We're excited to be launching a brand new Fishhook podcast. We’re also in the middle of a global pandemic, which makes it feel a little bit odd to celebrate something like a new podcast. We've been dreaming about this new podcast for a while, but just like you have been doing for the last few weeks, we’ve changed our strategy for this podcast and c…

Does your team have little phrases or quips that have become part of your everyday language? Short sentences that encapsulate some of the wit and wisdom you've gathered over the years? In this series, we are sharing the church comm "Wit and wisdom" Fishhook has gathered over the years. These short, encouraging phrases are meant to encourage, inspir…

Does your team have little phrases or quips that have become part of your everyday language? Short sentences that encapsulate some of the wit and wisdom you've gathered over the years? In this series, we are sharing the church comm "Wit and wisdom" Fishhook has gathered over the years. These short, encouraging phrases are meant to encourage, inspir…

Does your team have little phrases or quips that have become part of your everyday language? Short sentences that encapsulate some of the wit and wisdom you've gathered over the years? In this episode, Aimee and Adam kick off a series where we talk about the wit and wisdom Fishhook has gathered over the years. These short, encouraging phrases are m…

Digital tools often get lumped together. Social media, website, email marketing. But are they really unique tools that require more intentional strategies? In this episode, Aimee outlines what she sees as the "Big 3" for online ministry strategy. Links mentioned: Ep. 62: Facebook Fears, Controversy, and Opportunity Ep. 64: Instagram is Waiting For …

As a church, your mission never changes. Collectively, we are all focused on helping people know and growing closer to Jesus. But what happens when the tools and technology we use change? Do we stick to what is familiar and established? Or should we expand our options and take a chance on new ways of thinking and serving? In this episode, Leah and …

Personality assessments like Myers-Briggs and Enneagram are all rage these days. But are they actually helpful? Jamie and Lindsay sit down with Adam to talk about the ways personality tools have helped them personally and how Fishhook has utilized tools and systems like these to fuel team growth and effectiveness. In part one of this series, we foc…

In part two of our conversation on personalities and communication, Jamie and Lindsay share their experience with Enneagram and talk about how hard it can be to work at a church. Plus we share a ton of resources to help you explore personality and work on your own and with your team. Links Mentioned: Fishhook’s The Table Typology Podcast The Sacred…

Good design is about solutions. Our lead graphic designer, Meredith, is joining the podcast today to talk about trends in solving problems through design in 2019. Along the way, we talk about what churches are doing well and a few things we would encourage them to stop doing when it comes to design. (Hint: stop copying) Links Mentioned: Fishhook De…

“Your website is your welcome mat.” If there’s any truth to the stat that 80% of people will visit your website before they show up at your church, you need to make sure you know what is happening with church websites in 2019. Our Lead Web Developer, Ben Goshow, joins Shayla and me for a conversation about what is happening with church websites. Wh…

The podcast is back for another year! We're really excited for the work ahead and the conversations we get to be a part of with local churches all across the country. In this first episode of the year, we catch up on the holiday break, talk about what's coming on the podcast this year, and share a little bit about our team kick off to 2019. Links m…

Leah and Evan sit down to look back at 2018. Both express their gratitude for the work, the relationships, and the path of Fishhook. Evan shares what he has been wrestling with in recent months and years and unpacks the news of his transition away from leading the Fishhook team. It's an honest, vulnerable conversation, but also one filled with appr…

Who is your church trying to reach? If you have a hard time answering that question with a specific answer, we want to help you out! Every church is in a specific place, with specific resources, at a specific time—so you have a unique opportunity to reach certain people in ways other churches can't. Aimee and Shayla talk about how to identify your …

In this episode, Dale Sellers from the 95 Network joins us to talk about three unique challenges small churches are facing today. Dale brings practical experience and a deep passion for small churches, which he calls the "bread and butter" of the church in America. More than 95% of churches today are less than 500 people. How can church leaders lea…

