer bunny who keeps on going and going and going? Then it’s likely your church is suffering from Esteem Based Depression. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill offer diagnostic and prescriptive tools for giving your church the shot in the arm it needs.
Length: 12:18
Targeted Technology: Part 2 – Bridging the Generations
The first technological breakthrough may have been a sharp stick by Homo erectus and it seems to have served them well for a couple hundred thousand years, but when it comes to worship in the 21st Century technological breakthroughs barely last a generation. In this episode Drs. Bill and Kris explore the technology “needs” of the four adult generations in the church today.
Length: 34:56
Targeted Technology Part 1: Understanding the Generations
The first technological breakthrough may have been a sharp stick by Homo erectus and it seems to have served them well for a couple hundred thousand years, but when it comes to worship in the 21st Century technological breakthroughs barely last a generation. In this episode Drs. Bill and Kris explore the technology “needs” of the four adult generations in the church today.
Length: 35:45
Making Course Corrections
It’s been said that churches have a life cycle from birth to death. That’s hard to dispute in a nation that’s expected to close 150,000 churches in the next decade … and with 14 churches closing every day, it’s hard to argue. Though it may be too late for some churches to turnaround, with strong leadership, guts, heart, and Spirit most churches can execute course corrections significant enough to make a U-Turn from decline to faithfulness, effectiveness, and sustainability. Join Drs. Kris and Bill as they outline a plan for your church’s course corrections!
Length: 32:32
Intergenerational Worship
In our current cultural climate, it makes a lot of sense to focus worship services on a basic generational target. Kid’s worship, youth worship, young-adult/seeker worship, boomer worship, traditional worship for seniors, etc. But that’s not an option for even a majority of churches. This week, Drs. Kris and Bill explore how to lead effective intergenerational worship for those churches that have limited options.
Length: 32:31
The Introverted Leader
One of the most common questions we get is: “I know what I’m supposed to do as a church leader, but I’m an introvert. How am I supposed to grow my church?” Believe it or not, Dr. Kris in not just an introvert, she’s a shy introvert … and yet, she’s successfully led in church planting, church transformation and growth, and judicatory transformation as well. In this episode, she and Dr. Bill will explore the realities and the how-tos of the shy and the introverted as effective growth leaders.
Length: 31:20
Helping Folks Invite Folks: The Five Most Wanted
It’s hard to “do” evangelism; if it wasn’t, we wouldn’t be here still trying to figure out how to teach/cajole our folks into it. But what if there was an easier, more subversive way to get them started? In this episode Drs. Kris and Bill offer a proven practice that helps and encourages people to engage evangelism.
Length: 29:12
Make or Break Your Church in 365 Days (or Less!)
Effective pastors of growing churches do things differently than other pastors, and their churches do things differently. But it doesn’t end there. Not only do they do things differently, they do different things than others. In this episode, Bill Tenny-Brittian interviews Paul Borden who wrote the book Make or Break Your Church in 365 Days and talks about how effective pastors spend their time.
Length: 27:22
Adult Bible Study Curriculum Made Easy … Really Easy
Discovering the Discovery Questions. How much time does it take your small group leaders to get prepare for their next session? What if they could skip the study part and just spend their prep time in real-time prayer for the group? In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris introduce the five discovery questions that make Bible study a snap!
Length: 30:45
Self-Esteem in the Small Church
Self-Esteem in the Small Church. It’s been noted that many small churches suffer from a low self-image. This manifests with a lack of enthusiasm and members who don’t invite their friends, relatives, acquaintances, neighbors, co-workers, or anyone else to worship with them. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill offer tips to bolster your congregation’s self-esteem.
Length: 33:18
Helping Visitors Take the Next Step
You’ve ratcheted up your hospitality, so your first time visitors are returning, but what’s next? Studies show that if a guest hasn’t developed significant relationships within the church within six to nine months, odds are you’ll lose them. How can you help these returning guests get connected into your congregation? In this week’s Church-Talk, Drs. Bill and Kris join Chris Walker, the Evangelism Coach, in a discussion of helping guests make connections by offering low-commitment opportunities.
Length: 34:47
How to Make Irresistible Invitations
We’ve heard it – and many of us have pushed it – from the pulpit for years: the number one way to get an un-churched or never-churched person to come to church is through a personal invitation. But instead we’ve come to rely solely on our websites and mass marketing and, worse yet, our yellow pages and newspaper ads. In this episode Drs. Kris and Bill provide a few invitations that have proven to be irresistible as well as some techniques that will make it hard for your congregation to say, “I can’t” when it comes to extending those invitations.
Length: 30:01
New You: Your Congregation’s Makeover
Every time a new year starts, we are inundated with tips and promises for how to make ourselves over: how to recreate ourselves into someone healthier, better looking, more prosperous than the year – or years – before. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris offer what a congregational “makeover” might look like and offer their own set of tips for helping your congregation come closer to being all God has created it to be.
Length: 29:53
Mission Alignment: Organizing Around Your Mission Statement
It’s one thing to have a mission statement – it’s quite another to organize and operate and staff around it. Most churches are organized to maintain control and structured to make decisions. But that organizational structure stifles growth. By using a mission-based organizational structure, a church can grow and the organizational model scales itself. In this episode Drs. Kris and Bill explore the “what happens after” you have your mission statement in place.
Length: 35:30
How to Say “No”
One of the common questions Dr. Kris and Bill here from congregational leaders is, “How do I say no?” In this episode the “Church Drs.” will provide practical tips on how to say “no” and how to help those you lead learn to say “no” too.
Length: 29:52
The Five S’s of a Great Nursery
The Five S’s of a Great Nursery. It’s been said that only two “programs” grow a church: Relevant, indigenous worship and excellent children’s programming. Children’s programming begins in the nursery. In today’s cultural climate, if your church is serious about reaching young families (or grandparents with local grandkids, for that matter), your nursery had better be “up to snuff” in the Five S’s – Staff, Safety, Sanitary, Security, and Sizzle. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris will help you and your congregation know what it takes to make a positive impression on young parents.
Length: 33:08
Alternatives for Children’s Sunday School
More and more churches are shutting down their Sunday School programs because they can’t get adults to bring their children. Other churches just keep limping along, trying to expand from two or three kids. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill will dig deep to find some alternatives that are working around the nation. Whether you need to move Sunday School to the worship hour, create a children’s small-group program, or rework the program you have, this is a don’t-miss episode.
Length: 29:44
Public Prayer 201: What To Do When …
Public Prayer 201: What To Do When … takes up were Public Prayer 101 left off. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris get serious about what to do when someone asks you to pray. Whether you’re being asked to lead corporate prayer for the worship service with advanced notice or when the pastor turns and spontaneously says, “Will you offer a prayer for the meal?” this episode will help you get past your panic so you can offer a meaningful prayer on behalf of the congregation.
