Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some reflections on how churches may respond to tragedy when it’s not in our community. How can we engage and ignite the whole Body of Christ in joining hands across the world? When tragedy strikes elsewhere A couple of weeks ago […] The post 110 – How can m…

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing a heartfelt response to the ugliness of racism as demonstrated over the weekend in Charlottesville, VA. The church must stand with one voice and say, “No more!” How you can help me help others: Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes and give […] The post 108 – W…

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some thoughts on the concept of “theological reflection” in the activities of our lives. I’m also adding a new feature to the podcast: “What I love about the church where I worshiped this past Sunday.” Theological Reflection “Theological Reflection” – In […]…

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some thoughts I have recently been sharing with churches on the questions people bring to the worship gathering. The content itself is a recording of my message at Joplin Baptist Church, Joplin, TX on July 23, 2017. Questions people bring to […] The post 106…

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some thoughts on Life Planning and life rhythms for pastors and leaders by sharing real time thoughts that occurred on a planned quarterly day of reflection on my own life plan. For more information on Life Planning resources, click here. For more […] The po…

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some thoughts for preachers on something every one of us has done at some point: preached one sermon that should have been more than one. Occupational hazards of highly motivated preachers We want people to know everything we know about a […] The post 104 – …

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some thoughts on a topic I have been struggling with for a few weeks. It was actually intended to be last week’s episode, but I just couldn’t get the handle on it that I wanted. I need to thank Brad Brisco […] The post 103 – Living with a sense of sacred “se…

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some online resources I have discovered over the past couple of years that are particularly focused on pastors and leaders of small churches. Resources Mentioned New Small Church @karlvaters 200 Churches Small Church Pastor (Dave Jacobs) Dave Jacobs Quick [……

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode I’m sharing an interview I did recently with my friend pastor Bobby Cates of Slidell’s First Baptist Church in Slidell, TX. A few months ago, Bobby got to experience something that a lot of small church pastors never get close to and I […] The post 101 – Yes, a Sabbatica…

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. I’m back from hiatus and excited about what’s ahead. I’m also excited to reach the amazing milestone of releasing EPISODE ONE-DADGUM-HUNDRED! In this episode, I’m talking about the massive impact possible when we master the use of the two tiny letters “n” and “o.” Every pastor (and […] The pos…

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. I’m currently on podcast hiatus until June 2, 2017 when I will be back with a brand new episode for episode 100. Between now and then, I’m releasing encore presentations of some of my favorite previous episodes. In this episode (99i) I’m going all the way […] The post 099I – Are you enrolled i…

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. I’m currently on podcast hiatus until June 2, 2017 when I will be back with a brand new episode for episode 100. Between now and then, I’m releasing encore presentations of some of my favorite previous episodes. In this episode (99h) I’m going all the way […] The post 099H – First follower (en…

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. I’m currently on podcast hiatus until June 2, 2017 when I will be back with a brand new episode for episode 100. Between now and then, I’m releasing encore presentations of some of my favorite previous episodes. In this episode (99g) I’m going all the way […] The post 099G – How to avoid death…

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. I’m currently on podcast hiatus until June 2, 2017, when I will be back with a brand new episode for episode 100. Between now and then, I’m releasing encore presentations of some of my favorite previous episodes. In this episode (99f) I’m going all the way back […] The post 099F – 4 Ways to Ma…

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. I’m currently on podcast hiatus until June 2, 2017 when I will be back with a brand new episode for episode 100. Between now and then, I’m releasing encore presentations of some of my favorite previous episodes. In this episode (99e) I’m going all the way back […] The post 099E – How to have a…

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. I’m currently on podcast hiatus until June 2, 2017 when I will be back with a brand new episode for episode 100. Between now and then, I’m releasing encore presentations of some of my favorite previous episodes. In this episode (99d) I’m going all the way […] The post 099D – The Worst part of …

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. I’m currently on podcast hiatus until June 2, 2017, when I will be back with a brand new episode for episode 100. Between now and then, I’m releasing encore presentations of some of my favorite previous episodes. In this episode (99c) I’m going all the way back […] The post 099C – Why you MUST…

