Podcast
Pastors Thriving | Ministry, Leadership, Discipleship, Church Growth, Small Church Strategies
Hosted by Kevin Elworth-Business & Ministry Coach, Passive Income, Entrepreneur Pastor, Ministry Marketing · EN
The SOURCE for Pastor help, encouragement, strategies for growth and Leadership
Hey Pastor!
Do you wish you knew the secret to growing your church while finding balance between ministry and your family?
Do you find yourself updating your resume and browsing the job ads on ministryjobs.com?
Do you want to develop leaders within your church to relieve the burden from your shoulders, but instead you’re constantly dealing with drama and conflict?
You’re in the right place. Welcome to Pastors Thriving, where you will learn the secrets to leadership growth in your church - spiritually, numerically, and financially. You’ll learn how to equip and develop your staff and congregation so that you don’t have to feel alone on this journey - and enjoy the ministry that you’ve been called to once again.
Hi, I’m Kevin. Twenty-year ministry veteran, husband of a powerhouse wife, the father of 5 wonderful kids, and lover of Jesus powered by coffee and tacos.
It wasn’t long ago that I grew a church from zero to 700 in five short years and wrestled with the trauma and drama that goes along with intense church growth. It wasn’t until I learned the power of creativity and how I could harness it to lead others well by empowering them to share the burden. I created a culture of leadership development and was able to spend time with my family while my ministry thrived. And now I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with you!
If you’re ready to finally find some breathing room in your leading and living…learning strategies that are simple, understandable, and inspiring…giving you results that are measurable, like numerical growth, spiritual depth, and even financial growth – then this podcast is your new best friend.
Grab your AirPods and your notebook, class is in session, and thriving is here!
Next steps:
Set up a discovery call - https://calendly.com/kevinelworthcoaching/20min
Visit my website - https://kevinelworth.live
Shoot me an email - coaching@kevinelworth.live
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why Summer Might Be the Most Important Season for Your Church
3w ago00:11:29Tap to summarizeEpisode 106: Why Summer Might Be the Most Important Season for Your ChurchMost pastors view summer as a season to survive.Attendance fluctuates. Families travel. Volunteer schedules become unpredictable. Ministry rhythms feel disrupted. It's easy to put growth, leadership development, and strategic planning on hold until everyone returns in the fall.But what if summer isn't a setback?What if summer is actually one of the most important seasons in the life of your church?In this episode, Kevin challenges the common assumption that summer is a ministry "off-season" and explores why healthy churches use slower seasons to build stronger leaders, strengthen systems, and prepare for future growth.If you've ever found yourself scrambling in September to recruit volunteers, launch ministries, or solve problems that seem to appear overnight, this conversation will help you see summer through a different lens.In This Episode:Why summer creates a unique opportunity for church growthHow healthy churches use slower seasons strategicallyThe connection between summer preparation and fall momentumWhy leadership development should never be seasonalHow to move people from attenders to contributorsThe hidden danger of waiting until fall to address ministry challengesPractical ways to strengthen your church before the busy season returnsKey TakeawayFall rarely creates problems—it reveals them.The churches that experience the greatest momentum in the fall are often the ones that spent the summer investing in leaders, strengthening systems, and building a culture of engagement.Don't waste the season God has given you.Resources MentionedFully Engaged Summer BootcampThe Fully Engaged Summer Bootcamp is an 8-week coaching experience designed specifically for pastors who want to strengthen their church before the fall ministry season begins.Together we'll focus on:Volunteer engagementLeadership developmentMinistry systemsChurch cultureBuilding a more fully engaged churchIf you're ready to stop surviving summer and start using it strategically, this bootcamp was created for you.For information about the Fully Engaged Summer Bootcamp, email Kevin directly - Coaching@kevinelworth.liveIf this episode encouraged you, Kevin would love to hear from you.Question of the Week:What is one thing you want to strengthen in your church before fall arrives?Send a message, share your thoughts, and let Kevin know what you're building this summer.Enjoying the Podcast?If Pastors Thriving has been helpful to you:Follow the podcastLeave a reviewShare this episode with another pastorSend it to a ministry leader who is preparing for the fall seasonYour recommendation helps more pastors find the encouragement, clarity, and practical leadership tools they need to thrive in ministry.Remember: Summer isn't something to survive. It may be the very season God uses to prepare your church for what's next.Pastorsthrving.comFully Engaged Summer Bootcamp
