Podcasts about 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.

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.

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.

In this episode, Thom discusses a striking figure from the 2023 FACT (Faith Communities Today) study: 62% of churchgoers report attending weekly worship services. What does this number really tell us? Is it reliable? And how should pastors respond in a culture where attendance patterns are shifting? The post The Church Number: 62% The Percentage of Churchgoers Who Attend Weekly appeared first on Church Answers.

In this episode, Thom dives into a surprising and encouraging statistic from the 2023 FACT study—79% of church attenders say that church is “very important” in their lives. With so many articles and headlines announcing the decline of religion in America, this number offers a different perspective—one filled with hope, mission, and responsibility. The data comes from “This Place Means Everything to Me: Key Findings from a National Survey of Church Attenders in Post-Pandemic United States” (2023 FACT study, published by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research). The study is one of the most comprehensive post-pandemic surveys of active churchgoers in the United States. The post The Church Number: 79% The Number of Church Attenders Who Say Church Is “Very Important” to Their Lives appeared first on Church Answers.

Most churches miss this front door, not because of a lack of awareness but because of a lack of effort. Over half of the unchurched believe church could be a great place to make friends, but nearly 60% say it's too intimidating to visit alone. That's a huge opportunity. Today's episode highlights how friendship, follow-up, and one key ingredient—an invitation—can lower the barrier and open the door for gospel conversations. Thom and Sam discuss some key takeaways from their new research. The post The Big Front Door for Guests Just About Every Church Misses appeared first on Church Answers.

Sam talks with worship leaders Tara Banks and Nate Davis about building thriving, long-lasting worship ministries. Together, they unpack how to develop leaders who excel both on stage and in organization, create healthy pipelines for team recruitment and onboarding, and refine systems that support excellence in worship. With decades of ministry insight, Tara and Nate share practical steps for sustaining your own leadership while fostering teams that are united, prepared, and spiritually vibrant. The post Building a Worship Ministry that Excels On and Off the Stage appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Jess explore why Gen Z's view of the church differs significantly from that of past generations. They unpack the values, expectations, and skepticism of this connected-yet-cautious generation. The post Why Gen Z Views Church Differently appeared first on Church Answers.

It has been several years since the pandemic, but its effects are still lasting. Thom and Jess explore how COVID-19 didn't just disrupt church attendance for a season — it changed patterns for the long term. They discuss the lasting shifts and how churches can adapt. The post How the Pandemic Changed Church Attendance appeared first on Church Answers.

If you've ever heard someone say, “I just don't get anything out of that study,” you're not alone. In today's episode, Sam interviews Michael Kelley, Executive Director of the Rooted Network, and they dive into the top six frustrations people have with church curriculum. The post The Top 6 Gripes About Church Curriculum (and What to Do About Them) appeared first on Church Answers.

“Too many pastors say, ‘I know what my church thinks,' but they've never really asked the question.” Dr. Chuck Lawless of Church Answers and Southeastern Seminary discusses the Know Your Church Report, a 160-item questionnaire completed by a sampling of a church's membership that includes a detailed health report for the church. The Know Your Church report is available to NAFWB churches for $130 (60% off the regular price!). Find out more at https://churchanswers.com/partner-page-national-association-of-free-will-baptists/. #NAFWB #BetterTogether #Church #ChurchAssessment

Here's a shocker: The unchurched think the church is more relevant than many regular attenders do. But they don't trust it. While 81% of churchgoers trust their church, only 30% of the unchurched say the same. The dichotomy is fascinating. The post The Trust Gap: Why Outsiders Won't Step Inside Your Church appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Jess discuss how church conflict is often not about the issue on the surface. Many disputes mask deeper spiritual, relational, or personal struggles — and wise leaders learn to look beyond the obvious. The post Why Conflict in the Church Is Often About Something Else appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Jess discuss how smartphones have reshaped connection — and disconnection — in the church. From constant distraction to reduced attention spans, they explore how devices affect worship, community, and discipleship. The post The Smartphone Problem in Your Church appeared first on Church Answers.

In this episode, Thom and Sam dive into five compelling reasons churches should still prioritize reaching Baby Boomers. Despite cultural shifts, Boomers remain a vital part of many communities—and churches. They're often more open to spiritual conversations, have time and resources to invest in ministry, and bring deep life experience that can benefit younger generations. Boomers still matter, and your church can more effectively reach and disciple them. The post Five Reasons Churches Should Still Try to Reach Boomers appeared first on Church Answers.

