The One Thing

What happens after someone says “yes” to Jesus?Your evangelism course is not enough. It is not the finish line - it’s where discipleship begins. In this episode, Scott Sanders is joined by Adrian Haynes, Mission Pastor at EV Church, to explore why purpose-built follow-up for new Christians is essential. Adrian shares why churches shouldn’t be surprised by the messiness of new faith and why faithful ministry means embracing that mess, not avoiding it.Together, we unpack what makes new Christian groups different, the qualities needed in leaders, and the practical considerations for helping new believers become established in the faith.Toolbox: Ep 284 Reignite Your Conversion Engine - The One Thing Conversion Engine - Reach Australia PodcastFollow Up to the Conversion Engine - Reach Australia PodcastCredits: The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Why do some Christians give joyfully while others give reluctantly?Most of us know generosity is good. Yet many Christians still approach giving reluctantly, defensively, or simply as another bill to pay.Tish Maier talks with Des Smith about why that gap exists and how churches can help people move towards joyful, gospel-shaped generosity. They discuss gratitude, sacrifice, stewardship, and practical ways to cultivate hearts that delight in giving rather than merely feeling obligated to do it.Des is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Church Lockleys Adelaide and Tish is the Support Raising Manager at Reach Australia. Toolbox:Part 1: Ep 455 When giving is uncomfortable instead of cheerful in your church (Des Smith)Credits: The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Your church may find it easier to avoid talking about money altogether. But Jesus didn’t.In this episode, Tish sits down with Des Smith, Senior Pastor of Trinity Church Lockleys Adelaide and author of The Cheerful Giver, to explore how churches can move beyond awkward fundraising conversations and cultivate a genuine culture of generosity.Des shares why generosity is far more than a budget issue, it’s a discipleship issue. Together they unpack why Christians should talk about giving, how to avoid guilt-driven appeals, practical ways to encourage generosity from the front, and how churches can model generosity with their time, talents and resources.Toolbox:Des Smith’s article on generosity: https://reachaustralia.com.au/cultivating-a-culture-of-generosity-in-churches-a-conversation-with-des-smith/The Cheerful Giver by Des SmithJourney of Generosity by Des SmithThe Generosity Project by Tony Payne and Geoff RobsonCredits: The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

At Kellyville Anglican in Sydney, newcomers sit down with the senior pastor.Pete Hughes talks with Dave Kuen about "Newish", a conversation designed to help newcomers understand the church, ask questions, and take their next step.Dave explains how it fits into Kellyville's wider welcoming pathway, the importance of newcomer triage, and why he believes this is something worth personally owning as a senior pastor.Toolbox:Pathway AuditWelcoming In Action: Live Video from Kellyville Anglican Church | Ep 389Sample Newish Course Content Credits: The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Is your church doing annual reviews right, or at all? In this episode, Scott Sanders and Jo Gibbs explore how annual reviews can move beyond corporate box-ticking to become a vital tool for encouraging, developing, and stewarding gospel workers well.We unpack how simple, structured conversations help teams pause, give thanks, reflect honestly, and plan intentionally for the year ahead.Why ongoing feedback alone isn’t enoughThe biblical foundation for caring for people in ministrySimple frameworks to run effective annual reviewsHow to handle hard conversations well and avoid surprisesWhy investing in people builds long-term ministry healthToolbox:Simple Framework of 3 questions to ask others and yourself: What’s a highlightWhat are you doing wellWhat could you do betterWhy Annual Reviews Matter - Substack Article by Jo GibbsMaking Ministry Leader Annual Reviews Sing - Gospel Coalition Article by Mikey LynchEpisode 336: How to Give Effective Feedback Episode 337: How to Receive Feedback as a Gospel WorkerEpisode 338: Enhancing Your Team’s Success With Rhythms of Feedback Episode 339: Personalising Feedback Credits: This episode was brought to you by Lending Hands Mortgage BrokersThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

If someone in your suburb wanted to find a church this Sunday… could they actually find yours?In this episode, Pete Hughes chats with Phill Morrow, from ChristLife Presbyterian in West Toowoomba, about how to ensure your church is findable. Sometimes it’s the simple things that actually really make a difference: clear websites, signage, Google listings and welcoming spaces are all key aspects churches can’t overlook. Why hospitality starts before someone walks through the doorThe hidden barriers that stop newcomers attending churchIdeas for churches who both own and don’t own their spacesHow small improvements can support evangelism and gospel growthToolbox:Reach Digital The Great Dechurching by Jim Davis and Ryan P. BurgeEpisode 354: Making Your Church Accessible to People With Disabilities (Louise Gosbell)Episode 389: Welcoming In Action: Live from Kellyville Anglican ChurchSecret Shopper Checklist (DO WITH A CAMERA)Credits: This episode was brought to you by ExdiaThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Church buildings and meeting spaces communicate long before anyone hears the sermon. A confusing entrance, poor signage, or awkward gathering areas create unnecessary barriers, while thoughtful spaces can help people feel more relaxed, welcomed, and ready to connect.In this episode:Why physical space matters for ministry and hospitalityCommon mistakes churches make with arrival, signage, and flowHow spaces can reduce friction and help newcomers feel at easeImproving connection before and after the serviceQuick wins churches can make without major renovationsToolbox:Build to Last Ebook How to Fund Your Church Building ChurchStarter BookletCredits: This episode was brought to you by Safe Ministry CheckThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

