This week on the Church Leadership Lab podcast, we’re taking a break from our usual format to honor the significance of Holy Week.

As we pause to reflect on this sacred time, we’re reminded of the hope we have through Christ’s death and resurrection. And while this is one of the most meaningful weeks of the year, we also know it can be one of the busiest for ministry leaders.

With extra services, events, and expectations, it’s easy to move quickly through the week without slowing down to personally experience what we’re leading others through. So in the middle of it all, we want to encourage you to take a moment for yourself—to pause, reflect, and reconnect with God.

We believe this week isn’t just about what God wants to do through you, but what He wants to do in you.

From all of us at Church Leadership Lab and the team at Ministry Brands, thank you for your faithfulness in serving your church and community. We see you. We’re praying for you. And we’re grateful for your leadership in this powerful season.

Wishing you a Holy Week filled with peace, purpose, and the joy of resurrection.

We’ll return next week with more conversations to equip and encourage you in ministry—because the best is yet to come.

In this episode, hosts Kendall Conner and Jessica Moore share a timely heart check for ministry leaders navigating the Easter season—helping you slow down, refocus, and lead well in the final stretch before Easter.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• The pressure of Easter in church life
• Prioritizing spiritual rest over busyness
• Intentional time with God amid chaos
• Serving from a healthy heart posture
• Letting go of comparison in ministry
• Leading others with grace under stress

Join us as we dive into How Ministry Leaders Can Rest & Refocus This Easter with Kendall Conner & Jessica Moore.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/47VmX01

Learn more about Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/4c6FEQM

In this episode, we sit down with Dustin Dozier, Teaching Pastor and Director of Next Steps at Upstate Church, coach, and author of the bestselling book "The Connected Church."

We explore practical ways to move newcomers from first-time guests to fully connected members, building genuine relationships and a stronger church community.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• The difference between attending and belonging
• Overcoming common connection gaps in churches
• Creating clear next steps for newcomers
• Innovative ideas for building community
• The role of intentional follow-up processes

Join us as we dive into Moving Newcomers from Guests to Connected Members with Dustin Dozier.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4uDwkeF

Learn more about Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/4sV9bCK

In this episode, we sit down with Mark MacDonald, a church branding strategist and founder of Be Known for Something.

We explore how churches can build a consistent communication rhythm that brings clarity to their messaging and helps them reach both their congregation and their community more effectively.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Reactive vs. intentional church communication
• Why consistency builds trust
• Moving beyond announcement culture
• The "Pick It, Place It, Push It, Prove It" framework
• Finding your church’s communication “thread”

Join us as we dive into practical strategies for building a consistent church communication rhythm with Mark MacDonald.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3P0sT1j

Learn more about Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/4lqTIYC

In this episode, we sit down with Tara Banks, executive worship pastor at Seacoast Church, author, and worship consultant.

We explore what it takes to build a healthy worship team both on and off the stage, with practical insights for leaders at any church.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• The heart behind healthy worship teams
• Signs of unhealthy team culture
• Staying spiritually connected as a leader
• Importance of Sabbath for ministry longevity
• Creating a culture of trust and clarity
• Mutual respect between worship and senior leadership

Join us as we dive into Building a Healthy Worship Team On and Off the Stage with Tara Banks.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4l5r6ns

Learn more about Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/47o4lp7

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Fogg, Melbourne-based digital strategist, pastor, and online campus leader passionate about helping churches maximize their digital outreach.

We explore how churches can leverage digital tools to make a greater impact during Easter and beyond.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Key digital opportunities around Easter
• Google search trends and church visibility
• Setting up effective Google Business Profiles
• Maximizing Google Ad Grants for churches
• Using Facebook and Instagram for outreach
• Optimizing church websites for new guests

Join us as we dive into Using Digital Outreach to Maximize Your Church’s Easter Impact with Steve Fogg.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4c9DikP

Learn more about Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/3OBb7S3

In this episode, hosts Kendall Conner and Jessica Moore explore practical strategies to prepare your church’s staff and volunteers for Easter, ensuring an impactful and joy-filled holiday weekend.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Early and positive Easter communication.
• Setting clear expectations for teams.
• Recruiting and onboarding new volunteers.
• Balancing service and spiritual care.
• Over-preparing for kids ministry needs.
• Celebrating and supporting your team.

Join us as we dive into Tips to Prepare Your Church’s Staff and Volunteers for Easter with Kendall Conner & Jessica Moore.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4c1fcZo

Learn more about Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/3ML3uI6

In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Howell from the Ministry Brands team who has spent more than a decade working with churches and nonprofits to implement accounting systems and steward their finances well.

We explore practical tips for building healthy church accounting practices and overcoming common challenges.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• The unique needs of church accounting
• Overcoming intimidation around church finances
• The pitfalls of relying on Excel
• Creating clarity in financial reporting
• Building trust through financial transparency

Join us as we dive into Practical Tips for Healthy Church Accounting with Jonathan Howell.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4r62ld7

Learn more about Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/4qu2FRS

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Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, tax, or accounting advice. Every church, ministry, and nonprofit's situation is unique, so we encourage you to consult your own accountant, tax professional, or legal advisor before making any financial or legal decisions.