Sam Rainer discusses best practices of ways for a church to assimilate regular attendees of church into becoming church members by using “The Complete Membership Class Toolkit.”  He also discusses the “Good News Neighbors Toolkit,” a simple plan for every size church to reach its community with the Gospel. Sam is President of Church Answers. Through a partnership with Church Answers, member churches of the NAFWB are able to get these toolkits for 50% off the regular price: https://churchanswers.com/partner-page-national-association-of-free-will-baptists/. #NAFWB #BetterTogether #Church #Outreach #Gospel #Neighbors

In this episode, we explore realistic 1–2 year objectives for small-church revitalization—practical steps that can create lasting momentum without overwhelming your congregation. We unpack three key priorities. The post Realistic One-to-Two-Year Objectives for Small-Church Revitalization appeared first on Church Answers.

The series continues as Thom and Jess explore the next three popular translations: English Standard Version (ESV), Christian Standard Bible (CSB), and New King James Version (NKJV). The post A Comprehensive Examination of Why the Top 10 Bible Translations Are Popular – Part 3: ESV, CSB, NJKV appeared first on Church Answers.

In the final part of the series, Thom and Jess examine four additional translations that remain popular within more specific theological, academic, or expositional contexts: New American Standard Bible (NASB), New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), Revised Standard Version (RSV), and Legacy Standard Bible (LSB). The post A Comprehensive Examination of Why the Top 10 Bible Translations Are Popular – Part 4: NASB, NRSV, RSV, LSB appeared first on Church Answers.

Guest Sam Rainer - HCP 269On this episode of the HCP, Larry and Drew welcome Sam Rainer, who leads Church Answers (a ministry for churches and church leaders). Sam is a Pastor, Author and Church strategist. Sam, with his father Thom Rainer (former lead for Lifeway Research) lead Church Answers and other businesses that help support, train and equip church leaders for effective ministry. Sam will be the featured speaker at this years ReCharge Conference in Memphis. Sept. 29-Oct 2.To Register:https://bmaamerica.org/recharge/Sam RainerSamRainer.comChurchAnswers.comPrevious HCP Podcast with Sam:https://www.buzzsprout.com/835312/episodes/16295111Michael O'BrienMichaelO.orgYou can email us at info@healthychurchpodcast.com orTo find more information about The Healthy Church Podcast go to:http://www.healthychurchpodcast.comor find us on FaceBook!

In this episode, we re-examine a major demographic shift reshaping communities and churches: the decline in mobility across the United States. Americans are moving far less than they did in previous generations, especially millennials. While older generations often relocated for work opportunities or family, today's younger adults are more likely to stay put. Rising housing costs, tighter job markets, student loan burdens, and a growing preference for stability have all contributed to this trend. For church leaders, this change presents both challenges and opportunities. The post Millennials Move LESS than Gen X and Boomers (New Implications for Your Church) appeared first on Church Answers.

Pastors are often held to a “higher standard,” but not every expectation placed on them is biblical or even wise. In this episode, Josh and Sam explore which higher standards actually make sense for pastors and why. They cut through unrealistic pressures and focus on the standards that truly align with Scripture and healthy leadership. The post Which “Higher Standard” Measures Actually Make Sense for Pastors appeared first on Church Answers.

Sam is joined by Todd Brown and Isaac Brown of Brown Church Development Group, who are “The Church Facility Experts.” The design of your church might be shaping your culture more than you think. Building styles reflect ministry priorities–but if the building doesn't adapt, those priorities can become limitations. In this first episode, they explore the ‘Baptist T' (a common church layout from the 1960s to 1980s) and how it was built for a ministry model that no longer fits. The post How Your Building Shapes Your Ministry: The Baptist T – When Building Design Limits Ministry appeared first on Church Answers.

