Better Roots Podcast

The Good, The Bad, and The Holy

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0500

When big plans meet real life, the details don’t always cooperate—and that may be where the holy moments begin.

In this week's episode, Ryan Follis shares a rain-soaked Cancun excursion gone sideways and how it connects to the challenges of planning Back to Church Sunday in a small church. Explore how to balance vision with flexibility, delegate wisely, invite people with intention, and stay present enough to notice the relationships God places right in front of you.

Because the goal isn’t a flawless event. It’s faithful people, meaningful connection, and room for God to work in the unexpected.

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All in the Family: The Few and The Fallen

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Better Roots Podcast, Ryan Follis reflects on the response to a recent social-media clip and explores the difference between perceived experience and personal experience. He invites listeners—especially pastors and church leaders—to step away from outrage and doom scrolling, listen more carefully, and choose real conversations over comment-section conflict.

Ryan also shares why ministry is about more than a single ceremony or online moment: it’s about walking alongside people through marriage, family, loss, faith, and life together.

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Presence Over Performance: How the Church Fails Families in Crisis

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Ryan isn’t holding back in today's episode. After walking alongside a church family grieving the loss of their son last week, Ryan and Kenzie have a raw, emotionally charged conversation about what real ministry looks like in a crisis. While providing tangible tips for how to practically care for families, they challenge churches to stop treating care like a checklist. This episode is a blunt reminder that people may forget the sermon, but they won’t forget who stepped into the dark moments with them.

This isn’t an episode for people who like everything wrapped in eloquent, polished language. It’s raw, honest, and a little fired up—because caring for families in crisis is too important for empty church-speak.

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The Church as an Adventure

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Pastor Ryan Follis explores the tension every church faces: becoming a museum—rigid, stagnant, and inward-focused—or becoming a concert—experience-driven, culturally familiar, and spiritually shallow.

Using the image of riding a bike, Ryan shares why faithful ministry requires ongoing balance: holding firmly to biblical truth while extending genuine grace, building meaningful community, and actively reaching people beyond the church walls. He reflects on leadership culture, changing ministry methods, outreach that creates real connection, and one essential question: If Jesus walked into your church this Sunday, what would He see?

A practical encouragement for church leaders and believers who want their faith to keep moving forward with purpose, joy, and integrity.

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Silence is Golden

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Slow down, silence the noise, and rediscover prayer as a deep conversation with God. This episode explores contemplative prayer, Scripture reflection, and the courage to bring God-sized prayers into His presence.

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What Happens When You're NOT Making Plans

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Better Roots Podcast, Ryan Follis challenges small-church pastors and leaders to turn vision into action through intentional planning.

As fall approaches, Ryan shares why churches need more than a calendar full of events. Healthy ministry requires clear goals, assigned responsibilities, and practical steps to make the vision happen. Using the metaphor of coaches and players, he encourages pastors to equip others rather than trying to do everything themselves.

From Back to Church Sunday and small groups to worship and special events, Ryan offers practical ways to use a simple 90-day planning rhythm to empower volunteers, avoid last-minute chaos, and create healthier ministry.

Vision matters—but planning is what turns vision into ministry.

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Players & Coaches | Part 2

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Ryan Follis continues his Players and Coaches series by exploring the vital role of church members as ministry leaders. Discover how spiritual gifts, servant leadership, and peer-to-peer discipleship create a healthier church culture where pastors equip, leaders empower, and every believer finds their place in ministry. Learn why great churches aren’t built by one person doing everything—they’re built by people using their God-given gifts to serve, lead, and grow together.

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Players & Coaches | Part 1

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Pastors aren’t called to be the star players—they’re called to be the coaches. In this episode of Better Roots, Ryan Follis explores how healthy churches grow when leaders equip others for ministry, develop future leaders, and learn to step off the field so others can thrive. Using lessons from sports, discipleship, and small-church ministry, this episode offers practical insight into building a church that lasts beyond one person’s leadership.

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Marriage as Ministry: A Pastor's Role for the Wedding Day and Beyond

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Weddings can be exhausting for pastors, but they can also be one of the most meaningful ministries a church offers.

In this episode, Ryan Follis shares stories from more than 20 years of officiating weddings, from hilarious mishaps and unforgettable ceremonies to the deeper spiritual significance of marriage. Along the way, he explores why weddings are more than a legal contract, how churches can use marriage ministry as outreach, and what it means to help couples prepare for a lifetime together.

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The Ministry of Showing Up: Pastoral Care Beyond the Pulpit

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0500

People often remember who showed up in their crisis more than what was preached from the pulpit.

When people face their darkest moments, what does it look like for the church to truly show up? In this episode, Ryan Follis shares why pastoral care remains one of the most powerful—and often overlooked—ministries in the local church. Discover how small churches can bring hope, presence, and practical support when it matters most.

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Preaching and Hearing

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Every Sunday, pastors step into pulpits wondering: Who is this message for? In this episode, Pastor Ryan Follis explores the art of preaching—from building sermons that inspire transformation to using modern tools without losing biblical faithfulness. Discover why preaching in a small church isn't a lesser calling—it's a unique opportunity to change lives, one sermon at a time.

Share this episode with a pastor, church leader, or ministry volunteer who could use encouragement in the important work of serving the local church.

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Deeper Still: Serving is Self-Formation

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Serving others changes the servant.

In this episode of the Better Roots Podcast, Ryan Follis explores a deeper theological question behind ministry, leadership, and discipleship: What is God doing in us when we serve others? Drawing from the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Augustine, Ryan challenges the idea that service is merely transactional and argues that the people we serve are often the very people God uses to shape us.

Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or faithful volunteer, this conversation will encourage you to see difficult relationships, ministry frustrations, and everyday acts of service through a new lens. The people who challenge you most may not be obstacles to your calling—they may be God's curriculum for your spiritual formation.

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The Life of a Volunteer Sound Guy

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Excellence in ministry isn’t reserved for churches with big budgets and full-time staff. In this episode of Better Roots, Ryan sits down with Aaron, a volunteer who went from knowing nothing about sound systems to leading the church’s audio ministry. Together they share the challenges, victories, and practical lessons of creating quality worship experiences in a small church. From solving decade-old sound issues to training volunteers and implementing new tech, this conversation is packed with encouragement for churches doing ministry with limited resources and unlimited faith.

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Doctrine & Decisions: How the Small Church Handles Uncomfortable Situations

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Doctrine is easy in theory. Applying it to real people is where ministry gets complicated.

When difficult issues walk through the front door, how do leaders respond with both conviction and compassion? Ryan shares practical wisdom for navigating tough conversations, avoiding reactionary policies, and building a church culture rooted in grace, truth, and discipleship.

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Summer Fun, Here We Come!

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Summer attendance may dip, but that doesn’t mean your church has to slow down. In this episode of Better Roots, Ryan Follis challenges small church leaders to stop viewing summer as a season of survival and start seeing it as one of their greatest opportunities for ministry.

From Vacation Bible School and youth camps to local mission projects and creative Sunday gatherings, Ryan shares practical ways churches can engage their communities, build meaningful relationships, and plant seeds that can bear fruit for years to come. You'll discover how to turn the “summer slump” into a season of intentional discipleship, outreach, and growth—even with limited resources.

If you're a pastor, ministry leader, or church volunteer looking for fresh ideas to make the most of the summer months, this episode is packed with encouragement and actionable strategies.

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The Sound of One Hand Clapping

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Better Roots Podcast, Ryan Follis challenges pastors and church leaders to stop listening only to the voices already in the room. From attendance trends and giving patterns to community feedback and leadership accountability, healthy churches are willing to hear the perspectives they may be missing. Learn why asking hard questions, tracking what matters, and inviting honest outside input can be the difference between maintaining the status quo and building a church with deeper roots and lasting kingdom impact.

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Leadership That Builds Healthy Churches

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0500

What separates a pastor from a leader? In this episode, Ryan Follis sits down with long time mentor and veteran pastor Daniel Messner to explore the leadership lessons that transformed a struggling church into a thriving ministry. From developing a clear vision and empowering others to navigating conflict and building healthy church culture, Daniel shares practical wisdom gained from decades of ministry. Whether you lead a church, a ministry team, or volunteers, this conversation will challenge you to lead with confidence, invest in people, and create a culture where growth and discipleship can flourish.

Interested in joining the Network? Click HERE to apply!

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The Vision Behind Better Roots

Mon, 25 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Behind every healthy church are deeper roots. In this episode of the Better Roots Podcast, Ryan shares the heart and vision behind Better Roots and why strong foundations matter for healthy, lasting ministry. Through practical insights on leadership, relationships, and church health, this conversation explores how small churches can thrive, build stronger communities, and weather every season with purpose and resilience. Whether you’re a pastor, leader, or church member, this episode offers encouragement and perspective for cultivating deeper roots that lead to lasting kingdom impact.

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The Baptism Experience in a Small Church

Mon, 18 May 2026 05:00:00 -0500

What does it really take to create meaningful baptism moments in a small church? In this episode of the Better Roots Podcast, we unpack the real-life challenges, powerful stories, and meaningful moments behind baptism in small churches — from hilarious logistical mishaps to life-changing transformations. You’ll also hear practical ways churches can create meaningful invitations, prepare for baptism Sundays, and help people take their next step in faith. Discover why small churches are uniquely positioned to make ministry feel personal, authentic, and deeply rooted.

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Baptism, Belonging, and Better Roots with Pastor Breck Nelson

Mon, 11 May 2026 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Better Roots Podcast, Ryan Follis and Pastor Breck Nelson, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Hillsboro, discuss why baptism and discipleship look different in small churches. From building authentic relationships to creating welcoming spaces for families, they unpack how healthy churches help people feel truly known — not just attended.

You’ll hear powerful stories of spontaneous baptisms, church revitalization, ministry with limited resources, and why small churches may be uniquely positioned to create lasting Kingdom impact.

If you’ve ever felt discouraged in small church ministry, this conversation is a reminder: God still works through small beginnings.

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From Guest to Greeter

Mon, 04 May 2026 09:00:00 -0500

What if the key to church growth isn’t more programs, but better connections? In this episode, Ryan shares practical strategies for creating a welcoming culture—even with limited people and resources. Discover the “guest to greeter” approach, why relationships matter more than programs, and how simple systems can help your church grow with purpose.

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Using Technology for Connection

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Today, Ryan is joined with Kenzie Cunningham, the Network's Administrative Assistant. Together they discuss the importance of technology and the nuance of using it for the small community church. In a world of growing tech, they raise the question, what is necessary for your church and are you using it to lead your guests and church members into better connection? Listen in as they give tangible first steps for Using Technology for Connection (and spoiler alert, it's more simple than you think!)

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What is the FBC Network?

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0500

At the FBC Network we are passionate about connecting small community churches through tools, knowledge, and experience, to help Form Better Communities. Small town churches tend to look to what larger/city churches are doing to find their next steps, but many times the practices of the large church don't translate to the smaller church model. That's where the FBC Network comes in! We are here to help your church grow Better Roots so that it can flourish within the community God has planted it.

Interested in joining the Network? Click HERE to apply!

Learn more at our website: www.thefbcnetwork.com

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