Podcasts about church answers

Thom and Sam dive into Ryan Burge's latest analysis of the 2023–2024 Pew Religious Landscape Survey, which asked nearly 37,000 Americans a simple question: “How happy are you with your life these days?” The results reveal one of the clearest and most consistent findings in social science. Religious people report being happier than non-religious people. The post Religious People Are Happier (And the Data Proves It) appeared first on Church Answers.

Churches help prepare couples for marriage and rescue them when things fall apart, but what happens in between? That middle space—the “fine zone”—is where most couples slowly drift while everyone assumes they're okay. The truth is, fine isn't faithfulness. It's fatigue. And most churches don't have a plan for discipling marriages before they reach the breaking point. Sam interviews Brad Rhoads of Grace Marriage to find out more. Grace Marriage is helping churches change that by creating pathways for ongoing marriage discipleship, not just crisis care. The post Unbelievable: 72% of Churches Have No Marriage Ministry! appeared first on Church Answers.

The Rainer Scale helps churches understand how open an unchurched person is to the gospel, to spiritual conversation, and to attending church. It is not a judgment of spiritual worth, but a practical tool for identifying likely openness. The post The Rainer Scale of Unchurched Receptivity appeared first on Church Answers.

There are 30 to 35 million unchurched people in the United States, whom we call “the U3s.” Thom and Jess describe this unreached field and examine its key traits. The post The Largest Unchurched Group in the U.S. (and You’ve Never Heard of Them) appeared first on Church Answers.

For decades, seminaries have promoted the ideal—full-time, on-campus study in a traditional academic setting. But for most adults pursuing ministry training, that ideal simply isn't practical. New research reveals a clear tension between what people would love to do and what they can realistically manage. Theological education thrives when schools position themselves as a bridge between the ideal and the practical, maintaining depth and quality while removing unnecessary barriers. Sam interviews Dr. Andy Miller, from Wesley Biblical Seminary, about four key points shaping the future of seminary enrollment. The post NEW Research: What Really Matters in Theological Education? appeared first on Church Answers.

In this follow-up episode, we examine the other side of the conversation—the rise of big-box church architecture. Often found in converted retail spaces or new multipurpose campuses, these designs emphasize functionality, flexibility, and accessibility. They reflect a different theology of space, one that prioritizes mission, efficiency, and comfort over formality. Sam interviews Todd Brown and Isaac Brown of Brown Church Development Group. The post Non-Churchy Looking Churches: The Advantages of Big-Box Church Architecture appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Jess continue the “Future Church” series with an episode on how church staffing is changing in this new era of ministry. Churches are smaller, leaner, and more focused than ever. Budgets are tighter, but opportunities for mission are wider. The result is a new kind of church staff—leaders who serve both inside and outside the church, combining pastoral calling with marketplace skills. In this conversation, Thom and Jess introduce four co-vocational roles that are shaping the staff structure of the future church. The post Future Church Series – Episode 5: The Rise of Four New Co-Vocational Church Staff appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Jess conclude the “Future Church” series with an episode that puts church size into perspective. In an age when many pastors feel pressure to grow larger, the reality is that most congregations are small—and that's not a problem. This episode explores what the data actually reveals about church attendance, why most churches are smaller than we think, and how leaders can find encouragement no matter the numbers. The post Future Church Series – Episode 6: What Is the Size of the Typical Church in the Future? appeared first on Church Answers.

In this episode, we explore why traditional church architecture still resonates deeply with people, even those who rarely attend church. A recent research project found that 90% of Americans want church buildings to be "easily identifiable." Sam interviews Todd Brown and Isaac Brown of Brown Church Development Group to find out more. The post Should Churches Look Churchy? The Advantages of Traditional Architecture appeared first on Church Answers.

When a major donor or key financial supporter leaves a church, it can feel personal, unsettling, and even threatening to the ministry's stability. But pastoral leadership during this moment matters immensely. On this episode, Josh and Sam walk through the practical steps pastors should take when the church's largest giver steps away. The post How to Handle Losing Your Church’s Biggest Financial Supporter appeared first on Church Answers.

