Ministry Goal Setting That Actually Works

The Healthy Church Staff Podcast

#Careers #Religion #Christianity #Business #Todd Rhoades

1:54

Jerry Seinfeld jokes about the phrase "it is what it is' in his Netflix special, "23 Hours To Kill".

about a year ago 9:11

MP3•Episode home

This episode emphasizes the importance of setting sustainable ministry goals that can withstand interruptions and challenges. Listeners are guided through tailored adaptations of the SMART criteria for goal-setting and the critical roles of systems and accountability in achieving meaningful impact.
• Emphasizing the unpredictability of ministry
• Adapting SMART goals for ministry context
• Importance of specificity in goal setting
• Measuring outcomes effectively
• Setting realistic and achievable goals
• Aligning goals with church missions
• The significance of timeline flexibility
• Necessity of systems in realizing goals
• Establishing accountability through regular check-ins
• Encouragement to write and share personal goals

Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com
Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts.
- - - - -
Is Your Church Hiring?
If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help.
Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role?
If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.

378 episodes

Ministry Goal Setting That Actually Works

The Healthy Church Staff Podcast

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

378 episodes

#Careers #Religion #Christianity #Business #Todd Rhoades

All episodes

The Healthy Church Staff Podcast

1
What If Your Legacy Isn’t a Church… But the Leaders You Leave Behind 8:03

17 hours ago8:03

8:03

The true measure of a pastor's success isn't the church they build but the leaders they leave behind who can continue the work after they're gone. Jesus himself modeled this approach by focusing not on buildings but on developing 11 disciples who would carry on his mission. • Leadership multiplication is a neglected yet powerful way to impact the kingdom long-term • Too many churches are "one charismatic leader away from collapse" • Raising leaders is slow, messy, and risky work, but multiplication is better than addition • Leaders will make mistakes and do things differently than you would • Three practical ways to start building your leadership legacy: call out potential in others, share the stage, and open your circle • You don't need to be famous to be faithful—you just need someone ready when you step away Reach out to us at podcast@chemistrystaffing.com if you'd like to start a conversation about succession planning for your church. At Chemistry Staffing, we've worked with many churches on succession planning and can help you set up the right practices and guardrails to ensure a smooth transition. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.…

The Healthy Church Staff Podcast

1
The Rise of the Church Influencer and the Death of Team Ministry 6:19

1 day ago6:19

6:19

We examine how some pastors are becoming online influencers and the impact this shift has on church staff dynamics, transforming collaborative ministry teams into production crews for personal brands. • The growing trend of church influencers where pastors build personal platforms that overshadow local ministry • When a pastor has more followers than church members, team dynamics fundamentally change • How collaborative ministry models are being replaced by celebrity-centered approaches • The subtle shift from staff as co-laborers to staff as assistants supporting the "star" • Common fallout includes resentment, burnout, and high staff turnover • Reclaiming shared ministry through collaboration, accountability, and celebrating unseen contributions • The body of Christ was never meant to be a brand If you've experienced this in your church or want to share your story, reach out to me at podcast@chemistrystaffing.com. I work with churches on healthy staff culture, hiring, firing, restructuring, and compensation, and I'd love to have a conversation about how I can help your church. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.…

The Healthy Church Staff Podcast

1
Why Churches Talk About Diversity But Hire the Same People 6:14

5 days ago6:14

6:14

Many churches verbally promote diversity while continually hiring the same types of candidates, creating a gap between their stated values and staffing reality. This episode explores the unseen biases and unspoken defaults in church hiring practices while offering practical advice for building staff teams that better reflect God's kingdom. • Churches often preach diversity but hire for comfort and cultural fit rather than representation • Diversity isn't just a value to preach but a discipline that requires intentional practice • Everyone has bias in hiring—the danger comes when we don't acknowledge it • Examining your last several hires can reveal patterns of unconscious bias • Diverse leadership provides protection against blind spots and expands your ministry reach • True cultural fit doesn't mean staff must all be similar in background, age, or perspective • Shift from asking "can they fit here?" to "what might God show us through them?" • Hiring in God's image rather than your own image requires deliberate effort If you have questions about hiring at your church or want to discuss building a more diverse team, reach out anytime at podcast@chemistrystaffing.com. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.…

The Healthy Church Staff Podcast

1
The Cult of the Long Tenure Pastor 9:31

6 days ago9:31

9:31

Long-tenured pastors often become untouchable in their churches, creating a culture where accountability disappears and feedback feels like betrayal. This quiet danger threatens church health when pastoral loyalty morphs into blind allegiance. • Warning signs include elder boards filled with yes-men and hand-picked loyalists • Staff members afraid to speak honestly in meetings for fear of retribution • New ideas subtly shut down with "we've tried that before" statements • Pastors going years without formal job reviews or evaluations • Critique labeled as disloyalty or division rather than healthy feedback • What feels like stability can actually mask stagnation and dysfunction • Most churches don't realize this is happening because longevity feels like health • Boards often fear conflict and feel unqualified to question long-serving pastors • Time served should never equal immunity from accountability Reach out to me at podcast@chemistrystaffing.com if you're experiencing this in your church and need help navigating these challenging waters. I'm available to hop on a Zoom call to discuss your situation and explore potential paths forward. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.…