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EP - 105 When Ministry Doesn't Go According to Plan
4w ago00:18:54Tap to summarizeEpisode 105: When Ministry Doesn't Go According to PlanLeadership is filled with moments we never expected.Plans fall apart. People let us down. Opportunities disappear. Prayers seem delayed.Recently, I had to make one of the toughest decisions I've faced in ministry. Just ten days before departure, our Sparrow Village Initiatives team had to postpone a long-awaited trip to serve 115 orphaned children in Uganda.Months of preparation. Thousands of dollars raised. Excited volunteers. Children waiting for our arrival.Then everything changed.In this episode, I share that story along with five practical and biblical ways to navigate disappointment without losing your purpose.You'll discover:• Why disappointment isn't a sign of weak faith.• How to look for God's goodness in difficult moments.• Why setbacks should adjust your strategy, not your calling.• How to keep moving forward after a painful season.• Why God's faithfulness is greater than your circumstances.If you've ever wondered whether your work still matters or if God is still at work in your situation, this episode is for you.Key TakeawaysFeel it. Don't deny your disappointment. Bring it to God.Find the good. Look for what remains instead of focusing only on what was lost.Follow through. Don't allow temporary setbacks to create permanent decisions.Stay forward focused. Delayed doesn't mean defeated.Choose faith over feelings. God's character hasn't changed, even when circumstances have.If this episode encouraged you, share it with another pastor or ministry leader who could use the reminder.Need prayer or encouragement?I'd love to hear from you.Until next time...Stay faithful. Keep leading. And keep thriving.
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Ep 104 - The Lie I was told at 2:30 in the Morning
Jun 1100:19:12Tap to summarizeI woke up around 2:30 in the morning with the thought that maybe I should get up and pray.Then another voice entered the conversation."Don't bother.""You again?""What do you want now?""All you've done lately is make a mess."The next morning, I couldn't stop thinking about that moment—not because I believed it, but because I wondered how many pastors hear similar lies and quietly believe them.In this episode, we talk honestly about spiritual warfare, shame, isolation, and one of the enemy's oldest strategies:Disconnection.In This EpisodeWhy shame often sounds spiritualThe enemy's strategy of secrets, isolation, and fearWhy pastors often withdraw when they most need connectionThe restoration of Peter after his denialHow Jesus restores relationship before responsibilityPractical steps to push back against isolationA Biblical ReflectionAfter denying Jesus three times, Peter had every reason to believe he had ruined everything.Yet when Jesus met him again, the conversation wasn't about condemnation.It was about restoration."Do you love me?""Feed my sheep."The voice of Christ restores.The voice of shame isolates.Key TakeawayNot every voice you hear is God's voice.If you've been hearing:You're a failure.You've made too much of a mess.God is tired of you.Pastor...That's not His voice.Practical HomeworkThis week:Talk to God.Talk to someone.Tell the truth.Don't keep secrets.Don't isolate.Don't believe fear.Key Quote"The enemy doesn't have to destroy a pastor.He simply has to disconnect one."
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Ep 103 - Why Everything in Your Church Still Depends on the Same Few People
Jun 200:12:20Tap to summarizeWhy does everything in your church still seem to depend on the same few faithful people?The same volunteers. The same leaders. The same families. The same exhausted core.If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.In this conversation, Kevin unpacks one of the most common frustrations pastors face: carrying too much because engagement is concentrated in too few people.The hard truth?This usually isn’t a people problem.It’s a systems problem.Inside this episode:Why disengagement is often confusion, not rebellionThe hidden pathway problem keeping people passiveWhy pastors end up carrying more than they shouldHow ownership culture is intentionally builtThe leadership shift that changes everythingIf you’re tired of the same few doing all the work…this conversation will help.
