Best How To Do Church Group Ministry Podcasts (2025)

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How Do We Create an Evangelism and Outreach Culture in Our Church? 28:34

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1d ago28:34

28:34

Evangelism isn’t a program—it’s a culture rooted in identity. In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, we explore how churches can move from sporadic outreach events to fostering a deep, church-wide culture of evangelism that flows naturally from who we are in Christ. Hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu from The Malphurs Group bring thei…

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From Doing to Leading as a Church Leader 30:19

8d ago30:19

30:19

Many churches struggle with senior leaders who are stuck doing ministry instead of leading others to do it. In this episode, we break down how to make the shift—biblically and practically—from being hands-on doers to high-leverage leaders who equip others for lasting impact. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu, church consultants with The Malphurs Group, c…

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Dusty is the Therapist as Andrew Vents about Church Plans vs God's Plans 33:03

10d ago33:03

33:03

In this episode, Dusty becomes Andrew’s therapist as he vents about basically everything. The guys jump into a conversation that picks up from the last episode—this time digging into the idea of a whole church doing the same Bible study together. Andrew has... thoughts. Like, a lot of them. And Dusty? He mostly listens, throws in a few jokes, and k…

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How to Get More People into Small Groups 25:24

15d ago25:24

25:24

People don’t join small groups because of catchy announcements—they join because they’re hungry for connection. In this episode, we explore how to communicate the real value of groups: not as a program, but as a path to deeper spiritual and relational health. If your small groups ministry feels stuck, this conversation will help you reframe the mes…

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Dusty Gets High with Students at Camp 36:42

17d ago36:42

36:42

In this engaging episode of the Bible Belt Bros Podcast, hosts Dusty and Andrew dive deep into the transformative experience of youth church camp, exploring the spiritual highs, challenges, and lasting impact of these powerful ministry moments. Fresh off a week at youth camp, Dusty brings his slightly raspy voice and abundant enthusiasm as he share…

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Building a Healthy Multisite Church Leadership Culture 29:09

22d ago29:09

29:09

Building a Healthy Multi-Site Leadership Culture Many churches dream of going multi-site, but few consider what it takes to cultivate a unified, thriving leadership culture across campuses. In this episode, we outline the five essential elements your church needs to lead well in a multi-site model. Your hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu from The Ma…

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The Good Old Days of Bad Christian Haircuts and WWJD Bracelets 31:03

24d ago31:03

31:03

In this heartwarming and humorous episode of the Bible Belt Bros Podcast, hosts Dusty and Andrew take listeners on an entertaining journey through Christian culture of the late 90s and early 2000s. What starts as a response to a listener email from their hometown becomes a delightful exploration of shared memories, awkward teenage moments, and the …

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Growing Younger in an Aging Church 30:37

1M ago30:37

30:37

Is your church aging and struggling to attract younger families? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, we explore practical strategies to breathe new life into your children's ministry and effectively connect with young families. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are experienced church consultants with The Malphurs Group. They specialize …

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Church Consultants Answering YOUR Church Revitalization Questions! 44:59

1M ago44:59

44:59

It's the 300th episode 🎉 of the Church Revitalization Podcast, and we're celebrating by answering some of your most pressing questions. From making tough ministry decisions to cultivating leadership in your church, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu provide practical, actionable advice to help your church thrive. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are experience…

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Post-It Notes from the Lord and We Walk Through the First Five Chapters in Matthew 33:46

1M ago33:46

33:46

Welcome back to another episode of the Bible Belt Bros Podcast, where faith meets funny and Bible studies become comedy gold! This week, Dusty and Andrew dive headfirst into their church's 40-day devotional journey through the book of Matthew, and let's just say it's been... an experience. Dusty opens the episode with possibly the most humble-brag …

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Three Ways to Prepare for the Fall Ministry Launch 17:36

1M ago17:36

17:36

Ready for a thriving fall ministry launch? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, we break down the three must-do steps that will set your ministry up for a successful new season—whether your summer’s winding down or you’re just starting to plan ahead. Your hosts, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu, are passionate church consultants with ye…

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When Church Hurt Comes From Inside the Building 42:30

1M ago42:30

42:30

Welcome to the warm, carpet-stained pews of Christian comedy. If you’ve ever been to church and left with more emotional bruises than a youth group dodgeball game, this one’s for you. This is the Bible Belt Bros Podcast, where today we talk about something spiritual, something sacred, and something that’s honestly kind of annoying—church hurt. That…

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How (& When) to Fire Church Volunteers 47:47

2M ago47:47

47:47

This week on The Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and AJ Mathieu dive deep into one of church leadership’s most sensitive questions: Can you—should you—ever fire a volunteer? From ethical violations to mismatched roles, we break down why letting a volunteer go may be necessary (and how you can do it well, with grace and clarity). Discover …

