The Healthy Church Staff Podcast

Hosted by Todd Rhoades

Careers Religion Spirituality Christianity

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Episodes

690

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

We're all about helping create a healthy, positive, and spiritually positive environment for church staff members and leadership teams.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 2, 2026Episode 7158 min

They Report to Two Bosses

In this episode of the Healthy Church Staff Podcast, host Todd Rhoades discusses the complications that arise when employees report to multiple supervisors, emphasizing the need for clear lines of communication and decision-making to avoid confusion and inefficiencies. • Employees reporting to multiple supervisors face confusion and delays. • This communication setup leads to unclear accountability and stalling. • The importance of defining a single decision-maker for staff members is emphasized. • The 'two inboxes, no owner of yes' scenario traps employees in inefficiency. • Todd suggests selecting one clear decision-maker for seamless operations. • The episode addresses structural challenges in church staff operations. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.

October 1, 2026Episode 7148 min

The Interim Who Never Got a Real Yes

In this episode of the Healthy Church Staff Podcast, host Todd Rhoades discusses the prolonged use of interim titles in churches and the negative impact it can have on both staff and church operations. Todd emphasizes that the interim status should not be extended indefinitely and urges churches to either commit by hiring, end the interim status, or set a concrete date for resolution. This practice not only affects the interim staff member but also hinders church planning and growth. • Interim staff members often perform full roles without proper recognition or compensation. • Prolonged interim statuses can demoralize staff and disrupt church planning. • Churches should avoid indefinite interims by hiring, ending, or setting clear dates. • Use of 'interim' as a cost-saving measure is not good stewardship. • Churches should focus on providing clarity and stability for staff. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.

September 30, 2026Episode 7136 min

Your Kid Is on Staff

This episode of the Healthy Church Staff podcast addresses the challenges of hiring family members, particularly in church environments, emphasizing the importance of clear reporting lines. It explores the complexities and potential issues such as unspoken power dynamics, favoritism, and communication barriers that can arise when family members are part of the staff. The episode encourages church leaders to openly define roles and reporting lines to foster an honest and healthy work environment. • Hiring family members can create unspoken power dynamics. • Staff may feel unable to communicate honestly about a family member's performance. • Clear reporting lines and boundaries are essential. • Avoiding clear reporting roles can lead to organizational issues. • Leaders are encouraged to name roles and responsibilities explicitly to maintain work integrity. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.

September 29, 2026Episode 7099 min

"Other Duties as Assigned" Ate the Job

The podcast episode discusses how the 'other duties as assigned' clause in job descriptions can lead to role ambiguity and overburdened staff in church environments. This situation is illustrated with examples of worship pastors and children's directors assuming additional roles like facilities management and communications, often without changes in job titles or compensation. The episode stresses the need for clarity in job expectations and encourages church leaders to assess and adjust roles to prevent burnout. • Job roles often expand beyond the original description due to the 'other duties as assigned' clause. • Examples of staff taking on multiple roles include worship pastors managing facilities and children's directors handling communications. • These additional duties can lead to staff feeling overburdened and undercompensated. • Church leaders are encouraged to reassess roles and responsibilities to align duties with job titles and compensation. • Staff should have open discussions with supervisors if they feel overwhelmed by their workloads. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.

September 28, 2026Episode 7127 min

You Skipped the Background Check Because You Know Them

In this episode of the Healthy Church Staff Podcast, Todd Rhoades discusses the critical oversight many churches make by neglecting to conduct thorough background checks, even on individuals who are well-known within the community. Relying on familiarity or family connections instead of proper screenings can lead to risky shortcuts that might result in significant issues in the future. Rhoades underscores the importance of consistent background screening for all church staff and volunteers to ensure the safety and integrity of the church environment. • The importance of conducting background checks on all staff and volunteers, regardless of familiarity. • Relying on family connections or long-term knowledge as a shortcut is not safe or sufficient. • The need for a consistent and thorough screening practice for everyone in the organization. • Neglecting proper checks can result in future risks and damages. • Background checks are essential despite their costs and should be prioritized in church operations. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.