Length: 31:27
Effective Church Membership
Effective Church Membership: Some churches have done away with church membership … let’s be honest, the only ones who really count today are those who actually show up (and in most churches, that’s well less than 50 percent of their “membership”). But whether or not your church offers a membership option, getting involved means more than just showing up. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill provide an introduction to what it really means to be a member … and how to be an effective member at that.
Length: 31:27
Advent and Christmas Planning
It’s that time of year again. There’s a nip in the air (unless you live in Southern California) and the leaves are starting to turn. In just a few weeks gutters will be clogged with leaves and outdoor critters will be seeking safe haven inside. All that and more means it’s time to get ready for winter … and it’s the perfect time to get serious about Advent and Christmas planning. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill will help you put together a plan for creating worship that will not soon be forgotten.
Length: 32:35
The Business of Church: Introducing the Four Processes (pt 3)
The third part of the Business of the Church series. The church too often loses its focus on what it’s all about and what really needs to be accomplished. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris introduce the Four Core Processes that every Effective Church must attend to. This episode previews Bill and Bill’s book Staffing the Effective Church from Baker Books. Part 3 of 3
Length: 31:50
Introduction to Church Leadership
Ever wish you had a resource that would let church members know what it means to be a church leader? Something a little less forward than you sitting down with them to try and get them to understand what’s expected of them should they say “Yes, I’ll serve in that ministry.” Well, Drs. Kris and Bill have put together the perfect … okay, a pretty good … Church-Talk show to help you out. In this episode they talk about the need for passion, and spiritual groundedness, and integrity, and the need for an apprentice, and all those things you wish you’d remembered to say.
Length: 35:19
Discern and Develop Your Congregation’s Core Values
You can tell what’s important to a church by looking at the congregation’s budget and their calendar. Values are what’s really important … and values drive our behaviors. Helping churches discern their values, and helping them live into values that are more the ideal is the topic of this week’s episode. Join Drs. Kris and Bill as they explore how churches can discern their values and embed them in the congregation’s behaviors.
Length: 32:31
No Dogs Allowed – And Other Ways We Bar Our Doors.
When it comes to inviting people to worship, the North American church seem to specialize in “Y’all Come.” Except, that the church too often doesn’t really mean y’all; rather, it means “so long as you look like, act like, and expect what we do, then y’all are welcome. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris explore some of the ways the church bars its doors to even the most homogenous neighbor.
Length: 31:49
Reading the Bible Aloud: Help It Come Alive
Over the years, while attending literally thousands of church worship services, we’ve found ourselves too often inwardly cringing when the scriptures get read aloud. We’ve heard the monotone drone that goes on and on and on; endured punctuation cremation as if there were no commas or periods … or extra commas and periods; metaphorically pounded our heads against the wall while listening to pronunciation fixation where the reader tries over and over again to correctly say Shibboleth; and of course the unheard undeterred missed word as the reader overlooks the “not” in the “thou shalt” or skips a whole line and then gets all flustered, embarrassed, bursts into tears, and runs off the platform in shame. Okay, the last one is a bit of an overstatement … we’ve never seen anyone run off of the platform, but we’ve experienced all the rest.
In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill offer a short course on how to prepare and read the scriptures effectively in public worship. This is an invaluable session for clergy and laity alike. In addition, use this episode annually to train your lay readers.
Length: 35:25
Seeker Sensitivity Without Member Insensitivity
Over the past several decades, there’s been a lot of talk about seeker sensitivity in churches. From “Seeker Focused” to “Seeker Sensitive,” what’s the best way to be hospitable to guests? And can you do that without alienating those already attending the church? This episode will look at the ins and outs of the seeker sensitivity movement.
Length: 33:57
The Business of Church: Balancing Spirituality with Good Business Practices (pt 2)
The second part of the three-part Business of the Church series. Although the church isn’t a business, many churches are responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of property, income, and expenditures. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill walk the tightrope between good-business and God-business.
Length: 35:46
Effective Hospital Visitation
It seems that the smaller the church, the more time the pastor spends making hospital visits. What if you could cut your time in the hospital by 25 percent? What if you could cut your time by 100 percent? In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris will offer time saving hospital visit tips – plus provide Hospital Visitation 101 to help train your elders/shepherds to make effective, meaningful hospital visits.
Length: 29:53
Spiritual Habits for Kids
The church has been busy teaching children the basic stories of the Bible for decades – but we’ve neglected to train our children to be effective disciples of Jesus Christ. Prayer, scripture reading, encouragement, mission, and faith sharing seem to be spiritual disciplines reserved for adults. And yet who hasn’t been touched by the genuine faith of a child? In this episode Drs. Bill and Kris with guest Donna Rose-Heim (author of Dream Walking for Kids) offer tools for helping your children make real connections with God.
Length: 32:16
The Business of Church (Part 1)
The Business of Church – It’s Not Business. Too many church business meetings are about business and not about church; about money and not about ministry; about what we want and not about what God wants. In this episode, from agendas to nominations, Drs. Bill and Kris take a hard look at how the church’s leadership can ensure God-Business Sense. Part 1 of a 3 part series.
Length: 30:28
Building Bridges from Church to Culture (Part 3 of 3)
Culture has changed. The church wants to reach those in the culture. The question is, who makes the next move … and what’s the best move to make. In this, the final part of the Who Moved My Church? series, Drs. Bill and Kris offer tips for churches that are serious about reaching their neighbors, but don’t know where to start.
Length: 33:05
Stop Changing Spiritual Diapers
Ever get tired of trying to “feed” those who won’t be fed? Ready to put an end to changing people’s spiritual diapers and help them to grow up into spiritual maturity? In this episode Drs. Bill and Kris offer spiritual midwifery and parenting skills for growing mature disciples of Jesus Christ … no matter how old they are or how long they’ve been a church member.
Length: 31:58
Strategies For Getting Out of the Office
For years we’ve been advising church leaders that if they want to grow their churches, they have to get out of the office. And yet the number one question we get is, “How?” and the second most asked question is, “Where do I go?” In this episode Drs. Kris and Bill offer practical suggestions for getting out there and making connections in the world outside the office.
Length: 33:17
Who Moved My Community? (Part 2 of 3)
We live in an increasingly insular world. Too often community changes go unnoticed by those of us in the church. We read the newest census report and wonder where they got their “facts.” In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris offer strategies on how to explore the community that “is” rather than the community that “was” by using demographics, psychographics, and plain old observation. Part 2 of 3 in the Who Moved My Church? series.
Length: 31:25
You Can’t Manage Conflict!