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Baptists Ban Sports Betting, But I'll Bet Money They're Gossiping in Church 37:04

2M ago37:04

37:04

When is it Gossip? So apparently, 10,000 Southern Baptists walked into a convention center, and it wasn't the setup to a joke. It was the setup to cancel everything fun in my life. I'm talking about the Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting, where they decided to target—and I quote—"pornography, sports betting, and same-sex marriage, as well…

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The Top 5 Church Constitution & Bylaw Problems 24:07

2M ago24:07

24:07

Many churches are stuck with outdated or overly complex bylaws that limit their effectiveness and create unnecessary conflict. In this episode, we unpack the top five issues with church constitutions and bylaws—and how your church can fix them. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu of The Malphurs Group bring practical insights from years of helping churches…

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109: Cell Phones in Youth Group & Partnering with other Youth Groups 51:07

2M ago51:07

51:07

In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, hosts Mike McGarry and John Gardner tackle two significant listener questions. The first question revolves around cell phone usage in youth ministry, particularly during retreats and camps. The second question addresses the benefits and challenges of partnering with other youth ministries in y…

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Do Christians Actually Need Daily Quiet Time? 34:56

2M ago34:56

34:56

Do Christians Actually Need Daily Quiet Time? Let me start with a confession: I tried to become a millionaire at QuickTrip this morning. Not through some elaborate business scheme or scratch-off lottery tickets, but through the tried-and-true method of spilling scalding coffee on my crotch and suing for damages. Turns out QuickTrip has gotten smart…

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When Is the Best Time for Volunteer Recruitment? 25:04

2M ago25:04

25:04

Looking to level up volunteer engagement in your church? In this episode of The Church Revitalization Podcast, we break down the best times and strategies for recruiting volunteers, drawing from current trends and real-world ministry experience. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or new to church revitalization, these insights will help you build a s…

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108: The Image of God and Youth Ministry, a preview of Mike's new book 48:11

2M ago48:11

48:11

In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, Mike McGarry and John Gardner explore the concept of being created in the image of God and its implications for youth ministry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding our identity as image bearers of God and how this shapes the way we disciple youth into Christian maturity…

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The Summer Slump | Vacations, VBS, and Vanishing Volunteers 31:58

2M ago31:58

31:58

Summer Church Attendance You know it's summer when your youth pastor starts doing mental math every Wednesday night, trying to figure out why attendance dropped from 75 kids to, like, 12. And somehow those 12 kids are all the ones whose parents make them come no matter what—the homeschooled kids who wear polo shirts tucked into khakis and know ever…

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Three MYTHS About Spiritual Gifts 22:54

2M ago22:54

22:54

Myth-busting Spiritual Gifts! In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and AJ Mathieu tackle three of the most widespread misconceptions about spiritual gifts. They dig into where common beliefs miss the mark, how spiritual gifts assessments really work, and why understanding gifting is so important for engaging church membe…

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107: Using Curriculum Well & Managing "Other Duties as Assigned" 48:36

2M ago48:36

48:36

In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the how and when to use curriculum in youth ministry. They share what to look for, how to support your volunteers who are teaching curriculum, and then move on to answer a listener-question about how to focus on youth ministry while fulfilling "other dutie…

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Why Temperament Matters in Church Volunteer Roles 28:07

3M ago28:07

28:07

Unlock the secret to effective volunteer placement in your church! In this episode, we dive deep into why getting the right person in the right role—right now—matters, with a special focus on temperament and its impact on ministry effectiveness. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, you'll discover actionable steps for aligning vol…

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106: What NOT to do in your first year 41:14

3M ago41:14

41:14

In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss essential advice for first-time youth workers, each focusing on five key things to avoid in youth ministry. The conversation provides practical insights and encouragement for new youth leaders navigating their roles. Send your question to Mike and John for the podcast here, and make sure to tel…

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Swipe Left or Right on Bible Characters — A Deeply Theological Dating App Style Review 41:38

3M ago41:38

41:38

Swiping Through Scripture — One Bible Character at a TimeWhen Bible Study Meets a Dating App Welcome to the Bible Belt Bros Podcast, where theology meets swipe culture — kind of. In this episode, Andrew and Dusty channel their inner youth group energy and decide to play a little game: swiping left or right on Bible characters. Yes, it’s as ridiculo…

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Why Unhealthy Churches Sometimes Grow 25:39

3M ago25:39

25:39

Why do some unhealthy churches seem to be growing rapidly? In this episode, we peel back the layers behind fast-growing churches and explore whether all that glitters is truly gold. Join us as we discuss the hidden factors that can fuel church growth and how to discern authentic health from surface-level success. Your hosts are Scott Ball and A.J. …