The Rainers continue the 6-part series called “The Future Church.” Over the next episodes, we'll explore how the landscape of ministry is changing—and how leaders can prepare with wisdom, courage, and hope. Thom and Jess discuss how churches are making evangelism more than a slogan or a sermon topic—how to make it visible, tangible, and celebrated in the life of the congregation. Most believers genuinely want to share their faith, but they often need reminders, encouragement, and creative ways to stay focused on the mission. In this episode, Thom and Jess offer four practical ideas any church can implement to highlight the importance of evangelism every week. The post Future Church Series – Episode 4: Making Evangelism Visible appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Jess continue the “Future Church” series with an episode focused on one of the most important—and most misunderstood—topics in today's congregations: evangelism. The way people come to faith is changing, and so are the methods churches use to share the gospel. Attendance patterns are different. Communities are more skeptical of institutions. And more often than not, the first place someone encounters the church is online, not in person. In this conversation, the Rainers look at how evangelism is evolving, why it still matters deeply, and four major trends shaping how local churches reach people today. The post Future Church Series – Episode 3: Trends in Evangelism in the Local Church appeared first on Church Answers.

God has done something remarkable at First Baptist Church in Caldwell, NJ. They have limited space and limited parking. However, through Upward Sports, the church has developed a large outreach ministry within the community. Hundreds of children participate, and the church is reaching people from diverse backgrounds. Sam interviews Pastor Travis Clark to reveal exactly what happened. The post Small-Church Breakout Growth: The Incredible Story of First Baptist Caldwell, NJ appeared first on Church Answers.

Most of the time, church hopping for convenience (better music, cooler programs, or a coffee bar) reveals more about our consumer culture than about spiritual growth. But Sam and Josh explain that there are also good, biblical, and even necessary reasons to leave one church for another. The post Why You Should Leave Your Church (A Pastor’s Perspective) appeared first on Church Answers.

Welcome to a brand-new series on The Church Answers Podcast called “The Future Church.” Over the next six episodes, we'll explore how the landscape of ministry is changing—and how leaders can prepare with wisdom, courage, and hope. In this first episode, Thom and Jess begin by looking at one of the most intriguing movements shaping the future: the rise of the microchurch. This small, mission-driven model is gaining traction across the United States and around the world. What exactly is a microchurch, how is it structured, and why is it so different from other forms of church? Let's find out. The post Future Church Series – Episode 1: The Microchurch appeared first on Church Answers.

Welcome back to The Church Answers Podcast and to our ongoing series called “The Future Church.” In each episode, Thom and Jess unpack the shifts shaping tomorrow's congregations—and how pastors and leaders can prepare today. In this episode, we're looking at a subject every church feels: money. The financial landscape of ministry is changing rapidly. Attendance patterns have shifted, giving habits have evolved, and the next generation is thinking about generosity in completely new ways. So, what will funding look like for the future church? Thom and Jess explore four emerging models that are helping churches stay healthy and mission-focused in a changing economy. The post Future Church Series – Episode 2: The Economics of the Future Church appeared first on Church Answers.

In this episode, Sam and Ryan Burge discuss how pastors become pastors. Using data from the National Survey of Religious Leaders, the cohosts reveal that clergy often come to ministry through winding, unconventional paths—many after careers in other fields. Far from being single-focused, pastors frequently juggle multiple responsibilities: leading congregations, working as chaplains, and even holding non-ministry jobs. The numbers reveal both the beauty and burden of this calling: most clergy work 50+ hours a week, with a quarter clocking over 60. Yet despite financial pressures and demanding schedules, these leaders remain deeply committed to serving their communities and churches. The post The Burge Report: How Do Pastors Actually End Up in Ministry? appeared first on Church Answers.

One of the more painful aspects of ministry is losing church members. Sometimes these departures are for good reasons, like moving to another town or planting a church. More often than not, pastors struggle with the reasons why people leave. Josh and Sam discuss why pastors experience pain with the loss of members, and they explore some ways to cope with the accompanying sadness. The post The Top Reasons Why It’s Painful for Pastors to Lose Church Members appeared first on Church Answers.