There are a lot of Conflict Management courses and experts “out there” in the world, and some of it has made it’s way into the church. And though it may seem like semantics, the New Testament model of dealing with conflict isn’t about managing it … it isn’t even about resolving it. Matthew, the conflict gospel, writes that Christian (and the church’s) response to conflict is reconciliation. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris explore the four-step model for conflict reconciliation for the church … it’s tried, it’s true, and it works!
Length: 31:03
Writing Guest Friendly
Whether it’s a bulletin, newsletter, website, blog, or Tweet, your writing should communicate … to everyone in the audience. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill help churches tackle the dilemma of effective guest communications.
Length: 20:55
Small Groups – You Get What You Get
Wonder why the participants in your Sunday school classes, small groups, Bible studies, and so on aren’t becoming the fully developed followers of Jesus that you expected … even after years of participation? Frankly, some of your participants probably wonder too … because many were hoping for more. In this session, Drs. Bill and Kris reveal why groups get what they get … and how to change it up.
Length: 30:54
Who Moved My Church?
Since 1963 or so, our culture has undergone some radical changes. Never mind we walked on the moon in 1969, a national treasure though it was, microwave ovens, hand calculators, personal computers, the Internet, cell phones, smart phones, tablets, and now Kinect for the workplace has changed our lives. And that’s just the technology changes – change has run rampant through every fiber of our culture. Except maybe for the church. Even “enlightened” churches tend to be 10+ years behind culture in relevance and practice. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill will explore some of the cultural changes and how they’ve impacted the church. Part 1 of 3 in the “Who Moved My Church?” series.
Length: 33:48
You Can’t Manage Conflict!
There are a lot of Conflict Management courses and experts “out there” in the world, and some of it has made it’s way into the church. And though it may seem like semantics, the New Testament model of dealing with conflict isn’t about managing it … it isn’t even about resolving it. Matthew, the conflict gospel, writes that Christian (and the church’s) response to conflict is reconciliation. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris explore the four-step model for conflict reconciliation for the church … it’s tried, it’s true, and it works!
Length: 31:03
Writing Guest Friendly
Whether it’s a bulletin, newsletter, website, blog, or Tweet, your writing should communicate … to everyone in the audience. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill help churches tackle the dilemma of effective guest communications.
Length: 20:55
Small Groups – You Get What You Get
Wonder why the participants in your Sunday school classes, small groups, Bible studies, and so on aren’t becoming the fully developed followers of Jesus that you expected … even after years of participation? Frankly, some of your participants probably wonder too … because many were hoping for more. In this session, Drs. Bill and Kris reveal why groups get what they get … and how to change it up.
Length: 30:54
Who Moved My Church?
Since 1963 or so, our culture has undergone some radical changes. Never mind we walked on the moon in 1969, a national treasure though it was, microwave ovens, hand calculators, personal computers, the Internet, cell phones, smart phones, tablets, and now Kinect for the workplace has changed our lives. And that’s just the technology changes – change has run rampant through every fiber of our culture. Except maybe for the church. Even “enlightened” churches tend to be 10+ years behind culture in relevance and practice. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill will explore some of the cultural changes and how they’ve impacted the church. Part 1 of 3 in the “Who Moved My Church?” series.
Length: 33:48
Leveraging Greeting Card Holidays for Growth
Greeting Card Holidays – you know the ones. Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparent’s Day, Teacher Appreciation Day, and the list goes on. Although conspiracy theorists suggest they were all creations of Hallmark and the US Post Office, with a little savvy the church can do a LOT with these so called “holidays” that can reach the community outside the church walls. In this episode Drs. Bill and Kris Tenny-Brittian explore how churches can leverage these special days.
Length: 26:54
Time Management for Church Leaders of Large Churches
One of the most important issues facing church leaders is how to spend their time most effectively. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris provide helpful guidance for church leaders when it comes to getting the most done in the allotted time. Episode includes a preview of the upcoming book by Bill T-B and Bill Easum on staffing the effective church (release date 2012 by Baker Books).
Length: 29:46
St. Patrick’s Day – It’s More than Green Beer
… On the other hand, St. Patrick may well have been willing to use a little green beer in order to evangelize the Irish. Contextual evangelism is inarguably the most effective way to reach those beyond the grasp of the church. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris tap into George Hunter’s research (The Celtic Way of Evangelism) to discover how the church today can use St. Patrick’s methods to reach your community today.
Length: 28:39
The Pastor as Chief Development Officer
This is one of those “They didn’t teach me that in seminary or Bible school” episodes. Few pastors are prepared for the reality that if there is money to raise that the buck is ultimately going to stop with them. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill with guest Clif Christopher (author of Not Your Parents’ Offering Plate) provide tools, tips, and insights to help pastors keep ministry in the black.
Length: 38:13
Easter Worship Planning
There will be two main audiences attending your Easter services this year. Your faithful members who wouldn’t miss it and those who come kicking and screaming because someone dragged (or bribed, or coerced, or nagged, or …) them to church. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris offer some tips and tactics for planning an Easter that could make a difference to both groups.
Length: 29:57
Secret Shop Your Church
Just how friendly do you think your church is to first-time visitors? How friendly does your congregation think it is? We’ve never met a church that admitted they were unfriendly to guests, but the reality is … that’s more of a norm than you probably imagine. But you can’t fix what everyone thinks is working just fine. In this episode Drs. Kris and Bill offer you and your congregation the Secret Shopper tool that will help you get to the truth about hospitality.
Length: 24:59
It’s More Than a Game – Reaching Men Today
Super Bowl Sunday is nearly as holy and festive as Christmas and Easter to many men … if not to most men. Getting men interested, yet alone involved, in church is one of the most difficult tasks facing the church. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris step gingerly onto this sacred ground to share what’s working … and what’s not … in reaching men today.
Length: 33:54
Leveraging the Church Year
The church has it’s own “calendar” that is almost antithetical to the cultural calendar. In fact, many church leaders have abandoned the church year in favor of the calendar year. And though they have some excellent reasons for doing so, there can be significant value in revisiting the church’s ancient heritage. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill explore how to connect the church year with the cultural year without doing violence to either.
Length: 29:20
Developing Leaders for Ministry
Developing Leaders for Ministry. We’ve never found a church who complained they had too many leaders … in fact, the opposite is the rule. But what can you do when 20 percent are doing 80 percent of ministry and the 20 percenters are tired? In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris provide guidance for discovering the hidden leadership well in your congregation. This episode includes material from Bill T-B and Bill Easum’s upcoming book on staffing for the effective church (to be released in 2012 by Baker Books).
