The One Thing

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
Credits: 
The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠
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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 

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