In this episode, Derek Hanna is joined by Paul Young (planter of Providence Church Bayswater, Perth) to think about how church teams reflect on Sundays, and whether those debrief conversations are actually helping the church grow in mission, or just recycling obvious feedback.They explore how different churches approach Sunday debriefs, what often goes wrong when they drift into planning or post-mortems, and how teams can use that time more effectively to focus on big-picture strategy, prayer, and gospel priorities.Rather than tweaking slides or reviewing logistics, Paul argues that this time is best used to step back, pray, and work on the larger questions of mission, growth, and where God is at work in the life of the church.In this episode:Why many Sunday debriefs don’t add much valueThe risk of turning debriefs into planning meetings or critique sessionsHow to shift from details to big-picture strategy and prayerQuestions that help teams focus on mission and gospel growthHow to use shared team time for decisions you can’t make aloneToolbox:Dangerous Calling by Paul David Tripp (Chapter on Glory)The Church by Edmund ClowneyThe Church on Mission by Craig OttPlanting the Word by Erin CriderWorking Genius by Patrick LencioniCredits: This episode was brought to you by Lending Hands Mortgage BrokersThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Church life can get messy quickly. In this episode, Scott Sanders chats with Chris Rooleht about why having a simple serve chart can help bring clarity to ministry, showing who’s doing what, where responsibilities sit, and where people might be carrying too much.They discuss how serve charts can help churches care for people well, identify gaps in ministry, and plan for the future.In this episode:Why every church should have an serve chartHow to spot ministry overload and unclear responsibilitiesPractical tools to help you map your teamsUsing serve charts to plan for growth, staffing, and church plantingToolbox:⁠Lucid Chart⁠⁠Miro Chart⁠⁠Guide to Church Staffing by The Unstack Group Blog Post⁠⁠Contact Us for More Resources⁠Credits: This episode was brought to you by ⁠Exdia⁠The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library⁠

Most staff meetings feel like a drain. Too long, unclear, and full of talk that changes nothing. But what if your weekly meeting could actually strengthen your team, sharpen your culture, and leave people encouraged? In this episode, Andrew Mitchell (Executive Pastor at EV Church on NSW's Central Coast) joins Pete Hughes to unpack why great staff meetings are one of the most overlooked leadership tools in ministry, and how to run them well.• Why the best staff meeting may not be about decisions at all• How healthy meetings shape culture across the whole church• A simple framework that creates energy, clarity, and momentum• The common mistakes that make meetings frustrating and ineffective• Practical ideas for small teams, not just large churchesKey points: Why the main weekly meeting isn’t for making decisionsHow to structure a Monday meeting, from lunch to prayer to trainingThe hidden cost of mixing decision-making with culture-buildingWhy encouragement and shared stories aren’t optional extrasWhat smaller teams can actually apply without copying everythingToolbox:Andrew Mitchell’s terms of reference staff meeting document The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick LencioniDeath By Meeting by Patrick LencioniHow Do I Create a Culture of Trust In My Team? | Ep 316Three dysfunctional types of teams and how to fix them | Ep 404The One Thing Episode 166 – Refresh Your Staff Meetings (Part 1)The One Thing Episode 167 – Refresh Your Staff Meetings (Part 2)Credits: This episode was brought to you by Safe Ministry CheckThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

The Point Community Church in Port Macquarie, NSW was growing at 10% a year, but barely anyone was actually becoming a Christian. When they benchmarked themselves against other churches, the gap was stark: other churches were seeing 5–7x more non-Christians come through their evangelistic courses.So they asked hard questions about what was actually happening, and made a series of deliberate changes, especially around how they invited people into their evangelism course.Registrations jumped from 5 to 37. Around seven people came to faith, with ten more still exploring.Derek Hanna talks with Steve Covetz (Lead Pastor) and Kate Stace (Director of Ministry Operations) about facing brutal facts, mobilising a whole church to invite, and what actually moved the needle.Toolbox:Discover Magnet used by Kate and SteveMission ebook by Dave JensenEvangelism in the Local Church by Dave Jensen and Paul BrennanPrevious Reach Australia Conference ResourcesMission Consults by Reach AustraliaCredits: This episode was brought to you by Safe Ministry CheckThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

If you stepped away for a month, would your church stall?The hero complex in ministry rarely announces itself. It feels like diligence. Responsibility. Sacrifice. But underneath can sit something more dangerous — the quiet belief that everything depends on us.In this episode, we explore:What the hero complex really is and why it shows up in gospel ministryThe warning signs, from micromanaging to confusing busyness with fruitfulnessHow our identity in Christ steadies us when things go well or poorlyWhen to say no, and how to do it with clarityWhy building teams and sharing responsibility is part of faithful leadershipIf you’ve ever felt indispensable, exhausted, or quietly resentful that others don’t carry what you carry, this conversation is for you.Toolbox:Steve Waugh’s Cricket HighlightsReach Australia’s Coaching ProgramCredits: This episode was brought to you by Exdia The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