Sam is joined by Todd Brown and Isaac Brown of Brown Church Development Group, who are “The Church Facility Experts.” In this second episode, they discuss how the Baptist T design still affects churches decades later–often in ways leaders don't realize. Here are five ways this design limits ministry today and what can be done to use your facility as a tool for mission, not as a monument to the past. The post How Your Building Shapes Your Ministry: Five Ways the Baptist T Still Shapes (and Limits) Your Ministry appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Jess begin ranking the most widely used Bible translations in the U.S., starting with the top three: New International Version (NIV), King James Version (KJV), and New Living Translation (NLT). The post A Comprehensive Examination of Why the Top 10 Bible Translations Are Popular – Part 2: NIV, KJV, NLT appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Jess Rainer introduce a four-part series on the top 10 English Bible translations in America. In this episode, they offer a broad overview of how these translations emerged, the philosophies behind them, and how cultural, theological, and practical factors affect their popularity. The post A Comprehensive Examination of Why the Top 10 Bible Translations Are Popular – Part 1 appeared first on Church Answers.

Studies on the content of sermons exist, and most indicate that pastors include some political topics in their sermons. But which topics? Ryan, Thom, and Sam reveal the answer. When asked about politics and the pulpit, few congregants say their pastors often speak about political issues. But is that really the case? The post The Burge Report: Do Churchgoers Want More or Less Politics in the Pulpit? appeared first on Church Answers.

“It's a great, easy thing for people to do to get their feet wet with reaching out.” Matt McCraw describes “Invite Your One,” an outreach strategy his church uses to encourage members and regular attenders to invite one person to attend church on a  special emphasis Sunday. Matt is senior consultant with Church Answers and pastor of First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida. #NAFWB #BetterTogether #Church #Outreach

Research from Barna reveals the top two reasons pastors consider quitting are stress and loneliness. This same study demonstrated an increase in pastoral loneliness—from 42% of pastors saying they felt frequently or sometimes lonely in 2015 to 65% of pastors in 2023. The church is supposed to be a place of belonging and hope, but many church leaders experience the opposite—isolation and discouragement. Josh and Sam examine this problem and offer their solutions. The post The Loneliness Epidemic Among Pastors appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Jess Rainer revisit the insights from Thom's 2016 bestseller “Autopsy of a Deceased Church” and provide a sobering update for today's church landscape. In this episode, they begin unpacking the eight new signs that a church is nearing its end in 2025. The post Autopsy of a Deceased Church in 2025 – Part 1 appeared first on Church Answers.

In the conclusion of this two-part series, Thom and Jess Rainer share four more reasons churches are dying in 2025. The challenges are real—but so are the opportunities to respond with courage and clarity. The post Autopsy of a Deceased Church in 2025 – Part 2 appeared first on Church Answers.

Too many church leaders shy away from encouraging weekly worship. They don't want to sound legalistic. But that hesitation is a big mistake. In just 16 years, weekly church attendance has dropped sharply. Sam and Matt McCraw discuss why weekly church attendance is the best practice for everyone. The post The Non-Legalist Reasons for Weekly Church Attendance appeared first on Church Answers.

Scripture gives clear qualifications for the characteristics of pastors. But who in the church should hold pastors accountable to these qualifications? Josh and Sam dive into the best practices for pastoral accountability. The post Who in the Church Should Hold Pastors Accountable? appeared first on Church Answers.

In this episode of The Church Answers Podcast, Thom and Jess Rainer begin a two-part discussion on the widespread neglect of outreach in local churches. They unpack the foundational barriers that keep churches from obeying the Great Commission. The post 8 Reasons Most Churches Do Not Do Outreach – Part 1 appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Jess Rainer continue their honest conversation about why outreach has dropped off the radar in many churches. The second half of the list offers insight into theological drift and misplaced priorities. The post 8 Reasons Most Churches Do Not Do Outreach – Part 2 appeared first on Church Answers.

In this episode, Sam and Matt McCraw unpack weekly church attendance trends from 2016 to 2024 across four generations. While Boomers slightly increased from 27% to 28%, Gen X dropped from 24% to 22%, Millennials from 26% to 22%, and Gen Z saw the sharpest decline—from 29% to 24%. What do these shifts mean for the future of church engagement, discipleship, and ministry strategy? We explore the implications for leadership, generational outreach, and the need for intentional connection points that resonate with each group. The post Weekly Church Attendance Patterns by Generation: 2016 to 2024 appeared first on Church Answers.

