The One Thing

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