You can usually tell what’s going on in a pastor’s ministry by what’s on their bedside table. Not the books they recommend, but the ones they are actually reading, half-reading, or quietly avoiding.Rory Shiner opens up his own reading habits and presses the question most of us avoid: are we still being shaped, or just repeating what we learned years ago?Are we still the kind of people who are learning, so that when we open the Bible we are not simply repeating ourselves, but speaking with fresh clarity shaped by a life still being formed by God’s word?In this episode:What your current reading habits reveal about your ministryWhy finishing books is often the wrong goalThe kind of reading that actually feeds preaching over timeWhy reading ahead matters more than scrambling each weekWhat poetry, fiction, and biography give you that ministry books cannotHow shallow reading shapes shallow instincts in people workWhy curiosity fades in ministry and why it is worth protectingToolbox:Biblical Critical Theory by Christopher WatkinCollected Poems by Les MurrayPoems Chosen by Paul KellyThe Discarded Image by C. S. LewisOne Forever by Rory ShinerForgiven Forever by Rory ShinerRaised Forever by Rory ShinerThe World Next Door by Rory ShinerCredits: This episode was brought to you by Lending Hands Mortgage Brokers The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Church planting is often treated as something only large churches can do. The latest Growth and Change report suggests otherwise. Across the Reach Australia network, smaller churches and unlikely partnerships are launching new congregations and reaching people who were never going to walk into an existing church.This episode explores what last year’s church plants are teaching the rest of us. If most Australians still don’t know Jesus, the question isn’t whether churches feel ready to plant, but whether we are organising our ministry to reach the 95% who aren’t in church.In this episode: Why new churches continue to reach new peopleThe rise of partnerships between churches to plant togetherHow smaller churches are multiplying through intentional leadership pipelinesThe tension between filling staff roles and sending church plantersPractical first steps for churches wanting to move toward church plantingToolbox:Reach Australia’s Full Online Resources LibraryGrowth and Change Report 2025Church Planting PodcastMultiplicationPartner financially with Reach AustraliaCredits: This episode was brought to you by Exdia The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

When was the last time we preached on generosity — and it wasn’t because the budget was tight?Money is one of the clearest windows into our trust, our fears, and our worship. Yet many of us only speak about it at the AGM or when pressure rises. In this episode, we reflect on generosity not as fundraising, but as discipleship.We talk about:Why giving flows from the grace of the gospel, not guiltHow to build a culture where generosity is normal and joyfulThe risk of only addressing money in crisis momentsHow leaders can model generosity with integrityPractical steps to start shaping generous hearts this monthToolbox:Jehovah Jireh My Provider Song Giving Generously by Rod IrvineNeither Poverty Nor Riches (New Studies in Biblical Theology Series) by Craig L BlombergRich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. KiyosakiGospel Patrons websiteThe Journey of Generosity storiesPartner financially with Reach AustraliaCredits: This episode was brought to you by Safe Ministry CheckThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

What do you do when ministry starts to feel heavy and you cannot quite name why?Burnout is not always dramatic. Often it is a slow disconnect between your gospel convictions and your emotional capacity. In this episode, we explore why that drift happens and how coaching can provide a space to work through it.We talk about:What burnout actually looks like in ministryWhy leaders often isolate themselves when they most need supportThe difference between coaching, mentoring, supervision, and counsellingHow good questions can uncover what is really going on beneath the surfaceWhy leading yourself well is part of faithful gospel ministryToolbox: Zeal without Burnout by Christopher AshReach Australia’s CoachingCredits: This episode was brought to you by Lending Hands Mortgage BrokersThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Morning tea after church can feel like a simple roster: bring a slice, pour the coffee, pack up and head home. But that space after the service is where newcomers decide if they’ll come back, where spiritual conversations begin, and where people take real steps toward Jesus. When we treat it as part of disciple-making, not just hospitality, it changes how we plan it, place it, and lead it.In this episode, we talk about how to move morning tea from obligation to opportunity, so that more people are known, prayed for, and helped to follow Christ.Toolbox: People are the Mission by Danny FranksCredits: This episode was brought to you by Reach Australia National ConferenceThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Over the last few years, churches have become very good at welcoming systems - name tags, check-in flows, connection cards, follow-up processes.But here’s the uncomfortable question: Have we become organised… but not warm?Today we’re talking about welcoming teams, and why relationships - not numbers - must be the hero.Scott Sanders sits down with Amber Edmonds (MBM Parramatta) to talk about follow-up - thinking deeply about how churches welcome people as individuals, not projects - and how training, theology, and culture shape that welcome across the whole church.Toolbox:⁠Secret Shopper Evaluation⁠ - Reach Australia⁠People Are the Mission⁠: How Churches Can Welcome Guests Without Compromising the Gospel - Danny Franks⁠Welcoming In Action⁠ - Video Episode with Kellyville AnglicanCredits:This episode was brought to you by ⁠Safe Ministry Check⁠ The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

The foundations you have for follow up at church matter more than you think - how do we move people from a welcome, to a relationship?Derek Hanna sits down with Dan Gorton (Cross & Crown Gold Coast) to talk about follow-up - not as admin, not as a system, but as love, names & relationships. As churches fill with visitors at the start of the year, this episode asks a deeper question: what does it look like to move from welcome to relationship?They explore why follow-up matters theologically, why timing shapes perception, how tone communicates care (or kills it), and who should actually own the process. Because people don’t remember polished systems - they remember whether someone genuinely cared.Follow-up isn’t about finishing a task. It’s about beginning shepherding.Toolbox:Welcoming In Action - Video Episode with Kellyville AnglicanGospel Growth and Christian Community Ebook by Tim ClemensBecoming a Welcoming Church by Thom RainerCredits:This episode was brought to you by Safe Ministry Check The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

