Rainer on Leadership

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Rainer on Leadership is your online home for leadership lessons for the local church. This twice-weekly podcast provides practical training on important issues for church leaders and pastors. For more information, visit ThomRainer.com.

LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network

Nashville, TN


    • Jun 2, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 23m AVG DURATION
    • 976 EPISODES

    4.8 from 459 ratings Listeners of Rainer on Leadership that love the show mention: csb, thom rainer, rainer on leadership, daniel im, thom's, money challenge, every pastor, young pastor, jonathan howe, pastors and church, senior pastor, church leadership, small shifts, leadership podcasts, local church, leadership is one, pastoral ministry, church ministry, every church leader, appreciate the insight.


    Ivy Insights

    The Rainer on Leadership podcast is a treasure trove of wisdom and knowledge for leaders in all areas, but especially for those in ministry. Thom Rainer and his team provide practical insights and experiences in leadership that are both valuable and applicable. The episodes are engaging and informative, leaving listeners wanting to come back for more.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the wealth of content that is packed into each episode. The information shared by Thom and his team is top-notch, making it easy to see why listeners go back to episodes they have already listened to. The content is practical and insightful, providing actionable steps that can be implemented right away. This podcast truly goes above and beyond in delivering excellent leadership advice.

    One potential drawback of this podcast is that it may not appeal to everyone. While it has a strong focus on ministry leadership, some listeners may find it too niche or specific to their interests. However, for those who are in the realm of church leadership or are passionate about ministry work, this podcast is an invaluable resource.

    In conclusion, The Rainer on Leadership podcast stands out as one of the best podcasts on leadership, especially for those in ministry roles. With its practical insights, engaging format, and knowledgeable hosts, this podcast provides immense value to its listeners. Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or simply someone interested in leadership principles, this podcast is definitely worth a listen.



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    Latest episodes from Rainer on Leadership

    Eight Causes for a Ministry Slump

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 27:27


    No church grows week after week and year after year. Additionally, our spiritual growth has highs and lows. A slump is inevitable in churches and people. Thom and Sam discuss some causes of a ministry slump and what you can do to stop the slide. The post Eight Causes for a Ministry Slump appeared first on Church Answers.

    Is There Any Hope for Revitalizing Mainline Churches?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 30:54


    The long, slow death of mainline churches is well documented and goes back to the 1970s. In the mid-twentieth century, approximately half of all Americans were identified as members of one of the seven mainline denominations. Today, it's between 10% and 15%. Not much is said about revitalizing these churches, but there is hope. Josh and Sam interview one mainline Methodist elder, Chad Brooks, who has a plan to solve this problem. The post Is There Any Hope for Revitalizing Mainline Churches? appeared first on Church Answers.

    The Burge Report: Why Are Non-Denominational Churches Growing?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 29:13


    Fifty years ago, non-denominational churches were more of an anomaly. Today, they are one of largest religious groups in the United States and one of only a few growing religious groups. Why is this? Ryan Burge joins the show to discuss the reasons for growth among non-denominational churches. The post The Burge Report: Why Are Non-Denominational Churches Growing? appeared first on Church Answers.

    Are Church Members Cussing More Today Than in the Past?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 22:46


    The co-hosts have noticed something—it seems church members are cussing more these days. But are their anecdotal experiences supported by data? Josh and Sam talk about the expletive problem in churches today. The post Are Church Members Cussing More Today Than in the Past? appeared first on Church Answers.

    Five Reasons Healthy Churches Seek Outside Help

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 21:57


    Churches can struggle with seeking outside help, even when it's obvious they need it. Thom and Sam discuss why healthy churches often have outsiders speak into the operations of the church. The post Five Reasons Healthy Churches Seek Outside Help appeared first on Church Answers.

    Why Some Pastors Never Experience Church Growth

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 26:40


    Very few churches are growing, which means most pastors will lead plateaued or declining congregations. Some pastors experience an entire ministry career in no-growth situations. Why does this happen? Josh and Sam discuss several reasons why some pastors never experience church growth. The post Why Some Pastors Never Experience Church Growth appeared first on Church Answers.