Length: 30:55
Turn First-Time Visitors into Returning Guests
Let’s say you get a half-dozen first-time visitors walk through your doors at any given worship service. How many of them are returning next week? If you’re not keeping over 50% of them, there’s a problem and it’s probably one of two things. It could be you’re not offering what they’re looking for in terms of experiential worship. The other problem, which is VERY common is that your follow-up isn’t effective. How do you get contact information from your guests and what do you do with it once you get it? That’s the topic of this episode of Church-Talk Live.
Length: 32:04
Developing Bedrock Beliefs
Ever notice how often churches seem to split over theological issues? Occasionally a “little” issue will frustrate a church, but it’s those big issues like abortion, alcohol, homosexuality, political stances, and so on that divide the church right down the middle. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill will drill down to the root cause of these conflicts … beliefs … and offer so thoughts on how churches can bullet-proof themselves from these kinds of issues by developing their Bedrock Beliefs.
Length: 27:15
Building Expected Behaviors
The keystone to both avoiding and resolving church conflicts is the development, adoption, and implementation of a congregational covenant of behaviors – better known as Expected Behaviors. We’ve called it the Missing Link in the church’s DNA. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris will explore why Expected Behaviors are necessary and offer the steps for building them into your congregation.
Length: 30:14
Multiplying Small Groups
Can’t find leaders for your upcoming small groups? It might not be that you have a lack of leaders, but that you need a different way to raise them up. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris introduce a leadership development plan that can bring your small groups explosive growth.
Length: 31:13
Mentoring Faith Development
There’s more to developing faith than listening to sermons and reading a book. And though there’s been a lot of talk about mentoring for spiritual development, there’s a paucity of how-to information. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris tackle the tough task of helping faith take root and bloom.
Length: 30:58
From Here to There – The Third Transition in the Church Transformation Journey
From Here to There: The Final Third. There are three distinct segments of church transformation. During the final third the Promised Land is finally in sight, but that’s when the status quo feels especially challenged. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill offer thoughts on how to reach the goal in church transformation.
Length: 29:32
Time Management for Leaders of the Smaller Church
One of the most important issues facing church leaders is how to spend their time most effectively. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris provide helpful guidance for small church leaders when it comes to getting the most done in the allotted time. This episode includes a preview from Bill T-B and Bill Easum’s upcoming book on staffing the effective church (release date in 2012 by Baker Books).
Length: 34:02
Leading the Larger Church
Believe it or not, it is highly unlikely your seminary prepared you to lead a church larger than 150. It’s a fact that most small and mid sized church pastors are ill-equipped for the leadership shifts necessary to lead a church of even 250. This week Drs. Kris and Bill explore what it takes to effectively lead a larger church and how leaders of large churches can prepare to lead even larger churches. The episode includes information from Bill T-B and Bill Easum’s Effective Staffing for Vital Churches
Length: 30:55
Christmas Planning
Christmas is just around the corner … even Walmart is selling decorations and pushing gift ideas. So, how can the church get ready for this most holy and most commercialized season of the year. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris work through the ABC Holiday Checklist to help you prepare for what’s to come.
Length: 33:30
Using Halloween to Reach Your Community
Whether you’re for it or against it, Halloween is one of the most influential holidays of the year. In the US, only Christmas sees more money spent on decorations and sweets. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill explore how to use Halloween’s popularity to reach and touch your community for Jesus Christ.
Length: 32:37
Interviewing the Prospective Pastor
If you’re on a search committee or if you’ve been charged with helping find your church’s next pastor, this episode is for you. (This will be helpful for a prospective pastor looking for some insights too.) The search and call process is a lot like courting … and that means everyone puts on their best faces. But how do you get below the surface to find the pastor your church really needs? In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill de-mystify the call process and provide insights to help you move past dating to seriously discovering the leader God’s set aside for your congregation.
Length: 34:34
Leadership in the Mid-Size Church
Leadership in the Mid-Size Church. John Maxwell rightly said that “everything rises and falls on leadership.” But it takes more than reading a couple of leadership books to effectively lead the medium sized church. This week, Drs. Kris and Bill explore what it takes to be a leader in today’s mid-sized church. This episode previews portions of Bill T-B and Bill Easum’s book Effective Staffing for the Vital Church.
Length: 32:11
From Here to There: The First Third of the Church Transformation Journey
From Here to There: The First Third. There are three distinct segments of church transformation. During the first third the past is still in sight and the Promised Land is too far to see. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill discuss the trials and tribulations when getting started in church transformation. (Part one of a three part series.)
Length: 30:41
Word Of Mouth Marketing – Helping Your Members Invite
Want to know the number one secret of fast growing churches? Wish you had mega bucks so you could become a mega church, or at least a larger church than you are? Then this is the episode for you. Drs. Bill and Kris will share how you can make it easy, or at least a lot easier, for your members to invite their friends, relatives, acquaintances, neighbors, co-workers, and everyone else.
Length: 31:54
What Is Your Sign Saying?
What Is Your Sign Saying? Believe it or not, your sign is one of your most effective marketing tools. Indeed, studies have shown that over 10 percent of your guests may come because of your sign … if you are using it correctly. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris provide the insights necessary to take your church sign to the next level.
Length: 31:54
Being a Non-Anxious Presence: The Conflict Extinguisher
Being a Non-Anxious Presence. When facing difficult circumstances, maintaining a non-anxious presence is one of the keys to minimizing angst when leading any change – from a congregational transformation to rearranging the fellowship hall. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris offer guidance on how to achieve this illusive behavior. With special guest, Church-Talk’s own on-call counselor, Dr. Bob Eichenberger.
Length: 34:15
Youth Groups that Change Lives
Youth Groups that Change Lives. It’s an axiom that youth leave the church by the time they become young adults. Isn’t there something the church can do? The answer is a resounding “Yes!” In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris bring words of hope and tips that work for transforming youth to lifelong disciples of Jesus. This week Mariah Weyand from Hannibal First Christian Church, featured in Net Results and at the National Evangelism Workshop, will join us to share her insights in youth discipleship.
Length: 44:02
Interview the Church Before You’re Called
Every pastor and every staff member has experienced it – the church interview. Sadly, many church leaders have discovered only too late that the church they thought called them wasn’t the church they were led to believe had hired them. This week Drs. Kris and Bill will offer tips on how professional ministers can interview the church and effectively discern whether or not their calling is likely to be a “match.”
Length: 32:44
Leading from Logistics to Implementation
Leading from Logistics to Implementation. It’s one thing to “envision a preferred future,” it’s something else again to lead a congregation to the promised land. This week, Drs. Kris and Bill explore what it takes to bring your vision, strategies, tactics, and logistics to implementation.
Length: 34:37
Teaching with Today’s Technology
Teaching with Today’s Technologies. Even in remote, rural areas technology has encroached into our member’s homes, schools, and workplaces. This week Drs. Kris and Bill explore how to integrate technology into your congregation’s learning processes.