There might be someone in your Bible study who keeps asking uncomfortable questions about church.- Why aren’t more people being reached?- Why do we keep doing church this way?And you might be tempted to shut them down.In this episode, Scott Sanders and Derek Hanna talk about the early signs of future church planters — including a holy dissatisfaction with church as usual and a deep conviction that the gospel should be reaching more people than it is.They’re often the ones who unsettle leaders, question systems, and refuse to be satisfied with maintenance ministry.They might be mistaken as difficult.They might be future planters.A sharp listen for pastors and leaders who want to discern the difference — for the sake of more people hearing about Jesus.Toolbox: Church Planter Questionnaire Serving Others EbookCredits: This episode was brought to you by Reach Australia National ConferenceThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

The first meeting of the year does more than set rosters. It shapes how a team understands why they serve.Scott Sanders and Derek Hanna walk through what to do when a volunteer team gathers for the first time: reconnect people, set the church’s gospel direction in front of them again, and show how this team helps that happen.They also cover what not to do. A practical listen for anyone leading volunteer teams or kicking off a staff year, so we start together around the gospel.Toolbox: Ep 387 How to Run a Meeting Credits: This episode was brought to you by Lending Hands Mortgage Brokers The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Rallies feel outdated to some, but Dave Jensen thinks the problem was never the rally itself. With Gen Z more open than expected, he’s convinced large, clear gospel events might be overdue for a rethink.Why rallies may be working again, and why bad execution killed them last timeTargeting people closest to belief, not starting with the hardest casesHow the Alive rallies are structured, music, preaching, response, follow-upThe role of local churches before and after the eventWhat preparation actually matters if you want conversions, not just crowdsToolbox:Alive Movement Connections:⁠Made Alive Website⁠⁠Alive Movement Youtube Channel⁠⁠Alivemvment Instagram⁠⁠Fire Up! Podcast⁠Recommended Books:⁠Mission ebook ⁠by Dave Jensen⁠Discover⁠ by Dave Jensen ⁠What is a Christian?⁠ By Dave JensenCredits:This episode was brought to you by ⁠Safe Ministry Check⁠The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Church members leave for all sorts of reasons, and how you respond can shape both their next steps and your church community. This episode explores what a thoughtful exit process looks like, even when departures are hard or messy.KeyWhy churches often don’t track why members leave and how to start doing itHandling departures that feel personal or painful without taking it on yourselfConducting exit interviews that care for people while gathering useful insightsSupporting those who stay behind and preventing gossip or resentmentCelebrating departures when people leave for positive reasons, like mission or relocationBuilding a church culture where sending people out is expected, celebrated, and healthyTOOLBOX:Gaining by Losing by J.D. GreearThe Leader’s Journey by Jim Herrington, Trisha Taylor, and R. Robert CreechCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Lending Hands Mortgage BrokersThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Every church has a pathway.It might not be written down or planned, but it’s shaping how people move through our churches.Derek Hanna and Scott Sanders talk about how to identify the weak spots in your church’s pathway — where people are getting stuck, and how leaders can bring clarity without turning ministry into mechanics.In this episode, you’ll hear about:What we mean by a “pathway” in church lifeCommon blockages: front door, conversion, membership, and servingWhy pathways are about people before they’re about programsHow to decide where to start — and what not to fix firstWho should own pathway thinking in your churchA short listen for teams who want fewer people falling through the cracks, so more people grow to know and follow Jesus.TOOLBOX:Framework ebookReach Australia Podcast 5.2 Re-Work Your Discipleship Pathway with Scott SandersGreg Lee talk: Mission driving the ecosystemReach Australia’s National Conference 2026CREDITS:This episode was brought to you by ExdiaThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

This is a replay of one of your favourite episodes: one you have to get right as we begin the new year.First impressions matter, and churches often underestimate how much. Peter Blanch and Scott Sanders discuss how small changes can make a big impact in helping people feel seen, valued, and truly at home.The theological foundation for welcomingMistakes from not even thinking about it to overvaluing the newcomerMistakes of not thinking about what a new person needs to connect to churchMistakes of not thinking about the whole experience of welcomingWelcoming has an important two-way relationship with the rest of the church ecosystem, especially with the mission teamThinking through the building and how it worksThinking through the team and what you need0:00 – Introduction1:23 – Where churches get it wrong2:04 – Why Welcome People to Church4:18 – Where Do Churches Get Welcoming Wrong?6:01 – The danger of satisfactory15:05 – Not having a big enough team17:21 – Fixing the problem20:11 – Tool BoxSecret shopper checklistGospel Growth and Christian Community ebookReach Australia Digital (Helping you with branding and website)Community and Integration Workshop Part 1Community and Integration Workshop Part 2This episode was brought to you by KidswiseThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠.For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠To support the Reach Australia Online Library head ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.What We DiscussTool BoxCredits