Get a chance to hear behind the scenes in this episode as Evan prepares for speaking at the Alignment Conference. Aimee and Adam also share how they each approach preparing for a talk, workshop, or teaching a class. Then, Evan walks us through his main points for his talk entitled, "Communicating in Your Context." Links Mentioned: www.alignmentconf…

Every team needs a vision and people who can make the dream a reality. The challenge then becomes helping the dreamers and the doers move in the same direction. How do you begin to bridge the gap between people or teams that see the world in fundamentally different ways? In this conversation, Evan and Lindsay share their personal experiences of lea…

Aimee Cottle is back and we have plenty of updates for you. Get a rundown on all the places Fishhook will be this fall. Plus, we break down some of the latest tech updates – IGTV, Facebook Groups, Bible Lens, and more. Links: https://www.fishhook.us/events https://www.fishhook.us/learnDoor Fishhook, Inc.

Evan and Shayla continue the conversation about running your communications team with an agency mindset. Whether you are a team of one or a fully-staffed department, there is something for everyone in this continued conversation. Hear how you can move beyond managing your own time to leading a team and influencing others to operate for effective, e…

We're back! After a summer podcast hiatus, Evan and Shayla sit down to talk about a key mindset we have shared with many, many churches: running your communications team with an agency mindset. Whether you are a team of one or a fully-staffed department, there is something for everyone in this first part of a two-episode conversation. Links mention…

Summer is flying by and we are checking back in to share some fun updates, including details for a special event taking place in July. Aimee shares her quick review of the new Instagram TV feature, and we share some rapid-fire tips for you to make the most out of the remaining time in your summer.Door Fishhook, Inc.

In this episode, Evan and Aimee talk about the journey Fishhook took to move online engagement out of the margin and into the main focus of our own marketing. Hear the story of how Aimee joined the team, and consider what you and your church might want to move from the fringe of your efforts and into the center of your work.…

Sometimes, a great movie or book can help us see truth and bring clarity to a new way of thinking about ministry. In this episode of Communicate Church, we are taking a swing at our own version of "At the Movies," with a full episode talking about the baseball classic, Field of Dreams. Lindsay shares wisdom, insight, and a few favorite scenes from …

For some, goal setting is a natural part of their work. For others, goals feeling constricting or even unnecessary. In this episode of Communicate Church, Aimee talks to Adam about why goal setting matters and what churches give up by not being intentional to set and pursue goals. Links mentioned: Strategic Goal Setting Worksheet Free Communication…

Big news this week: we are heading to two new cities! In this episode, hear about our plans to set up shop in two new cities beyond Indianapolis. Plus learn more about our next pop-up workshop, taking place on May 31. Also, we have an experiment. We'd love to hear from you! Questions? Thoughts? Any feedback about the podcast? Send us an email at po…

Nona Jones leads Global Faith-Based Partnerships for Facebook and she's on our podcast today. After hearing her speak at the Big Idea Conference, we knew that our listeners had to hear her powerful message for churches. In this episode, she shares practical tips on how you can leverage Facebook as a ministry platform and will stretch your thinking …

We interviewed Kem Meyer, author of “Less Chaos. Less Noise.: Effective Communications for an Effective Church.” In this episode of Communicate Church, Kem shares some of the lessons she learned during her 12-year career as a church communications director and how she hopes her book will help church communicators “stop the crazy.” This is a rebroad…

It's an experimental episode! Follow along as part of the Fishhook team travels to Nashville, Tennessee! Evan, Shayla, and Adam headed south to present at The Big Idea conference. Plus, a surprise guest joins the road trip. Listen in on the conversations on the road and in-between sessions as you learn more about the people and the story of Fishhoo…

In this episode, Adam and Aimee explore every aspect of Instagram. Whether you are new to the platform or are trying to master Stories, this episode has something for you. The big take away: start using Instagram to rally your church and reach out to your community.Door Fishhook, Inc.