Length: 32:49
From Tactics to Logistics
Leading from Tactics to Logistics. It’s one thing to “envision a preferred future,” it’s something else again to lead a congregation to the promised land. This week, Drs. Kris and Bill explore what it takes to develop effective logistics to ensure successful tactics. (Part three of a four part series.)
Length: 33:57
Worship that Motivates Part 2
Move, Touch, & Inspire: Worship that Motivates. Most churches put more energy into their worship services than any other single tactic. So, why is it that we hear “I’m not being fed” by so many of our members? In this episode, the second of two, Drs. Bill and Kris look at what it takes to move, touch, and inspire the folks sitting in the pews.
Length: 33:29
Worship that Motivates Part 1
Move, Touch, & Inspire: Worship that Motivates. Most churches put more energy into their worship services than any other single tactic. So, why is it that we hear “I’m not being fed” by so many of our members? In this episode, the first of two, Drs. Bill and Kris look at what it takes to move, touch, and inspire the folks sitting in the pews.
Length: 32:16
Social Media 101
Social Media isn’t the newest thing, but it is rapidly becoming one of the most important communication’s medium in the world. However, many, if not most, churches are missing the boat when it comes to using social media effectively. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris share the whys and hows of effective church social media participation. – Also, check out the Ten Commandments of Social Media on YouTube (<a
For more than a generation folks have been saying, “the youth are the future of our church.” Not so. . . . Tune in today as Drs. Kris and Bill share what the real future of our churches is, and how you can wisely invest in it so generations to come will reap the benefits.
Length:30:00
Creating Spiritual Conversations
Spiritual conversations are the basic for relational evangelism; but in an era when we’ve forgotten–or have never learned–the fine art of conversation or spend more time in virtual networking than we do in face-to-face contact, there are any number of reasons we’re not engaging spiritual conversations. Today Drs. Bill and Kris will dispel your fears, disburse your doubts, and discuss ways you can create spiritual conversations that are neither threatening nor obnoxious.
Length:29:38
Growing Church Leaders through Encouragement
Whether or not you have the spiritual gift of encouragement, encouragement is critical for the development of leaders. Today Drs. Bill and Kris share a number of methods and means for encouraging leaders for effectiveness and growth.
Length:29:56
Targeting Worship
Who does your worship service target? Do your different services target different people? Are you tired of hearing comments like, “I’m not getting anything out of worship” or “the worship services just don’t ‘feed’ me?” Today Drs. Kris and Bill address the importance of targeting worship services and share hints for what can work for whom. . . .
Length:45:07
Resurrecting Church Growth
Church Growth has pretty much taken it on the chin. From the darling of the sixties and seventies, the whole movement was pretty much tossed aside by the nineties as so-much snake oil. But did we throw the baby out with the bathwater? Aren’t growing churches a good thing? In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris will sort it all out and offer some ideas and resources on how you can help grow your church.
Length:45:07
Next Steps – Beyond Spiritual Gift Inventories
So, you’ve done a spiritual gifts inventory with your congregation . . . or maybe two or three. So what? This week Drs. Kris and Bill will offer ways to take spiritual gifts inventories to the next-level so they’ll really make a difference in the lives of those who’ve taken them, as well as in the lives of your congregation and your community.
Length:45:02
Effective Church Communication
Do you find yourself, or your congregation, talking more about others than speaking to them or, better yet, conversing with one another? This week Drs. Kris and Bill will share tips share practical tips for developing and enhancing your congregation’s conversational skills . . . one of keys to effective transformations.
Length:45:23
Church Advertising You Can Afford
Do you find yourself, or your congregation, talking more about others than speaking to them or, better yet, conversing with one another? This week Drs. Kris and Bill will share tips share practical tips for developing and enhancing your congregation’s conversational skills . . . one of keys to effective transformations.
Length:44:53
The Future of Adult Sunday School
For those listeners who enjoy hearing Drs. Kris and Bill disagree, this will be a don’t miss episode. With a little something for everyone, this episode will offer tips for tweaking, and thoughts for thinking into the “what’s nexts” of, Sunday School.
Length:45:03
Church Staffing for Significant Growth
Whether you’re talking volunteer or thinking paid, congregational “staff” is a must. Join Drs. Kris and Bill for insights and information that will help you staff for significant growth.
Length:43:16
Growing Church Leaders – An Introduction to Spiritual Disciplines that Work
Join Drs. Kris and Guest Jay Stevenson this week as they move through a brief introduction to disciplines that can grow your spiritual life, and that of your congregation. Because the quality of our corporate worship truly depends on the quality of each worshipper’s personal worship, this is a topic of great importance and impact that you won’t want to miss.
Length:45:01
Me? An Evangelist? Getting Your Congregation Involved in Evangelism
Contrary to popular opinion, the pastor is not the only evangelist. In fact, evangelism belongs to everyone in the congregation. This week Drs. Kris and Bill will help offer tried and true tips for helping your congregation move into “the fields” and participate in God’s harvest.
Length:44:56
Bullies and Terrorists
Bullies and terrorists. If you know what we’re talking about, you’ll want to tune into this week’s episode of Church-Talk to hear Drs. Bill and Kris’ practical, straight-to-the-point hints and helps to neutralize and disarm those who are pushing you around and holding your congregation hostage.
Length:45:07
Staff Accountability
The best staffs are team based, which in and of itself connotes a sense of accountability (the “A” word for many of us). This week Drs. Bill and Kris dicuss staff accountability and suggest ways your staff (paid and volunteer) can find the benefits and make the commitment to being accountable to one another.
Length:45:03
Already Gone – Why Your Kids Will Leave Church
Few of us can contest the fact that our children and youth are leaving the Church (not just our congregations). This week Drs. Kris and Bill look at the latest studies but not without sharing experience, hope, and practical suggestions for turning these trends around.
Length:45:06
Raising the Dead – Church Growth in Dying Communities
It’s no longer true (if it ever was) that congregations cannot grow in dying communities. Indeed, if ever there is a need for strong, life-giving congregations, it’s in declining areas. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris share stories of hope and resurrection in places other people gave up on long ago. Listen for encouragement, to share your encouragement, and to learn how just about any congregation can grow in any setting.
Length:45:06
The Games Congregations Play – Or Need to Be
The congregations that play together stay together. How well and how often does your congregation play together? In this episode Drs. Bill and Kris will offer hints for helpful play and fortuitous fun that can make a big difference in your congregation. Are you game?
Length:45:06
Easter Guests – Who’s Coming & How to Reach Them
Guess who’s coming to Easter? Do you know? Is it really whom you expect? And at the end of all the Easter services and celebrations, will you be prepared to follow-up and really reach them? Join Drs. Kris and Bill for insight into whom you’ll likely encounter Easter morning . .. and how you can help them encounter the Risen Lord in new and compelling ways.