The Healthy Church Staff Podcast

1
What We Talk About in Elder Meetings That We'd Never Say in a Sermon 6:35

7 days ago6:35

6:35

Every church operates with two distinct scripts - the public one seen in sermons and newsletters, and the private one found in elder meetings discussing budget worries and staff frustrations. The gap between these scripts often creates suspicion and erodes trust. • Church leaders often hide difficult information to be protective, not deceptive • When transparency decreases, church culture deteriorates through gossip and suspicion • Secrecy creates side effects: staff whispering instead of collaborating, board factions forming • Leaders need to create a culture of "brave transparency" without oversharing • The health of your church depends on what's safe to say in elder meetings, not just what's said on Sunday If you're struggling with transparency issues in your church leadership, reach out to us at podcast@chemistrystaffing.com to share your story and explore how we might help. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.…

The Healthy Church Staff Podcast

1
Theology and Conflict Avoidance 7:23

8 days ago7:23

7:23

We explore how church leaders sometimes misuse theology as a defense mechanism, particularly focusing on Romans 8:28 and how it can shut down necessary conversations instead of starting them. • When we use scripture to end conversations rather than begin them, we're often avoiding uncomfortable feedback • "Spiritual bypassing" occurs when we use spiritual language to avoid emotional pain, discomfort, or responsibility • Quoting scripture instead of apologizing or addressing frustration shortcuts growth • Real spiritual maturity confronts with grace, corrects with humility, and confesses with courage • The most spiritually mature leaders listen, repent when needed, and change when necessary • Pause before quoting scripture and ask if you're saying it to help or to escape • Own your part before sharing scripture—don't spiritualize over your responsibility • Be clear about decisions rather than hiding behind vague spiritual phrases • Stay present and listen longer than you talk during difficult conversations Get our free resource "True North," an epistle written for modern-day church leaders at chemistrystafffing.com/truenorth or reach out at podcast@chemistrystafffing.com. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.…

The Healthy Church Staff Podcast

1
When Church Leaders Want You Gone—But Won’t Say It 7:44

9 days ago7:44

7:44

Quiet firing is when church staff are gradually pushed out through neglect rather than direct confrontation, leaving them without support, feedback, or meaningful work until they get the message they're no longer wanted. This practice damages both the individual staff member's sense of calling and creates a culture of insecurity among the entire team. • Signs of quiet firing include lack of feedback, exclusion from key meetings, assignment of only menial tasks • Changes to job description with responsibilities shifted to others • Disinvitation from vision-setting conversations • Leaders often resort to quiet firing due to fear of conflict or personal insecurity • Ministry makes quiet firing particularly damaging because identity and calling are deeply intertwined • Creates a form of spiritual gaslighting that affects the soul, not just employment • Other staff members notice this treatment and begin wondering if they're next • Healthy leaders address concerns directly and compassionately • Provide regular feedback and coaching instead of ghosting struggling team members • Make clear decisions rather than stringing people along If I can help you build healthier teams or navigate difficult staffing decisions, please reach out to me at podcast@chemistrystaffing.com. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.…

The Healthy Church Staff Podcast

1
True North (Part 5) 6:00

12 days ago6:00

6:00

Todd Rhodes concludes the True North series by reading Chapter Four of his modern epistle for church staff and workers, offering encouragement that even in difficult ministry seasons, God has not forgotten those He's called. The chapter provides powerful reminders about identity, healing, and the true measure of ministry success. • Ministry is not a straight path but grace walks with you at every turn • God's silence should not be interpreted as His absence • Your identity as a beloved child supersedes your role as a leader • Redemption doesn't require perfection but surrender • Healing happens in community, not isolation • Use your wounds to guide others toward hope • People need authentic shepherds with real stories, not polished heroes • Faithfulness has never been measured in fame • Focus on building God's kingdom, not your own • Success is measured by love, not just accomplishments Download your free copy of the complete True North epistle at chemistrystaffing.com/truenorth. If you need help with church staffing, governance, or other ministry challenges, reach out to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.…

The Healthy Church Staff Podcast

1
True North (Part 4) 6:20

13 days ago6:20

6:20

We explore Chapter 3 of the True North series, focusing on leadership that prioritizes reproduction over becoming indispensable. This modern epistle for church staff distills wisdom from our first 360 podcast episodes into practical leadership principles centered on legacy-building through developing others. • The goal of leadership is reproducibility, not indispensability • True vision outlasts its originator; dependency dies when you leave • Legacy is defined by who you raise up, not what you leave behind • Invest in available, teachable, and faithful people rather than waiting for perfect candidates • Release control as you mature in leadership instead of tightening your grip • Give away your best knowledge, methods, and insights freely • View yourself as a launch pad rather than a lid for those you develop • Create safe environments where emerging leaders can question, stretch, and occasionally fail • Model what you hope to multiply – including how you handle doubts and mistakes • Celebrate when those you've mentored go further than you did Download the complete True North epistle for free at chemistrystafffing.com/truenorth. Reach out with questions or comments at podcast@chemistrystafffing.com. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.…

