Welcome back to The Church Resource! In today's episode, Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass jump into a fun but meaningful conversation about holiday traditions, Advent rhythms, volunteer burnout, and how churches can navigate the busiest season of the year with wisdom and joy. As Christmas approaches, Lucas and Chris take a lighthearted detour—starting with a joking debate on the "real" birthday of Jesus—before diving deep into how churches can better serve their congregations during the holidays. They share their own experiences as pastors, including what they learned the last time Christmas fell on a Sunday and how different churches choose to structure services when family expectations, volunteer fatigue, and tradition all collide. Lucas reflects on a mentor's advice that when Christmas falls on a Sunday, the church family should be celebrated in a big way—not minimized. Chris offers insight into how his congregation at Antioch approaches Advent with flexibility, creativity, and a focus on breathing room instead of burnout. From Christmas plays and concerts to simplified worship gatherings, they talk about how traditions shift as congregations grow, change, and welcome new generations. One major theme in this episode is the overlooked power of building relationships during the holiday season. Whether it's Christmas parties, Sunday school gatherings, or simply inviting fringe members back into the fold, Lucas and Chris highlight the natural opportunities churches have to reconnect with people who may be drifting or overwhelmed. They challenge leaders to think intentionally about hospitality and to leverage the goodwill of the season. Another important topic they unpack is the growing trend of churches canceling the Sunday service between Christmas and New Year's. Lucas expresses concerns about the message that sends to visitors and the community, while Chris emphasizes the importance of keeping the doors open—perhaps with a simplified service—but remaining faithful to the church's mission to preach the gospel. Together, they explore the balance between caring for volunteers and staying committed to congregational worship. The episode also includes practical encouragement for leaders navigating end-of-year exhaustion. The hosts discuss volunteer appreciation events and why holding them off-site can make a significant difference in helping people feel genuinely valued. Whether it's renting a banquet room, hosting a meal, or planning a simple night out, Chris explains how showing intentional appreciation can refresh your core teams heading into a new year. Ultimately, this conversation is all about finding a healthy rhythm that honors your congregation, encourages your people, avoids burnout, and keeps the focus on Christ. Lucas and Chris remind us that shepherding well means loving well—even in the busiest season of ministry. Have a topic you want us to cover? Email us at TheChurchResource@gmail.com