Strategy Snippets with Mel & Melinda

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 30
 
Why is it so hard to get volunteers?
Church leaders often assume people are simply too busy to serve. But what if the problem isn't people's capacity—it's how we're inviting them to contribute?
In this episode, Mel and Melinda explore why people are more likely to serve when they're personally invited, genuinely valued, well-equipped and given opportunities that feel meaningful. They also challenge the language of "volunteering" and ask how churches can recognise the unique gifts and contributions already sitting within their congregations.
 
Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 29
 
What does our church program say about how we value the people we lead?
Church activities may be well-intentioned, but every extra meeting, event or commitment asks something of people's already busy lives.
In this episode, Mel and Melinda explore what our church calendars communicate about how we value people's time. From protecting rest and family life to rethinking leaders' meetings and inviting honest feedback, they ask how we can create church rhythms that serve people rather than simply expecting more from them.
 
Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 28
 
Church leaders are passionate about people—but that doesn't mean our systems, meetings, and workflows should be inefficient.
In this episode, Mel introduces key principles from Lean Six Sigma and explores how churches can better steward their time, reduce unnecessary waste, and create healthier rhythms for ministry. From smarter meetings to intentional planning and proactive leadership, this conversation is packed with practical ideas to help churches accomplish more by working more wisely—not simply working harder.
 
Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 27
 
We often assume people don't come because they're not interested. But what if the real barriers are the ones we've unintentionally created?
In this episode, Mel and Melinda explore how traditional church schedules can exclude shift workers, families, students, people with disabilities, and many others. They challenge churches to rethink long-held assumptions about when church should happen—and ask whether greater flexibility could help more people experience Christian community.
If we're serious about reaching people, are we making it possible for them to come?
 
Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 26
Small groups are often praised for helping people stay connected to church. But is that really their purpose?
In this episode, Mel and Melinda challenge the popular idea that small groups exist to "close the back door." Instead, they explore the biblical purpose of Christian community, why discipleship and transformation should be the focus, and how healthy small groups help people truly belong and grow in their faith.
If we've reduced small groups to keeping people in church, have we missed something far more important?
 
Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 25
 
How do you set a healthy pace for the year ahead?
Church leaders often begin the year with the best intentions, only to find themselves overwhelmed by endless events, unrealistic expectations, and constant busyness.
In this episode, Mel and Melinda explore how to create a healthier rhythm for ministry by prioritising what matters most, evaluating what truly produces fruit, and giving yourself permission to say no. They also discuss why God builds His church—not us—and how trusting Him can transform the way we plan our year.
 
Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au
 

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 24
 
Why do some visitors come once but never return?
Church leaders often assume it's the preaching, the worship, the programs, or the demographics. But what if visitors are asking two much deeper questions before they've even decided whether to come back?
In this episode, Mel and Melinda unpack the two subconscious "belonging checks" every visitor makes when they enter a church: Do they care? and Do I identify with these people?
The conversation explores belonging, authenticity, hospitality, and why helping people feel known and accepted may be more important than we often realise.
 
Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 23
 
Who is sabotaging the mission?
Before you point the finger at someone else, the answer may be more complicated than you think. In this episode, Mel and Melinda explore how personal vision, expectations, and passions can sometimes pull people away from a team's shared mission — often without them even realising it.
They discuss how leaders can identify misalignment, have healthy conversations, and help people find the right place to contribute without squashing their passion or creating unnecessary conflict.
🎧 A practical conversation about leadership, team alignment, church culture, and what to do when personal agendas begin competing with a shared vision.
 
Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 22
 
What if productivity isn't actually about managing your time?
In this episode, Mel and Melinda explore a different way of thinking about productivity — one that moves beyond treating ourselves like machines and instead sees us as "cognitive athletes." Drawing on ideas from The Cognitive Athlete by Clint Ray, they discuss burnout, recovery, energy management, and why sustainable ministry requires intentional rhythms of work and rest.
🎧 A practical conversation about productivity, church leadership, and building recovery into the way we live and lead.
 
Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 21
 
In this episode, Mel and Melinda explore how church strategies can unintentionally prioritise activity over people, and why the “how” of ministry matters just as much as the outcome. They discuss servant leadership, honouring how God has wired people, and why churches shouldn’t simply copy another church’s model.
🎧 A thoughtful conversation about planning, leadership, and building ministry in a way that reflects the heart of God.
 
Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au