    What Is the Right Age to Retire as a Lead Pastor?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 25:53


    The average age of a pastor is 60 years old. The question of retirement is one many pastors are asking. Being a lead pastor comes with unique demands and extra attention. Is there an ideal age to retire? Thom and Sam discuss some guidelines for those who are closer to retirement than not. The post What Is the Right Age to Retire as a Lead Pastor? appeared first on Church Answers.

    Is Student Ministry Still a Stepping Stone?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 27:24


    A generation ago, student ministers would often make the leap to the lead pastor role after a few years. Does this kind of move still happen? If so, is it a good thing or not? Unfortunately, sometimes ministry positions outside of the lead pastor are seen as a lesser role in the life of the church. Josh and Sam break down the good and bad of leaping from student ministry to lead pastor. The post Is Student Ministry Still a Stepping Stone? appeared first on Church Answers.

    The Pastor's Dilemma: Loving Preaching, Loathing Sermon Prep

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 29:23


    Do you love to preach but at times loathe sermon prep? Do you find preaching incredibly fulfilling yet preparation frustrating or even overwhelming? If so, you're not alone. Many pastors struggle with the inefficiency of sermon prep—feeling bogged down by research, unsure how to faithfully interpret Scripture, or intimidated by today's hot-button topics like politics, gender, and race. Dr. Bruce Clark (PhD. in Biblical Studies, University of Cambridge) from Interpret Consulting joins the show to discuss the common frustrations of sermon prep and explore practical ways to streamline the process while strengthening your preaching skills. Interpret Consulting aims to come alongside busy faithful pastors (in churches of all sizes and stages) and assist them in sermon preparation by helping them strengthen their exegetical skills and tackle today's seemingly endless sensitive “hot button” issues. The post The Pastor's Dilemma: Loving Preaching, Loathing Sermon Prep appeared first on Church Answers.

    Approval Addiction, People Pleasing, and How Pastors Can Let Go

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 30:41


    Most pastors want to be liked and respected by their congregations. This desire is part of the reason they are motivated to serve others. However, approval addiction can become a major barrier to leadership. When people pleasing becomes the priority, pastors often do more harm than good in their congregations. Marty Duren joins Josh and Sam to discuss this important topic. The post Approval Addiction, People Pleasing, and How Pastors Can Let Go appeared first on Church Answers.

    The Burge Report: Does Homeschooling Change the Political and Religious Views of Children?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 25:03


    We've all heard the stereotypes of homeschooled children. But what does the data say? Ryan Burge joins Sam on the show to discuss the facts. The co-hosts also discuss implications for the church. The post The Burge Report: Does Homeschooling Change the Political and Religious Views of Children? appeared first on Church Answers.

    A Checklist for Making Your First Hire in the Church

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 27:46


    Most pastors go through the process of hiring someone to help them minister to the church. What should you do for your first hire? Josh and Sam walk through a helpful checklist. The post A Checklist for Making Your First Hire in the Church appeared first on Church Answers.

    Um, Uh, and You Know: Killer Fillers in Public Speaking

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 23:12


    Preachers and other public speakers should avoid these fillers in public speaking. Sam and Thom listened to several podcasts and sermons, where they heard these common fillers. The post Um, Uh, and You Know: Killer Fillers in Public Speaking appeared first on Church Answers.

    Going to a Dead Church on Purpose

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 30:02


    No church should die, but some will die. What if God calls you to a church that just isn't going to make it? Josh and Sam discuss how pastors can shepherd dying churches. Miracles still happen! If God can save any person, He can save any church. The post Going to a Dead Church on Purpose appeared first on Church Answers.

    Five Ways to Report Truthful Worship Attendance

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 24:08


    When Sam and Thom research local churches, they inevitably calculate average worship attendance. But how can they tell if it's accurate or not? They share five ways to be certain. The post Five Ways to Report Truthful Worship Attendance appeared first on Church Answers.

