Menu

Blog

Sermon Series Design for Churches

What Is a Sermon Series (and Why Does Every Church Need One?)

, 0

If you’re leading a church in 2025, you’ve likely heard the term “sermon series.” But what does it really mean, and why are sermon series such a powerful tool for healthy, growing congregations? Whether you’re preaching through a book of the Bible or addressing real-life issues, the way you package your preaching matters more than ever.

What is a Sermon Series?

A sermon series is a group of messages connected by a common theme, topic, or book of the Bible, delivered over several weeks. Instead of each Sunday’s sermon standing alone, a series lets you explore a subject in depth, build anticipation, and keep people engaged week after week.

For example, you might spend four weeks unpacking “The Parables of Jesus,” six weeks in a series called “Faith Over Fear,” or eight weeks journeying through the Book of Ephesians. Each message builds on the last, helping people see the bigger picture.

Expository vs. Topical Preaching: Both Can Be a Series

Some church leaders prefer expository preaching—going verse-by-verse through books of the Bible—while others use topical preaching, addressing specific subjects or life questions. The truth is, both styles benefit from being presented as a series.

  • Expository Series: You might preach through the Book of Ephesians over 8 weeks, breaking the book into sections that make sense as individual messages. For example:
    • “New Life in Christ” (Ephesians 1–2)
    • “God’s New Family” (Ephesians 3–4)
    • “Walking in Love” (Ephesians 5)
    • “The Armor of God” (Ephesians 6)
    Each part has a clear title and focus, making it easier for people to follow along and invite others.
  • Topical Series: You could spend a month on “Healthy Relationships,” drawing insights from multiple scriptures, or do a three-week series on “Overcoming Anxiety” using biblical examples.

Even if you’re preaching expository, simply “packaging” your teaching into a series—with a name, graphics, and a schedule—helps people connect and engage. Series give context, clarity, and a natural sense of momentum.

Why Do Churches Use Sermon Series?

1. They Create “On-Ramps” for Invitations

Sermon series give your church members a simple, compelling reason to invite friends and family.
“We’re starting a new series on mental health next week—want to check it out with me?”

A new series feels like a fresh start, and the clear focus makes it less intimidating for newcomers.

2. They Give People a Reason to Come Back

One of the most practical benefits of a sermon series is that it naturally encourages people to return week after week. When people know a series isn’t finished—whether you’re teasing next Sunday’s topic or there’s a storyline unfolding—they’re more likely to plan on coming back to hear what happens next.
It builds anticipation and momentum, even for those who don’t regularly attend.

3. They Help People Go Deeper

A series lets you dig into a topic or book, giving people time to process, reflect, and apply what they’re learning week after week. It builds spiritual momentum.

4. They Make Planning and Promotion Easier

With a series, your whole team can prepare together—worship, kids’ ministry, small groups, and communications can all pull in the same direction. You can plan creative elements, coordinate themes, and promote your church in the community.

Using Graphic Design with Your Sermon Series

In a visually driven world, great graphics are a game changer for sermon series. A compelling sermon series graphic acts as the “cover art” for your series—catching attention on social media, your website, flyers, email newsletters, and even outside your church building.

Strong visuals do three things:

  • Create anticipation and recognition: People remember your series and know what’s coming up.
  • Make invitations easier: Members can easily share a graphic or post online.
  • Tell your story visually: Graphics set the emotional tone for what’s ahead.

Tools and Resources for Sermon Series Graphics

  • Canva for Nonprofits:
    Churches qualify for a free premium Canva account! It’s user-friendly and loaded with templates, stock images, and design tools.
  • Life.Church Open Network:
    Offers hundreds of free, high-quality sermon series graphics, video bumpers, and resources you can use or customize.
  • Other Resources:
    CreationSwap, Church Motion Graphics, and Igniter Media have both free and premium graphics, backgrounds, and videos.
  • Hire a Professional:
    For a custom look that matches your church’s unique style, consider hiring a freelance designer or media ministry expert to create original graphics, flyers, and video bumpers.

How to Start a Sermon Series at Your Church

  1. Pick Your Theme or Book:
    What does your church need to hear right now? Pray, listen, and brainstorm with your leadership team.
  2. Map Out the Series:
    Break the topic or book into 3–8 messages—whatever fits your goals and church rhythm.
  3. Get Your Team On Board:
    Involve worship, small group, and communications teams early for maximum impact.
  4. Plan Graphics and Promotion:
    Design series artwork and schedule social media, email, and flyer promotions at least two weeks before your series launches.
  5. Launch Big—And Keep Inviting:
    Make your series kickoff feel like an event. Encourage your church to invite, share, and pray for new guests every week.

Ready to Make Your Next Sermon Series Stand Out?

If you want your next sermon series to have custom, professional graphics, flyers, and video bumpers—or you want help with strategy, promotion, or branding—I’d love to help.

Reach out to Hatcher Media for custom sermon series design and consulting:
Contact me today at Hatcher Media and let’s make your message unforgettable.

Check out some of the Sermon Series Artwork and Video that We Have Made

Leadership Development

Effective Leadership: How Integrity, Compassion, and Purpose Drive Success

0

Leadership isn’t a privilege reserved for the few—it’s a skill that anyone can develop and, in fact, should develop. No matter where you stand in an organization or community, you have the power to lead. Leadership doesn’t require a title. It requires a mindset, a set of principles, and the willingness to act with integrity and compassion.

As we dive into what makes great leadership, let’s begin with this fundamental truth: leadership is about influence, not position.

Leadership is for Everyone

It’s easy to think of leadership as something for the “chosen” few—the charismatic, the outgoing, the bold. Yet the reality is far broader. Leadership can and should come from all levels. Whether you’re at the top of the pyramid or at the entry-level, you are still in a position to lead through your actions, your attitude, and your character. It’s the ability to influence others and inspire them to do their best, not the title you hold, that makes someone a true leader.

As leadership expert John C. Maxwell famously said, “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” This quote emphasizes that leadership is about influence and personal impact, not just hierarchical status or authority. Whether you’re a senior executive or a team member, your actions, decisions, and attitude can influence those around you for the better.

Integrity: The Core of Leadership

The foundation of leadership is integrity. It’s the unwavering commitment to doing what’s right, even when no one is watching. A leader without integrity can make a lot of noise, but their influence will be shallow and short-lived. Integrity is what builds trust, and trust is the cornerstone of effective leadership.

Every leader has a choice: to lead based on principles or to cut corners for short-term gain. Leadership rooted in integrity may not always yield immediate rewards, but over time, it builds a reputation that commands respect. People follow leaders they can trust, and trust is never built on false promises or manipulation.

Take Abraham Lincoln, for instance. Lincoln led the United States through its most challenging period—the Civil War—with an unwavering commitment to unity and freedom. His leadership wasn’t about popularity, but about doing what was morally right, even when it came at great personal and political cost. Lincoln’s legacy is one of honesty, moral courage, and dedication to a higher principle. His integrity was clear in his speeches and decisions, and it earned him the trust of the American people, even in the most divided times.

Compassionate Leadership: Understanding and Empowering Others

A compassionate leader is someone who sees beyond the task at hand and genuinely cares about the people they lead. Leadership isn’t about exerting control over others—it’s about empowering them to be their best. A compassionate leader invests in their team, recognizing that the people they lead are not just workers—they are individuals with their own goals, challenges, and potential.

As former U.S. Army General Colin Powell once said, “The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help them or concluded that you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership.” Powell’s words capture the essence of compassionate leadership: it’s not just about giving orders—it’s about being engaged, listening to your team, and offering support when it’s needed most. Compassionate leadership means ensuring that the people you lead know they matter, and that their challenges are recognized and addressed.

Self-Awareness: The Key to Leading Yourself

Before you can lead others, you need to first lead yourself. Self-awareness is the ability to understand your own strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. It’s about having the discipline to be honest with yourself and the humility to seek improvement.

Great leaders are constantly evaluating their own performance, questioning their decisions, and striving for personal growth. They know that leadership is not just about instructing others; it’s about being an example. When you lead yourself with integrity, discipline, and humility, others will naturally follow suit.

Consider the example of Winston Churchill. Churchill’s leadership during World War II was shaped by a deep understanding of his own strengths and vulnerabilities. He was acutely aware of his own limitations and failures, but he used his self-awareness to inspire and lead his nation through one of the darkest periods in history. His speeches were not only a call to action—they were an expression of his personal commitment to overcoming fear and adversity. Churchill knew the stakes, and his self-awareness fueled his resolve to inspire others.

Trust: The Currency of Leadership

One of the most important elements of leadership is trust. Without trust, no leader can inspire loyalty or commitment from their team. It’s easy to say, “Trust me,” but trust must be earned. It takes time, consistency, and a proven track record of reliability and honesty.

Building trust begins with honesty. Be open and transparent with your team, even when it’s uncomfortable. When things go wrong, admit your mistakes and take responsibility. Transparency and honesty are cornerstones of building trust. If your team senses that you are authentic, they are more likely to trust you and follow your lead.

However, trust isn’t just about being trusted—it’s also about trusting others. Effective leadership requires the ability to delegate, to put faith in your team, and to allow others to take ownership. Trust is a two-way street, and as a leader, it’s essential that you give trust in order to receive it.

Take the leadership style of Dwight D. Eisenhower during World War II. Eisenhower was able to bring together a diverse group of Allied forces, each with their own priorities and strategies. His ability to trust his generals, allow them autonomy, and listen to their feedback created the cohesion that ultimately led to victory. Eisenhower didn’t just command with authority—he commanded with trust, which empowered others to do their best work.

Communication: The Lifeblood of Leadership

Clear and consistent communication is a must for any effective leader. It’s not enough to have a vision—you have to articulate it in a way that inspires and motivates others. Communication is about more than just giving instructions; it’s about fostering an environment of openness and engagement.

Leaders who communicate clearly set expectations, share feedback, and listen to their teams. They understand that communication is a two-way street. The more effectively you communicate, the more aligned your team will be, and the more cohesive your efforts will become.

As the writer and businessman Peter Drucker once said, “The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” Effective communication is about understanding both the spoken and unspoken needs of your team. Leaders who excel in communication actively listen, engage with their team’s concerns, and adapt their approach to create clarity and alignment.

Leading with a Purpose

At the heart of every great leader is a sense of purpose. A leader who is driven by a clear vision and set of values can inspire others to get on board and push toward a shared goal. Without a purpose, leadership becomes a hollow exercise in managing people. But when you lead with purpose, you create an environment where everyone is working toward a common mission.

To lead with purpose, you must align your personal values with the mission of your team or organization. This alignment fosters a sense of meaning in what you do and helps you to make decisions that reflect your higher ideals. A leader without purpose cannot inspire others to follow.

Final Thoughts

Leadership isn’t reserved for those with titles or power. It’s for anyone who is willing to take responsibility for their actions and influence others positively. Whether you’re leading a team or simply taking charge of your own life, the principles of leadership remain the same: lead with integrity, communicate clearly, and always prioritize the people you lead. Leadership is a journey—one that’s built on self-awareness, trust, and compassion.

By cultivating these qualities, anyone can be a leader. Not because of their position or authority, but because of their ability to inspire others to follow their example. And in doing so, they’ll not only create great teams but help others become better leaders as well.

About Josh Hatcher

Josh Hatcher - Manlihood

Josh Hatcher is an experienced content creator, podcast host, and marketing professional with a deep commitment to empowering others through leadership. As the founder of Manlihood, Josh helps men develop their potential, build strong relationships, and become better leaders in their personal and professional lives. With a background in creative marketing, media, and podcast production, Josh blends his knowledge of communication with his passion for mentorship to inspire individuals to step up and lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose.

Whether it’s through his podcast, speaking engagements, or his work in marketing, Josh has consistently demonstrated the power of authentic leadership. His journey is one of continuous growth, driven by a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others, while always striving to be the best version of himself.

diy affordable podcast production and marketing

Podcast Production and Marketing on a Limited Budget: A Guide for Creators

0

Podcasting is one of the most effective ways to connect with an audience, share your story, and establish yourself as a thought leader. However, for many creators, the cost of high-end production equipment, professional editing, and marketing can be a barrier. Fortunately, creating a successful podcast doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right approach, you can produce and market your podcast on a budget while still achieving great results.

Start with the Essentials: Recording and Equipment on a Budget

While it’s tempting to invest in top-tier equipment, you can start a podcast with minimal upfront costs. Here are a few cost-effective ways to get started:

1. Quality Microphone – The Foundation of Good Audio

Your microphone is the most important piece of equipment when it comes to podcast production. Audio quality matters, and a poor microphone can make even the best content sound unprofessional. Fortunately, there are great budget-friendly microphones that deliver crisp, clear sound. Options like the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB or the Samson Q2U offer excellent sound quality for around $70–100.

2. Free or Low-Cost Recording Software

Many podcasters get started using free or low-cost recording software. For instance, Audacity is a popular, open-source option that provides robust editing and recording features. If you’re using a Mac, GarageBand is a great alternative. These tools are packed with enough features to get you started, and as your podcast grows, you can explore paid upgrades.

3. A Quiet Environment

You don’t need a professional soundproof studio to record a podcast. What you need is a quiet space where you can control the sound. Avoid recording in spaces with hard surfaces that cause echoes, and try using soft materials (like blankets or pillows) to dampen noise. If possible, record during quieter times of the day, when there’s less outside noise.

Editing and Producing Your Podcast: DIY or Low-Cost Solutions

Once you’ve recorded your podcast, the next step is editing. While hiring a professional editor can enhance the quality, it’s not always a feasible option when you’re working with a limited budget. Here’s how to DIY your editing:

1. Mastering the Basics of Editing

Editing your own podcast may seem overwhelming at first, but with a little practice, it becomes easier. Start by learning the basic functions of your chosen software—cutting unwanted sections, adjusting volume levels, and adding intros and outros. The more you practice, the faster you’ll get.

You can also take advantage of online tutorials to speed up your learning curve. Platforms like YouTube are packed with free content for podcasting tips and tricks.

2. Hire an Affordable Professional You Can Trust

While DIY editing can be a great way to start, eventually, you might find that you need some help to save time and maintain a professional sound. Rather than relying on crowdsourcing platforms like Fiverr, consider hiring an affordable professional you can trust—someone who understands your vision and style. A trusted professional will not only deliver high-quality editing but can also help guide you as your podcast grows. This can be a more sustainable long-term solution that ensures you stay on track and keep your podcast sounding great.

3. Use Free Music and Sound Effects

Adding intro music, sound effects, or background music can elevate the quality of your podcast. But purchasing royalty-free music can be costly. Instead, look for free music libraries like Free Music Archive, YouTube Audio Library, or Incompetech, which offer high-quality, royalty-free tracks you can use in your podcast.

Marketing Your Podcast Without Spending Big

Once you’ve got your podcast up and running, it’s time to focus on growing your audience. Marketing your podcast on a limited budget doesn’t require spending tons of money—it requires creativity, consistency, and leveraging the resources you already have. Here’s how to start:

1. Leverage Social Media

Social media is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal for promoting your podcast. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok give you a free, easy way to reach your audience.

  • Create Snippets: Pull short, impactful audio or video clips from each episode and share them as teasers on social media. This gives followers a taste of your content and encourages them to listen to the full episode.
  • Cross-Promote: Share your podcast across multiple platforms to maximize reach. For instance, post your latest episode on Instagram Stories, tweet about it on Twitter, or even create a LinkedIn post for a more professional audience.
  • Join Niche Communities: Engage with communities related to your podcast’s topic, such as Facebook groups, subreddits, or forums. Sharing your podcast in these spaces (without spamming) can help you attract listeners who are genuinely interested in your content.

2. Guest Appearances and Collaborations

Collaborating with other podcasters or guests in your niche is a great way to expand your reach. By having guests on your podcast or guesting on others’ shows, you tap into their established audiences. Make sure to cross-promote each other’s episodes on social media to maximize the exposure.

3. Submit to Podcast Directories

Getting your podcast into the right directories is essential for visibility. Submit your podcast to directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher. While these platforms don’t charge for submission, they offer significant exposure that can help attract listeners.

4. Encourage Reviews and Ratings

Positive reviews and ratings are vital for building social proof and attracting new listeners. Ask your current listeners to leave reviews on platforms like Apple Podcasts. You can even incentivize this by offering exclusive content or shoutouts on your show in exchange for reviews. The more reviews you get, the higher your chances of being discovered by new audiences.

5. Consistency is Key

The more consistent you are with posting episodes, the more likely you are to retain and grow your audience. Whether you release episodes weekly, biweekly, or monthly, make sure you stick to a schedule. Listeners love predictability, and a regular release schedule can boost listener loyalty and attract more subscribers over time.

Final Thoughts: Do More with Less

Creating and marketing a podcast on a limited budget may take a little extra effort, but it’s entirely possible with the right strategies. By focusing on the essentials, leveraging free resources, and being consistent in your approach, you can produce a podcast that resonates with your audience and grows over time.

Remember that podcasting is about more than just great sound—it’s about the value you provide to your listeners. Focus on delivering quality content and building relationships, and the rest will follow. And as your podcast grows, you can always reinvest in improving your production quality and expanding your marketing efforts.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your microphone, start recording, and let your podcast journey begin!

Need Help with Podcast Production or Marketing?

At Hatcher Media, we specialize in helping creators like you launch and grow successful podcasts. Whether you’re looking for expert podcast production, seamless editing, or strategic marketing guidance, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life—without breaking the bank.

Don’t navigate the podcasting journey alone. Contact Hatcher Media today to get personalized, affordable support from a professional you can trust. Let’s work together to make your podcast the best it can be!

Reach out now and start your podcasting journey with confidence!

OnlinePDFTooltoHelpYouCreateGreatPresentations

Online PDF Tool to Help You Create Great Presentations

, 0

Editors Note: This guest post talks about an online tool for making great presentations.

Giving a presentation is never an easy job. We can probably agree that for many people the most difficult part is the actual preparation. Nowadays, it is important to create a unique and dynamic presentation to keep your audience’s attention. This can lead to a constant struggle between keeping your information relevant and interesting which sometimes can be difficult to achieve. People have embraced a modern style of presentations and it’s highly desirable to keep this in mind when creating one. Since most presentations are in PowerPoint, the design and structure can be an obstacle for some inexperienced people. Luckily, there are some online tools that can help you prepare your presentations in a much easier manner.

Investintech.com released a new online tool that can directly convert your PDF to PowerPoint. It has integrated Optical Character Recognition software that is making those conversions 100% accurate. It provides unique quality with no limitations on the file size or the number of pages. On the top of that, it’s completely free and converts both scanned and native PDFs into fully editable .pptx files. With a tool like this, preparing your presentation will be not just be easy, but it will be fun as well.OnlinePDFTooltoHelpYouCreateGreatPresentations

Here is a full set of features that makes this online software different from other similar solutions:

Converts both scanned (image) and native PDFs to .pptx file format
Fully web based with no limits on the number of conversions
No need to install anything on your computer
No limitations on the file size or number of pages
Accessible from all devices and browsers
100% free to use without any limitations

Besides all this, Investintech guarantees that your email address will be kept private and not sold to third parties. Also, all documents are deleted from the servers after 24 hours.

Investintech’s PDF to PowerPoint is a really useful tool that can save you a lot of hours when it comes to preparing long presentations. It’s easy to use and when you try it once, you will use it over and over again for free.

holiday marketing basics

Holiday Marketing Basics: After the Holidays!

, , , 0

Holiday Marketing Basics: After the Holidays!

holiday marketing basicsHolidays are often a time when small retail businesses go from “red to black” – and a lot of that has to do with how they do their marketing. How should you market for the holidays?

Don’t think that just because you are done with Christmas that you are done with marketing!
A lot of people got gift certificates and CASH for Christmas – especially kids and teenagers! Guess what – before they go back to school the first week in January – their parents are going to take them shopping to spend their Christmas money – and yet – I don’t often see ads speaking to this.

What if you KILLED it with marketing that starts on December 26th and tries to capture parents and kids wanting to spend Christmas money? I bet you would make almost as much as you did the month before Christmas!

holiday marketing basics

Holiday Marketing Basics: Heartfelt Sentiments

, 0

Holiday Marketing Basics: Heartfelt Sentiments

holiday marketing basicsHolidays are often a time when small retail businesses go from “red to black” – and a lot of that has to do with how they do their marketing. How should you market for the holidays? Stick around each week till New Year’s and we’ll tell you!

There’s a battle over saying “Merry Christmas” vs “Happy Holidays. I could honestly care less. I celebrate Christmas, because I’m a Christian. I’m not going to be offended if someone wishes me Happy Solstice. They shouldn’t be offended if I wish them a Merry Christmas! Wishing people nice things is good. We should say THANKS. 🙂

Let me encourage you to tell your employees to be gracious, and to wish people a heartfelt greeting for whatever their own individual holiday is. Tell them to be polite if people are offended.

Using your social media, email newsletter, blog, newspaper and radio ads – make it a point to offer some sweet heartfelt greetings about the holidays. Touch people’s hearts. Stir their emotions. These are things many people are already feeling around the holidays – love, nostalgia, joy, etc. Tap into the emotions they are feeling – or if they are feeling stress, fear, anxiety, etc… tap into those emotions and OFFER hope, love, joy, peace – and you’ll win their hearts.

Your competition in business is seldom the enemy. Your enemy is the attitudes and mindsets in your potential customers that keep them away from you. The battlefield is in the minds of your potential customers, and the enemy is not a competing business. You want to win? Win the hearts and minds of people. Stir their emotions, touch their hearts, change their minds.  Then they’ll give you money. They’ll THROW money at you.

Load More

Back To Top
Hatcher Media: Expert Podcast Production & Promotion At Hatcher Media, we specialize in high-quality podcast production and podcast promotion to help you grow your audience and elevate your brand. With years of experience in creative marketing, media, and podcasting, we provide comprehensive services to ensure your podcast stands out. From concept to launch, we handle the technical aspects, leaving you free to focus on creating engaging content. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your reach, Hatcher Media has the expertise to help you succeed in the world of podcasting.
Powered by WordPress • Themify WordPress Themes