The One Thing

How do we know if people in our churches are truly growing? In this episode, Paul Grimmond joins Gus McCowatt to explore what it means to pursue pastoral transformation in the messiness of life. What to guard against to not become pastorally passive Why information alone doesn’t transform us How to pastor people through the complexity of real life How to cultivate a culture of godliness in your church Importance of personal reflection Signs of healthy maturity Paul Grimmond is the Vice Principal and Head of the Ministry Department at Moore Theological College. Before joining the faculty as Dean of Students he served as Senior Assistant Minister at Unichurch (UNSW), having previously been an editor for Matthias Media, Rector of Unichurch, and author. Toolbox: Paul presented a full workshop on this content at the Reach Annual Conference this year so if you missed getting along to that or want a refresher make sure to check it out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtKkv-yp_58&t=5s Dangerous Calling by Paul David Tripp Getting Over Yourself by Caroline Spencer with intentional reflection inside Growing Yourself Up by Jenny Brown Credits: This episode was brought to you by MTS The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠ To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠ For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠ Support Reach Australia's online library

Al Stewart shares 28 of the craziest, most counterintuitive lessons he has learnt from his time in ministry. There are gems of wisdom for all stages of ministry life. You won't hear this stuff in a textbook! Sadly, this is Scott’s final episode on The One Thing whilst being Executive Director before he moves to the US! Al Stewart has worked with FIEC, City Bible Forum, Geneva Push and Katoomba Christian Convention, as well as serving as a bishop and director within the Sydney Diocese of the Anglican Church. Toolbox: Scott Sanders and Al Stewart did two more great episodes before this one: Ep 464: What 15 years of church planting taught Al Stewart Ep 465: Vital things a senior minister needs to know Credits: This episode was brought to you by MTS The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠ To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠ For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠ Support Reach Australia's online library

A senior minister has an enormous influence on whether their team is healthy. After more than 40 years of ministry leadership, Al Stewart has learnt a few things the hard way. In this episode, Scott Sanders sits down with Al to unpack the lessons, mistakes and wisdom that only come from decades of leading people. They talk about the tensions every ministry leader navigates: caring for people while still having hard conversations, building trust without avoiding conflict, knowing when someone needs to move on, and what to do when you realise you’ve got it wrong. The competing tensions in building a team Working for the people who work for you Why senior ministers set the culture of their teams Why bosses are the biggest single factor in whether staff enjoy their job Al Stewart has worked with FIEC, City Bible Forum, Geneva Push and Katoomba Christian Convention, as well as serving as a bishop and director within the Sydney Diocese of the Anglican Church. Toolbox: Growth and Change by Andrew Heard Who’s Holding The Umbrella by Bill Jaegar (this book is unfortunately out of print so we could not provide a link, but have a look on places like Ebay and Facebook marketplace - if you are really desperate for a copy Gus McCowatt in the Reach office has a copy) Credits: This episode was brought to you by MTS The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠ To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠ For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠ Support Reach Australia's online library

New churches reach new people. So why is planting still such hard work? Scott Sanders catches up with Al Stewart to look back on 15 years of Geneva Push and Reach Australia: wins, mistakes and pushback. Why denominations can get in the way of planting The challenges of planting in established ministry contexts Why new churches are often better placed to reach new people What we’ve learned about supporting planters well Al Stewart has worked with FIEC, City Bible Forum, Geneva Push and Katoomba Christian Convention, as well as serving as a bishop and director within the Sydney Diocese of the Anglican Church. Toolbox: Church Planting Podcast Church Planter Questionnaire Support Planting Financially Credits: This episode was brought to you by MTS The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠ To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠ For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠ Support Reach Australia's online library

We finally tackle all the awkward small group questions we’ve been avoiding. In the final episode of this three-part series, Scott Sanders and Richard Sweatman, discuss the topics about small groups they avoided in the first two episodes. We explore: Unhealthy groups Low participation Finding enough leaders Whether AI has a place in writing Bible study material Knowing when pastoral care needs to be escalated Giving honest feedback Whether ministry staff should be in groups Richard Sweatman is an author and assistant pastor at Hunter Bible Church in Newcastle. Toolbox: Ep 201 Difficult Conversations Between A Church Leader and Staff Member Part 1 of this mini series: Ep 461 The hidden decisions behind every small groups ministry Part 2 of this mini series: Ep 462 Your small groups are only as healthy as their leaders Wisdom in Leadership by Craig Hamilton Being a Small Group Leader by Richard Sweatman Writing a Small Group Study by Richard Sweatman DISCOUNT CODE: THE1THING for 30% off at Matthias Media when you purchase 10 or more of either of Richard’s books Credits: This episode was brought to you by MTS The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠ To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠ For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠ Support Reach Australia's online library

