In this episode of the Ministry Architects podcast, hosts Renee Wilson and Brandon Collins are joined by Keith Cureton, CEO of Bethany Christian Services. They dive deep into the urgent need for foster care and how churches and individuals can transform children's lives.

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In this value-packed episode, we dive deep into the world of ministry conferences, exploring everything from maximizing the conference experience for church teams to building meaningful connections. We discuss practical tips for both attendees and presenters, share strategies for implementing conference learnings, and offer guidance on selecting the right events for your team. Whether you're a seasoned conference-goer or considering your first event, this conversation provides actionable insights, encouragement, and even includes some lighthearted discussions about ice cream along the way.

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In this important episode, host Renée Wilson talks with Laura Addis and Anthony Prince about powerful, real-world experiences and insights from leading churches through devastating natural disasters. Laura Addis recounts her church's response to Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina (September 2024), while Anthony Prince shares lessons learned from the rapidly spreading wildfires in Los Angeles, California (January 2025). This conversation offers invaluable guidance for any church leader preparing for or currently navigating moments of widespread crisis.

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In this episode, Brandon and Renee chat with Todd Hixenbaugh, a ministry leader and podcaster, about the relevance, strategy, and practicalities of using podcasts as a tool for church ministry and communication. They explore current trends, audience engagement, content repurposing, and how to view podcasting as an integral part of ministry efforts.

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This episode dives deep into the latest research from the American Bible Society's "State of the Bible" report. John Plake shares surprising statistics about Bible engagement across different generations and demographics in America, discussing trends like "religious churn," the plateauing of the "nones," and how churches can effectively connect the gospel with today's culture. The conversation offers practical insights and challenges church leaders to innovate based on current data.

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In today’s episode, we’re pulling wisdom from the past to solve one of the most pressing challenges of today: how to lead a church in a culture that’s spiritually curious—but deeply skeptical. You’ll discover why the Nicene Creed—yes, that ancient statement of faith—might be the most relevant discipleship tool for this cultural moment. We’ll unpack how to use it to build trust, foster spiritual resilience, and guide your church with clarity and confidence in a time of confusion.

We welcome Glenn Packiam, lead pastor of Rock Harbor Church in Costa Mesa, CA, to explore the question at the heart of his new book, What is a Christian Anyway? The conversation dives deep into the confusion and corruption that have shaped the perception of Christianity today, the power of the Nicene Creed to anchor believers, and how churches can effectively disciple in an age of skepticism.

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Technology isn’t optional anymore—it’s shaping the way we disciple, connect, and communicate. But how can ministry leaders embrace digital tools without compromising the relational heart of the church?

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Brad Hill, Chief Solutions Officer at Gloo, to unpack the tensions, trends, and tools shaping today’s ministry landscape. You’ll hear why 92% of your people open texts but ignore emails, how AI can serve your church without stealing its soul, and what 50,000 churches are doing to measure spiritual growth in a more personal and effective way.

We’ll explore the deep question behind every tech decision—“Does this strengthen relationships?”—and give you practical next steps to use texting, digital assessments, and even AI to fuel discipleship, not just digital noise. If you're ready to stop guessing and start leading with clarity, this conversation will give you the courage and tools to move forward.

https://stateofthechurch.com/

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