The Healthy Church Staff Podcast

1
True North (Part 3) 6:49

14 days ago6:49

6:49

This episode continues our True North series, a modern-day epistle for church leaders that captures key insights from 360 episodes of the Healthy Church Staff Podcast. • Endurance isn't the absence of fatigue but the decision to keep going when excuses say stop • Seasons without visible growth aren't wasted—they're holy moments forming trustworthy leaders • Rest isn't weakness but a reminder you aren't the Savior • If your soul is shrinking while your platform grows, stop immediately • Build relationships with people who notice when you're not okay before you need them • Lead with confession, not image management—the church needs your presence, not your performance • Legacy is built through daily faithfulness when no one is watching • Pruning isn't punishment but preparation for fruit you cannot yet see Download your free copy of the complete True North epistle at chemistrystafffing.com/truenorth and share it with your team, colleagues, and friends who need encouragement in ministry. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.…

The Healthy Church Staff Podcast

1
True North (Part 2) 7:24

15 days ago7:24

7:24

We unveil "True North," a modern epistle designed to encourage and guide church staff with timeless wisdom for ministry leadership. This four-chapter resource draws from hundreds of podcast conversations to address the challenges unique to those serving in church settings. • Written in the style of a biblical epistle but addressing contemporary ministry challenges • Chapter One focuses on the weight of leadership and the importance of guarding your inner flame • Leadership described as a posture of humility, service and long-haul faith rather than a platform • Emphasizes building healthy culture where truth-telling and authenticity are valued over performance • Highlights the importance of boundaries, rest and emotional maturity in sustainable ministry • Encourages celebrating obedience over outcomes and character over charisma • Warns against leading alone and emphasizes surrounding yourself with honest truth-tellers • Reminds leaders that their greatest gift to the church is their own health Download your free copy of the complete "True North" modern epistle at chemistryStaffing.com/TrueNorth. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.…

The Healthy Church Staff Podcast

1
Truth North (Part 1) 6:24

16 days ago6:24

6:24

Todd Rhodes introduces a special week-long series featuring an AI-generated "epistle" created by feeding all 366 episodes of the Healthy Church Staff Podcast into ChatGPT. The resulting 15-page document called "True North for Church Leaders" synthesizes years of ministry wisdom into a biblical letter-style format that offers encouragement and perspective for church leaders. • Experimented with ChatGPT to synthesize wisdom from all 366 podcast episodes • Created a modern-day "epistle" (pastoral letter) offering ministry encouragement • Document spans four chapters addressing church leadership challenges • Each chapter will be read on the podcast Tuesday through Friday • Full document will be available as a free download • Content reflects Todd's ministry convictions but was generated by AI • Designed as encouragement for church leaders "still showing up, still carrying the weight" Join us tomorrow for Chapter One of "True North for Church Leaders." Subscribe to ensure you don't miss any part of this special series, and reach out with questions or comments at podcast@chemistrystaff.com. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.…

The Healthy Church Staff Podcast

1
Your Staff Isn’t Lazy. They’re Spiritually Disconnected 6:33

19 days ago6:33

6:33

Church staff displaying signs of disengagement might not be lazy but spiritually disconnected and malnourished. The real issue is often soul erosion resulting from constant ministry hustle without adequate time to abide in Christ. • Warning signs include emotional flatness despite busyness • Loss of compassion, creativity, and conviction about ministry • Staff going through Sunday motions while feeling numb or cynical • Avoidance of deep conversations and focus on just getting through the day • These symptoms indicate spiritual warning lights, not poor work ethic Schedule white space for your team - one day per quarter for personal retreat and soul repair. Normalize soul care by discussing spiritual rhythms alongside productivity expectations. Ask deeper questions during check-ins focused on heart condition, not just project status. Build spiritual health into your organizational culture. Take time after listening to reflect honestly on your own spiritual nourishment and that of your staff. If you need support, reach out to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.…

The Healthy Church Staff Podcast

1
Why Staff Exit Interviews Are Too Late to Save Your Culture 12:36

20 days ago12:36

12:36

Churches often discover staff culture issues too late, only learning painful truths during exit interviews after resignations have already occurred. • Exit interviews function more like autopsies than checkups, revealing issues when it's too late to fix them • If team members only speak truth on their way out, that signals a culture problem, not just a communication issue • Staff often feel honesty equals disloyalty, creating unsafe environments for feedback • Quarterly "stay interviews" provide proactive opportunities for honest conversation • Powerful questions include "What's frustrating you?" and "What might make you think about leaving?" • Anonymous tools can help gather honest feedback when trust is still building • Leaders must model vulnerability and demonstrate that honesty won't be punished • Even with good practices, exit interviews remain valuable for identifying patterns If you need help with exit interviews or navigating staff culture challenges, reach out at podcast@chemistrystaffing.com to learn how our team can support you. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.…

The Healthy Church Staff Podcast

1
When Your Church Staff Is a ‘Family’… Until It’s Not 9:34

21 days ago9:34