Pastors Thriving | Ministry, Leadership, Discipleship, Church Growth, Small Church Strategies | Podcast on RSS.com

Pastors Thriving | Ministry, Leadership, Discipleship, Church Growth, Small Church Strategies

Pastors Thriving | Ministry, Leadership, Discipleship, Church Growth, Small Church Strategies

by Kevin Elworth-Business & Ministry Coach, Passive Income, Entrepreneur Pastor, Ministry Marketing

Entrepreneurship Christianity

Season 2

Ep 104 - The Lie I was told at 2:30 in the Morning

I woke up around 2:30 in the morning with the thought that maybe I should get up and pray. Then another voice entered the conversation. "Don't bother." "You again?" "What do you want now?" "All you've done lately is make a mess." The next morning, I couldn't stop thinking about that moment—not because I believed it, but because I wondered how many pastors hear similar lies and quietly believe them. In this episode, we talk honestly about spiritual warfare, shame, isolation, and one of the enemy's oldest strategies: Disconnection. In This Episode Why shame often sounds spiritual The enemy's strategy of secrets, isolation, and fear Why pastors often withdraw when they most need connection The restoration of Peter after his denial How Jesus restores relationship before responsibility Practical steps to push back against isolation A Biblical Reflection After denying Jesus three times, Peter had every reason to believe he had ruined everything. Yet when Jesus met him again, the conversation wasn't about condemnation. It was about restoration. "Do you love me?" "Feed my sheep." The voice of Christ restores. The voice of shame isolates. Key Takeaway Not every voice you hear is God's voice. If you've been hearing: You're a failure. You've made too much of a mess. God is tired of you. Pastor... That's not His voice. Practical Homework This week: Talk to God. Talk to someone. Tell the truth. Don't keep secrets. Don't isolate. Don't believe fear. Key Quote "The enemy doesn't have to destroy a pastor. He simply has to disconnect one."

Ep 103 - Why Everything in Your Church Still Depends on the Same Few People

Why does everything in your church still seem to depend on the same few faithful people? The same volunteers. The same leaders. The same families. The same exhausted core. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. In this conversation, Kevin unpacks one of the most common frustrations pastors face: carrying too much because engagement is concentrated in too few people. The hard truth? This usually isn’t a people problem. It’s a systems problem. Inside this episode: Why disengagement is often confusion, not rebellion The hidden pathway problem keeping people passive Why pastors end up carrying more than they should How ownership culture is intentionally built The leadership shift that changes everything If you’re tired of the same few doing all the work… this conversation will help.

ep 102- When You’ve Been Faithful… But Rescue Still Hasn’t Come

Have you ever found yourself asking: “God… where are You?” You’ve been faithful. You’ve kept showing up. You’ve prayed. You’ve obeyed. And yet the breakthrough you’ve been pleading for still hasn’t come. In this deeply personal episode, Kevin opens up about walking through financial pressure, family medical strain, emotional exhaustion, and the uncomfortable reality of continuing to lead while quietly carrying heavy burdens. If you’ve ever felt like Paul—shipwrecked, holding onto broken pieces, simply trying to stay afloat—this conversation is for you. Inside this episode: Why delayed rescue does not mean abandonment The dangerous emotional drift pastors face in survival mode Why “just staying afloat” may still be faithfulness The forgotten prayer hidden in Luke 1 that may reshape your perspective A reminder that even when you can’t see the shore… it still exists If you’re tired, discouraged, or simply trying to hold on… This one is for you. Connect with Kevin If this episode resonated with you and you need someone to process with, Kevin would be honored to connect. 📩 coaching@kevinelworth.live

101- What to Do When You Realize You’ve Been Leading in Isolation

After recognizing the pull toward isolation in leadership, the next question becomes simple—but important: What do you actually do about it? In this episode, Kevin walks pastors through a clear and grounded response to isolation—not by adding pressure, but by helping them take intentional steps toward connection. This is not about overhauling your leadership overnight. It’s about choosing a different direction. Because growth doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in connection. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why isolation is a common response to pressure in pastoral leadership How to recognize when you’ve been carrying too much alone The difference between awareness and action Simple, practical steps to begin reconnecting Why one honest conversation can shift everything How connection creates clarity—for both you and your church A Biblical Reflection In Exodus 18, Moses is leading alone—carrying the weight of the people from morning until evening. When Jethro observes this, he responds plainly: “What you are doing is not good.” Not because Moses lacked calling— but because he was trying to carry what was never meant to be carried alone. The solution wasn’t more effort. It was shared responsibility. Key Takeaways Isolation Is a Response—Not a Strategy It often feels safe in the moment, but it limits growth over time. You Don’t Need Everything—You Need Someone Growth doesn’t require a network. It starts with one honest connection. Clarity Comes Through Conversation Many of the answers you’re looking for won’t come in isolation—but in dialogue. Stay Longer Than Feels Comfortable Most leaders disconnect right before growth begins. Practical Steps to Reconnect If you’re recognizing isolation in your leadership, start here: Identify one person you can connect with Be honest quickly—don’t ease into it Create a rhythm of ongoing conversation Invite perspective, not just encouragement Stay engaged, even when it feels uncomfortable Resource Mentioned Church Engagement Assessment A simple tool designed to help you identify where people may be getting stuck or overlooked in your church. Find it here! Key Quote “The single greatest element of growth you will ever receive will come through your ability to get connected to people.” Final Encouragement You’re not behind. You’re at a moment of clarity. And clarity—when acted on—leads to growth. Im with you bro. Kevin