Length:45:06
To Team or Not to Team: And Does It Really Matter?
A few years ago, there was a popular move to “convert” committees, departments, name-your-group into “teams.” Are teams better than committeees? Than departments? This week Drs. Bill and Kris consider these questions and more. And, more importantly, they’ll be talking about the who, what, wheres, and whys of effecting teams for effective ministry.
Length:44:58
Finding the Relationships You Need in Ministry
It depends on who you read this week. Once upon a time, it was said that every leader needed a mentor, a coach, and someone you’re mentoring (a mentee). In Len Sweet’s recent book, he listed the eleven people you need. Whether you’re on one end of the scale of the other, the real question is: “How do I find these people, get into a working relationship with these people, and afford all these people?” Well, Drs. Bill and Kris will have some answers (and probably some questions) in this episode.
Length:45:11
Barbeque First – Effectively Inviting Your Neighbors to Church
Mark Mittelberg said it first in Becoming a Courageous Christian and we’ve been saying it ever since: “Barbeque first.” That’s a shortcut code for “If you’re going to invite your neighbor to church, build a relationship with them before you go Christian all over them.” It was good advice back in 1994, and it’s good advice a decade later. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill will share some of the secrets to getting a positive response when you invite your neighbor to church.
Length:45:11
How To Leave a Church
There comes a time in almost every church leader’s life when it’s time to move on. Whether it’s because you’ve done all you can do, run up against a wall that you can’t get over (or go around), or taken as much as you can take, leaving may seem the best option. Before you do, though, you’ll want to tune in to this episode with Drs. Kris and Bill as they explore they why’s, when’s, and wherefore’s of leaving a church … and if leaving is the next step, show you how to do it without leaving a trail of destruction in your wake.
Length:45:11
Size Transitions: Moving Through 350
This week’s episode will explore moving past the 350 barrier, often called the Corporate-Sized Church. This is generally considered the most difficult transition for pastors to make. In their inimitable way, Bill and Kris will explore the issues that are likely to creep up and how to deal with each as you and your congregation faces this size transition.
Length:45:14
Breaking Barriers: Busting Through 200
In honor of Net Results magazine’s 30th Anniversary Issue (www.NetResults.org), Drs. Kris and Bill are presenting the third in a five part series on breaking church size transitions. This week’s episode will explore busting through the 200 barrier. This is the most difficult congregational barrier of them all – less than 20% of congregations attempting this breach actually succeed. But there is hope. You CAN break through it. In this episode, Bill and Kris will be looking at the issues that are likely to creep up and how to deal with each as your congregation faces this size transition.
Length:45:08
Breaking Barriers: Breezing Through 100
In honor of Net Results magazine’s 30th Anniversary Issue (www.NetResults.org), Drs. Kris and Bill are presenting the third in a five part series on breaking church size transitions. This week’s episode will explore breezing through the 100 barrier. They’ll be looking at the issues that are likely to creep up and how to deal with each as your congregation faces this size transition.
Length:45:12
Breaking Barriers: Blowing Through 50
In honor of Net Results magazine’s 30th Anniversary Issue (www.NetResults.org), Drs. Kris and Bill are presenting the second in a five part series on breaking church size transitions. This week’s episode will explore moving past the 50 barrier, often called the Family-Sized Church. They’ll be looking at the issues that are likely to creep up and how to deal with each as your congregation faces this size transition.
Length:45:06
Breaking Barriers: Introduction to Church Size Transitions
In honor of Net Results magazine’s 30th Anniversary Issue (www.NetResults.org), Drs. Kris and Bill are kicking off a five part series on breaking church size transitions. This week’s episode will explore the foundational pieces necessary before you and your congregation can face any size transition. Whether you’re in a church with 25, 125, or 375, or larger, there will be something here for you.
Length:45:06
Top 10 Resolutions for Growing Your Church
The new year is on top of us and it’s time for New Year’s resolutions. This year why not resolve to achieve the kind of church growth that you’ve been hoping for, but haven’t managed to pull off. This week Drs. Kris and Bill share their top 10 list of practices your congregation needs to embrace and engage in order to reach the growth goals you’ve set.
Length:45:02
Who Ya Gonna Call … When You Need Help
These days there are a lot of “experts” around, ready and waiting and wanting to assist you and your congregation. Today Drs. Kris and Bill will wade through the myriad of questions people ask when they need help in any number of different kinds of situations. Whether your congregation needs help now, anticipates needing help in the future, or is ready to take a next-step; tune-in for helpful tips, thoughts, and (as always) practical resources.
Length:45:02
Growing Sunday School
As regular listeners to Church-Talk know, Drs. Bill and Kris don’t always agree on everything . . . and Sunday School is one of those topics! The result? Something for everyone: whether you love Sunday School, have mixed feelings about it, have a huge Sunday School, or none at all. Get ready for the “what’s next” in your Sunday School planning.
Length:45:02
Signs, Symbols, and Communicating Non-Verbally
Yes, Drs. Kris and Bill will talk today, hopefully in ways that will inspire and encourage their listeners to consider and venture further into the world of non-verbal communication. Join them today, during the season of sights, sounds, and multi-sensory opportunities to learn how to enhance your service and services, no matter what the season of the year.
Length:45:02
The “A” Word: Accountability
Today Drs. Bill and Kris take on the “A” word, accountability. Join them as they wrestle with the meanings, the dynamics, and the importance of this 14-letter word that’s key for leaders. And listen for ways you can easily incorporate accountability into your–and your congregation’s–leadership.
Length:45:02
Taking Care of Yourself In this Busy Holiday Season
Help Drs. Kris and Bill celebrate their eighteenth wedding anniversary as they share relevant, do-able ways to take care of yourself during this, and any, season of celebration. It may “all be good” but you won’t be well if you don’t take care of yourself! You, your family and friends, and your congregation deserve better!
Length:45:02
Apprenticing Leaders
Leaders are not meant to serve in the same place eternally (or even indefinitely). Without apprentices, congregations miss out on continuity and the quality that can come from trained leaders. Whether you agree or disagree that a leader cannot be a leader if s/he is not apprenticing at least one other person, join Drs. Bill and Kris for another lively and practical edition of Church-Talk.
Length:45:02
Key Transitions for Growing Pastors
Pastors never “arrive”: they should always be in process and growing. And, as with all growth, there are some transitions that can make or break them. Join Drs. Kris and Bill this week to learn what those transitions are and how to make the most of them.
Length:45:02
“Go Ye” Means You: Getting Out of the Office and Growing Your Church
The only thing that tends to grow when pastors spend most of their time in the office is their waistlines! Disagree? Want to reduce yours? Want to grow your church? Then tune-in to this week’s program as Drs. Bill and Kris work to motivate and move you before getting out of their chairs and out where it really matters!