Healthy small groups don’t happen by accident. Your small groups are only as strong as the leaders you’re raising. So how do you find the right people, prepare them well, and keep helping them grow once they’re leading? In part two of this three-part series, Scott Sanders talks with Richard Sweatman, author and assistant pastor at Hunter Bible Church in Newcastle, about how churches can identify, develop and support small-group leaders well. They explore: what to look for in a future leader how to develop people before they lead what good support actually looks like how leaders shape the health of a group the signs your small-group ministry is growing stronger Toolbox: Last weeks ep Being a Small Group Leader by Richard Sweatman Writing a Small Group Study by Richard Sweatman DISCOUNT CODE: THE1THING for 30% off at Matthias Media when you purchase 10 or more of either of Richard’s books Small Group Toolbox Podcast Credits: This episode was brought to you by MTS The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠ To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠ For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠ Support Reach Australia's online library

What if the most important decisions about your small groups are the ones you've never stopped to think about? In this episode, Scott Sanders chats with Richard Sweatman, author and assistant pastor at Hunter Bible Church in Newcastle, to unpack the hidden decisions that shape every small groups ministry. Whether you've inherited responsibility for small groups or you're rethinking how they fit into the life of your church this episode is for you. Key highlights: Clarifying your small group purpose Defining small group success Choosing small group structures Small group pathways Curriculum and leadership Practical questions you should ask before making changes Toolbox: Being a Small Group Leader by Richard Sweatman Writing a Small Group Study by Richard Sweatman DISCOUNT CODE: THE1THING for 30% off at Matthias Media when you purchase 10 or more of either of Richard’s books The One Thing Ep 418: Measuring small group health with Richard Sweatman Growth Groups by Colin Marshall Leading Small Groups That Thrive by Ryan T. Hartwig, Courtney W. Davis & Jason A. Sniff Iron Sharpens Iron by Orlando Saer Credits: This episode was brought to you by MTS The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠ To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠ For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠ Support Reach Australia's online library

If the preaching is faithful, why doesn't the conversation continue after the service? Tony Payne joins Scott Sanders to explore why every Christian is called to speak God's Word to one another. Discover how simple, everyday conversations can become one of God's primary ways of growing disciples and building a healthy church. Tony is an author, and the Director of the Centre for Christian Living and lectures in theology, philosophy and ethics at Moore College in Sydney. Toolbox: Let the Word Dwell Richly by Tony Payne DISCOUNT CODE: tpra20 Six Steps to Loving Your Church by Tony Payne Centre for Christian Living website Credits: This episode was brought to you by MTS The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠ To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠ For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠ Support Reach Australia's online library

If your church is expecting 18-year-olds to connect the same way 32-year-olds do, you’ll lose them before they ever put down roots. In this episode, Scott Sanders is joined by Ray Copland and Holly Stewart from EV Church to unpack why young adults need a different approach to church life. Along with practical ideas to keep these young adults connected. The importance of community for this age group Why belonging often comes before commitment How relational pathways can be more effective than formal programs Practical ideas to help bridge the gap from youth group to adult church Ray Copland is the Membership Pastor at EV Church, and Holly Stewart is a third year MTS apprentice at EV Night Church. Toolbox: Community and Integration Learning Lab Part 1 by Tim Clemens Community and Integration Learning Lab Part 2 by Madeleine Galea The One Thing Ep 177: Better Welcoming Part 1 The One Thing Ep 178: Better Welcoming Part 2 The One Thing Ep 47: Effective Integration Credits: This episode was brought to you by MTS The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠ To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠ For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠ Support Reach Australia's online library

If your church is waiting until every seat is full before adding another service, are you waiting too long? In this episode, Derek Hanna talks with Ben Mansfield and Petrina Enchelmaier from Southside Presbyterian, Brisbane about why they started planning a second Sunday service four years before they needed one. They share: The convictions behind the decision How they led their church through change The mistakes they avoided Opportunities created for mission and discipleship Toolbox: Southside Presbyterian’s Service Multiplication Planning Booklet Southside Presbyterian’s Role Description Templates Working Genius Credits: This episode was brought to you by MTS The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠ To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠ For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠ Support Reach Australia's online library