    Young Pastors Are Rare (Here Is What Happened)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 32:38


    The typical age of a pastor is around 60 years old. Young pastors are becoming increasingly rare. What happened? Josh and Sam discuss some demographic realities with the aging pastorate. The post Young Pastors Are Rare (Here Is What Happened) appeared first on Church Answers.

    How Wedding Ceremonies Are Different Than in the 1990s (A Pastor’s Perspective)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 24:16


    Wedding ceremonies today are very different from those of the 1990s. Thom and Sam discuss what's changed. What's surprising and what's not? The post How Wedding Ceremonies Are Different Than in the 1990s (A Pastor’s Perspective) appeared first on Church Answers.

    Should Churches Share Their Campuses with Other Non-Profits?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 29:49


    Many church buildings sit empty for a good portion of the week. What are the pros and cons of sharing the campus with other non-profits? Josh and Sam discuss some items to consider before opening your doors to other groups, churches, and ministries. The post Should Churches Share Their Campuses with Other Non-Profits? appeared first on Church Answers.

    The Burge Report: Everyone Is Having Less Sex (What It Means for the Church)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 31:13


    Ryan Burge discusses his most-read research post of the year. Every age group is having less sex than they were a generation ago. Not only has sexual behavior declined among young people, but it has also declined among Evangelicals and other religious groups. What are the implications for the church? How should pastors address this reality, if at all? The post The Burge Report: Everyone Is Having Less Sex (What It Means for the Church) appeared first on Church Answers.

    What’s Often Missed with Student Ministry Safety in Churches

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 27:39


    Student ministry is often where rules about minors break down in the church. Student ministries don't need fewer rules than children's ministries, but they need different rules. Though rebellion seems to be a rite of passage for many teenagers, they are far more receptive to guidance than you might think. Josh and Sam discuss what's often missed in churches. The post What’s Often Missed with Student Ministry Safety in Churches appeared first on Church Answers.

    Seven Power Groups in Churches (The Good and the Bad)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 27:53


    Where people organize, power will be present. The church is no exception. Thom and Sam discuss seven common power groups in churches. Hint: They are not all bad. How can you manage power dynamics among congregants in a way that is helpful to the church and glorifying to God? The post Seven Power Groups in Churches (The Good and the Bad) appeared first on Church Answers.

    The Surprise Benefits of a Culture of Continual Education in Your Church: An Interview with Timothy Paul Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 29:59


    Continual learning is the philosophy that you keep growing in knowledge over a lifetime. Most of the time, this kind of learning is ongoing and self-motivated. Sam and Josh interview Timothy Paul Jones to discuss what happens when churches have continual education built into their discipleship process. The post The Surprise Benefits of a Culture of Continual Education in Your Church: An Interview with Timothy Paul Jones appeared first on Church Answers.

    What Business Leaders in the Church Want Pastors to Know: An Interview with Steve Graves

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 29:02


    Thom and Sam interview Steve Graves and discuss how pastors should shepherd business leaders in their churches. Steve has been coaching business leaders for decades and has a deep knowledge of the church. He shares his wisdom in this episode. The post What Business Leaders in the Church Want Pastors to Know: An Interview with Steve Graves appeared first on Church Answers.

    The Ten Commandments of a Pastor’s Vacation

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 30:16


    Time away is essential. Every pastor needs it, and every church should give it. Josh and Sam revisit a Church Answers article from a few years ago, and the co-hosts discuss the continued importance of rest and relaxation for pastors. The post The Ten Commandments of a Pastor’s Vacation appeared first on Church Answers.

    The Hidden Opportunity of Hospitality in Churches: An Interview with Danny Franks

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 25:10


    Three out of four churches in America have no type of welcome ministry. Why do church leaders fail to see its importance? What are the most significant challenges in starting and maintaining a welcome or guest services ministry? How might hospitality be underutilized in churches? Thom and Sam interview Danny Franks of Summit Church to learn more about this important and often-ignored topic. The post The Hidden Opportunity of Hospitality in Churches: An Interview with Danny Franks appeared first on Church Answers.