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105: Youth Ministry as Catechesis & the YPT Curriculum! 39:28

3M ago39:28

39:28

In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, Mike McGarry and John Gardner explore the significance of catechesis in youth ministry, emphasizing its relational nature and the importance of intentional discipleship. They discuss the need for a structured approach to teaching that considers the different stages of spiritual maturity among …

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Dusty Takes a Personality Test and Tries to Guess Andrews Spiritual Gifts 30:03

3M ago30:03

30:03

What do zookeeping, spiritual gift tests, and wildly questionable discernment scores have in common? This episode of the Bible Belt Bros Podcast, that’s what. Join Andrew and Dusty as they tackle deep theological mysteries like “Did Jesus stand on soapboxes?” and “Can ‘Helps’ actually be a spiritual gift, or is that just Christian for ‘people pleas…

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Vision That Sticks 24:08

3M ago24:08

24:08

Is your church’s vision stalled or ineffective? In this episode, we break down actionable steps to create and communicate a compelling vision that drives real growth and engagement within your congregation. Discover how clarity and strategy can move your church forward, whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing your current direction. Join…

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Scott Sullivan - The Power of Real Relationships 53:26

3M ago53:26

53:26

Scott Sullivan is the Discipleship Catalyst for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, where he serves hundreds of churches all across the state. Scott and his team take churches through thorough assessments and, focusing on relational disciple-making practices, partner with pastors and leaders to create customized strategies within the context of thei…

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104: Asking Good Questions, Chat GPT, Engaging Students with Scripture 38:21

3M ago38:21

38:21

In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the intersection of youth ministry and theology, focusing on the importance of asking good questions that engage students in meaningful conversations. Discussing good and bad questions leads into a conversation about whether or not youth workers should use ChatGPT. The discussion also highlight…

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Evangelism by Legislation: Finally a law that ensures kids will ignore both Math and Moses at the same time 36:44

3M ago36:44

36:44

After weeks of guest overload, this episode of the Bible Belt Bros Podcast finally brings Dusty and Andrew back together, unfiltered and unaccompanied—basically a bro version of couples therapy, if therapy involved mall stories, public education law, and sarcastic jabs about the King James Bible. The conversation opens like most deep theological di…

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Streamlining Discipleship Ministries: A Guide to Effective Church Engagement 38:13

3M ago38:13

38:13

Is your church overwhelmed by a maze of groups, classes, and ministries—or struggling to get people engaged at all? On this episode, we break down how to streamline your discipleship ministries for greater clarity and real spiritual growth. Your hosts, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu from The Malphurs Group, bring years of hands-on experience revitaliz…

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103: Student Leadership, Book Recommendations, & Time Wasters 37:10

3M ago37:10

37:10

In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian Podcast, hosts Mike McGarry and John Gardner explore the concept of student leadership within youth ministry. They discuss whether all students should be considered leaders, the importance of defining leadership, and how personality traits influence leadership roles. The conversation also touches on em…

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Rusty Gunn | Church That Matters Lead Pastor and SEND Network Oklahoma Director 40:13

3M ago40:13

40:13

In this special episode of the Bible Belt Bros Podcast, Andrew and Dusty sit down with their long-time pastor and mentor, Rusty Gunn, for an honest conversation about leadership, calling, and transition. For the past 16 years, Rusty has faithfully led Church That Matters, shaping its culture, guiding its mission, and investing deeply in the lives o…

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How to Build a Thriving Small Groups Ministry + Build Groups Partnership (w/ Adam Erlichman) 37:56

4M ago37:56

37:56

In this episode, we dive into what it takes to develop a healthy, growing small groups ministry that actually connects people and fosters transformation. Whether your church uses Sunday School, home groups, or a hybrid model, this conversation will challenge assumptions and offer practical steps forward. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are joined by Ad…

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102: Missions Trips & Discouraged Youth Pastors 40:31

4M ago40:31

40:31

In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner explore the intersection of youth ministry and theology, focusing on the role of missions trips. They discuss the theological implications of these trips, critiques of short-term missions, and share personal experiences—both positive and negative while emphasizing the importance of gospel-centered miss…

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From Youth Pastor to Lead Pastor with Kyle Henderson 47:28

4M ago47:28

47:28

What happens when the “youth guy” suddenly finds himself stepping into the lead pastor role? On this episode of the Bible Belt Bros Podcast, we sit down with Kyle Henderson from Church That Matters. Kyle shares the unexpected journey that’s leading him from youth ministry (and whatever else needed doing) to becoming the Lead Pastor this September. …