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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 Outreach
Community Support
Church Finances
Emotional Health
Mental Health
Church Ministry
Volunteer Engagement
Church Leadership
Outreach
Neurodiversity

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 Everyday Influence, 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 episod... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes252Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ChristianityReligion & SpiritualitySociety & Culture

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Artwork for The Small Church Ministry Podcast

Latest Episodes

We say everyone matters, everyone's voice counts, and everyone has something to offer. So why do the same three people make all the decisions, and why are we still asking people to fill jobs instead of finding out what they'd actually love to do?

In... more

What do you do when the pastor says no, the board chooses something different, or a ministry decision you care deeply about doesn't go your way? It's easy to go from disappointment to feeling like we have no power at all. 

In this episode, Laurie ta... more

In this episode, Laurie talks about what happens after the numbers disappoint us. Because the problem usually isn't that we wanted more people to come. 

It's what we start making that number mean about the people who didn't come, the ministry we pla... more

Most of us think we know what empathy is. But what if we’ve spent years caring for people, serving in church, and even trying to love people well without ever really learning how to receive or give it?

In this conversation with Soul Shepherding’s Kr... more

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Recent Guests

Kristi Gaultiere
Kristi Gaultiere from Soul Shepherding, co-author of Deeply Loved
Soul Shepherding
Episode: 249: What If We’ve Been Getting Empathy Wrong? | with Soul Shepherding’s Kristi Gaultiere
Charmaine Stulp
Speaker at Women Reaching Women conference, focused on leadership in small churches
Episode: 248: Just Because You Can Do It All, Doesn’t Mean You Should | with Charmaine Stulp
Dee Bryce
Speaker and minister focusing on women's ministry and outreach
Independent (guest on the episode)
Episode: 247: From Women’s Ministry to Reaching Women: The Ministry Is in the Conversation | with Dee Bryce
Jennifer Affrie
Speaker and conference presenter
Speaker at Women Reaching Women conference
Episode: 246: Strong Personalities, Bullies & Bad Behavior: When Women Hurt Women in Church
Amy Oberg
Dr. Amy Oberg, psychology educator and speaker on mind–body–spirit in churches
Independent psychologist/educator
Episode: 245: Mental Health, Hormones, Rest & Relationships: Understanding Women in the Church | with Dr. Amy Oberg
Patrick Dailey
Pastor of Ontario Community Church
Ontario Community Church
Episode: 238: Reaching the Churched, the Unchurched & the Dechurched | with Pastor Patrick Dailey
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

Host

Laurie Graham Ertl
Host of the show with decades of ministry experience as a volunteer, staff leader, and pastor's spouse; founder of the Small Church Ministry and the Small Church Network.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 166 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 States10 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 Statesa year 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 Statesa year 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 Statesa year ago
  • So helpful!

    I appreciate Laurie’s experience and unique perspective

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    C. Haar
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners praise practical, actionable guidance for small-church leadership and volunteer management.
Many appreciate Laurie's practical wisdom, relatable storytelling, and accessible resources.
The show is framed as encouraging and hopeful, with strong emphasis on community-building and sustainable ministry.

Top Christianity Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

248: Just Because You Can Do It All, Doesn’t Mean You Should | with Charmaine Stulp
Q: Why are you in this session, and how should attendees approach their ministry lists?
The speaker encourages identifying which tasks truly fit personal gifts and which are better handed off, advocating for a few strong areas to invest in and for stepping back from others to foster leadership development in others.
238: Reaching the Churched, the Unchurched & the Dechurched | with Pastor Patrick Dailey
Q: What makes Steam Night unique and adaptable for different churches?
Steam Night is designed as a community-first, monthly event that centers on safe, engaging STEM activities and family meals, with faith integrated subtly through care, presence, and open invitation rather than heavy-handed programming. It's intentionally non-pressuring to attract families who may not otherwise step inside a church.
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.

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, community-focused show devoted to leaders and volunteers in small congregations. Across episodes, the host analyzes real-world challenges in small-church life—volunteer development, burnout prevention, inclusive leadership, and sustainable ministry rhythms—with actionable strategies, personal anecdotes, and concrete how-tos. The emphasis is on empowering every member to lead, contribute, and own parts of the ministry, not just a few titled leaders. A standout aspect is the emphasis on relational, people-centered practices over top-down planning, plus a steady stream of resources, workshops, and events that extend learning beyond each episode.

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How many listeners does The Small Church Ministry Podcast get?

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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. The Jennie Allen Podcast
2. Therapy and Theology
3. The Deep Dish
4. Knowing Faith
5. The Alisa Childers Podcast

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

The Small Church Ministry Podcast launched 5 years ago and published 252 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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What guests have appeared on The Small Church Ministry Podcast?

Recent guests on The Small Church Ministry Podcast include:

1. Kristi Gaultiere
2. Charmaine Stulp
3. Dee Bryce
4. Jennifer Affrie
5. Amy Oberg
6. Patrick Dailey
7. Leslie Kons
8. Traci Mason

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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