    Are Smart Phones Killing Student Ministries in Churches?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 24:55


    Since 2010, depression among teens is up 145% in girls and 161% in boys. During the same time period, anxiety is up 139% in those between the ages of 18 and 25. Josh and Sam discuss the findings from the book The Anxious Generation. Much of the problem stems from the widespread adoption of smartphones. What is the impact on student ministries in churches? The post Are Smart Phones Killing Student Ministries in Churches? appeared first on Church Answers.

    Why Some of Our Churches Are Not Safe Places

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 29:12


    Thom interviews Sam about safe churches. This podcast has vital information about your church. You need to find out if your church is really a safe place. The post Why Some of Our Churches Are Not Safe Places appeared first on Church Answers.

    Does Divorce Disqualify a Pastor from Ministry?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 27:32


    Many Christian denominations and networks believe that divorce can affect a person's eligibility for ministry, particularly key roles such as lead pastor. This perspective is rooted in passages such as 1 Timothy 3:2, which states that an overseer must be “above reproach” and “the husband of one wife.” Some interpret this as disqualifying individuals with prior divorces. Josh and Sam discuss their views. The post Does Divorce Disqualify a Pastor from Ministry? appeared first on Church Answers.

    The Burge Report: How Church Attendance Makes You a Better American

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 29:46


    Social capital refers to the unseen connections that unite individuals within a local community. It inspires people to support the local school system even if they don't have children or to volunteer for a city park cleanup even if they rarely visit it. It's the cohesive force that strengthens society and sustains a thriving democracy. Ryan Burge joins the show to discuss the connection between social capital and church attendance and how being active in church makes you a better person for your community and nation. The post The Burge Report: How Church Attendance Makes You a Better American appeared first on Church Answers.

    How to Celebrate Church Staff Birthdays, Work Anniversaries, and Major Milestones

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 25:42


    What is the proper protocol for celebrating staff birthdays, work anniversaries, and major milestones? Josh and Sam discuss some ideas on encouraging church staff without going overboard. The co-hosts give guidelines on best practices and what is reasonable. The post How to Celebrate Church Staff Birthdays, Work Anniversaries, and Major Milestones appeared first on Church Answers.

    Why Hiring Friends Usually Ends in Disaster

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 24:23


    It's an exciting thought to have a friend serve alongside you. Ministry is challenging, but it also can be fun, especially if we enjoy the people with whom we work. But hiring a friend does not often end well. In fact, we hear from pastors regularly about the downside of hiring a friend. In this episode, Thom and Sam look at the causes of this failure. The post Why Hiring Friends Usually Ends in Disaster appeared first on Church Answers.

    Why Churches Are Not Early Adopters of Technology

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 29:41


    Churches are not typically early adopters of technology. Boyd Pelley from Church Teams joins Josh and Sam to discuss why churches should embrace new technology sooner. The co-hosts talk about how pastors can become more proficient in the technology space. The post Why Churches Are Not Early Adopters of Technology appeared first on Church Answers.

    The Right Expectations Churches Should Have of Pastors

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 26:48


    Does your church have clear expectations of church leaders? What positions are considered leadership positions in the church? What areas are your leaders held accountable? Thom and Sam discuss this important but often neglected issue in churches. The post The Right Expectations Churches Should Have of Pastors appeared first on Church Answers.

    What’s Different about Pastor’s Kids These Days?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 23:08


    Josh and Sam must deal with the reality of being both pastors and dads. We've all heard horror stories about pastors' kids. Are they true? Are pastors' kids different now than in the past? The co-hosts give their take on the current environment of raising children while also leading a church. The post What’s Different about Pastor’s Kids These Days? appeared first on Church Answers.