Length:45:03
Holiday Hospitality: Parking Lot Thru Worship
For many, “hospitality” is what we offer before or after a worship service. In reality, hospitality is how we help people feel special, and our opportunities to extend it begin as folks approach our property for a worship service or other event. Join Drs. Bill and Kris to make sure your congreation’s hospitality is the best it can be as the holidays–and the guests they bring–approach.
Length:45:19
Getting Ready for the Christmas Eve Unchurched Guests
Generally, we only get two shots a year to reach (not reach out) the unchurched open to coming to a worship service . . . Christmas Eve will be your last shot for the year. Will you be ready? What are you going to do? Listen and learn.
Length:45:06
Christmas Planning
Yes, it’s only the first Tuesday of October but it’s past time to be planning for Christmas, particularly because it functionally begins four Sundays before! What’s your theme this year? How will you count down to December 25th and carry the holiday into January (if not beyond!)? How might you link Christmas 2009 with Easter 2010? How will you invite and compel people to join you this year and beyond? As usual, Drs. Kris and Bill have more than a program’s worth of suggestions and scenarios proven to work! Start practicing and modeling invitation now by inviting your worship team to listen-in this week.
Length:45:08
Navigating the Nominating Process – Audio Only
Feel like your Nominating Committee could be renamed the Negotiating or Nagging Committee? Not to worry, you’re not alone. This week Drs. Bill and Kris are here to help you navigate past negotiation, “no”s and other negative forms of leadership recruitment to deal realistically with your congregation’s policies and procedures while developing effective and pick-me-pick-me! leaders.
Length:45:08
Fund Raising Possibilities – Audio Only
Short of cash to do ministry? How about a little creative funds raising? This week’s episode will offer suggestions for ways to bridge the gaps so your congregation can do even more and better ministry and mission.
Length:45:08
Proactive Stewardship Strategies
Stewardship is more than a campaign; it’s more like a crusade that’s a part of your congregation’s life. It takes intentionality and planning on the part of the congregation as well as on the part of each person in the congregation. This week Drs. Bill and Kris will share tools and strategies for helping every member in your congregation be a part of sharing their time, talent, treasure, and testimony.
Length:45:14
Church Health: Hope or Hype?
Is there such a thing as a “sick” congregation? Can a congregation be “terminally ill?” Drs. Kris and Bill move past diagnosis this week to talk about church health, fitness, and congregational longevity. With Guest Bill Easum.
Length:45:05
Church Size Transitions
Is your congregation having trouble growing beyond 50 . . . 100 . . . 200 . . . 500? Do arguments seem to break out or people leave when your worship attendance nears one of those “magic” numbers? Have you been hearing a bit of “us/them” language of late? You may be experiencing some of the challenges of size transitioning: breaking through size barriers. Drs. Kris and Bill are here this week to commiserate but, more than that, to counsel and cheer you on! Whatever your congregation’s size, invite your leaders to listen in on this important conversation.
Length:45:24
Conversion or Conversation
Evangelism is still a bit of a four-letter word in the minds of many Christians. It conjures up visions of knocking on doors, handing out leaflets, and quoting Bible verses. For over 300 years, according to some, the church has been obsessed with conversions rather than discipleship. And in case you haven’t noticed, that doesn’t seem to be working very well anymore. In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris will chat about what’s working these days. Could it really be as simple as having a conversation?
Length:45:02
Recruiting and Training Volunteer Leaders
Good, effective leaders come by neither default nor begging. Effective ministries can be effected only when we pray, recruit, and follow through with training. Drs. Kris and Bill share tips and tools for both recruiting and training potential leaders.
Length:45:02
Guest Integration and New Member Training – Audio Only
They’ve been coming for a couple weeks but they don’t seem to be connecting yet. How are you going to keep your guests coming back? Experience shows that if they haven’t made at least one good friend in six months they’re unlikely to remain. This week, Drs. Bill and Kris will take a look at how to help your guests connect and integrate them into the congregation.
Length:45:02
Ministry With and For Children and Youth
This week Drs. Kris and Bill (parents of five and grandparents of seven) share personal experience plus some of the latest findings in the realm of children and youth ministries, findings that may just help you find your children in church when they become adults.
Length:44:45
Ramping Up for Fall – Audio Only
Fall’s just around the corner … really … and it’s already past time for Fall program planning, but we’re sure at least one good idea will Fall into your lap today, whether you use it in the next few weeks or get started now for Fall 2010! Join Dr. Bill and friends this week as they broadcast live from the Ministry in Hard Times Event at the North Campus of Geist Christian Church in Fishers, IN.
Length:44:45
Boomer Ministries
They’re becoming the most powerful AARP group in history, but they were also the first generation to leave the church en mass. How are you going to reach the Baby Boomers who are still stinging from the 50s and 60s? This week, Church-Talk will take a close look at who the Boomers are and how to create ministries that can connect this generation with Jesus and with the church.
Length:44:45
Boomer Ministries
They’re becoming the most powerful AARP group in history, but they were also the first generation to leave the church en mass. How are you going to reach the Baby Boomers who are still stinging from the 50s and 60s? This week, Church-Talk will take a close look at who the Boomers are and how to create ministries that can connect this generation with Jesus and with the church.
Length:44:45
Doing Ministry with Singles
Probably one of the most difficult ministries to start and maintain is a successful singles’ ministry. This week we’ll share insights we’ve gained over the years, and speak to some guests who’ve experienced success in providing excellence in reaching this most difficult of crowds.
Length:44:45
Discerning and Embedding Core Values
You can tell what’s important to a church by looking at the congregation’s budget and their calendar. Values are what’s really important … and values drive our behaviors. Helping churches discern their values, and helping them live into values that are more the ideal is the topic of this week’s episode. Join Drs. Kris and Bill as they explore how churches can discern their values and embed them in the congregation’s behaviors.
Length:45:20
Developing True Teams
Committees or Teams? The “team” buzz word of the last five or ten years doesn’t seem to have infected the church much. A committee by any other name is still a committee – and in today’s real world, committees are so, well, “yesterday.” In this episode, Drs. Bill and Kris take on the task of helping your church develop authentic teams that function well enough to get the job done.
Length:45:20
Reaching Men
You may have noticed the slew of books that have been released over the past year or two on why men don’t do church. And though there are a lot of reasons why they don’t, it’s not a new problem. Even St. Augustine complained that there were more women than men in church! So, how can the church reach men – or is it even possible? Join Drs. Bill and Kris for this perhaps not-so-politically-correct topic … just in time for Father’s Day!
