Minister's Toolbox

People out of work? Churches shut down by government decree? Did the communists take over? No. We chose to close fearing the effects of COVID 19. In a few weeks, it is time to re-open. Here are 5 tips to get your church open again including three special downloads. Get my hilarious video, How to Make Videos No One Will Ever Watch.  Get Your Free Re-open Download Here Assembly of God Guidelines to Re-open

The current crisis forced churches everywhere to think differently about how they do ministry. Some leaders were ready while others scrambled to up with a plan. During today's podcast, I share five rules YOU MUST implement immediately to improve your online ministry. Too many leaders use Facebook Live incorrectly. The changes listed in this podcast are simple and easy to implement. Included in the podcast is a free download that will help you become a pro online in just a few minutes. It also contains resources you can use to enhance your effectiveness. 

The current coronavirus crisis has changed how we do church. In many cases, this pandemic threatens to take our joy away, as churches are prevented from meeting. Today, let's talk about real joy and how to protect ourselves from people and circumstances that steal it. During the podcast, I mentioned two ways to keep in touch during the pandemic. My personal Facebook page is where I will be checking in each day. The title is Stream of Consciousness and will feature any variety of topics, depending on what interests me at the moment. The second Facebook page will be primarily focused on ministry and is designed for pastors and church leaders. The topics will be ministry centered and be more sporadic in frequency. Just like the page, and you will be notified when I am broadcasting.

The need for affirmation from peers and the public is much stronger than any of us realize. That drive can easily derail God's will and purpose for our lives and ministry. During today's podcast, I speak about our need for acceptance weighed against God's mandate for us to fulfill His will. Can you truthfully say that your motivations are Kingdom-driven? You might be surprised by what you learn! Connect with the ministry resources I mentioned at the end of the podcast here. 

The Bible contains many formulas, each designed to advance His Kingdom. Many popular preachers and teachers guarantee results will materialize if anyone follows their teaching. Is that true? Why do some formulas work for some and not others? Have you enjoyed this podcast? Consider taking a moment and offering an honest review on iTunes if you have not done so already. Just use this link and thanks!

The scriptures place a strong emphasis on the words we speak and how they change both our present and future destiny. Leaders preach this, but do we apply it to ourselves? Ministers can talk themselves into defeat by practicing self-defeating behaviors. On today's podcast, I offer some easy solutions for changing your daily behavior to ensure success. During today's podcast, I offered a free download to help you make important personal changes.  I also referenced a fantastic book called Natural Church Development that I highly recommend. 

Foxholes have saved many lives. They are not pretty or even comfortable but have kept many soldiers alive. Who is in your foxhole in the daily battles of life? Do you have a foxhole friend? Are you one? An important discussion on today's podcast. If you would like to participate in the beta launch of my upcoming book, Foundations, email me at Casey@ministerstoolbox.com. Participants will receive a draft copy of the manuscript. I ask for your ideas and input before I finalize the book. When it is published, you will receive a free copy and audiobook version. 

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, Sarah Carabetta of Acts4 ministry hosted an interview I did to share about missions and the Wells for Zimbabwe Project. This is the truncated version. Enjoy! Some may remember Sarah from podcast #10.  Connect.  Learn more about Wells For Zimbabwe. Give to build the next well system.

The vast majority of church leaders, who are bold enough to teach on tithing may actually be damaging the body of Christ more than helping. On today's podcast, I look at how tithing as a practice has gone completely off track and is in danger of becoming heretical. An important discussion. Join me! Have you ever given Minister's Toolbox an honest review? Could you do it now? iTunes. Share via Text or Email. During the podcast, I mentioned my new book, Minister's Toolbox. It makes a great gift!    

What is your vision for the coming year, personally and corporately? People (and funding) follows a clear vision. If your congregation is unclear about where they are going, is it any wonder they lack enthusiasm for the journey? A few practical tips on today's podcast. During today's show, I referenced two other podcasts that deal with some of the practical aspects of mission and vision. You can listen here or here. You also heard me mention my new book, Minister's Toolbox. This would make a great Christmas gift to yourself or a fellow church leader! If you purchase the Kindle version, read a chapter or two and then give me a review, send me a screen shot of the review and a photo of your purchase receipt and I will send you an audiobook version for free (value: $17). Just email me at casey@ministerstoolbox.com. In addition, I referenced our ongoing well project in Zimbabwe. Here are three videos that tell the story of how the well project developed over three years. 

It is hard for most of us to admit, but it is nice when we see those who have besmirched our reputation have to eat crow. There is a certain pleasure we get from making people feel stupid for saying and doing wrong things against us. Oddly enough, scripture encourages us to make certain people feel stupid! We'll look at that on today's podcast. Join us! During the podcast, I mentioned a new book I am working on entitled, Foundations. I have been preaching each chapter at another church in our region. You can watch on YouTube. I also referenced my latest book, Minister's Toolbox. If you are hunting for a book to give your pastor or if you'd like one yourself, grab a copy. If you purchase the Kindle version and give me a quick review on Amazon, email me the receipt @ministerstoolbox.com along with a screenshot of your review and I will send you a free audiobook version valued at $15.  

