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The Small Church Ministry Podcast

Laurie Graham Ertl
Small Church Ministry
Small Churches
Children's Ministry
Community Engagement
Burnout
Women's Ministry
Youth Ministry
Community Building
Discipleship
Church Culture
Community Support
Church Finances
Community Outreach
Emotional Health
Church Ministry
Volunteer Engagement
Mental Health
Neurodiversity
Volunteer Management
Spiritual Growth

The only podcast created for volunteers and everyday leaders in smaller congregations, this show embraces small church ministry as a place where God is already at work. Founder of Small Church Ministry and the Small Church Network, Laurie Graham Ertl shares why small churches matter—not as a scaled-down version of something bigger, but as powerful communities with their own unique strengths. Each ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes232Founded5 years ago
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Religion & SpiritualitySociety & CultureChristianity

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Artwork for The Small Church Ministry Podcast

Latest Episodes

We spend a lot of time talking about pastors, church leaders, and people with titles. But what if I told you some of the most influential people in your church will never stand on a stage, lead a meeting, or sit on a board? 

In this episode, we're t... more

Burnout recovery goes deeper than just taking a break. 

In this episode, we’re talking about why surface-level burnout advice often isn’t enough, the deeper patterns underneath emotional exhaustion, and why so many people in ministry still feel depl... more

A lot of people in ministry feel like they’re constantly choosing who to disappoint. The church needs something. The team needs something. People want access to you. Your family needs you too. 

And eventually, it starts feeling impossible to hold it... more

Burnout is real … but a lot of the time, we’re not as stuck as we think we are. We say we’re overwhelmed, but we’re still saying yes, still filling gaps, still stepping in “just this once.” 

At some point, we have to get honest about where we actual... more

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Recent Guests

Leslie Kons
Founder of Studio Cons and experienced church musician with a 25-year history serving small churches.
Studio Cons
Episode: 215: The Digital Ministry Your Small Church Is Already Doing (And How to Do It Better) | with Leslie Kons
Traci Mason
A woman in the south suburbs of Chicago, married to a pastor and leading a ministry that encourages women.
Lady First Ministry of Encouragement
Episode: 213: The Church Women Who Shape Our Faith (Without Ever Holding a Title) | with Traci Mason
Jessica Francavilla
Mother, pastor, speaker, and artist
Local church in Williamsburg, Virginia
Episode: 212: What Women Really Need (And Why Church Programs Keep Missing It) | with Jessica Francavilla
Abigail Doust
A ministry leader and volunteer with a passion for facilitating deeper conversations and connections among women in small churches.
Episode: 211: What Actually Works in Ministry With Women | with Abigail Doust
Kati Quigley
Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in trauma
Episode: 201: Do No Harm - What Churches Can Do to Support Real Healing | with Licensed Therapist Kati Quigley
Ruth Popkin
Pastor and police chaplain in Indiana, advocate for community outreach
Small Church in Northwest Indiana
Episode: 199: Church Spotlight: A Really Free Market - How One Small Church Is Reaching Its Community | with Ruth A. Popkin
Kari Bartkus
Served on her church's pastoral transition team and speaker with a passion for teaching about the Bible.
Episode: 198: Navigating Pastoral Transition Without Losing Your Peace (or Your People)
Ebonie Mukasa
Deep, intentional change advocate with extensive ministry experience.
Episode: 195: "We’ve Always Done It This Way." The Small Church Lie That Keeps Us Stuck | with Ebonie Mukasa
Kristen Joy Humiston
Therapist and ministry coach
Small Church Ministry
Episode: 194: Pastor. Pastor’s Wife. Volunteer. Leader. Are We Really That Different? | with Kristen Joy Humiston

Host

Laurie Graham Ertl
Host of The Small Church Ministry Podcast, founder of Small Church Ministry and Small Church Network; specializes in practical leadership for volunteers and small congregations.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 160 ratings
  • Full of helpful insights

    So appreciate all the useful information on so many different topics that these podcasts cover. Small church leaders have such a wide range of things included in their responsibilities and this resource is priceless.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    GrandmaQuincy
    United States5 months ago
  • Love it

    Laurie , I have learned so much from your church finance series! I am “just” a volunteer so I really didn’t think it applied to me but I’m so glad I listened. What resonated most is that Jesus is alive in my congregation and He is holding His church together the non-profit side is not as important yet it gets a lot of attention. It’s really a mindset shift that has been so welcome to me I can’t wait to share it with others. God bless you and your ministry!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SarahSlo
    United States6 months ago
  • Thank you for addressing some hard issues!

    I have gained so much insight, hope and encouragement from your podcasts. I just finished listening to episode 187 and was so lifted and encouraged from it. It’s sometimes difficult to see the positive in situations while your knee deep in them. Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Alynn 97
    United States8 months ago
  • Stop Labeling People As Uncommitted

    Thank you so much Laurie for this Podcast. I was guilty of that, not I told others but I definitely thought that of others. With the help of God I will no longer think that of others and think grace and love towards them. Thank you for helping this recovering Pharisee.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    A recovering Pharisee
    United States10 months ago
  • So helpful!

    I appreciate Laurie’s experience and unique perspective

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    C. Haar
    United States10 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Feedback highlights the host's practical wisdom and focus on small-church realities.
Listeners find the show encouraging and actionable for real-world church leadership.
Fans appreciate concrete strategies for burnout recovery and volunteer engagement.
The show is described as a valuable, uplifting resource for staying rooted in faith while managing church programs.
Many feel inspired and equipped to implement changes in their ministries.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

217: Mistake #2: Making Their Jobs Easier For Them | Church Volunteer Series
Q: What do you want to start doing, stop doing, or do differently as a result of this episode?
Perhaps consider the significance of your role and seek more meaningful engagements rather than just easy tasks.
213: The Church Women Who Shape Our Faith (Without Ever Holding a Title) | with Traci Mason
Q: How can we better see and connect with the individuals in our church community?
By being intentional in our approach and making the effort to really notice the people around us, we can find opportunities to serve and reach out—in small, meaningful ways.
213: The Church Women Who Shape Our Faith (Without Ever Holding a Title) | with Traci Mason
Q: What is the significance of women in ministry who don't hold formal titles?
Women can make a profound impact on faith and community without titles by being present, supportive, and actively encouraging others, embodying what ministry truly means in serving God and His people.
206: Rethinking Your Church Budget: From Scarcity to a Story of Possibility | Church Finance Series (Part 4)
Q: What story does our budget tell about who we think we are?
The church budget reflects our priorities and serves as a narrative about our community's mission and values.
201: Do No Harm - What Churches Can Do to Support Real Healing | with Licensed Therapist Kati Quigley
Q: So what can the church do?
The church can introduce healing tools and create healthier spaces by recognizing their own triggers and allowing open conversations about discomfort among members.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Small Church Ministry Podcast

What is The Small Church Ministry Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A practical, faith-driven show focused on helping volunteers and leaders in small congregations run healthier, more sustainable ministries. Episodes tackle burnout, volunteer engagement, staffing, and seasonal rhythms with actionable steps, real-world examples, and a strong emphasis on church culture, relationship-building, and Jesus-centered leadership. Noteworthy is the consistent focus on small-church realities—so resources, coaching, and events are often tailored for limited resources, with an emphasis on practical, compassionate approaches rather than quick fixes.

Where can I find podcast stats for The Small Church Ministry Podcast?

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How many listeners does The Small Church Ministry Podcast get?

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How many subscribers and views does The Small Church Ministry Podcast have?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Small Church Ministry Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Small Church Ministry Podcast:

1. Focus on the Family with Jim Daly
2. The Deep Dish
3. Journeywomen
4. The Bible Recap
5. Knowing Faith

How many episodes of The Small Church Ministry Podcast are there?

The Small Church Ministry Podcast launched 5 years ago and published 232 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Small Church Ministry Podcast?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Small Church Ministry Podcast?

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What guests have appeared on The Small Church Ministry Podcast?

Recent guests on The Small Church Ministry Podcast include:

1. Leslie Kons
2. Traci Mason
3. Jessica Francavilla
4. Abigail Doust
5. Kati Quigley
6. Ruth Popkin
7. Kari Bartkus
8. Ebonie Mukasa

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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