Best Pastors Lab Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 134 | Kendall Conner & Jessica Moore: How to Get the Most Out of Your ChMS 55:50

3h ago55:50

55:50

In this episode, Kendall Conner and Jessica Moore explore practical ways churches can maximize their church management software (ChMS) to strengthen ministry and streamline operations. In this conversation, we discuss: Creating a complete church directory Organizing groups for connection Sending mass communications Automating follow-up interactions…

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David & Bathsheba: The Cost of Hidden Sin with Professor Emeritus Mark Braun 37:12

5d ago37:12

37:12

Special guest Professor Emeritus Mark Braun joins us to unpack the familiar biblical narrative of David and Bathsheba through a more nuanced lens. The story reveals deeper complexities than typically discussed, showing how a powerful king compartmentalized his life while covering up serious sin until confronted by Nathan the prophet. This episode o…

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Ep. 133 | Cody Patterson: Tech & Media Tips to Help Your Church Do More With Less 46:19

7d ago46:19

46:19

In this episode, we sit down with Cody Patterson, Production Pastor at Life Fellowship Church. Previously a marketing leader at MxU and Renewed Vision, Cody now consults with churches to help them thrive through practical, creative solutions. We explore smart tech and media tips to help churches do more with less, no matter their size or resources.…

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What’s Trending? Big Beautiful Bill, Role of Adoption, Infant Pain, and Lab Grown Sperm and Egg 35:15

13d ago35:15

35:15

When science and policy push the boundaries of God's design, where do Christians stand? In this thought-provoking exploration of today's most challenging bioethical issues, we dive deep into recent developments that force us to confront fundamental questions about life, reproduction, and human dignity. The conversation begins with an examination of…

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7: WTWC x The Right Kind of Family: The “Natural Family” Movement 36:20

12d ago36:20

36:20

We're excited to share this episode of The Right Kind of Family, featuring on-the-ground reporting from Hungary, Italy, and Spain. The show explores the rise of globally networked conservative and far-right organizations orchestrating a crackdown on sexual and reproductive health rights across Europe — all in the name of the so-called “natural fami…

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Ep. 132 | Jack Whitis & Mark Stuart: Amplifying Your Church's Creative Storytelling With Music 58:09

18d ago58:09

58:09

In this episode, we sit down with Jack Whitis, CEO of WavMaker and seasoned technology and engineering leader, and Mark Stuart, co-founder of WavMaker, Grammy-winning former lead vocalist of Audio Adrenaline, and philanthropist. We explore how churches can amplify their creative storytelling and connect with their communities more effectively throu…

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Navigating Christianity Under State Control: One Woman's Journey from China 32:30

20d ago32:30

32:30

What does it look like to practice Christianity in a country where the government controls religious expression? Jolie, a Chinese Christian, takes us behind the scenes of faith life in modern China, revealing a fascinating world where state churches require government-approved sermons and where house churches operate in a delicate balance with auth…

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Ep. 131 | Lee Coate: Navigating the Seasons of Life and Leadership 34:02

24d ago34:02

34:02

In this episode, we sit down with Lee Coate, executive pastor, author, and president of Growmentum Group, who brings over 30 years of ministry and leadership experience. We explore practical frameworks for navigating the various seasons of life and leadership, while equipping leaders to embrace and empower multigenerational teams within the church.…

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Bridging Faith and Reality: How Pastors Connect Scripture to Modern Life 32:46

27d ago32:46

32:46

What happens when church members abandon biblical values for cultural ones? Our hosts dive into troubling survey results showing that in one Lutheran denomination, 54% of churchgoers support legal abortion and 50% favor same-sex marriage—despite clear biblical teachings to the contrary. This eye-opening discussion explores why Christians increasing…

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Ep. 130 | Kendall Conner & Jessica Moore: Building An Invite Culture at Your Church 55:23

1M ago55:23

55:23

In this episode, Kendall Conner and Jessica Moore explore how churches can create a culture where inviting others is natural, practical, and effective in fostering growth and belonging. In this conversation, we discuss: The power of personal church invitations Building an environment people want to share Creative invite tools and strategies Using e…