A replay from one of your favourite episodes. One you need to think about as we head into the new year.Data is just a tool, but it’s an important tool. Its real purpose? Loving and serving your people better. A snapshot of data can give you an idea of your church health. What we discussAverage Attendance: Are people showing up consistently?Growth Rate: Are you growing each year? What’s a healthy growth rate?Conversion Growth: How many new believers are you seeing? What’s a good target?Community Reflection: Does your congregation reflect the diversity of your local area?Secondary Giving: Beyond general giving, how generous are people with time, talent, and resources?Newcomer System: Are first-time guests sticking around? If not, what’s falling through the cracks?Staff-to-Attendee Ratio: Do you have enough leaders? What’s a good ratio?TOOLBOX:Church Health ConsultsKnowing What to Measure and Why SeminarMeasure What Matters BookCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Church SuiteThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠.For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠To support the Reach Australia Online Library head ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

A replay from your favourite episodes and coming at a timely part of the year:Derek and Scott look at the work of Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith on different types of rest.1. Physical RestGiving your body a rest.2. Mental RestIt could be that you need to give your mind a rest.3. Emotional RestWe can get emotionally tired when we are not paying attention to our emotions.4. Spiritual RestReconnecting with God5. Social RestDifferent relationships can ones that build us up or drain us.6. Sensory RestEspecially with screens.7. Creative RestCreative rest is not about putting a demand on your creative ability; that’s not rest, that’s work. It is the opposite. It’s allowing white space in your life and giving room for your creativity to show up. Creative rest lets you focus on your basic need for wonder. You can enjoy fulfilling that basic need in ways that don’t put any pressure on your being creative. Yes, creativity may bloom from the seeds planted, but creativity is not the objective, only rest.SummaryDon’t have to do all of these every day, or every week. But it is helpful to be aware that there are different ways to rest and different people will rest in different waysTOOLBOX:⁠⁠Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity⁠⁠⁠ by Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith ⁠TED Notes from Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith ⁠TED Talk from Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith ⁠Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less⁠ Alex Soojung-Kim Pang⁠Atomic Habits⁠ by James Clear.CREDITS:The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠To support the Reach Australia Online Library head ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

We unpack findings from a recent survey of 84 churches across 10 denominations. The data is more encouraging than many expect — but it also exposes where momentum slows and why some churches see more people come to faith than others.We explore what’s genuinely helping people meet Jesus, what isn’t moving the needle, and where churches may be mistaking activity for mission.In this conversation:Why church plants are seeing disproportionate fruit — and what established churches can learnWhy growth often stalls between 200–400 people, and what helps churches push throughWhy adding more small groups or serving roles doesn’t automatically lead to more conversionsHow church size, more than church age, can quietly dampen evangelistic effectivenessThe real stories behind the data: who is coming to church and coming to faithTOOL BOX:Reach Australia National ConferenceEp 391 10 Denominations, 60 Churches, 1 Report: Key TakeawaysSlidesLeadership Development ProgramCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by TrellisThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Choosing a Church Management System (CMS) is a ministry decision, not just a technical one.In this episode, Toby Neal (Lead Pastor of Vine Church, Sydney) shares what he learned while evaluating and changing CMS platforms in a real church context. We talk about how systems shape workflows, staff capacity, and follow-up — and how to tell whether a platform actually supports disciple-making or just stores information.In this conversation:How Toby tested whether a system supported ministry rather than just dataThe features that became deal-breakersWhat to expect in the first three months after switching platformsWhy usability and design matter much more than we often assumeA practical conversation for church leaders wanting tools that serve people and support the work of the gospel.TOOLBOX:Ep 405 Church database nightmares and how to avoid themRejoice and Tremble by Michael ReevesChurch Management Systems mentioned:Planning CentreFluroTithe.lyChurchSuiteToby's list of checks:Name tags and checkin processAutomated workflows (care, connect, explore, serve) from forms, from attendance, from tagAll in one Robust registrations for eventsGroups that remind leaders to mark attendanceMetrics and dashboardsWorkflowsAutomationsGiving integrated with database rather than tithely and xero. tax statements that can be sent and can integrate bank info from xero.Robust system, apps work, online, speed, bugsCalendar for managing room bookings, venue hireFormsClean easy to use aestheticBig company, unlikely to be sold or close down.Manages duplicates wellSecureCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by EA InsuranceThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Nobody signs up for ministry to get excited about governance, but ignore it and you'll end up running in circles. In this episode we dive into the practical side of governance in ministry, why it matters for healthy churches, and how to navigate common roadblocks.How governance and ecclesiology interact, and why your church DNA matters from the startWhen decision-making structures hinder ministry rather than support itLitmus tests for spotting governance issues, including meetings, budget allocation, and leadership capacityHow to decentralise responsibility effectively while staying faithful to your theological convictionsPractical strategies for legal compliance, staffing, and resource management to support growthTOOLBOX:The Elder-Led Church by Murray CapillA Church Consult -> (Reach Australia's Church Consult)CREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Lending Hands Mortgage BrokersThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