How does your sanctuary stack up with your plans to reach new people? While we oftentimes cannot do a great deal about the outside of a church building, what does the inside tell visitors about your mission and purpose? During the podcast, I offered a free survey that you can download and pass out to parishioners or leaders to get their feedback. I encourage you strongly to get the download and use it to discover whether changes are needed in your worship space. Did you get my new book yet! Makes a great Christmas gift for your favorite pastor - even you!! Click here for audiobook version.

Whole churches can be ruined or even destroyed when leaders fail to deal properly with toxic people. On today's show I give practical guidance about how to keep your church healthy and growing by addressing people who gossip behind your back. Today we talk about this very serious subject. After covering some basics, I realized there was much more to say, so created a special free download with additional scriptures and notes. Make sure to grab your copy! I included much more information in the download. During the podcast, I mentioned a Facebook group called, Pastor To Pastor. Kathleen Lin created it a few years ago to be a forum where pastors across the nation and the world could experience a certain degree of community by sharing thoughts and ideas. 1500 pastors are part of this great network! Here is the link to get involved. During the podcast, I also shared about how you can get a gift for your favorite pastor - even yourself! Click here. Listen on: iTunes Google Play Spotify iHeart Radio Stitche

As mega and multi-site churches increase, is the end near for churches with under a hundred members? Some missiologists think that small churches will disappear from the landscape in a few short years. Are they right? An important discussion on today's podcast. During the podcast, I mentioned Francis Chan latest venture. I also reference the largest church in the world.  I also spoke about Minister's Toolbox, my newest book. Get one for yourself or a minister you respect.

Fruitcakes are more than just obligatory gifts we give to acquaintances at Christmas. They can permanently derail our ministry. With apologies to fruitcake lovers, I am not speaking about a psychological disorder, but something far more insidious in today's podcast. Join me. During the podcast, I mention the three videos I recently completed that tell the story of our Wells For Zimbabwe project. Enjoy. I also mentioned my first and recently released book, Minister's Toolbox. Consider it for your library or as a gift to your favorite church leader.  Also, we are now sharing our podcasts in video form on YouTube.

Pastors are in the people business. Because of their public ministry and preaching, most people naturally assume they are experts at personal relationships. Many have expertise in counseling families and conducting premarriage sessions. Ironically, however, most pastors have few if any friends. How is that possible? During the podcast, I mentioned my book about Spiritual Abuse which includes a testimonial about my father. I also referenced three new videos about the Wells For Zimbabwe project. Listen and watch this podcast on YouTube. Finally, if you would help us with an honest review, you can do so here. Listen on this website or: iTunes Google Play Spotify iHeart Radio Stitcher

Would you like a quick reference guide to get instant encouragement in your role as a spiritual leader? On today's podcast, I share several snippets from my new audiobook, Minister's Toolbox. Enjoy! During the podcast, I shared how to acquire a free audiobook version of my new book. Just purchase the book (paperback or Kindle version), read a chapter or two and then give a brief, honest review here. Send the screenshot to casey@ministerstoolbox.com and I will send you a unique code that grants you access to the audiobook for free. Listen Here Or On: iTunes Google Play Spotify iHeart Radio Stitcher

All relationships thrive or perish based on communication. How leaders communicate with their congregations affects how they will either take action or ignore the information. On today's podcast, I share some insights on how to help your congregation respond better to the programs and events designed to help them grow in faith and community. Listen On: iTunes Google Play Spotify iHeart Radio Stitcher Watch this podcast on Youtube. I referenced Text In Church, a paid service that enables you to set up automatic texting and emails over a six-week period to church visitors. A very effective way to stay in touch automatically.  I mentioned a special video about the moment we hit water in Zimbabwe. Learn more about our well project and get involved. Check out my newest books!

Wounded people come into our churches all the time. Many times we can help them but what if the wounds came from another church's abusive practices or behaviors? How can we help them if they won't trust us? Today, I offer a special treat: the audio version of chapter two in my book, Spiritual Abuse: How To Break Free From Toxic Churches Without Losing Your Faith. If you will purchase the book or download the Kindle version, give me a quick review on Amazon and then send me a receipt for your purchase and the screenshot of the review, I will send you a free copy of the audiobook version valued at $15. Currently, I am in Zimbabwe at the time of this podcast. Follow me on Instagram at Zim_Wells.  

Most churches have a mission statement, but can members easily recite it if asked? Probably not. More importantly, does your mission statement mean anything beyond a trite religious phrase that honestly has no impact? We talk about the importance of mission and why the absence of a clear one dooms your church to frustration. During the podcast, I referenced a few opportunities. First, you can get a free audiobook copy of my first book, Spiritual Abuse: How To Break Free From Toxic Churches Without Losing Your Faith, by downloading the Kindle version or purchasing the paperback, giving me a quick, honest review on Amazon and sending me a screenshot of the receipt. I will then send you a code giving you the free copy of the audiobook.  The same offer applies to my new book, Minister's Toolbox: Helping Church Leaders Stay Strong In Their Callings. Email me the receipt ministerstoolbox@gmail.com We are now broadcasting the shows via our YouTube channel. Finally, you can stay in touch with our mission to buil