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"Acceptable" Addictions? with Mike Helwig 42:32

1M ago42:32

42:32

What if the most dangerous addictions aren't the ones society warns us about, but the ones it actively encourages? In this thought-provoking conversation with Mike Helwig, a pastor turned licensed psychological counselor, we explore the concept of "acceptable addictions" - those normalized behaviors that silently damage our relationship with God an…

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Ep. 129 | Lee Cool: Stewarding Your Church Facilities To Fulfill Your Mission 51:02

1M ago51:02

51:02

In this episode, we sit down with Lee Cool, church facility and operations expert at eSPACE. We explore how effective stewardship of church facilities can support and advance your ministry’s mission. In this conversation, we discuss: Why facility management is often overlooked Facilities’ impact on church health and mission Practical maintenance an…

1
True Christian Freedom 37:47

1M ago37:47

37:47

Freedom carries profoundly different meanings depending on whether you're viewing it through the lens of modern culture or biblical truth. This thought-provoking episode tackles the paradox at the heart of Christian freedom—that surrender to Christ actually leads to our greatest liberty. Pastor Bob Fleischmann begins by sharing Martin Luther's powe…

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Ep. 128 | Jay Kranda: Leveling Up Your Church’s Live Stream Strategy 57:10

2M ago57:10

57:10

In this episode, we sit down with Jay Kranda, the Innovative Tech Pastor at Saddleback Church and author of “Online Church Is Not The Answer: Beyond Just Streaming Church to Hybrid Disciple Making." We explore how churches can move beyond simply live streaming to building thriving digital and hybrid discipleship communities. In this conversation, w…

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What’s Trending? Assisted Suicide Implant, Artificial Blood, RFK Jr. and the Vaccine “Establishment” and more 33:38

2M ago33:38

33:38

Modern medical advances often solve one ethical dilemma while creating new ones. The question isn't just whether we can implement cutting-edge technologies, but whether we should—and what considerations must guide these momentous decisions. Consider Japan's promising artificial blood trials, a direct response to their dramatically aging population …

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Ep. 127 | Emily Fascilla: Innovative Giving Solutions For The Modern Church 48:43

2M ago48:43

48:43

In this episode, we sit down with Emily Fascilla, nonprofit fundraising expert and Director of Client Strategy at The Giving Block. We explore innovative giving solutions for the modern church and how technology is transforming the ways people support ministry. In this conversation, we discuss: Accepting crypto and stock gifts in churches Benefits …

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Are Extreme Measures to Correct Extreme Wrongs Warranted? 34:36

2M ago34:36

34:36

What drives someone who identifies as Christian to commit acts of political violence? In the wake of the tragic shooting of Minnesota state legislators, we examine the disturbing intersection of faith, extremism, and vigilante justice. We explore the psychological and spiritual factors that lead people to believe they must take extreme measures to …

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Ep. 126 | Chandler Boyce: Boosting Your Church’s Online Presence from Invisible to Unmissable 57:12

2M ago57:12

57:12

In this episode, we sit down with Chandler Boyce, church marketing coach and owner of The Marketing Co-op, who helps pastors expand their church's online reach through SEO, paid ads, and smart digital strategy. We explore practical steps for making your church’s online presence more effective and visible, turning digital invisibility into unmissabl…

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Caring for Aging Parents: One Woman’s Path Through Dementia and Devotion 35:18

2M ago35:18

35:18

"He put me here to take care of them. This is what He wants me to do." These words capture the essence of Joann Gromowski's profound caregiving journey spanning nearly two decades as she cared for her father, aunt, and mother through various stages of illness and decline. What does it truly mean to become a caregiver for aging parents? In this deep…

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Ep. 125 | Kendall Conner & Jessica Moore: Creative Ways to Keep Your Church Engaged During Summer 47:42

2M ago47:42

47:42

In this episode, Kendall Conner and Jessica Moore explore creative and practical ways to keep your church engaged throughout the busy summer months. In this conversation, we discuss: Summer-themed message series ideas Using email newsletters for connection Flexible small group strategies Leveraging social media for engagement Planning outreach and …