If the emotional side of ministry keeps catching you off guard, it’s worth paying attention to what that might reveal about your own emotional intelligence. Scott Sanders and Jo Gibbs look at the practical side of emotional intelligence, why it matters for everyday ministry, and what gets in the way of developing it.What low EQ looks like in normal, everyday interactionsHow a leader’s reactions influence the tone of a teamWhy some ministry cultures downplay emotions and how that limits growthWays to spot your own physical and behavioural cues under pressureA simple framework for restoring a relationship after you’ve handled something poorlyTOOLBOX:Ep 330 Why EQ is the Edge Every Leader Needs (Part 1) by Pete StedmanEp 331 Why EQ is the Edge Every Leader Needs (Part 2) by Pete StedmanEmotional Intelligence by Daniel GolemanEmotional Intelligence 2.0 by Dr. Travis Bradberry and Dr. Jean GreavesCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by QuizworxThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

When your senior pastor isn’t leading — or at least, not leading well — what should you actually do? Today we drill into that tension without sugarcoating it. It’s not just about calling someone out, but about understanding yourself, your role, and how to navigate tricky dynamics without blowing things up or burning out.How your own wiring shapes the frustration you feelClear signs of an actual leadership gap, not just normal frictionWhy senior leaders may stall under pressureThe unavoidable paradoxes built into second-chair rolesHow to challenge a call without turning it personalWhen and how to raise concerns so the conversation stays productiveTOOLBOX:Leading from the Second Chair by Mike Bonem and Roger PattersonHow to Lead When You’re Not in Charge by Clay ScrogginsPaul Harrington’s talk on Humility in Team Ministry Part 1Paul Harrington’s talk on Humility in Team Ministry Part 2Team Development ProgramCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Safe Ministry CheckThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Public prayer often gets treated like a warm-up act in church. But what if it’s one of the most spiritually potent moments in the whole service? Natalie Ray wants us to stop coasting and start leading prayers that actually lead.Why public prayer is often flat — and how to fix itWhat changes when we treat prayer as intercession, not narrationThe real reason your church probably struggles with prayerHow the Lord’s Prayer can reshape more than just the words we sayNatalie leads the Magnification and Maturity ministries at Toongabbie Anglican ChurchTOOL BOX:Prayerfulness by Peter AdamPreparing to Lead Intercessions in Church by Peter AdamBe Thou My Vision by Jonathan GibsonOperation WorldEvery Moment HolyCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by YouthworksThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Acronyms might save time, but are they costing us people? Dominic Steele wants pastors to rethink their acronym addiction — not just because it’s annoying, but because it is anti-gospel.Why church leaders cling to acronyms that no one understandBiblical principles that challenge coded languageHow acronyms can quietly push people away from churchThe hidden arrogance behind insider shorthandPractical ways to audit your church’s insider languageDominic is the senior pastor of Village Church in Annandale and the host of The Pastors Heart.TOOL BOX:Reach Australia DigitalThe Pastors HeartDo an audit of your ministry today!CREDITS:This episode was brought to you by TrellisThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Most ministry teams don’t fall apart because of conflict. They often drift because people stop showing up — in body, heart, or prayer.In this episode, Dave Moore talks about what helps teams become healthy, dependable, and deeply Christian. He unpacks the four things that make a team worth being part of — the kind that actually helps people follow Jesus together.In this episode:The four things every team needs to get rightThe quiet crisis of people in ministry who’ve stopped showing upWhat happens when Christians act like Christians in conflict and frustrationWhy your team needs a prayer, not just a vision statementHow one personality tool helped a team move from endless “I wonder…” meetings to real progressDave Moore became a Christian through SRE at primary school. Dave is the Executive Pastor at Hunter Bible Church in Newcastle. He is also an author and the Founding Director of Safe Ministry Check online.TOOL BOX:The Team Member’s Handbook by Dave MooreThe Team Leader’s Handbook by Dave MooreEpisode 393 Handing Volunteer Team Leaders Responsibility with Dave MooreCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Safe Ministry CheckThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Young men are trickling back into churches, but are they here to stay — and are we ready for them? Steve McAlpine joins to unpack the subtle but significant shifts in cultural currents and what churches must rethink to disciple a new kind of Christian convert.Key points:Why Google searches for “Bible” and “Christianity” are spiking — and what it might mean.The end of nominalism and the rise of “full-fat” faith.What young men are really looking for when they show up at church.Why Sunday attendance and midweek group aren’t enough.The critical role of Christian households in modeling a different life.Why tone, not just truth, matters more than ever.Stephen McAlpine worked as a National Communicator for City Bible Forum, and was also pastoring a church in Perth. He has degrees in journalism and theology and enjoys combining the two through writing and blogging, especially on matters of church planting and cultural negotiation for Christians in the increasingly complex West.TOOL BOX:Disruptive Witness by Alan NobleYou Are Not Your Own by Alan NobleFirst Things – journal of religion and public life“Full Fat Faith” article by James Marriott (The Times, UK)Wes Huff – Christian apologist (his YouTube channel)Questioning Christianity by Dan PatersonStephen's Substack  – a great place to start working through a platform for cultural commentary and analysisCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by TrellisThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