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. I’m currently on podcast hiatus until June 2, 2017, when I will be back with a brand new episode for episode 100. Between now and then, I’m releasing encore presentations of some of my favorite previous episodes. In this episode (99b) I’m going all the way […] The post 099B – How to stay overw…

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. I’m currently on podcast hiatus until June 2, 2017 when I will be back with a brand new episode for episode 100. Between now and then, I’m releasing encore presentations of some of my favorite previous episodes. In this episode (99a) I’m going all the way […] The post 099A – There is no magic …

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (99) I’m finishing a multi-episode series answering questions from a survey I did a few months back with my subscriber list. Announcement I’m also announcing that, due to upcoming travel that will have me out of pocket (much of it out of country) for […] The post 099 – Finding …

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (98) I’m continuing a multi-episode series answering questions from a survey I did a few months back with my subscriber list. Question: “What are the things we can’t get wrong – the essentials?” If you were to ask 100 leaders this […] The post 098 – What are the things we can’t…

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (97) I’m continuing a multi-episode series answering questions from a survey I did a few months back with my subscriber list. Question: “There are so many people out to scam others so how do you know when to help people. I have heard […] The post 097 – How do you know when to h…

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. Starting with this episode (96) I’m going to spend several episodes answering questions from a survey I did a few months back with my subscriber list. Question: “Church vs. the recliner, how do we get people to feel comfortable coming to our time of Praise, […] The post 096 – How do we help pe…

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (95) was inspired by the Facebook post of a friend (not just a FB friend, but a real one for over 30 years). I responded on Facebook and then decided to do a podcast for the benefit of other Christ-followers and churches who may […] The post 095 – Give me 10 good reasons not to…

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (94) I talked about the concept of Taking the High Road. I told a story of a recent situation where I had to choose the high road and then used the metaphor of a road under construction, and signs you might see […] The post 094 – Sometimes the High Road is under construction [P…

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (93) I’m launching a new season with an explanation of a phrase that changed my life, encouragement that Amazing is possible, and a caution about two roadblocks that will keep you from Amazing. The phrase that changed my life: “Now go […] The post 093 – Embarking on the Journey…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (92) I’m sharing the final podcast of the season. I’m going to take the next few weeks off to enjoy the Christmas holidays and prepare for Season 3. I have some special year-end promotions going on right now that I hope […] The post 092 – A special year end episode [Podcast] ap…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (91) I shared a reading of the best case for what I would call legitimate “blended” worship that I have ever read. You will be encouraged and challenged in your thinking about worship and music. I do not have permission to […] The post 091 – Old New Worship [Podcast] appeared f…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (90) I shared from the heart about a recent experience that got my attention about how we need to truly and diligently guard our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 – Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring […] The post 090 – Guard your heart [Podcast] appeared first on Dr.…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (89) I shared an encore recording of a previous podcast (Episode 41) where I talked about some simple things you can do in the next few days to make your Sunday morning experience more “Guest Friendly.” These are not effortless, but […] The post 089 – Make your church more Gues…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (88), I shared some perspective gained from a recent LifePlan experience and my conviction that we can choose the life that we desire. If that idea goes against the grain for you, please listen and/or read all the way to the […] The post 088 – Where will you be in 10 years? [Po…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (87), I shared an upcoming blog post that I have scheduled for the week before Election Day 2016. Both the nation at large and the Church of Jesus Christ are more divided over this election than any I have seen in […] The post 087 – The most political and UNpolitical post I hav…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (86), I continued on the theme of the previous episode concerning ministries out of alignment. Sometimes ministries are out of alignment because we have allowed our personal lives to be out of alignment. Previous episode recap of 3 step process for ministry […] The post 086 – W…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (85), I shared how sometimes a ministry needs to be reviewed, realigned, and rebooted. Part of this episode is a personal testimony of getting out of alignment. How do you know when a ministry might need a reboot? It […] The post 085 – When in doubt, Reboot. [Podcast] appeared …