Jess interviews Thom in this fascinating behind-the-scenes look at Church Answers. How did Church Answers begin? What is its primary thrust? Who is a part of Church Answers? The post What in the World Does Church Answers Really Do? Part 1: The Consultation Foundation appeared first on Church Answers.

Jess interviews Thom in this fascinating behind-the-scenes look at Church Answers. They examine the evolution of resources from the company's inception to the present day. The post What in the World Does Church Answers Really Do? Part 2: The Local Church Partner Grows appeared first on Church Answers.

In this episode, Sam interviews Tim Byer, pastor of FAITH in Glen Burnie, MD, to hear how his congregation is making a real impact in their community. Pastor Tim shares the story of how his church began using VisitorReach, a tool designed to connect churches with first-time guests and neighbors. What started as a simple outreach effort has become a powerful way to build relationships, welcome new families, and share the hope of Christ in Baltimore. The post An Entrepreneurial-Minded Pastor in an Established Church: The Unique Story of a Baltimore Congregation appeared first on Church Answers.

In this episode, Sam interviews Michael Kelley of the Rooted Network. They discuss three essentials that every great small group leader should consistently practice. These simple but powerful habits can transform any group into a place of authentic community and spiritual growth. The post Three Things Every Church Small Group Leader Should Be Doing appeared first on Church Answers.

It would not be a surprise if over one-half of your church members need personal financial counseling. Jess and Thom interview Art Rainer, president of Christian Money Solutions, to find out how you can help those church members. The post Financial Counseling for Your Church Members: An Interview with Art Rainer appeared first on Church Answers.

How can I lead my church toward greater generosity? We hear that question often. Thom and Jess interview Art Rainer, president of Christian Money Solutions, to get some highly practical advice. The post Jumpstart Your Stewardship: An Interview with Art Rainer appeared first on Church Answers.

The reality is that growing generosity doesn't require a big program or complex strategy. It requires simplicity. Specifically, one simple principle: communicate, communicate, communicate, communicate. Mike Stadelmayer of Church Growth Services joins Sam on the show to discuss some simple ways you can grow generosity in your church. The post How to Grow Generosity in Your Church (Without Making It Complicated) appeared first on Church Answers.

Why don't unchurched people attend church? It's not because they're mad or too busy. The top reason is simple: they just don't see the point. Indifference is the enemy of engagement. In today's episode, Josh and Sam share why that's actually good news—and how the combination of spiritual conviction and a personal invitation can break through the apathy. The post The Unchurched Are Not Angry with You (But They Are Indifferent) appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Jess tackle the growing challenge of polarization inside and outside the church. As cultural extremes grow louder, pastors often find themselves without a safe “middle ground.” How can church leaders stay faithful, gracious, and clear in such an environment? The post The Death of the Middle — How Polarization Is Reshaping Church Leadership appeared first on Church Answers.

In this conversation, Jess and Thom discuss the fleeting nature of digital influence. Algorithms shift, platforms fade, and online visibility is temporary. What happens when your church—or your ministry—disappears from the feed? This episode explores how to build something lasting in a world designed to forget. The post When the Digital World Forgets You — Building Ministry That Outlasts the Algorithm appeared first on Church Answers.

Since 2000, one of the most reliable sources of data on congregations in America has been the Faith Communities Today study, often referred to as FACT. It's been conducted every five years, with the most recent survey in 2023 representing tens of thousands of congregations across every major faith tradition. The FACT research gives us a clear picture of what the ‘typical' church looks like over time. And here's one of the most striking trends: in 2000, the median church in America had 137 people in attendance at weekly worship services. By 2023, that number had dropped to just 60. Today, Sam and Thom will talk about what that shift means for pastors, leaders, and the future of congregations. The post The Church Number: From 137 to 60 The Shrinking Median Church in America (2000–2023) appeared first on Church Answers.