100 - Why Isolated Pastors Stop Growing (And What to Do Instead)

Episode 100 didn’t start the way Kevin expected. After recording a polished version, something didn’t sit right—so he scrapped it. What follows is a real, unfiltered conversation about something many pastors are experiencing but rarely name: Isolation. When pressure builds, many pastors don’t reach out—they pull back. But what feels safe in the moment often becomes the very thing that limits growth. In this episode, Kevin shares personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and a clear truth: Growth doesn’t come from carrying more. It comes from getting connected. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: Why pastors tend to isolate under pressure The hidden cost of trying to carry leadership alone A personal reflection on missed growth opportunities Why authenticity is not enough without intentional development How God often answers prayers through people—not just moments The connection between humility and growth Key Takeaways: Isolation Feels Safe—but It Stalls Growth When things get heavy, the instinct is to pull back. But that’s when connection matters most. Authenticity Isn’t the Same as Growth Being real is powerful—but without intentional development, growth stalls. You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know And growth begins when you invite someone in who can help you see what you can’t. God Often Answers Through People The very thing you’ve been praying for may already be in front of you—if you’re willing to receive it. Key Quote: “The single greatest element of growth you will ever receive will come through your ability to get connected to people.” A Message of Hope: What you’re looking for in this next season of ministry… …it’s findable. It may already be unfolding in front of you. But it will require the courage to step toward it. Resource Mentioned: Church Engagement Assessment A simple tool to help you evaluate where people may be getting stuck or overlooked in your church. Access it here !

099- Does Your Church Have These Markers of Being Fully Engaged?

Does Your Church Have These Markers of Being Fully Engaged? Podcast: Pastors Thriving Host: Kevin Elworth Episode Summary What does a healthy, engaged church actually look like? After recognizing how easy it is for people to be present but not truly connected, the next question becomes clear: How do we know if our church is actually engaging people well? In this episode, Kevin outlines the core markers of a fully engaged church—not as an ideal to strive for, but as a framework to help leaders bring clarity, alignment, and movement to their ministry. This isn’t about adding more programs. It’s about ensuring people don’t get stuck. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The difference between attendance, participation, and engagement Why many churches unintentionally stall people’s growth The key markers that define a fully engaged church How clarity creates momentum without adding pressure Why engagement is about movement, not activity The Core Idea “A fully engaged church isn’t one where everyone serves. It’s one where everyone is moving.” Moving toward: connection growth purpose discipleship The Markers of a Fully Engaged Church 1. Clear Next Steps Every person knows what their next step is. 2. Shared Responsibility Leadership is not centralized—the weight is distributed. 3. Intentional Follow-Through People are noticed, contacted, and guided quickly. 4. A Culture of Movement People progress from: guest → connected → serving → leading → discipling others Why This Matters When these markers are present: Pastors experience less pressure Teams operate with clarity People grow faster The church becomes alive—not just active A Leadership Reframe This is not about doing more. “It’s about aligning what already exists.” Who This Episode Is For Pastors who sense people are stalling Churches with strong attendance but low engagement Leaders seeking clarity without complexity Teams feeling stretched but not seeing growth What’s Next In Episode 100, Kevin steps back to explore a bigger question: What does the future of the Church require from leaders right now?