    Do Dying Churches Really Know They Are Dying?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 23:10


    Typically, the first step in making necessary changes is acceptance of the current reality. A church cannot change unless its members and leaders know that the status quo will lead to death. Sam and Thom review five situations where dying churches get stuck and, as a consequence, continue on the path toward death. The post Do Dying Churches Really Know They Are Dying? appeared first on Church Answers.

    How Pastors Spend Their Time During the Workweek (Any Surprises?)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 27:12


    Serving a church is not a 9-to-5 kind of job. Ministry comes with odd hours. Josh and Sam discuss their typical workweek and how they keep a rhythm going. Very few pastors work less than 40 hours per week, but how do they allocate those hours? The post How Pastors Spend Their Time During the Workweek (Any Surprises?) appeared first on Church Answers.

    The Burge Report: The New Era in American Religion Begins Now (What’s Happening?!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 28:07


    Are we entering a new era in American religion? Current data shows we are at an inflection point. Over the last 30 to 40 years, the share of Americans who had no religious affiliation has dramatically increased. That period is over, and something new is on the horizon. Ryan Burge joins the show to discuss what this new era in American religion may look like in the next ten years. The post The Burge Report: The New Era in American Religion Begins Now (What’s Happening?!) appeared first on Church Answers.

    The Tell-Tale Signs of Abusive Pastors

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 27:30


    Abuse originates in how victimizers view others. At some level, they believe that other people exist to fulfill their desires. Pastors who take advantage of others place themselves at the center and try to control the orbits of vulnerable people around them. Victimizers are not necessarily brash or overpowering. They may be sensitive, subdued, and even charming. Many abusive pastors have likable personalities. So what are some warning signs to watch for? Josh and Sam discuss this difficult topic. The post The Tell-Tale Signs of Abusive Pastors appeared first on Church Answers.

    Do You Really Remember What Took Place in Churches During COVID?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 25:21


    Though COVID is still mentioned frequently, many of the detailed memories have disappeared. Thom and Sam recall six very specific developments in churches during COVID based upon hundreds of stories from members of Church Answers. They share what we can learn from them today. The post Do You Really Remember What Took Place in Churches During COVID? appeared first on Church Answers.

    What Will Be the Sacred Cows in Church Worship When the Millennials Are the Oldest Generation?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 23:38


    In about 30 years, Millennials will become the dominant older generation in most churches. What will they refuse to give up? Josh and Sam talk about their generation and what might become the sacred cows as they become elderly. The post What Will Be the Sacred Cows in Church Worship When the Millennials Are the Oldest Generation? appeared first on Church Answers.

    Making Change in an Older Church (Without Running Over the Old Guard)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 24:08


    It can be particularly challenging for a pastor to lead change in an older church when the primary decision makers (or most of the members) have been in the church for several years, sometimes a few decades. Thom and Sam look at four developments that often take place when leading change is successful. They reviewed over 20 successful churches. The post Making Change in an Older Church (Without Running Over the Old Guard) appeared first on Church Answers.

    Things About Church Leadership We Haven’t Figured Out Yet

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 29:44


    In your 30s and 40s, you start to learn what you don't know. The older you get, you either become more self-aware or stop caring. Josh and Sam talk about what they still haven't figured out after twenty years of ministry in the church. The post Things About Church Leadership We Haven’t Figured Out Yet appeared first on Church Answers.

    Five Predictions We Got Wrong about the Future of the Church

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 27:04


    This time of year, many commentators and researchers prognosticate about the future of the church. Thom and Sam take a different approach in this episode. While many of their predictions from previous decades have turned out to be correct, not all of them did. They look back and evaluate a few predictions they got wrong from years ago. The post Five Predictions We Got Wrong about the Future of the Church appeared first on Church Answers.

    What Every Church Leader Needs to Know to Move Church Members to Higher Levels of Generosity

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 23:45


    Art Rainer joins Thom to unpack some amazing research that can help you know how to lead your church members to higher levels of giving. You will be amazed how a few simple things can move your church toward greater stewardship. The post What Every Church Leader Needs to Know to Move Church Members to Higher Levels of Generosity appeared first on Church Answers.

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