Sam interviews Tim Cool of Smart Church Solutions to dig into a hidden but pressing crisis facing many North American churches: deferred maintenance. Too often, churches delay costly but necessary facility repairs until the problems become overwhelming. This pattern of neglect can saddle pastors with impossible burdens and even push congregations toward closure. Yet, church buildings remain vital assets for kingdom work, providing gathering spaces, anchoring communities, and making ministry possible. We'll explore both the challenges of sticker shock and practical strategies for churches to get ahead of the curve—budgeting wisely, prioritizing projects, and cultivating generosity that keeps facilities vibrant for generations. The post Many Churches Face Future Sticker Shock with Deferred Maintenance appeared first on Church Answers.

Keith and Kristyn Getty recently released "The Sing! Hymnal." This publication is a major development in worship music and hymnody. Jess and Thom speak with Keith Getty about its creation and importance. Here are some of the questions they asked him. The post Why the New Hymnal from the Gettys Is So Important: An Interview with Keith Getty (Part 1) appeared first on Church Answers.

Keith and Kristyn Getty recently released "The Sing! Hymnal." This publication is a major development in worship music and hymnody. Jess and Thom speak with Keith Getty about its creation and importance. Here are some of the questions they asked him. The post Why the New Hymnal from the Gettys Is So Important: An Interview with Keith Getty (Part 2) appeared first on Church Answers.

Sam and Ryan Burge take a deep dive into the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), unpacking the denomination's unique growth patterns, size distribution, and robust recordkeeping. They explore surprising statistics on membership trends, baptisms, and church finances—revealing why some PCA congregations thrive while others remain stagnant. The co-hosts highlight key takeaways for understanding both the strengths and challenges of one of America's most data-rich evangelical denominations. The post The Burge Report: The Biggest Little Denomination: The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) appeared first on Church Answers.

Many pastors and church leaders face a common challenge: how to develop an effective communications strategy when you don't have a big team to help you. Julie Masson, church communications expert, joins Sam on the show to discuss a simple, repeatable approach to managing church communications without burning out. You'll learn how to build a messaging calendar around the predictable rhythms of church life—like Easter, Christmas, and the fall ministry launch—and how that calendar can help you stay ahead, reduce stress, and communicate with clarity and consistency. With this plan, you will hear fewer comments like “I didn't hear about that” and more comments like “thanks for letting me know.” The post The One-Person Church Communication Plan (That Actually Works) appeared first on Church Answers.

In this episode, Thom and Jess examine one of the more unusual findings from the 2023 Faith Communities Today (FACT) study. The survey reveals a noticeable gap in pastors aged 46 to 50. We'll explore why this age bracket is underrepresented, what factors may have shaped this trend, and what it means for the future of pastoral leadership. The post The Church Number: 46 to 50: The Missing Generation — Why Pastors Ages 46–50 Are Underrepresented appeared first on Church Answers.

Jess and Thom explore how the humble farmers market might hold surprising lessons for church life. In a world drawn to authenticity and community, what if the local church functioned more like a neighborhood market — relational, participatory, and grounded in place? The post What Churches Can Learn from Farmers Markets appeared first on Church Answers.

Sam welcomes Amanda Jass to the Rainer on Leadership podcast. Amanda serves as the general editor for the "NLT GO Bible" and is a gifted writer, editor, illustrator, and encourager. She has a passion for creating content for all ages, with a special focus on resources for kids and families. The post How to Get Families in Your Church to Read the Bible Together appeared first on Church Answers.

There are many underappreciated people in your church. If you are in leadership, you must ensure they receive the proper recognition, encouragement, and resources. Josh and Sam discuss several groups that fly under the radar but are critical to everyday ministry. The post The Least Appreciated People in Your Church (And What To Do About It) appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom talks with Mike Stadelmayer at Church Growth Services who offers some fascinating insights about churches and debt. There are definitely some surprises in this interview. The post Should a Church Have Debt? An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer appeared first on Church Answers.