We've made the jump to releasing new episodes every week! In this episode, we are talking about the guest experience through the eyes of our two Fishhook designers, Meredith and Jeremiah. From your website to the parking lot to the worship service slides, design choices are everywhere. Clear is better than clever and this episode will help you unde…

In this episode, Facebook takes center stage. We have a wide-ranging conversation about the fears churches have about Facebook, the controversy around privacy, and the key opportunities you might be missing if you are only using Facebook for marketing. Plus, we have some exciting news at the end of this episode!…

In this episode, we talk what guests are expecting on Easter Sunday along with how to keep the momentum going after Easter. With the big day falling so early in the calendar, how can you make the most of the next two months for your community? And you'll get three “rapid fire” tips our team has been sharing with churches recently!…

We’re launching a new format for the podcast! In this episode, three Fishhookers pull up a chair and have a conversation about how churches can best leverage video on social media and their websites. Hear what the Fishhook team has been up to, learn about an upcoming event in Nashville, and get three “rapid fire” tips our team has been sharing with…

Churches have to be willing to self-assess what is and isn't quite working, then have the courage to make the changes necessary to move the church forward.Door Fishhook, Inc.

Adam Waters discusses the importance of recognizing blind-spots and honest self-assessment and self-disclosure in leadership communications.Door Fishhook, Inc.

Hap Lehman discusses the importance of honest self-assessment and adjustment through the process of leadership.Door Fishhook, Inc.

Peter and Joel Yoshonis discuss how to navigate through decisions that have the potential to create community backlash.Door Fishhook, Inc.

Laura Bice and Mike Yoder discuss how The Vineyard Church of Central Illinois navigates through communications at a church with multiple campuses.Door Fishhook, Inc.

Balancing family and work life is important for everyone, but it is even more important for the family in ministry.Door Fishhook, Inc.

Peter and Joel Yoshonis discuss how they navigate the potentially tricky issue that can arise when family works together.Door Fishhook, Inc.

Matt and Janie Mehaffey discuss the dynamics between the pastor and spouse as they journey down the road of ministry in the local church.Door Fishhook, Inc.

Church leadership and attenders engaging in collaborative change is required for any church to make significant progress forward.Door Fishhook, Inc.

Pastor Rick Thiemke discusses the importance of community networking as a local pastor.Door Fishhook, Inc.

Pastor Chris Philbeck describes the process of dreaming of, creating and communicating through the transition of adding a new service.Door Fishhook, Inc.

Pastor Chris Philbeck discusses how to reverse the trend of declining frequency of church attendance by creating moments of momentum to keep people engaged with the mission and vision of the church.Door Fishhook, Inc.

Hear about how pastors and staff can approach their churches can assess their culture and implement change in a change averse culture.Door Fishhook, Inc.

Hear about how pastors and staff can approach their churches and communities as a missionary.Door Fishhook, Inc.

In the local church, the weekend keeps coming! When one event or service is done, we’re often so quick to jump back on the treadmill to the next thing, that we miss an opportunity to learn or improve. Weekend Services Pastor for Northview Church, Greg Wallace, talks about creating a healthy process for evaluating worship services/events and communi…

Leaders in the church can sometimes be overly "nice" in order to avoid conflict or because it feels more Christ-like, but Greg Wallace shares with us that your staff and volunteers can't achieve success unless you "define the win" for them. As Weekend Services Pastor at Northview Church, Greg talks with Evan about saying what needs to be said with …

As a self-proclaimed introvert, author/blogger Tracy Bray shares stories of people she meets while living full-time on the road in an RV with her family. In this episode of Communicate Church, Tracy talks about the importance of knowing who you’re writing for in order to remain genuine and authentic, and the danger of measuring your worth by your s…

“You get a car!” Today, Evan talks with author/blogger Tracy Bray about her unexpected gift from Oprah, what it’s like to be a “fulltime RV family” and how she built a following writing from the road before blogging was mainstream. Tracy shares tips for overcoming frustration in writing, how meeting new people shapes a story and how much transparen…