1
Father’s Day Forgiveness 33:14

2M ago33:14

33:14

Father's Day stirs complicated emotions for many of us. Whether you had an amazing dad or one who left deep wounds, this episode explores how our Heavenly Father's perfect example can transform both our understanding of fatherhood and our approach to healing. We dive deep into how our experiences with earthly fathers shape our perception of God, fo…

1
Ep. 124 | Emily B. Cummins: Becoming the Leader God Called You to Be 38:46

2M ago38:46

38:46

In this episode, we sit down with Emily B. Cummins, author, speaker, podcast host, and chief of staff at Church of Hope in Ocala, Florida. We explore what it means to step confidently into the leader God has called you to be, embracing the ongoing journey of becoming. In this conversation, we discuss: Navigating self-doubt and identity in leadershi…

1
What’s Trending? Anti-natalism, Brain Dead Woman to Carry Baby to Term, Medical History from Drug Creation for Sick Baby, and Abortion Disinformation Wins the Pulitzer 36:35

3M ago36:35

36:35

What happens when humans try to play God? The recent bombing of a fertility clinic in Southern California by an "anti-natalist" – someone opposed to human reproduction – reveals a disturbing philosophy gaining traction. These individuals believe bringing children into the world is fundamentally wrong, with many advocating for the eventual extinctio…

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Ep. 123 | Holly Tate: Practical Strategies for Church Growth That Actually Work 50:47

3M ago50:47

50:47

In this episode, we sit down with Holly Tate, executive coach, growth strategist, and founder of the Ready Network. We explore practical strategies for church growth and discover frameworks that move beyond theory and actually work in the real world, with insights that can help your team go from stuck to strategic. In this conversation, we discuss:…

1
Recalibrating Faith in a Changing World: CLR’s 42-Year Journey 37:29

3M ago37:29

37:29

What happens when scientific advancement outpaces our ethical frameworks? As Christian Life Resources celebrates 42 years of ministry, this compelling discussion explores how a once primarily pro-life organization evolved to address the complex moral questions of our time and prepare for what's ahead. The conversation takes us from CLR's humble beg…

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Ep. 122 | Phil Bowdle: Rethinking Church Communication for Maximum Clarity 49:53

3M ago49:53

49:53

In this episode, we sit down with Phil Bowdle, creative ministry leader, best-selling author, and VP of Marketing at Slingshot Group. We explore strategies for rethinking church communication to ensure clarity and effective engagement. In this conversation, we discuss: Prioritizing what matters in church communication Clarity versus creativity in m…

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Preparing for Heaven While Still on Earth: The Christian's Guide to End-of-Life Care 35:09

3M ago35:09

35:09

Death and aging are universal human experiences, yet few of us feel fully prepared to navigate them. In this deeply thoughtful conversation, Amber Albee Swenson draws from her unique perspective as both a private elderly companion and nursing home worker to offer wisdom that transcends typical end-of-life discussions. Swenson walks us through pract…

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Ep. 121 | Russ Ewell: Creating Belonging in the Church Through Innovation and Inclusion 53:07

3M ago53:07

53:07

In this episode, we sit down with Russ Ewell, executive minister at Bay Area Christian Church, author, social entrepreneur, and advocate for individuals with special needs and disabilities. Russ shares his powerful personal journey and how it led him to champion a church culture where everyone can belong, particularly those who are often overlooked…

1
What It Takes to Be a Mother 35:52

3M ago35:52

35:52

Join us for a heartwarming conversation with Pastor Fleischmann's mother, Helen Fleischmann. When Helen married at 17 and became a mother at 18, she never questioned whether she was "ready." Now, at 87 years old, this remarkable woman reflects on raising four boys beginning in a converted train car, immigrating from the Netherlands without knowing …

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Ep. 120 | Kendall Conner & Jessica Moore: Practical Tips for Attracting Volunteers at Your Church 1:01:30