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (84), I shared 6 important questions to ask when you are planning a church event. I wrapped up with the #1 question that MUST be asked, but seldom is. 6 Important Questions: The Why Question: why are we doing […] The post 084 – The #1 question you MUST ask when planning a churc…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (83), I shared some 4:00 a.m. on the way to the airport ramblings about a small church conference I am headed to, as well as some thoughts on some common pastor struggles from some recent conversations. Resources mentioned: 95conference […] The post 083 – You need a really good…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (82), I am sharing an encore presentation of Episode 10: Responding to Rudeness. For original detailed notes, click here. Highlights Observations about Rudeness: Rude comments are not just directed toward pastors. Our culture has become more rude in […] The post 082 – Did he re…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (81), I am sharing some thoughts from a recent restaurant visit and how that relates to your church’s guest-friendliness. Previous Episodes on the topic of Guest-Friendliness Episode 41 – Make your church more guest-friendly in 7 days Episode 42 […] The post 081 – Church lesson…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (80), I am sharing a recent blog post and some thoughts on the goodness of God even in times of trouble and grief. Read the post here When Answers Aren’t Enough (Scott Wesley Brown) To comment on this […] The post 080 – Sometimes answers just aren’t enough [Podcast] appeared fi…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (79), I am sharing some thoughts on how we can disciple church members on their Facebook usage. In a previous episode (45 – November 12, 2015), I shared some ideas on Why your church needs a social media policy. […] The post 079 – Facebook Discipleship [Podcast] appeared first …

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (78), I am sharing 3 resources that I use on a weekly basis to create great visuals for use on my blog, presentations, and social media feeds. Why do graphics matter? 65% of people are visual learners. If you […] The post 078 – A picture is worth a thousand words [Podcast] appe…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (77), I am sharing some thoughts in answer to a question that came from a member of a private pastors Facebook group I manage. Troy asked a question about vacation planning. Troy’s question: How do you guys budget your […] The post 077 – Budgeting your vacation time [Podcast] a…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (76), I am sharing a reading of Chapter 5 and the Epilogue of my brand new book, Why “Bible Study” Doesn’t Work: The epic failure of evangelicalism’s favorite discipleship method — and how YOUR CHURCH can do something about it. If […] The post 076 – Cleanup on the Bible Study a…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (75), I am sharing a reading of Chapter 4 of my brand new book, Why “Bible Study” Doesn’t Work: The epic failure of evangelicalism’s favorite discipleship method — and how YOUR CHURCH can do something about it. If you have not listened […] The post 075 – Transforming “Bible Stu…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (74), I am sharing a reading of Chapter 3 of my brand new book, Why “Bible Study” Doesn’t Work: The epic failure of evangelicalism’s favorite discipleship method — and how YOUR CHURCH can do something about it. If you have not […] The post 074 – What’s missing in our Bible stud…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (73), I am sharing a reading of Chapter 2 of my brand new book, Why “Bible Study” Doesn’t Work: The epic failure of evangelicalism’s favorite discipleship method — and how YOUR CHURCH can do something about it. If you have […] The post 073 – A Blueprint for a Jesus-focused Chur…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (72), I am sharing a reading of Chapter 1 of my brand new book, Why “Bible Study” Doesn’t Work: The epic failure of evangelicalism’s favorite discipleship method — and how YOUR CHURCH can do something about it. In Chapter […] The post 072 – Why should we study the Bible? [Podca…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (71), I am sharing a reading of the introduction to my brand new book, Why “Bible Study” Doesn’t Work: The epic failure of evangelicalism’s favorite discipleship method — and how YOUR CHURCH can do something about it. The book is […] The post 071 – Why “Bible Study” Doesn’t Wor…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (70), I am sharing part 3 of a 3 part series from a seminar I led on a recent ministry cruise on the Oasis of the Seas with the North Texas Singers. My seminar was entitled, Writing Your Memoir in Advance: […] The post 070 – Everybody’s got a story, Part 3 [Podcast] appeared fi…

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (69), I am sharing part 2 of a 3 part series from a seminar I led on a recent ministry cruise on the Oasis of the Seas with the North Texas Singers. My seminar was entitled, Writing Your Memoir in Advance: […] The post 069 – Everybody’s Got a Story, Part 2 [Podcast] appeared fi…