AI is knocking at the church door. Do we let it in? We debate that topic today with Emma Wilkins and Paul Matthews as they wrestle with how pastors and gospel workers can engage with AI.AI is knocking at the church door. Do we let it in? We debate that topic right here today, hear arguments from both Emma Wilkins and Paul Matthews as they wrestle with how pastors and gospel workers can engage with AI.Highlights:Healthy debate on AI’s benefits and risksConcerns about replacing human creativity and relationshipsAI as a tool for translation, accessibility, and teachingThe importance of pastoral transparency and trustCalling churches to keep teaching what it means to be humanPaul Matthews is a teacher, AI tech founder and consultant. He is a regular keynote speaker for education conferences, Ed Tech festivals, and spoke at TEDxHobart in 2024.Emma Wilkins is Tasmanian journalist and freelance writer. Emma is also an Associate for the Centre for Public Christianity, and serves on the AFES (Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students) board of directors. She attends Crossroads Presbyterian Church.TOOL BOX:Five Lies of the AI World by Paul MatthewsMade in Our Image by Stephen DriscollTOT Ep 398 on Sunflower AI technologyArticles on managing AI change and discipleshipPaul’s TEDx talkCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Stanton DahlThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Ministry wives carry unseen pressures and influence. It’s the role no one defines but everyone watches. Cathie Heard talks about what ministry wives are really carrying, and why support can’t wait.We cover:The ambiguity of a pastor’s wife’s role and the hidden pressures it createsWhat gospel coaching really is (and what it’s not)The strange tension of being influential but unseenWhat churches risk by ignoring this groupHow coaching helps women ask better questions — of themselves and othersTOOL BOX:Wives Network - Reach AustraliaChurch Planting PodcastCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by TrellisThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

If your preaching only speaks to Christians, you're missing half the room. Al Stewart lays out why preaching to both believers and unbelievers is not optional. It is essential for any church that wants to grow through gospel impact. This is a sharp call to lift your preaching game, build a culture of invitation, and make every sermon count for eternity.What’s discussed:• Why preaching should always assume two audiences• How to critique worldviews without alienating people• Preaching Psalm 1 to Christians and non-Christians• How to handle historical books like Chronicles• The importance of trust for invitation culture• Practical tips for preparation and next steps• What small groups can learn from this modelTOOL BOX:This week we recommend you find your own passage and think about how you’ll apply it to two different audiencesFor a great example check out: Preaching by Tim KellerCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by EA InsuranceThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Churches often revolve around couples and families, but what message does that send to the growing number of single Christians? This episode unpacks the hidden assumptions behind “couples bias” and what it means to build churches where singles aren’t just welcomed, but necessary. We cover:Why the nuclear family isn’t the centre of church lifeHow singleness points to eternity, just like marriageWhat pastors miss when they overlook single adultsEasy fixes that do more harm than goodHow married people can be better friends to singlesThe challenge to name all the single people in your churchRev. Dr Danielle (Dani) Treweek is a theological researcher, author, and speaker with a focus on singleness, sexuality, and worldview formation. She leads the Single Minded ministry and serves as Sydney Anglican Diocesan Research Officer. She writes for Christianity Today, ABC Religion & Ethics, and The Gospel Coalition Australia.TOOL BOX:The Meaning of Singleness by Danielle TreweekSingle Ever After by Danielle TreweekDani’s website with further resourcesNo Greater Love by Rebecca McLaughlinCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by YouthworksThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

City life changes the way small groups work. Jess Ngo from Scots Presbyterian Church Sydney shares what she’s learned leading groups in the CBD — where people move in and out quickly, apartments are small, and the community is incredibly multicultural.She talks about why they meet at the church building, how they keep studies short and sharp, and why raising up new leaders every year is so important.Jess shares how they’ve adapted — meeting at the church building, keeping studies tight, and raising leaders every year — and why it matters to shape groups for your own context.Jess is a pastoral assistant of Scots Presbyterian Church in the middle of the Sydney CBD.TOOLBOX:Ep 418 Measuring small group health with Richard SweatmanEp 419 Are small groups a strategy with Silas ThiemLeading Small Groups that Thrive by Hartwig, Davis and SniffScots Hub Leadership DescriptionCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by ChurchSuiteThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Where do small groups come from and why does it matter? Silas Thiem explores the origins of small groups in focussing on Sydney churches, highlighting how cultural shifts and para-church movements helped shape their development. It’s a reminder that small groups weren’t always about structured Bible study—they started as spaces for connection. This episode asks whether they’re still the right tool for the job, or if it's time to rethink how they function in the life of the church.Silas Thiem is the equipping minister at St Alban's Lindfield in the North Shore of Sydney.TOOLBOX:"The Origins of the Home Group in Sydney Anglican Churches, from Unfamiliar to Indispensable" Lucas, Vol 3 no. 4 Dec 2024, p 152-186. Lucas is the journal of the Evangelical History Association.Ep 418 Measuring small group health with Richard SweatmanCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by TrellisThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

How do you actually measure whether small groups are actually working? Richard Sweatman from Hunter Bible Church joins us to unpack what matters most – from clarifying purpose, to tracking attendance trends, to assessing leader health, group dynamics, and individual growth. He shares practical tips as well as pitfalls to avoid when appointing leaders or multiplying groups.TOOLBOX:Example survey for measuring group healthLeading Small Groups That Thrive by Ryan T. Hartwig, Courtney W. Davis and Jason A. SniffRichard’s Review of Leading Small Groups That ThriveUnmissable Church by Richard Sweatman and Antony BarracloughBeing a Small Group Leader by Richard SweatmanWriting a Small Group Study by Richard SweatmanCREDITS:The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online libraryThis episode was brought to you by Youthworks

