The Connect Ministries Podcast

The Art of Welcoming & Connecting People to Your Church - A Conversation with Jeff Simmons, Founding and Lead Pastor of Rolling Hills Community Church || S2:E7

How do churches create a culture where every person feels seen, known, and welcomed, especially those who walk in feeling like they don’t belong? In this powerful episode, Ken Thomas, President of Connect Ministries, sits down with Jeff Simmons, Founder and Lead Pastor of Rolling Hills Community Church, for a deep and practical conversation on building life-giving relationships in the local church. With decades of friendship and leadership experience, Ken and Jeff unpack why intentional hospitality matters more than ever, how to connect “people to like people,” and the simple shifts that help your church become a place where first-time guests quickly become fully engaged disciples. They explore strategies for fostering a true sense of belonging, developing relational pathways that actually work, and training your teams to welcome people with purpose. Whether you're leading a growing church, revitalizing a congregation, or building community in your ministry, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to strengthen connection and increase engagement. If you’re a senior pastor, next-gen leader, or ministry director who wants to reach more people, love people better, and build relationships that change lives, this episode will equip and encourage you. Interested in attending the Connect Conference and learning more from Jeff Simmons and others? Visit ⁠⁠connect-ministries.com/connect-conference⁠⁠ [http://connect-ministries.com/connect-conference] to learn more and register today!!

Building a Healthy Volunteer Culture – A Conversation with Pastor Dave Bagwell of Passion City Church || S2:E6

What if the most powerful growth strategy in your church is simply helping people encounter Jesus and inviting them to hold the door open for others? In this episode, Gabe Norris, Co-Founder of Connect Ministries, sits down with Dave Bagwell, Central Ministries Pastor at Passion Church, for a compelling conversation on building a life-giving volunteer culture, which Passion calls their “doorholders.” They unpack how churches can create welcoming, belonging-focused experiences that inspire people to serve. A place where people serve not out of obligation, but because they’ve personally encountered Jesus. Together, they explore how engaging volunteers starts with spiritual formation, why people actually serve, and how intentional environments help move people from attending to belonging. You’ll hear practical insights on designing ministry experiences that reflect the heart of Christ and cultivate life-giving relationships throughout your church. If you’re a senior pastor, next-gen leader, or ministry director looking to strengthen volunteer engagement, build culture, and help people experience Jesus in meaningful ways, this episode will equip and encourage you. Interested in attending the Connect Conference and learning more from Dave Bagwell and others? Visit ⁠connect-ministries.com/connect-conference⁠ [http://connect-ministries.com/connect-conference] to learn more and register today!!

Innovation in the Church: How AI Helps Leaders Reach Their Community – The Elements Group || S2:E5

How can churches grow in a rapidly changing culture? How can innovation and AI actually increase real, in-person ministry impact? In this episode, Nate Thomas of Connect Ministries sits down with leaders from The Elements Group, a nationally respected church consulting and marketing agency known for helping ministries clarify vision, grow attendance, and strengthen community engagement. Together, they unpack why innovation is essential for long-term church growth, how the landscape of ministry is shifting in the digital era, and some practical ways AI can empower your team to create more space for meaningful, face-to-face relationships. This conversation dives into the future of church communications, the tools churches can’t afford to ignore, and the mindset shifts leaders must make to stay effective in reaching their communities. Whether you're a senior pastor, next-gen leader, or communications director, you'll walk away with new ideas for improving your team’s workflow and building a church that connects with new people. If you want your church to grow, innovate, and lead well in this new ministry era, don’t miss this episode! Interested in attending the Connect Conference and learning more from Mandy Arioto and others? Visit connect-ministries.com/connect-conference [http://connect-ministries.com/connect-conference] to learn more and register today!!

Building Relational Churches: What Every Leader Can Learn from Microchurches - A Conversation with Pastor Chris Brooks || S2:E4

What if the future of the church is smaller? More personal? In this episode, Dr. Chris Brooks [https://wearelocal.church/team-member/chris-brooks/], Lead Pastor of Local Church (part of the Grace Family of Churches), sits down with Gabe Norris, Co-Founder of Connect Ministries, for a story-filled conversation packed with wisdom, laughter, and hard-earned lessons from ministry life. These seminary classmates unpack micro-churches, the ministry of people building relationships with people, and the importance of pastoral health in a season when many leaders are running on empty. If you’re a senior pastor, outreach leader, or discipleship pastor, this episode will challenge you to rethink growth, embrace simplicity, and lead from a place of health. Interested in attending the Connect Conference and learning more from Mandy Arioto and others? Visit connect-ministries.com/connect-conference [http://connect-ministries.com/connect-conference] to learn more and register today!!

Why Moms Matter to the Mission of the Church - A Conversation with Mandy Arioto of Mom Co. || S2:E3

How can the church truly connect with the next generation of families? The answer is… Mom. In this episode, Mandy Arioto, President and CEO of The Mom Co. (formerly MOPS International), and one of the most influential voices helping moms find faith and community, joins Gabe Norris, Co-Founder of Connect Ministries, for a powerful conversation about reaching young families and building authentic community for moms in today’s culture. Together, they unpack how churches can better engage moms and meet their needs, how to strategically involve them in the life of the church, and what it looks like to create safe spaces for them to build life-giving relationships and have honest conversations. If you’re a pastor, next-gen leader, or family ministry director, this episode will inspire you to better lead with intentionality, strategy, and hope for the future of the church. Interested in attending the Connect Conference and learning more from Mandy Arioto and others? Visit connect-ministries.com/connect-conference [http://connect-ministries.com/connect-conference] to learn more and register today!!