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ep 102- When You’ve Been Faithful… But Rescue Still Hasn’t Come
May 1900:13:48Tap to summarizeHave you ever found yourself asking:“God… where are You?”You’ve been faithful. You’ve kept showing up. You’ve prayed. You’ve obeyed. And yet the breakthrough you’ve been pleading for still hasn’t come.In this deeply personal episode, Kevin opens up about walking through financial pressure, family medical strain, emotional exhaustion, and the uncomfortable reality of continuing to lead while quietly carrying heavy burdens.If you’ve ever felt like Paul—shipwrecked, holding onto broken pieces, simply trying to stay afloat—this conversation is for you.Inside this episode:Why delayed rescue does not mean abandonmentThe dangerous emotional drift pastors face in survival modeWhy “just staying afloat” may still be faithfulnessThe forgotten prayer hidden in Luke 1 that may reshape your perspectiveA reminder that even when you can’t see the shore… it still existsIf you’re tired, discouraged, or simply trying to hold on…This one is for you.Connect with KevinIf this episode resonated with you and you need someone to process with, Kevin would be honored to connect.📩 coaching@kevinelworth.live
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101- What to Do When You Realize You’ve Been Leading in Isolation
Apr 2100:20:26Tap to summarizeAfter recognizing the pull toward isolation in leadership, the next question becomes simple—but important:What do you actually do about it?In this episode, Kevin walks pastors through a clear and grounded response to isolation—not by adding pressure, but by helping them take intentional steps toward connection.This is not about overhauling your leadership overnight. It’s about choosing a different direction.Because growth doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in connection.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why isolation is a common response to pressure in pastoral leadershipHow to recognize when you’ve been carrying too much aloneThe difference between awareness and actionSimple, practical steps to begin reconnectingWhy one honest conversation can shift everythingHow connection creates clarity—for both you and your churchA Biblical ReflectionIn Exodus 18, Moses is leading alone—carrying the weight of the people from morning until evening.When Jethro observes this, he responds plainly:“What you are doing is not good.”Not because Moses lacked calling— but because he was trying to carry what was never meant to be carried alone.The solution wasn’t more effort.It was shared responsibility.Key TakeawaysIsolation Is a Response—Not a Strategy It often feels safe in the moment, but it limits growth over time.You Don’t Need Everything—You Need Someone Growth doesn’t require a network. It starts with one honest connection.Clarity Comes Through Conversation Many of the answers you’re looking for won’t come in isolation—but in dialogue.Stay Longer Than Feels Comfortable Most leaders disconnect right before growth begins.Practical Steps to ReconnectIf you’re recognizing isolation in your leadership, start here:Identify one person you can connect withBe honest quickly—don’t ease into itCreate a rhythm of ongoing conversationInvite perspective, not just encouragementStay engaged, even when it feels uncomfortableResource MentionedChurch Engagement Assessment A simple tool designed to help you identify where people may be getting stuck or overlooked in your church. Find it here! Key Quote“The single greatest element of growth you will ever receive will come through your ability to get connected to people.”Final EncouragementYou’re not behind.You’re at a moment of clarity.And clarity—when acted on—leads to growth.Im with you bro. Kevin
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100 - Why Isolated Pastors Stop Growing (And What to Do Instead)
Apr 1400:25:35Tap to summarizeEpisode 100 didn’t start the way Kevin expected.After recording a polished version, something didn’t sit right—so he scrapped it.What follows is a real, unfiltered conversation about something many pastors are experiencing but rarely name:Isolation.When pressure builds, many pastors don’t reach out—they pull back.But what feels safe in the moment often becomes the very thing that limits growth.In this episode, Kevin shares personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and a clear truth:Growth doesn’t come from carrying more. It comes from getting connected.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why pastors tend to isolate under pressureThe hidden cost of trying to carry leadership aloneA personal reflection on missed growth opportunitiesWhy authenticity is not enough without intentional developmentHow God often answers prayers through people—not just momentsThe connection between humility and growthKey Takeaways:Isolation Feels Safe—but It Stalls Growth When things get heavy, the instinct is to pull back. But that’s when connection matters most.Authenticity Isn’t the Same as Growth Being real is powerful—but without intentional development, growth stalls.You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know And growth begins when you invite someone in who can help you see what you can’t.God Often Answers Through People The very thing you’ve been praying for may already be in front of you—if you’re willing to receive it.Key Quote:“The single greatest element of growth you will ever receive will come through your ability to get connected to people.”A Message of Hope:What you’re looking for in this next season of ministry……it’s findable.It may already be unfolding in front of you.But it will require the courage to step toward it.Resource Mentioned:Church Engagement Assessment A simple tool to help you evaluate where people may be getting stuck or overlooked in your church.Access it here !
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099- Does Your Church Have These Markers of Being Fully Engaged?