Someone becomes a Christian. What happens next? Every church wants to help new Christians get established in the faith, but that's often easier said than done. One person might be a 21-year-old university student. Another might be a 50-year-old dad. They won't have the same questions, they'll need different people around them, and they won't all fit into the same follow-up course or pathway. In this episode, Scott Sanders talks with Adrian Haynes, Mission Pastor at EV Church, about what he's learned from following up new Christians. Toolbox: Ep 284 Reignite Your Conversion Engine - The One Thing Conversion Engine - Reach Australia Podcast Follow Up to the Conversion Engine - Reach Australia Podcast Credits: The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠ To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠ For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠ Support Reach Australia's online library

Why do some Christians give joyfully while others give reluctantly? Most of us know generosity is good. Yet many Christians still approach giving reluctantly, defensively, or simply as another bill to pay. Tish Maier talks with Des Smith about why that gap exists and how churches can help people move towards joyful, gospel-shaped generosity. They discuss gratitude, sacrifice, stewardship, and practical ways to cultivate hearts that delight in giving rather than merely feeling obligated to do it. Des is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Church Lockleys Adelaide and Tish is the Support Raising Manager at Reach Australia. Toolbox: Part 1: Ep 455 When giving is uncomfortable instead of cheerful in your church (Des Smith) Generosity Path Credits: The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠ To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠ For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠ Support Reach Australia's online library

Your church may find it easier to avoid talking about money altogether. But Jesus didn’t. In this episode, Tish sits down with Des Smith, Senior Pastor of Trinity Church Lockleys Adelaide and author of The Cheerful Giver , to explore how churches can move beyond awkward fundraising conversations and cultivate a genuine culture of generosity. Des shares why generosity is far more than a budget issue, it’s a discipleship issue. Together they unpack why Christians should talk about giving, how to avoid guilt-driven appeals, practical ways to encourage generosity from the front, and how churches can model generosity with their time, talents and resources. Toolbox: Des Smith’s article on generosity: https://reachaustralia.com.au/cultivating-a-culture-of-generosity-in-churches-a-conversation-with-des-smith/ The Cheerful Giver by Des Smith Journey of Generosity by Des Smith The Generosity Project by Tony Payne and Geoff Robson ⁠Generosity Path⁠ Credits: The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠ To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠ For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠ Support Reach Australia's online library

At Kellyville Anglican in Sydney, newcomers sit down with the senior pastor. Pete Hughes talks with Dave Kuen about "Newish", a conversation designed to help newcomers understand the church, ask questions, and take their next step. Dave explains how it fits into Kellyville's wider welcoming pathway, the importance of newcomer triage, and why he believes this is something worth personally owning as a senior pastor. Toolbox: Pathway Audit Welcoming In Action: Live Video from Kellyville Anglican Church | Ep 389 Sample Newish Course Content Credits: The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠ To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠ For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠ Support Reach Australia's online library

Is your church doing annual reviews right, or at all? In this episode, Scott Sanders and Jo Gibbs explore how annual reviews can move beyond corporate box-ticking to become a vital tool for encouraging, developing, and stewarding gospel workers well. We unpack how simple, structured conversations help teams pause, give thanks, reflect honestly, and plan intentionally for the year ahead. Why ongoing feedback alone isn’t enough The biblical foundation for caring for people in ministry Simple frameworks to run effective annual reviews How to handle hard conversations well and avoid surprises Why investing in people builds long-term ministry health Toolbox: Simple Framework of 3 questions to ask others and yourself: What’s a highlight What are you doing well What could you do better Why Annual Reviews Matter - Substack Article by Jo Gibbs Making Ministry Leader Annual Reviews Sing - Gospel Coalition Article by Mikey Lynch Episode 336: How to Give Effective Feedback Episode 337: How to Receive Feedback as a Gospel Worker Episode 338: Enhancing Your Team’s Success With Rhythms of Feedback Episode 339: Personalising Feedback Annual Review Template by Reach Australia Credits: This episode was brought to you by Lending Hands Mortgage Brokers The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠ To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠ For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠ Support Reach Australia's online library

If someone in your suburb wanted to find a church this Sunday… could they actually find yours? In this episode, Pete Hughes chats with Phill Morrow, from ChristLife Presbyterian in West Toowoomba, about how to ensure your church is findable. Sometimes it’s the simple things that actually really make a difference: clear websites, signage, Google listings and welcoming spaces are all key aspects churches can’t overlook. Why hospitality starts before someone walks through the door The hidden barriers that stop newcomers attending church Ideas for churches who both own and don’t own their spaces How small improvements can support evangelism and gospel growth Toolbox: Reach Digital The Great Dechurching by Jim Davis and Ryan P. Burge Episode 354: Making Your Church Accessible to People With Disabilities (Louise Gosbell) Episode 389: Welcoming In Action: Live from Kellyville Anglican Church Secret Shopper Checklist (DO WITH A CAMERA) Credits: This episode was brought to you by Exdia The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠ To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠ For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠ Support Reach Australia's online library