September 25, 2026Episode 7119 min

Your PTO Policy Is a Joke If Nobody Takes It

This episode of the Healthy Church Staff podcast, hosted by Todd Rhoades, addresses the disparity between offering vacation time to church staff and the actual culture that discourages its use. Despite stated policies of generous PTO, church staff, particularly in leadership roles, often feel guilty taking time off due to cultural or indirect pressures. Rhoades urges listeners to ensure that the vacation time offered truly allows for rest and rejuvenation, advocating for a protected week off without work-related communications. • Promised vacation time often goes unused due to cultural pressures. • Staff feel guilty taking time off, affecting true rest and recovery. • Subtle jokes or comments discourage taking consecutive PTO days. • Unused vacation policies often serve as mere posters, not actual benefits. • True generosity is allowing time off without work interruptions. • The importance of fostering a church culture that values rest. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.

September 24, 2026Episode 7107 min

Recovering vs Resolving - The Burnout Fix...

In this episode of the Healthy Church Staff Podcast, Todd Rhoades explores the persistent issue of burnout among worship pastors, emphasizing the need for clarity in vocational calling over mere temporary recovery measures like rest and boundaries. Key insights from Barna research indicate that alignment with one's calling significantly reduces burnout, suggesting that continual exhaustion may stem from a role misalignment rather than a lack of recovery routines. • Vacation and rest are temporary solutions for burnout. • Calling clarity is more crucial than recovery rhythms in combating burnout. • Misalignment between role and personal calling leads to persistent burnout. • Setting boundaries and taking Sabbaths are necessary but aren't long-term solutions. • Identifying the right fit for roles can prevent exhaustion. • Clarity in role alignment is a profound act of kindness and leadership. • Ask critical questions about role energy and satisfaction to assess fit. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.

September 23, 2026Episode 7087 min

The Group Chat Is Not a Staff Meeting

In this episode of the Healthy Church Staff Podcast, host Todd Rhoades discusses the pitfalls of using group texts for significant staff communications in a church setting. He stresses the importance of distinguishing between responsive communication and proper decision-making processes. • A staffing decision was inappropriately communicated via group text late at night. • Several team members were not included or informed in real-time, leading to confusion. • Using group texts for major decisions results in fragmented communication and plans. • Effective communication requires structured meetings or emails where decisions are clearly documented. • Team members need to know where real decisions are made and communicated. • Group texts are suitable for minor updates and logistical issues, not major decisions. • Encouragement to shift important discussions from texts to emails or meetings. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.

September 22, 2026Episode 7076 min

Why Your Volunteers Keep Disappearing (And What Their Time Is Really Worth)

In this episode of the Healthy Church Staff podcast, Todd Rhoades discusses the importance of valuing volunteers in ministry settings. He highlights the economic value of volunteer time, approximately $36 an hour, and discusses why volunteers may leave, often due to feeling undervalued and burned out. Todd offers practical advice on how to retain volunteers by respecting their time, creating effective systems, giving personalized gratitude, and soliciting feedback. • Volunteers provide significant economic value, approximated at $36/hour. • Volunteers often leave due to feeling undervalued and overwhelmed. • Common issues include changing assignments often, lack of thanks, and poor communication. • To retain volunteers, treat them like valuable team members, not unpaid staff. • Develop systems to protect volunteer time and engage in personal gratitude. • Seek feedback to understand volunteer satisfaction and challenges. • Volunteer coordination should be seen as a key part of ministry staff roles. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.

September 21, 2026Episode 7067 min

Why the Most Helpful Things Are the Hardest to Give (And What to Do About It)

In this episode of the Healthy Church Staff Podcast, Todd Rhoades discusses effective strategies to combat pastoral burnout and emphasizes the importance of structural changes like sabbaticals, role realignment, and real delegation. He advises church leaders to acknowledge their limitations honestly and make gradual progress towards meaningful solutions rather than offering small, ineffective fixes. Rhoades stresses the importance of planning practical and incremental changes to provide genuine relief and hope for church staff. • Pastoral burnout can be effectively relieved by sabbaticals, role realignment, and real delegation. • These solutions are often structurally difficult, organizationally expensive, and emotionally complicated. • Offering small-scale solutions may feel like progress but can leave staff feeling unsupported. • Honesty about current limitations and incremental planning for change can relieve staff pressure. • Partial movement towards solutions is better than maintaining the status quo. Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts. - - - - - Is Your Church Hiring? If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help. Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role? If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.