Mar 3100:14:58Tap to summarizeDoes Your Church Have These Markers of Being Fully Engaged?Podcast: Pastors Thriving Host: Kevin ElworthEpisode SummaryWhat does a healthy, engaged church actually look like?After recognizing how easy it is for people to be present but not truly connected, the next question becomes clear: How do we know if our church is actually engaging people well?In this episode, Kevin outlines the core markers of a fully engaged church—not as an ideal to strive for, but as a framework to help leaders bring clarity, alignment, and movement to their ministry.This isn’t about adding more programs. It’s about ensuring people don’t get stuck.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:The difference between attendance, participation, and engagementWhy many churches unintentionally stall people’s growthThe key markers that define a fully engaged churchHow clarity creates momentum without adding pressureWhy engagement is about movement, not activityThe Core Idea“A fully engaged church isn’t one where everyone serves. It’s one where everyone is moving.”Moving toward:connectiongrowthpurposediscipleshipThe Markers of a Fully Engaged Church1. Clear Next Steps Every person knows what their next step is.2. Shared Responsibility Leadership is not centralized—the weight is distributed.3. Intentional Follow-Through People are noticed, contacted, and guided quickly.4. A Culture of Movement People progress from: guest → connected → serving → leading → discipling othersWhy This MattersWhen these markers are present:Pastors experience less pressureTeams operate with clarityPeople grow fasterThe church becomes alive—not just activeA Leadership ReframeThis is not about doing more.“It’s about aligning what already exists.”Who This Episode Is ForPastors who sense people are stallingChurches with strong attendance but low engagementLeaders seeking clarity without complexityTeams feeling stretched but not seeing growthWhat’s NextIn Episode 100, Kevin steps back to explore a bigger question:What does the future of the Church require from leaders right now?
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098 - The Hidden Crisis in Most Churches (And Why Leaders Don’t See It)
Mar 2400:14:58Tap to summarizeThe Hidden Crisis in Most Churches (And Why Leaders Don’t See It)Podcast: Pastors Thriving Host: Kevin ElworthEpisode SummaryMany churches today appear healthy on the surface.Services run smoothly. Teams stay busy. Attendance holds steady.But beneath that activity, something quieter—and more concerning—is happening.People are present… but not engaged.In this episode, Kevin addresses a hidden crisis affecting many churches: the slow drift of people who are attending but not truly connected, growing, or moving forward in their faith.This isn’t about lack of effort. It’s about lack of clarity.And most churches don’t recognize it until it’s already costing them.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why attendance can mask deeper engagement issuesThe difference between a functioning church and a fruitful oneHow people quietly disengage without drawing attentionWhy “busy” leadership can unintentionally overlook peopleThree signs your church may be experiencing this hidden crisisA simple leadership diagnostic to bring clarityThe Hidden CrisisPeople are showing up—but they’re not moving.They attend. They listen. But they don’t connect, grow, or step into purpose.And because they’re still present, leaders assume everything is fine.Three Signs to Watch For1. Invisible People You don’t know who is drifting until they’re already gone.2. Busy Leadership Energy is focused on maintaining services—not shepherding people.3. Undefined Pathways There is no clear, consistent next step for people to take.Leadership DiagnosticAsk yourself:Do we know who is actively taking next steps in our church right now?Do we know who has stopped taking steps?Who is responsible for noticing?Could someone attend for months and still remain unknown?If these questions feel unclear, the issue is not personal—it’s structural.Key Insight“Churches rarely lose people through conflict. They lose them through invisibility.”A Pastoral ReminderThis is not about blame.Most churches aren’t here because they don’t care— they’re here because they’ve been busy, stretched, and trying to keep everything moving.But awareness is the first act of leadership.What’s NextIn the next episode, Kevin unpacks what a fully engaged church actually looks like—and how clarity around engagement changes everything.
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097 -What Pastors Need to Remember in Hard Seasons – Feat. Aaron McBride
Mar 1700:53:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Pastors Thriving, Kevin sits down with Pastor Aaron McBride of Victory Baptist Church in Fallon, Nevada.Aaron shares the deeper story behind his book, When the Desert Blooms, and reflects on the seasons of uncertainty, pain, pruning, and personal transformation that shaped both his ministry and his heart. From strained relationships and desert seasons in leadership, to unexpected health battles in his family, to the powerful community outreach event known as Night of Hope, this conversation is full of honest perspective for pastors who are trying to remain faithful in hard ground.This is not a conversation about chasing visible success. It is a conversation about what God does in the hidden places first.Kevin and Aaron discuss:why Aaron sees himself first as a local church pastorthe danger of drifting into cultural Christianityhow discipleship must move beyond information into real actionwhat desert seasons taught Aaron about humility, mentoring, and dependence on Godhow God used Night of Hope to awaken gospel hunger in Fallonwhy pastors need to get into their communities instead of hiding in church officeshow prayer becomes deeper and more real through sufferingAaron’s story is a needed encouragement for pastors who feel like they are laboring in dry places. Sometimes the bloom is already beginning, even if you cannot see it yet.You can find Aaron's book, When the Desert Blooms, on Amazon
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