Church buildings and meeting spaces communicate long before anyone hears the sermon. A confusing entrance, poor signage, or awkward gathering areas create unnecessary barriers, while thoughtful spaces can help people feel more relaxed, welcomed, and ready to connect. In this episode: Why physical space matters for ministry and hospitality Common mistakes churches make with arrival, signage, and flow How spaces can reduce friction and help newcomers feel at ease Improving connection before and after the service Quick wins churches can make without major renovations Toolbox: Build to Last Ebook How to Fund Your Church Building ChurchStarter Booklet Credits: This episode was brought to you by Safe Ministry Check The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠ To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠ For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠ Support Reach Australia's online library

In this episode, Derek Hanna is joined by Paul Young (planter of Providence Church Bayswater, Perth) to think about how church teams reflect on Sundays, and whether those debrief conversations are actually helping the church grow in mission, or just recycling obvious feedback. They explore how different churches approach Sunday debriefs, what often goes wrong when they drift into planning or post-mortems, and how teams can use that time more effectively to focus on big-picture strategy, prayer, and gospel priorities. Rather than tweaking slides or reviewing logistics, Paul argues that this time is best used to step back, pray, and work on the larger questions of mission, growth, and where God is at work in the life of the church. In this episode: Why many Sunday debriefs don’t add much value The risk of turning debriefs into planning meetings or critique sessions How to shift from details to big-picture strategy and prayer Questions that help teams focus on mission and gospel growth How to use shared team time for decisions you can’t make alone Toolbox: Dangerous Calling by Paul David Tripp (Chapter on Glory) The Church by Edmund Clowney The Church on Mission by Craig Ott Planting the Word by Erin Crider Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni Credits: This episode was brought to you by Lending Hands Mortgage Brokers The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠ To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠ For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠ Support Reach Australia's online library

Most staff meetings feel like a drain. Too long, unclear, and full of talk that changes nothing. But what if your weekly meeting could actually strengthen your team, sharpen your culture, and leave people encouraged? In this episode, Andrew Mitchell (Executive Pastor at EV Church on NSW's Central Coast) joins Pete Hughes to unpack why great staff meetings are one of the most overlooked leadership tools in ministry, and how to run them well. • Why the best staff meeting may not be about decisions at all • How healthy meetings shape culture across the whole church • A simple framework that creates energy, clarity, and momentum • The common mistakes that make meetings frustrating and ineffective • Practical ideas for small teams, not just large churches Key points: Why the main weekly meeting isn’t for making decisions How to structure a Monday meeting, from lunch to prayer to training The hidden cost of mixing decision-making with culture-building Why encouragement and shared stories aren’t optional extras What smaller teams can actually apply without copying everything Toolbox: Andrew Mitchell’s terms of reference staff meeting document The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni Death By Meeting by Patrick Lencioni How Do I Create a Culture of Trust In My Team? | Ep 316 Three dysfunctional types of teams and how to fix them | Ep 404 The One Thing Episode 166 – Refresh Your Staff Meetings (Part 1) The One Thing Episode 167 – Refresh Your Staff Meetings (Part 2) Credits: This episode was brought to you by Safe Ministry Check The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠ To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠ For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠ Support Reach Australia's online library

The Point Community Church in Port Macquarie, NSW was growing at 10% a year, but barely anyone was actually becoming a Christian. When they benchmarked themselves against other churches, the gap was stark: other churches were seeing 5–7x more non-Christians come through their evangelistic courses. So they asked hard questions about what was actually happening, and made a series of deliberate changes, especially around how they invited people into their evangelism course. Registrations jumped from 5 to 37. Around seven people came to faith, with ten more still exploring. Derek Hanna talks with Steve Covetz (Lead Pastor) and Kate Stace (Director of Ministry Operations) about facing brutal facts, mobilising a whole church to invite, and what actually moved the needle. Toolbox: Discover Magnet used by Kate and Steve Mission ebook by Dave Jensen Evangelism in the Local Church by Dave Jensen and Paul Brennan Previous Reach Australia Conference Resources Mission Consults by Reach Australia Credits: This episode was brought to you by Safe Ministry Check The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠ To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠ For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠ Support Reach Australia's online library