In this episode, Thom discusses an encouraging statistic from the 2023 Faith Communities Today (FACT) study. Despite the challenges of shrinking attendance, financial strain, and cultural headwinds, nearly three out of four congregations still report a positive outlook on their future. What fuels this optimism, and what does it mean for church leaders? The post The Church Number: 73.7% — Churches That Have a Positive Outlook on the Future appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Sam welcome David Green, founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby, and Bill High, CEO of Legacy Stone, to the Rainer on Leadership podcast. Hobby Lobby employs 50,000 people at 1,000 stores in 48 states and grosses nearly $8 billion a year. The post The Legacy Life with David Green, Founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby, and Bill High, CEO of Legacy Stone appeared first on Church Answers.

In this episode, Josh and Sam explore five practical ways pastors can use AI to improve their sermon prep. How should you balance being efficient with being ethical? If you've ever stared at a rough draft and thought, “Something's off,” this episode will give you new ways to sharpen your message and preach with clarity. The post How We’re Using AI in Sermon Prep Ethically and Efficiently appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Jess draw from the introduction of their revised book, “The Millennials: How We Missed the Largest Living Generation -- and Why It's Not Late,” to set the stage for why Millennials matter. They highlight how this generation compares in size to others and why pastors must pay attention now. The post The Largest Living Generation—Why the Church Can't Overlook the Millennials appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Jess open a conversation from their revised book, “The Millennials: How We Missed the Largest Living Generation -- and Why It's Not Late.” This episode unpacks what happens when churches neglect reaching the Millennials. The post What Happens When the Church Overlooks the Millennials appeared first on Church Answers.

Most unchurched people have some past connection to church—often from childhood. Our research found that 63% of the unchurched used to attend regularly. Their current indifference isn't based on ignorance; it's often rooted in real, past experiences. This means our efforts to reach them aren't starting from zero. In this episode, Thom and Sam unpack what it means to engage the "dechurched"—those who've drifted away—and why this group might be more receptive than you think. The post The Unknown Connection Most Unchurched Have with the Church appeared first on Church Answers.

It's easy to focus on what is right in front of you—the fires, the squeaky wheel, the pop-in visit. However, a pure reactive management style does not help a church move forward. Josh and Sam discuss some meetings that take initiative but will pay many dividends. The post Six Essential Pastoral Meetings No One is Scheduling For You appeared first on Church Answers.

In this episode, Thom looks at one of the surprising findings from the 2023 FACT (Faith Communities Today) study. The research shows that more than seven out of ten churches share their facilities with other organizations. Thom explores why so many churches are opening their doors, what kinds of groups they are hosting, and how this trend impacts both the church and the community. The post The Church Number: 70.5% Churches That Share Their Facilities with Other Organizations appeared first on Church Answers.

In this episode, Thom looks at new data from the 2023 FACT (Faith Communities Today) study. The research shows that churches with extensive online giving receive 34% more per attender than those with none. Thom unpacks what that number means for church leaders, why it matters, and how congregations can take practical steps to strengthen generosity in a digital age. The post The Church Number: 34% How Much More Churches Receive Per Attender If They Have Extensive Online Giving appeared first on Church Answers.

From diapers to dating, parenting never stops presenting hard questions. But today's concern is different: Gen Z teens are experiencing a full-blown collapse in social connection. Dating is down. Friend time is down. Jobs are down. According to Monitoring the Future, the percentage of antisocial high school seniors quintupled from 3.5% in 1995 to nearly 16% in 2022. But here's the twist: the one group that remained more socially engaged? Teens who attend church monthly. In today's episode, Ryan, Thom, and Sam unpack the surprising role of religion in keeping kids socially healthy—and what churches can do to help. The post The Burge Report: The Kids Aren't Alright—And Church Student Ministry Might Actually Help appeared first on Church Answers.

Doctrine, expectations, and high standards do not scare people away from church. Confusion is the main enemy. According to Church Answers Research, over 60% of unchurched people agree or strongly agree that churches are confusing for outsiders—and shockingly, 60% of churchgoers say the same. The post What Really Scares People Away from Church appeared first on Church Answers.