Across Australia, church buildings sit underused or sold off—while church planters struggle to find space to gather. These buildings, raised by past generations, could potentially be a lifeline for thriving plants.In this episode, we explore questions of stewardship, the identity challenges facing struggling churches, and practical models—from rentals to mergers—that could keep these spaces serving gospel purposes for decades to come.TOOLBOX:Contact: [email protected] How can your church be involved in church plantingCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by ExdiaThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Who needs to be in the room? How to choose the right voices for strategic conversations, spot unproductive meetings, avoid groupthink, and build trust-filled, high-functioning teams.Key Points:Symptoms of the “wrong people” in a meeting: conflict, stagnation, or too much agreementWhy character, teachability, and team culture matter more than titlesHow to navigate shifting roles with humility and clarityPractical frameworks (like Myers-Briggs types or Thinking Hats) to build balanced teamsThe danger of filling rooms with people who think just like youTOOL BOX:Ep 404 Three dysfunctional types of teams and how to fix themEp 383 You're better at this than me and other phrases build-teamsEp 357 Inheriting and building teams (Ray Galea)Ep 387 How to run a meeting CREDITS:This episode was brought to you by QuizworxThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Is prayer the most neglected part of ministry? In this episode, Peter Adam challenges our prayerlessness as a form of worldliness and warns that pastors must lead in prayer—not just in godliness or preaching. We explore why our prayers are often shallow, how pre-written prayers can train us to pray with greater depth, and why ignoring prayer in meetings and leadership is a missed opportunity. Peter also digs into what unanswered prayer reveals about our self-centred assumptions.Peter Adam is a retired theologian who was previously principal at Ridley College and is now Vicar Emeritus of St Jude's Carlton in MelbournePrayerlessness is a form of worldlinessPastors must lead in prayer, not just godliness or preaching.We need more varied and theologically rich prayersPre-written prayers (like those in the Prayer Book) train us to pray wellPrayerlessness in meetings and leadership is a missed opportunityUnanswered prayer reveals our self-centred assumptionsTOOLBOX:Prayerfulness by Peter Adam Peter Adam’s website with further resources on prayerGospel Coalition article on leading intercessions in church.CREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Lending HandsThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

How can movies open the door to meaningful conversations about faith?Russ Matthews from Reel Dialogue joins us to share how films can help spark gospel conversations in everyday life. We talk about why asking good questions and listening well matters, how couples can partner in mission together, and what Russ has learned from using mainstream movies as a starting point for sharing Jesus.The power of asking good questions and listening in evangelismWhy Russ wrote Real Marriage as a story, not a manualHow couples can work together for mission in everyday lifeUsing mainstream movies as conversation starters for faithWhat Reel Dialogue offers churches: resources, training, and events TOOLBOX:Reel Dialogue – Movie reviews, discussion guides, training, and eventsBooks:Reel MarriageThe Word Becomes FilmThe Maker’s Quest (for teens)TOT 295 Reel DialogueFree book giveaway: email [email protected] with your addressCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Safe Ministry CheckThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Multiplication—it sounds bold, ambitious, risky… maybe even unrealistic. But is it? Should every church, including yours, be involved multiplication. Derek and Scott unpack what holds churches back from multiplying, whether you're in the city or regional areas, in a large church or a small church.What do we mean by multiplication?What stops people thinking about multiplication in terms of convictions, culture and constructs?What are the options for a church to be involved in church planting if they are not ready to plant?TOOLBOX:Church Multiplication Hub – where your church fits on the multiplication spectrumChurch Planting Australia PodcastMultisite workshop PlaylistCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Try Fruit TrellisThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

What happens when denominational leaders get in the same room to talk about gospel growth in Australia?In this episode, Derek and Scott reflect on a recent national gathering hosted by The Gospel Coalition—a moment of unity, clarity, and challenge.A bold vision was laid down: double the number of Reformed evangelicals in Australia over twenty years.Why Reformed evangelical Christians rather than all Christians?Why is this a 20 year vision?What needs to happen in the local church to make this happen?Why this needs to be more about doing than just talkingWhat are some of the ways we can be doing together?TOOLBOX:Join the Reach Australia prayer group to pray for Australia and monthly newsletters to keep up to date.Reach Australia VisionPlace mission at the centre of your church Now-Where-How Planning ToolCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Stanton Dahl ArchitectsThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Carla and Corey Matthews have been part of two church plant launch teams — not as planters or staff, but as everyday church members offering time, energy, and faith. In this episode, they share:Why they said yes (twice!) to joining a launch teamHow it shaped their spiritual livesWhat it’s really like to serve on a team from day oneThe costs and sacrifices of leaving a comfortable churchAnd why church plants need more than just plantersWhether you're curious about church planting or wondering how God might use you, this honest conversation is for you.Carla and Corey helped launch Cornerstone Anglican Church Box Hill, Sydney and Rouse Hill Anglican Church, Sydney.TOOLBOX:TOT 375 Learning from two new churches that launched in 2024Church Planting Australia PodcastOpportunities to PlantCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Church SuiteThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library