The Connect Ministries Podcast

Whether you're a pastor, volunteer, or church leader, the Connect Ministries Podcast equips you to think more strategically about getting outside your church walls to meet new people. Since 2006, Connect Ministries has helped over 2,000 churches meet over 500,000 new people. Each episode provides you with practical insight to help your church meet new people through executing a clear plan, creating remarkable experiences, building life-giving relationships, and enjoying deep friendship with God.For more resources to help your church meet new people, visit connect-ministries.com.

The Connect Ministries Podcast is a religion podcast hosted by Connect Ministries, with 16 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Connect Ministries hosts The Connect Ministries Podcast, a religion show with 16 episodes published.

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  Episode #7

  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

  Jan 16, 202626 minS2

  <p>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?</p><p>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 plac...

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  Episode #6

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

  Jan 2, 202631 minS2

  <p>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?</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p>Together, they e...

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  Episode #5

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

  Nov 20, 202532 minS2

  <p>How can churches grow in a rapidly changing culture? How can innovation and AI actually increase real, in-person ministry impact?</p><p><br /></p><p>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...

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  Episode #4

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

  Nov 13, 202531 minS2

  <p>What if the future of the church is smaller? More personal?</p><p>In this episode, Dr. 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>If you’re a senior pastor, outreach leader, or discipleship pastor, this ep...

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  Episode #3

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

  Oct 30, 202522 minS2

  <p>How can the church truly connect with the next generation of families? The answer is… Mom.</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p>Together, they unpack how churches can better engage moms and meet their needs, how to strategically involve them in the life of the chur...

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