Ministry Leaders Anonymous

PUMP UP THE JAM! PUMP IT UP! That's right! Every single person that listens to this episode and reads these show notes will get a free iPad Pro and $20,000 dollars! Now, if we were to tell you that actually that's not true and instead we will pray a rosary, you might feel a bit deceived. Marketing your ministry is not about tricking people into attending your events. It's about showing people the fullness of life that God calls us all to live. Thanks to ALOB for letting us use his song, Strong God, from the album No Match for Love! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org Support MLA on Patreon Follow MLA on Twitter Join the Discussion on Facebook Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries

The cost of giving into the fears & insecurities that the evil one puts on us are grave. This week, Matt & Chris talk about how we "avoid the millstone." How do we position ourselves to act when God calls us to act in our lives & ministries. Thanks to ALOB for letting us use his song, Strong God, from the album No Match for Love! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org Support MLA on Patreon Follow MLA on Twitter Join the Discussion on Facebook Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries

Following Matt & Chris' attendance at the Dallas Ministry Conference, they felt it was necessary to talk about the limits of programming in ministry and how we all need to go further when we think about the needs of our ministries. Thanks to ALOB for letting us use his song, Strong God, from the album No Match for Love! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org Support MLA on Patreon Follow MLA on Twitter Join the Discussion on Facebook Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries

This week, Chris & Matt speak from their own weaknesses and insecurities to bring light into the need for prophetic accountability. We are called as a Church to love & build one another up, even when it is most difficult. But God empowers us by His love and His prophetic voice. Thanks to ALOB for letting us use his song, Strong God, from the album No Match for Love! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org Support MLA on Patreon Follow MLA on Twitter Join the Discussion on Facebook Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries

Boy, oh boy, does this episode have a lot in store for you! You are about to learn so much about Chris & Matt, at many points you may feel like it's too much. But don't give up! Stick around through all the entertaining stories to learn all about the delicate balance every leader must walk between lively silliness & stoic professionalism. Thanks to ALOB for letting us use his song, Strong God, from the album No Match for Love! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org Support MLA on Patreon Follow MLA on Twitter Join the Discussion on Facebook Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries

Too many times, our faith feels like it is constantly on defense. Unless we are in our comfort zone, we fear talking about what Jesus is doing for us out in the world. This week, Chris & Matt discuss the importance of going outside the building and putting our faith on the offensive, showing the love of God outside your parish walls. Thanks to ALOB for letting us use his song, Strong God, from the album No Match for Love! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org Support MLA on Patreon Follow MLA on Twitter Join the Discussion on Facebook Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries

This week, Matt & Chris try something a bit different. They discuss completely unrelated things in what they've decided is the first MLA Variety Show! This show mostly revolves around the "voluntolds" and Matt's dark sinful alter ego (not really, but he did see Deadpool 2). Thanks to ALOB for letting us use his song, Strong God, from the album No Match for Love! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org Support MLA on Patreon Follow MLA on Twitter Join the Discussion on Facebook Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries

Asking for help can be very difficult. Especially if you're supposed to be the leader of your program and/or ministry. But adversity and challenge is how we all grow, and helping others when they ask for help allows us to grow in our own talents and strengths. This week, Chris & Matt tackle the necessary humility in asking for help as ministry leaders and how God can transform us through it. Thanks to ALOB for letting us use his song, Strong God, from the album No Match for Love! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org Support MLA on Patreon Follow MLA on Twitter Join the Discussion on Facebook Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries

What happens after the retreat, after the bible study, after the youth night? The faces within your ministry change as they move on to what God has called them to do. But have you prepared them to continue their faith life without your ministry? This week, Chris & Matt discuss how ministries sometimes fail in supporting those they minister, and how we can all improve. Thanks to ALOB for letting us use his song, Strong God, from the album No Match for Love! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org Support MLA on Patreon Follow MLA on Twitter Join the Discussion on Facebook Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries

It's the battle of all time: Introverts vs. Extraverts! Who will win?! How about both? This week, Alyssa Trutter returns with Matt Rice to talk about the beautiful harmony that can be achieved by a ministry built from extraverts & introverts. Don't miss out on this important discussion with insights for YOUR ministry! You can listen to Alyssa every week on the Everyday Catholics podcast! Thanks to ALOB for letting us use his song, Strong God, from the album No Match for Love! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org Support MLA on Patreon Follow MLA on Twitter Join the Discussion on Facebook Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries

Sadly, when someone hears the Catholic Church in the news, they most likely expect to hear about the brokenness and often atrocious acts of those who abuse their power and office. But how do we, the ministry leaders that are working every day to show the love of God, respond when scandal becomes such a large shadow on the the Church? What should we feel? What should we do next? None of the answers are easy, but join Matt & Chris this week in trying to detangle the effects on ourselves and our ministries. Thanks to ALOB for letting us use his song, Strong God, from the album No Match for Love! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org Support MLA on Patreon Follow MLA on Twitter Join the Discussion on Facebook Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries

Pride is necessary for leaders of all types, but ministry leaders tend to swing between unnecessary insecurity and excessive pride. This week, Matt & Chris talk about staying true to the ministry leader God has called you to be as well as recognizing your strengths & weaknesses. Because if you try and do ministry alone, you will be stressed, burned out, & lonely. Thanks to ALOB for letting us use his song, Strong God, from the album No Match for Love! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org Support MLA on Patreon Follow MLA on Twitter Join the Discussion on Facebook Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries

There is no greater feeling than seeing the fruits of your labor in ministry. But 99% of the time, we don't see how God is working in the hearts of those we serve. This week, Chris & Matt talk about how badly they wish that we could have accurate ministry statistics that would show us for certain how God is rewarding our work. But it doesn't exist, and it's probably for a good reason. For more information about the Dallas Ministry Conference, visit their website! If you would like to attend the Fullness of Truth Conference in San Antonio, sign up now! Thanks to ALOB for letting us use his song, Strong God, from the album No Match for Love! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org Support MLA on Patreon Follow MLA on Twitter Join the Discussion on Facebook Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries

Often, we only associate games & icebreakers with children & youth ministry. But Gwen Bartlett joins Chris this week to talk about WHY games succeed in youth ministry and how important they are to ministries of all ages. Gwen includes incredible tips & tricks for using the perfect game for your needs, as well as fool-proof ways to lead strong games at each event. For more of Gwen's thoughts on games in ministry, check out her blogs at Next Level Ministry Thanks to ALOB for letting us use his song, Strong God, from the album No Match for Love! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org Support MLA on Patreon Follow MLA on Twitter Join the Discussion on Facebook Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries

This week, Chris & Matt talk about the StoryBrand Process by Donald Miller and how it can be used in your ministry. We know that sometimes we believe that our ministry or our job is to save those we serve. But no one sees themselves as the victim in their story; they see themselves as the hero! And our job, as ministry leaders is to act as a guide, not a savior, because they already have a savior, and He's pretty good at what He does. Thanks to ALOB for letting us use his song, Strong God, from the album No Match for Love! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org Support MLA on Patreon Follow MLA on Twitter Join the Discussion on Facebook Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries

We know that many ministry leaders have volunteered and that's how they became responsible for their ministry. But for all of the paid ministry leaders, do you take the time to do what you ask many others? Do you volunteer your time outside of work & responsibilities? This week, Matt & Chris talk about the wake-up call that is being asked to volunteer for something when you are a leader among volunteers. Thanks to ALOB for letting us use his song, Strong God, from the album No Match for Love! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org Support MLA on Patreon Follow MLA on Twitter Join the Discussion on Facebook Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries

How often do we let our insecurities control our ministry? This week, Chris shares a recent event where he lost sleep over his own shortcomings, and Matt & Chris talk about re-framing our insecurities and faults around the mission of our ministries & God's love for us. Thanks to ALOB for letting us use his song, Strong God, from the album No Match for Love! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org Support MLA on Patreon Follow MLA on Twitter Join the Discussion on Facebook Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries

What is a super volunteer? Where do you find them? How do you keep them? What makes them super? These are all questions that EVERY ministry leader asks, because we all need incredible volunteers for our ministries. Joining Matt & Chris this week is Laura Gonzalez, who is a long-time, super volunteer for Chris' ministry program in Round Rock, TX. They discuss the things ministry leaders can do to empower their volunteers & also build a stronger ministry team. Thanks to ALOB for letting us use his song, Strong God, from the album No Match for Love! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org Support MLA on Patreon Follow MLA on Twitter Join the Discussion on Facebook Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries

Chris is back! And man, does he have a story to tell. It's inevitable that in ministry something will not go according to the plan. But how do we as leaders react. What are some of the emotions that we feel, and how can God work through the situation. These are the things that Matt & Chris are talking about this week on Ministry Leaders Anonymous. Thanks to ALOB for letting us use his song, Strong God, from the album No Match for Love! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org Support MLA on Patreon Follow MLA on Twitter Join the Discussion on Facebook Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries

In this largely youth minister-focused episode of the show, Alyssa Trutter from Ablaze Ministries joins Matt to talk about being merciful in ministry, specifically restraining the urge to just squash those punks. Alyssa & Matt both have a lot of experience in middle school ministry, which of course is the battleground to become the alpha-punk. But constantly chastising them can have long-term effects on the salvation of those punks. Listen to Alyssa & Matt share their stories. You can also hear Alyssa on Everyday Catholics with Fr. Ryan Higdon. Thanks to ALOB for letting us use his song, Strong God, from the album No Match for Love! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org Support MLA on Patreon Follow MLA on Twitter Join the Discussion on Facebook Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries