EST. - For the Established Church with Micah Fries, Sam Rainer and Josh King

Here we go—the last episode of Est.Church. Micah Fries is back for the final one! But the conversation continues...Josh and Sam are migrating the Est.Church conversation to the Rainer on Leadership podcast in January. If you are not subscribed to Rainer on Leadership, you can do so in your favorite podcasting app. Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Churchteams is offering a special 30-minute demo of its new user interface to Est.Church listeners on November 7th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. The first 15 registrants who attend will receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Everyone who attends and starts using Churchteams gets the first three months free. If you have thought about checking out new ChMS software, it doesn't get better than this! Go to Est. Church to register or use Text-to-Church and send DEMO to (817) 677-9750.

Josh and Sam welcome Micah Fries back to the show and reminisce about the early days of this podcast. Micah gives an update on his current ministry. Remember, the Est.Church conversation will move to the Rainer on Leadership podcast in January. If you are not subscribed to Rainer on Leadership, you can do so in your favorite podcasting app.Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Churchteams is offering a special 30-minute demo of its new user interface to Est.Church listeners on November 7th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. The first 15 registrants who attend will receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Everyone who attends and starts using Churchteams gets the first three months free. If you have thought about checking out new ChMS software, it doesn't get better than this! Go to Est. Church to register or use Text-to-Church and send DEMO to (817) 677-9750.

How will preachers study differently in the next few years? Josh and Sam talk about the changes in sermon preparation and delivery. The use of artificial intelligence is a major ethical consideration, but there are other issues at play. The coming shifts are more positive than negative.Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Churchteams is offering a special 30-minute demo of its new user interface to Est.Church listeners on November 7th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. The first 15 registrants who attend will receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Everyone who attends and starts using Churchteams gets the first three months free. If you have thought about checking out new ChMS software, it doesn't get better than this! Go to Est. Church to register or use Text-to-Church and send DEMO to (817) 677-9750.

What changes after leading a church once you hit the nine-year mark? Sam shares his insight about shepherding the same congregation for several years. The issue of trust is settled. The sheep shuffling slows down or stops. Casting a vision becomes more challenging, not easier, because it's easy to start cruising when a church is stabilized. Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Churchteams is offering a special 30-minute demo of its new user interface to Est.Church listeners on November 7th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. The first 15 registrants who attend will receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Everyone who attends and starts using Churchteams gets the first three months free. If you have thought about checking out new ChMS software, it doesn't get better than this! Go to Est. Church to register or use Text-to-Church and send DEMO to (817) 677-9750.

The first 90 days are critical when making a pastoral transition to a new church. Since he just transitioned to a new church, Josh shares some insight into what to do and what not to do. Slow down, ask questions, prioritize problems, emphasize learning, and listen to all sides. Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Churchteams is offering a special 30-minute demo of its new user interface to Est.Church listeners on November 7th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. The first 15 registrants who attend will receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Everyone who attends and starts using Churchteams gets the first three months free. If you have thought about checking out new ChMS software, it doesn't get better than this! Go to Est. Church to register or use Text-to-Church and send DEMO to (817) 677-9750.

Leading a church is a grind. The job cycles endlessly, and the only endpoint is Christ's return. Josh and Sam discuss how to have healthy boundaries in the barrage of ministry. You can find a pace that includes rest and recreation. The cohosts discuss how.Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Churchteams is offering a special 30-minute demo of its new user interface to Est.Church listeners on November 7th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. The first 15 registrants who attend will receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Everyone who attends and starts using Churchteams gets the first three months free. If you have thought about checking out new ChMS software, it doesn't get better than this! Go to Est. Church to register or use Text-to-Church and send DEMO to (817) 677-9750.

Josh and Sam discuss how to say goodbye when people leave the church on good terms. They also discuss the best ways to help church staff transition when called to another ministry. And they have a big announcement, too. Listen to the end!Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Churchteams is offering a special 30-minute demo of its new user interface to Est.Church listeners on November 7th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. The first 15 registrants who attend will receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Everyone who attends and starts using Churchteams gets the first three months free. If you have thought about checking out new ChMS software, it doesn't get better than this! Go to Est. Church to register or use Text-to-Church and send DEMO to (817) 677-9750.

How can you avoid spending too much time preparing sermons and lessons when you have to prepare three or four different ones a week? Josh and Sam reflect on when they had to prepare Sunday morning sermons, Sunday night sermons, Wednesday night teaching sessions, and Sunday school lessons--every week! Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Churchteams is offering a special 30-minute demo of its new user interface to Est.Church listeners on November 7th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. The first 15 registrants who attend will receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Everyone who attends and starts using Churchteams gets the first three months free. If you have thought about checking out new ChMS software, it doesn't get better than this! Go to Est. Church to register or use Text-to-Church and send DEMO to (817) 677-9750.

Many people are intimidated by technology because they don't know how to use it. Churches and pastors are no exception. Boyd Pelley of Churchteams joins Josh and Sam to discuss ways to overcome this intimidation factor. Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Churchteams is offering a special 30-minute demo of its new user interface to Est.Church listeners on November 7th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. The first 15 registrants who attend will receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Everyone who attends and starts using Churchteams gets the first three months free. If you have thought about checking out new ChMS software, it doesn't get better than this! Go to Est. Church to register or use Text-to-Church and send DEMO to (817) 677-9750.

Most pastors struggle with insecurities, agitation, stress, and failure. How can you get out of a funk when these problems cause you to have a poor attitude? Josh and Sam discuss how they end up with a poor attitude and what they do to make an adjustment. Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Churchteams is offering a special 30-minute demo of its new user interface to Est.Church listeners on November 7th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. The first 15 registrants who attend will receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Everyone who attends and starts using Churchteams gets the first three months free. If you have thought about checking out new ChMS software, it doesn't get better than this! Go to Est. Church to register or use Text-to-Church and send DEMO to (817) 677-9750.

Every pastor has a list of problems to solve. Josh and Sam talk about what's on their big board of problems right now. The co-hosts discuss the topics of evangelism, facilities, staff, finances, and legacy. Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Churchteams is offering a special 30-minute demo of its new user interface to Est.Church listeners on November 7th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. The first 15 registrants who attend will receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Everyone who attends and starts using Churchteams gets the first three months free. If you have thought about checking out new ChMS software, it doesn't get better than this! Go to Est. Church to register or use Text-to-Church and send DEMO to (817) 677-9750.

Can you be called to a church but not like the job? How do you distinguish between God's calling and job responsibilities? Josh and Sam discuss how you can juggle the spiritual parts of shepherding with the business of managing church operations. Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without paying more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

How can you lead a church revitalization when everything is a mismatch? Rob Paul joins Josh and Sam to discuss what it's like to shepherd a church when you're a white pastor in a black neighborhood. The story of Huffman Baptist will inspire and encourage you. God has worked a miracle through the congregation and made the church the hub of the community.Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without paying more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Both Josh and Sam have been in ministry for a combined 42 years. Along the way, they've learned a few things about extending your mileage as a pastor. What can you do to stay the course for the long term? The co-hosts have some thoughts.Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Some ministry strategies are overrated, but everyone seems to be doing them. Josh and Sam discuss their thoughts on what's popular but you don't really need. The co-hosts cover vision statements, one-line sermon summaries, live streaming, and others. Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

What is the ideal church size to pastor? Josh and Sam discuss the benefits of several different sizes of churches. They each have a favorite size, but the cohosts also cover why many pastors maximize their leadership ability at mid-size churches. Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

What gets you out of the church office? Josh and Sam talk about key reasons why pastors need to venture out more. It's good to connect with homebound people, other pastors, and community leaders. But pastors also need to recharge and share their faith. Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Are their offenses that permanently disqualify a pastor from ministry? Josh and Sam cover this controversial question. They discuss the recent rise in scandals and whether or not a fallen pastor should return to ministry. Some sins have deeper consequences than others. Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Most church leaders do not know how many single parents live in the community. Single moms and dads are often underestimated and off the radar. Sam and Josh talk about ways to engage single parents and their children. With some simple changes, your church can make a big difference with this group. Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Should your church address be permanent? When is it appropriate to relocate an entire church or sell the church campus? Josh and Sam talk about what motivates a church to uproot. You must balance missiology with stewardship, and sometimes, these two objectives are at odds. Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Some people have strange views about things. Perhaps they are in your church. Josh and Sam discuss what pastors can do when church members approach them with conspiracy theories, fringe theological perspectives, and extreme political views. Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Compassion fatigue is excessive weariness caused by caring for, listening to, and helping people with emotional and spiritual problems. The issue is more pervasive than most realize because pastors are the first spiritual responders in moments of crisis. Josh and Sam discuss how pastors develop compassion fatigue and what they can do to remedy the problem.  Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Most denominations are in decline, which means the churches within them are decreasing in size. Does the baggage of a name have anything to do with it? Josh and Sam discuss whether having the denomination in your church name is a liability. Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Committees can be an excellent vehicle for change in a church, but they can also put up roadblocks. Josh and Sam discuss how pastors can best utilize committees in change efforts. The cohosts also talk about why generational differences exist and how to build bridges with a committee structure. Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

The decision to display the American Flag in church can be contentious. But why? Josh and Sam discuss some of the reasons why Christians have differing perspectives. The cohosts also give some practical tips for pastors on the best way to approach the issue. Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Do you use paper notes in the pulpit or digital technology? Which one is best? Josh and Sam discuss the advantages and disadvantages of technology and homiletics. Old school or new school, there are some important considerations before preaching. Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

You likely have an untapped source of volunteer power in your church. Don't miss this opportunity! The Baby Boomer generation is entering retirement and has a ton of job experience. Josh and Sam discuss how Boomers can help guide a church into the next season of growth. Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

One of the best ways to engage young families in your community is by starting a weekday preschool at your church. But the reward of this ministry does come with a level of risk. Josh and Sam discuss how to start a preschool or day school without it becoming a drain on the church.  Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Pastors are known to be less tech-savvy. But is this perception true? And what might pastors not know about newer digital resources? Boyd Pelley of Churchteams joins Josh and Sam to discuss the latest technology news that can benefit local churches.Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Every year, the SBC annual meeting seems to get more contentious. What will happen at this year's convention? Josh and Sam give their predictions on the upcoming meeting. They also provide insight into the various groups within the SBC and why so many are vying for power.  Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Some people fade away from the church and stop coming without much thought. Others can feel hurt and believe they are justified in leaving. How should church leaders engage the disengaged? Josh and Sam answer this question and give some practical tips on how to reach out to people.   Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

The typical church will lose about 7% of people each year to transfer. These losses are frustrating, but Sam and Josh discuss why you shouldn't be angry at people for leaving. On this episode, the cohosts reveal why people exit. Some don't understand the vision. Others don't like certain changes. Inevitably, some will have unmet expectations. And, for others, a new life stage prompts a change.   Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

An older church is not a lost cause! Josh and Sam discuss how a church filled with senior adults can make the transition and reach young families. A church of predominantly senior adults has unique challenges but also opportunities. These congregations can get younger, and the cohosts discuss some ways this shift to occur.  Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Can you shape church culture for the better? Yes! Dr. Justin Irving, a professor of leadership at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, joins Josh and Sam for a special two-part episode and shares how churches can have a thriving culture. Learn more through these self-evaluation questions that demonstrate how people managing others are leading themselves: SBTS.edu/6questions.Check out Dr. Irving's book, Healthy Leadership for Thriving Organizations. Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without paying more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

What should you do if you inherit a toxic church situation? How can you remain healthy as a pastor? Dr. Justin Irving, a professor of leadership at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, joins Josh and Sam for a special two-part episode. Learn more through these self-evaluation questions, which demonstrate how people manage others and lead themselves: SBTS.edu/6questions.Check out Dr. Irving's book, Healthy Leadership for Thriving Organizations. Episode Sponsor:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without paying more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Words can help establish church culture. Be careful with your vocabulary! Josh and Sam discuss the impact of leadership lingo and how pastors can use language to guide the congregation. Language is an important way to set expectations in the church. Some established church lingo can even hinder growth.Episode Sponsors:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!Upward Sports:Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Many traditional churches have a "look" to the campus. Josh and Sam discuss whether or not it's a hindrance for guests. Do big columns and a steeple have any impact on the perceptions of people in the neighborhood? They do, but maybe not in the way you think. Episode Sponsors:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!Upward Sports:Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Not all transfer growth is bad. Not every person is a church hopper, looking for the next best thing. In fact, there are good reasons to transfer to another church, even one right down the road. Josh and Sam unpack five reasons why your church should accept transfer growth. Check out the article mentioned in the episode at Church Answers. Episode Sponsors:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!Upward Sports:Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Just about every church started live streaming during the pandemic, but views have been down significantly since then. Is live streaming a relic of the pandemic? Is it still worth the time? Josh and Sam talk about their perspectives on the pros and cons of live streaming. There is another digital option that might be better for your church.Episode Sponsors:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!Upward Sports:Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Should pastors share the inner workings of the church with their children? Josh and Sam discuss what they do in their homes. As fathers, they want what is best for their children. What should pastors share with their children about sermon preparation, church politics, staff, and people issues? The co-hosts get quite personal on this episode. Episode Sponsors:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!Upward Sports:Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

What is a whiteboard session and how can you lead one with your church? Josh and Sam discuss some best practices. The term refers to a meeting in which a group of people collaborates with an open mind. The whiteboard reference implies starting fresh with nothing on the board—a “blank slate” if you're referencing a chalkboard. The two keys to a whiteboard session are collaboration and creativity. How can you do one successfully at your church? Sam's article on the subject is found here. Episode Sponsors:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!Upward Sports:Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Josh and Sam share some of the lessons learned from being new pastors at a church. What are three things you don't want to do? Don't attempt to change everything. Don't start with a heavy or gimmicky sermon series. And don't "clean house" with the leadership structure. They share why these three items are off-limits early in a pastor's tenure.Episode Sponsors:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!Upward Sports:Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

For a season, it seemed like the Christian evangelical world was dominated by celebrity preachers. What happened to this movement? Josh and Sam discuss some reasons why there is less of an emphasis on big names with big platforms. The story is deeper than some of the notorious scandals. Leadership style has a lot to do with it. Episode Sponsors:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!Upward Sports:Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

You've likely heard the horror stories of what can happen when a younger pastor goes to an older church. But it doesn't have to be this way. On this episode, Josh and Sam discuss ways this arrangement can work well. The mix of a younger pastor and an older congregation can produce a positive situation in which both thrive. Episode Sponsors:Churchteams:Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!Upward Sports:Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.