The Church Leadership Pulse

Today on Church Leadership Radar: when church employees volunteer at their own church, reducing programs and ministry calendar overload, checking AI answers about religion, and nearly 40,000 pounds of food delivered by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the East Texas Food Bank. SourcesCan Church Employees Volunteer at Their Own Church? — Church Law & Tax contributors explain a Department of Labor opinion letter on nonprofit employees volunteering for their employer. The k...

Today on Church Leadership Radar: five blind spots in church risk planning, R. Scott Pace’s inauguration at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, resourceful outreach using what churches already have, and newly reported Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong missions-giving totals. SourcesFive Blind Spots in Church Risk Planning Most Administrators Miss — Matthew Mattingly examines gaps involving volunteer screening, property values, outside groups using church buildings, informal care ministri...

A short episode about meaningful young-adult participation and church volunteers beginning a Florida relief deployment. Thom Rainer reflects on connecting with young adults through meaningful relationships and shared responsibility, drawing on existing research. Roughly 40 Mississippi Baptist volunteers begin deploying to Panama City, Florida, to support recovery, practical care and feeding operations at St. Andrew Baptist Church. SourcesWhat Any Church Can Do to Reach More Young AdultsMissis...

Rick Warren reflects on overcommitment, anxiety, and a healthier pace. In San Antonio, HOPE Ministries brings free essentials, practical care, and connection to neighbors through its Hope 2 the Streets outreach and twice-weekly food pantry. Today’s takeaway: a healthier pace can begin with an honest conversation about commitments, expectations, and support. SourcesThe Antidote to AnxietySan Antonio Ministry Brings Free Essentials and Care Beyond Its WallsChurch Leadership Radar newsletter | H...

Ted Rhoades hosts the Saturday Ministry Week in Review for October 5–9, 2026: Leavell College’s Tentmaker Degree Pathway, healthy authority between volunteers and paid staff, AI and pastoral accountability, and a parent book group rebuilding Sunday school connections. This week’s bright spot is Legacy Church’s Ocean State Food Pantry partnership with FeedRI in Warwick, Rhode Island. A reflection on sustainable roles, clear responsibility, human care, and community—not a statistical trend repo...