098 - The Hidden Crisis in Most Churches (And Why Leaders Don’t See It)

The Hidden Crisis in Most Churches (And Why Leaders Don’t See It) Podcast: Pastors Thriving Host: Kevin Elworth Episode Summary Many churches today appear healthy on the surface. Services run smoothly. Teams stay busy. Attendance holds steady. But beneath that activity, something quieter—and more concerning—is happening. People are present… but not engaged. In this episode, Kevin addresses a hidden crisis affecting many churches: the slow drift of people who are attending but not truly connected, growing, or moving forward in their faith. This isn’t about lack of effort. It’s about lack of clarity. And most churches don’t recognize it until it’s already costing them. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why attendance can mask deeper engagement issues The difference between a functioning church and a fruitful one How people quietly disengage without drawing attention Why “busy” leadership can unintentionally overlook people Three signs your church may be experiencing this hidden crisis A simple leadership diagnostic to bring clarity The Hidden Crisis People are showing up—but they’re not moving. They attend. They listen. But they don’t connect, grow, or step into purpose. And because they’re still present, leaders assume everything is fine. Three Signs to Watch For 1. Invisible People You don’t know who is drifting until they’re already gone. 2. Busy Leadership Energy is focused on maintaining services—not shepherding people. 3. Undefined Pathways There is no clear, consistent next step for people to take. Leadership Diagnostic Ask yourself: Do we know who is actively taking next steps in our church right now? Do we know who has stopped taking steps? Who is responsible for noticing? Could someone attend for months and still remain unknown? If these questions feel unclear, the issue is not personal—it’s structural. Key Insight “Churches rarely lose people through conflict. They lose them through invisibility.” A Pastoral Reminder This is not about blame. Most churches aren’t here because they don’t care— they’re here because they’ve been busy, stretched, and trying to keep everything moving. But awareness is the first act of leadership. What’s Next In the next episode, Kevin unpacks what a fully engaged church actually looks like—and how clarity around engagement changes everything.

097 -What Pastors Need to Remember in Hard Seasons – Feat. Aaron McBride

In this episode of Pastors Thriving, Kevin sits down with Pastor Aaron McBride of Victory Baptist Church in Fallon, Nevada. Aaron shares the deeper story behind his book, When the Desert Blooms, and reflects on the seasons of uncertainty, pain, pruning, and personal transformation that shaped both his ministry and his heart. From strained relationships and desert seasons in leadership, to unexpected health battles in his family, to the powerful community outreach event known as Night of Hope, this conversation is full of honest perspective for pastors who are trying to remain faithful in hard ground. This is not a conversation about chasing visible success. It is a conversation about what God does in the hidden places first. Kevin and Aaron discuss: why Aaron sees himself first as a local church pastor the danger of drifting into cultural Christianity how discipleship must move beyond information into real action what desert seasons taught Aaron about humility, mentoring, and dependence on God how God used Night of Hope to awaken gospel hunger in Fallon why pastors need to get into their communities instead of hiding in church offices how prayer becomes deeper and more real through suffering Aaron’s story is a needed encouragement for pastors who feel like they are laboring in dry places. Sometimes the bloom is already beginning, even if you cannot see it yet. You can find Aaron's book, When the Desert Blooms, on Amazon

096 - The Real Reason Your Church Isn’t Growing (It’s Not Your Preaching — It’s Your Assimilation System)

Hey Pastor! Many pastors secretly wonder: “Is it me?” When growth stalls, we often assume it’s preaching quality, relevance, or programming. But what if the real issue isn’t your sermon? In this episode, Kevin unpacks why church growth almost always stalls because of structure — not speaking ability. You’ll learn: Why preaching inspires but systems integrate The hidden leak in most churches Why your church grows at the speed of its assimilation system How to measure movement, not just attendance Connect with Kevin: coaching@kevinelworth.live and at pastorsthriving.com

095 - Why Only 20% of Your Church Is Doing 80% of the Work

If only 20% of your church is serving… you don’t have a people problem. You have a pathway problem. In this episode, Kevin unpacks the growing engagement crisis inside local churches. The old 80/20 rule isn’t accurate anymore. In many churches, it’s closer to 95/5 — and most of that 5% is staff. This isn’t about laziness. It’s about clarity. Kevin walks through: Why unclear engagement pathways stall growth The myth that people don’t serve because they lack commitment The structural gaps killing volunteer momentum Why energy dies in delay How to implement a simple 3-step activation flow The power of personal invitation over stage announcements If your church feels stretched thin… If your core is exhausted… If guests disappear after a few weeks… This episode will help you diagnose the real issue. Key Takeaways ✔ Serving engagement is a systems issue, not a motivation issue ✔ Most churches assume progression — they don’t design it ✔ Momentum dies in ambiguity ✔ Energy dies in delay ✔ Stage announcements don’t replace personal invitation ✔ Engagement multiplies when pathways are clear Questions for Reflection If 20% of your church stopped serving this Sunday, what would collapse? Do you have a defined progression from guest → attender → member → server? Is your invitation system general or specific? How fast do you place someone once they express interest? Want Help Clarifying Your Pathway? If you’re ready to build a predictable engagement system instead of hoping people step up, book a complimentary strategy call: 👉 https://calendly.com/kevinelworthcoaching/complimentary-1-1-strategy-call Or explore the Fully Engaged Church framework.

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