Length:45:20
Church Marketing
According to the research, the average US American is exposed to over 3,000 advertising impressions every day – and our personal opinion is that the research is conservative. In today’s world, effective commercial marketing for most churches is out of reach. Indeed, it’s said that unless a church is willing to invest $25,000 on a single campaign, the chances of serious marketing success is slim. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill Tenny-Brittian will explore effective ways to market the local church without going into debt or breaking the bank.
Length:45:04
Developing Personal Mission – Audio Only
It’s one thing to have a church mission statement. It’s quite another to know your own, and yet there are many church leaders who are desperately trying to “fit in” with where their church is going, only to be frustrated and not knowing why. Knowing your personal mission helps to clarify your calling … and just as importantly, allows you to be clear about your part in the church’s mission.
Length:45:04
Missionally Aligning Staff – Audio Only
Multiple staff churches have some unique issues. It’s one thing to get the congregational leaders on board with the direction of the church, it’s sometimes quite another to get staff on board. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill explore how to get your staff aligned to your mission.
Length:45:04
Customizing Preaching for Mission Targeted Worship – Audio Only
Traditional preaching is great for teaching and reaching the people-of-the-pews who were raised in the church. However, if you want to teach and reach those in your community who may not have been in church all their lives, or if you want to communicate effectively with a particular segment of your community, this is the episode for you. Drs. Bill and Kris will explore how to customize your preaching to reach your missional target.
Length:45:04
What the Church Can Learn from Church Planters – Audio Only
Live from Exponential 2009 in Orlando, Florida. Churches today are being confronted with the changing culture and in many cases feel helpless in coping with the changes. Church planters face these changes every day and have learned volumes about how to deal with those changes. This week Drs. Bill and Kris will plumb the depths of the nation’s largest church planting and transformation conference to bring you the best practices that you can use in your congregation.
Length:45:04
Developing Mission – Audio Only
It’s one thing to know what your church’s mission is, but it’s a whole other realm to put that into action. In fact, most churches have a file in some dusty file cabinet marked “Mission” where all their hard (and sometimes painful) work is kept from the light of day. This week Drs. Bill and Kris will help you get that mission statement out of the dark and into practice in your church.
Length:45:04
Raising Funds for Ministry – Audio Only
The economy is affecting every segment of the nation and churches are no exception. Giving is down almost everywhere, charitable giving is down a smidgen, but church giving has dropped dramatically. And yet, this is not the time for the church to hunker in the bunker. This week, Drs. Bill and Kris take on stewardship, ministry-funding, and the economy in one fell swoop.
With Guest J. Clif Christopher of Horizons Stewardship and author of Not Your Parents’ Offering Plate. www.HorizonsStewardship.com
Length:45:04
Easter Planning – Audio Only
Here it comes again. Christian Alumni Sunday, AKA Easter Sunday. This is that one time when all those folks with church history in their blood make their way back to church. Some come for tradition’s sake. Some come to salve their conscience. Some come because it’s expected. And a few come hoping for a miracle – they’re actually looking for a touch from the living God. What are you doing for Easter at your church? This week, Drs. Bill and Kris Tenny-Brittian explore the ins and outs of this critically important worship service. Will you be ready?
Length:45:04
Technology in Church – Audio Only
Why is it that church and technology seem to be mutually exclusive terms? The folks in the pews have HD TVs, DVD players, computers, cell phones, and PDAs. But getting the church into the 20th century, let alone the 21st, is like pulling teeth. This week Drs. Bill and Kris Tenny-Brittian take on the technology monster. What does a church really need and how can you use technology effectively in order to reach and touch and inspire those in the pews and in the community?
Length:45:04
Only Two Things Grow a Church – Audio Only
There are literally hundreds of programs and related books that will tell you how to grow your church. How do you get a handle on what works and what doesn’t? There’s a little known secret you should be aware of: there are only two programs that will grow a church in these troubled times. Only two. (Though there are a thousand things that will keep your church from growing.) This week, Drs. Bill and Kris will let you in on the secret and talk about what it takes to implement these two growth realities.
Length:45:04
The Home as Sanctuary – Audio Only
Home may be where the heart is, but many homes are where the stress is. Home should be a sanctuary … a place of safety and ready to offer spiritual rest and restoration. But homes are also “safe” places to let our hair down and to take our masks off. How can you reconcile the two and make your home a place of spiritual respite? Drs. Bill and Kris share their experiences, their research, and their tips for making your home a sanctuary in this wild and crazy world.
Length:45:04
Hospitality: Your Building and Grounds – Audio Only
Every church thinks they’re ready for visitors and guests … but few are. The fact is, America, church hospitality is at best weak and at worst unintentionally hostile to those who are unconnected the Jesus and the church. This week Drs. Bill and Kris will offer suggestions to help church leaders get ready for visitors.
Length:45:04
Streamlining and Focusing Your Church Board – Audio Only
There are church boards and there are church boreds. Some effectively manage the church and some effectively kill the church. Believe it or not, you can lead your board into a functional future … but not by doing what you’ve always done. This week Drs. Bill and Kris tackle the knotty problem (or is it a naughty problem) with most church boards: too big, too unwieldy, and too dysfunctional to get the job done.
Length:45:04
Starting and Sustaining Discipleship Small Groups – Audio Only
Although the common consensus is that small groups are the most effective disciple-making tools. However, if the truth be told, few small groups are raising up increasingly more faithful and effective disciples. In fact, most small group participants leave a small group in about the same spiritual shape as when they started. This week, Drs. Bill and Kris will take on small groups and how to make them disciple-making factories.
Length:45:04
Mentoring Leaders – Audio Only
Ask any pastor and s/he will likely confirm that there’s a huge leadership vacuum in the church today. Nominating committees feel the pinch every year as they recycle the same-old-tired leaders who are blessedly willing, but sadly less than passionate about serving one more year. How can your church be the exception to the rule? By taking seriously the biblical model of mentoring. Drs. Bill and Kris take on this timely topic with their ineffable gig and grace style.
Length:45:04
Overcoming Burnout – Audio Only
The first weekend at a new church, a pastor we know was informed by four of his five top church leaders that they’d had enough. They were tired and were resigning. Burnout had struck again. And then there’s the stat that shows there’s a disturbing rise in the number clergy in their first five years of ministry leaving church work. Burnout is not only hurting ministers, but it’s killing churches too. This week’s show takes a look at how church leaders can overcome burnout – and how congregations can put an end to burnout altogether.
Length:45:04
Teaching In Your Preaching – Audio Only
Every week the congregation files into worship with expectations. When they leave, an hour or so later, what are they going home with? Will it be another week of “Gee Whiz, that was interesting” that quickly gathers cobwebs in the head, or will there be a commitment to do and be different beginning right now? This week Drs. Bill and Kris take to the airways to discuss teaching preaching … how to make a difference in people’s lives.
Length:45:04