3M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

In this episode, Kendall Conner and Jessica Moore dive into practical tips for attracting and keeping passionate volunteers at your church. Volunteers are the heartbeat of every ministry, yet many leaders struggle with the constant challenge of recruiting and retaining them. The good news? It doesn’t have to be this way. In this conversation, we di…

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What’s Trending? Tiny Pacemakers, Marijuana Use and Fertility, Longevity Clinics, and Ancient Altars 32:54

3M ago32:54

32:54

Tiny pacemakers the size of a rice grain are revolutionizing care for premature infants with heart rhythm issues. These remarkable devices, which dissolve naturally after about a week, eliminate the need for risky removal surgery and represent a fascinating frontier in medical technology. Though currently benefiting a small number of children globa…

1
Ep. 119 | Greg Atkinson: Rethinking Missional Engagement Through Entrepreneurship 26:18

4M ago26:18

26:18

In this episode, we sit down with Greg Atkinson, best-selling author, international keynote speaker, and founder of Entre Church. We explore how entrepreneurial thinking can help churches reimagine missional engagement and create sustainable impact in their communities. In this conversation, we discuss: Creative outreach methods through entrepreneu…

1
Heroes 35:59

4M ago35:59

35:59

Heroes capture our imagination and inspire us to greatness, but what makes someone truly heroic? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore heroism through biblical, cultural, and pro-life perspectives. The conversation begins by examining what separates ordinary good behavior from genuine heroism - the element of risk and sacrifice. While cultu…

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Ep. 118 | Jaime Montano: Using Visual Media to Craft More Engaging Worship Services 47:24

4M ago47:24

47:24

In this episode, we sit down with Jaime Montano, Senior Motion Graphics Designer at Ministry Brands and creative mind behind thousands of worship backgrounds used in churches worldwide. We explore how visual media can enhance worship experiences and create more engaging, intentional environments for congregations. In this conversation, we discuss: …

1
What Christ’s Resurrection Means for Our Work 29:57

4M ago29:57

29:57

The resurrection of Jesus Christ transforms everything about our lives—from how we face death to how we make daily decisions. In this profound conversation with Pastor Piet Van Kampen, we explore 1 Corinthians 15, perhaps the most comprehensive teaching on resurrection outside the Gospels themselves. What happens when we strip away resurrection hop…

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2 Week Birth Control Series: Week 2 Methods: Faith-Based Approaches to Birth Control 34:41

4M ago34:41

34:41

Birth control methods seem straightforward on the surface—just find what works, right? But for Christians seeking to honor God's design for life, the decision requires deeper consideration than our convenience-focused culture suggests. Let's unpack the critical distinction between "safe" and "risky" birth control methods from a biblical perspective…

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A Special Message From Our Team for Holy Week 3:09

4M ago3:09

3:09

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 incredible hope that we have through Christ’s resurrection. Ministry leaders, we know this can be a busy time for you. The Easter season often comes with…

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Ep. 117 | Micah Pritchard: Mobilizing Your Congregation For Missions 44:30

4M ago44:30

44:30

In this episode, we sit down with Micah Pritchard, a seasoned leader with a strong background in software development and team leadership, currently at Service Reef. We explore how churches can effectively mobilize their congregations for missions and the impact it can have both locally and globally. In this conversation, we discuss: • Defining mis…

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2 Week Birth Control Series: Week 1 Motive: Navigating Faith, Stewardship, and God’s Blessing 31:58

4M ago31:58

31:58

Birth control is a topic that touches on our deepest values around family, faith, and God's design for marriage. In this thoughtful exploration, we dive into the motives behind contraception decisions and how Christians can approach this sensitive subject with biblical wisdom. We start by clarifying important distinctions between contraception (pre…

1
6: David and Goliath 39:52

4M ago39:52

39:52

The new Trump Administration may openly embrace white Christian nationalism, but Pastor Caleb and other evangelical resistors are gaining momentum. They’re connecting to a bigger pro-democracy movement where faith groups and secular groups are uneasily allied against theocracy. Show Notes: Learn more and Follow Ruth Braunstein’s Substack. Episode G…

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Ep. 116 | Ryan Carter: Creating Safe Ministry Environments For Families 43:49

5M ago43:49

43:49

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Carter, a seasoned leader with over 17 years of experience in helping ministries creating safe environments for attendees, volunteers, and children. We explore the importance of safety measures in church environments and how ministry leaders can effectively implement these practices. In this conversation, we d…

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What’s Trending? Defunding Planned Parenthood, Frozen Embryos, Postpartum Depression, and Anti-aging Pills for Dogs 29:31

5M ago29:31

29:31

Join us for this month's What's Trending episode as we discuss: Postpartum depression isn't just a chemical imbalance—it physically changes women's brains. This startling discovery helps explain why so many mothers struggle after childbirth without even recognizing they're depressed. "It becomes your new normal," explains Pastor Jeff. "You're not r…

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5: Down the Rabbit Hole 42:12

5M ago42:12

42:12

We attend a Christian nationalist event shortly before the 2024 election and talk to an extremism expert about how to prevent radicalization. One QAnon believer changes his tune with the help of Pastor Caleb and his church. Show Notes: Learn more: Multi-faith Neighbors Network Peacemakers Toolkit and Disarming Leviathan Episode Guests: Caleb E. Cam…

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Ep. 115 | Mark MacDonald: Strategies To Ignite Engagement At Your Church 47:14

5M ago47:14

47:14

In this episode, we sit down with Mark MacDonald, a church branding strategist and founder of Be Known for Something. We explore strategies to ignite engagement at your church and the importance of clear communication in reaching your congregation and community effectively. In this conversation, we discuss: Clarifying church communication strategie…

1
Fractured Family: Surviving Abuse 33:37

5M ago33:37

33:37

When Michelle Markgraf worked as the executive director of the Compass Center, a rape and domestic abuse center in South Dakota, she encountered survivors from all walks of life—including many Christians who felt deeply alone in their suffering. In this powerful conversation, she dismantles the myth that abuse doesn't happen in faith communities an…

1
4: Fight or Flight 45:34

5M ago45:34

45:34

Evangelical leaders horrified by the extremism in their churches wonder: Is it better to break ties with people who you believe are dangerously wrong – or try to lead them out of the dark? Pastor Caleb comes up with a surprising plan. Show Notes Episode Guests: Caleb E. Campbell is a pastor at Desert Springs Bible Church in Phoenix, Arizona, and th…

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Pastor Ben Marsh on Christian Nationalism and Spiritual Warfare on the Evangelical Right 53:19

5M ago53:19

53:19

Ben Marsh is a pastor at First Alliance Church Winston-Salem. He's an advocate for the maligned, lonely, afraid, and harmed. Deeply suspect of the rising linkage of Christianity and partisanship, he aims to disentangle awful social and theological ties that have created *where we are now.* He has particular interests in the areas of Christian Natio…

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Ep. 114 | Justin Romine: Avoiding the Most Common HR Mistakes in Ministry 51:49

5M ago51:49

51:49

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Romine, the managing partner and CEO of HR Ministry Solutions. We explore avoiding common HR mistakes in ministry and how churches can effectively manage their teams and resources. In this conversation, we discuss: Importance of HR in ministry settings. Risks of outdated employee handbooks. Effective use of …

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A Conversation with Ann Tolly 37:11

5M ago37:11

37:11

Join us this week with our special guest, Ann Tolly, as she shares her remarkable 40-year journey in pro-life ministry. Ann's story demonstrates how God transforms our deepest wounds into our most profound purpose. When Ann and her husband helped establish a pregnancy care center in Michigan, they couldn't have imagined the ripple effects their wor…

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3: The Great Re-Sorting 43:35

5M ago43:35

43:35

COVID-19 church closures, a summer of Black Lives Matter protests, and a tense Presidential election all fan the flames of white Christian nationalism. Two churches in Phoenix react in wildly different ways, with dramatic results. Content warning: this episode includes a depiction of police violence that might be disturbing to some listeners. Show …

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