“The whole purpose of it is what are the key resources that we can provide to help churches without breaking the bank and being the type of servant that we need to be.” Thom Rainer, founder of Church Answers, discusses the partnership that was formed between the NAFWB and Church Answers. Through the partnership, Church Answers provides many of their church health resources with exclusive discounts for Free Will Baptist churches. Find the partnership page at bit.ly/4mqLvCR. #NAFWB #BetterTogether #ChurchAnswers #Church #Ministry #ChurchHealth

On this episode, Sam and Josh unpack a landmark development for churches: the Internal Revenue Service's shift on the 1954 Johnson Amendment. In a joint court filing with two Texas churches and the National Religious Broadcasters, the IRS now affirms that clergy can endorse political candidates from the pulpit without risking their tax-exempt status. The IRS reframes such endorsements as comparable to a “private family discussion” within the congregation during worship—with statements made via usual church communication channels not qualifying as political intervention. The post The Johnson Amendment Reversal: Endorsing Political Candidates from the Pulpit appeared first on Church Answers.

Do you know any church members who have made demands based upon their financial giving to the church? Okay, that's probably a rhetorical question because most of you readers certainly have experienced that discomfort. I asked a number of church leaders to share with me how this “hostage taking” usually takes place. Here are the five most common responses. The post Five Ways Church Members Hold the Church as a Financial Hostage appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom welcomes Tim Cool to The Church Answers Podcast. Tim is the founder and CEO of Smart Church Solutions, the developer of eSPACE software platform which includes Event Management, Work Order Management, Life Cycle Calculator, IoT Integrations, and other church facility management consulting services. He has assisted thousands of churches throughout the United States with their facility needs including facility planning, facility condition assessments, as well as life cycle planning and facility management. The post How Churches Can Best Address Facility Costs appeared first on Church Answers.

Sam welcomes Dan Block to the Rainer on Leadership podcast. Dan is a Senior Translator for the New Living Translation. They discuss why the New Living Translation is the best choice for those seeking a Bible that is accurate, understandable, and audibly enjoyable. The post Why the NLT Might Be the Best Bible You've Never Considered appeared first on Church Answers.

In this episode, Josh and Sam explore a fresh way to approach sermon illustrations. Instead of building a massive database with search tools and tags, consider categorizing your illustrations by type—like recent personal stories, historical examples, and visual aids. The goal isn't to store every idea, but to know what kind of illustration you're looking for and then go find it. Plus, we talk about how tools like ChatGPT can help you brainstorm the right type of illustration for your message. The post Sermon Illustrations that Connect to the Bible Text (And Your Church!) appeared first on Church Answers.

Churches have long embraced technology to enhance their ministries, but the most successful churches are shifting beyond simply broadcasting information—they're leveraging technology to create belonging—authentic connections. In this episode, Thom welcomes Sarah Nashif-Tan from VisitorReach to the podcast for an inside look at their latest innovation: VisitorTap. She is a strategic and passionate leader who blends business and ministry skills to empower local churches for cultural impact. Discover how this easy-to-use tap technology is revolutionizing the way churches engage guests and connect with their congregation. The post The Easiest (and Most Incredible) Way to Get Information from Your Guests! appeared first on Church Answers.

Welcome to a special four-part podcast series titled "Thomas Edison on Leadership." In this series, we'll explore the surprising and insightful leadership principles of one of history's most prolific inventors—principles that still speak powerfully to today's leaders in business, ministry, and innovation. Thomas Alva Edison (1847–1931) was not only the mind behind the electric light bulb, the phonograph, and motion pictures—he was also the founder of 14 companies, including General Electric. Over the course of his lifetime, he was granted 1,093 patents, a staggering achievement that speaks to both his creativity and his tenacity. But what often goes unnoticed is Edison's extraordinary ability to lead others, manage chaos, overcome failure, and build an enduring legacy of innovation. Edison was an incredible leader, a tireless experimenter, and a shrewd entrepreneur. His Menlo Park and later West Orange labs were among the first true innovation hubs, long before the term became common. In this third episode, we see how Edison saw chaos as necessary -- up to a point. The post Thomas Edison on Leadership – Part 3: The Incredible Lesson of Managed Chaos appeared first on Church Answers.

Welcome to a special four-part podcast series titled "Thomas Edison on Leadership." In this series, we'll explore the surprising and insightful leadership principles of one of history's most prolific inventors—principles that still speak powerfully to today's leaders in business, ministry, and innovation. Thomas Alva Edison (1847–1931) was not only the mind behind the electric light bulb, the phonograph, and motion pictures—he was also the founder of 14 companies, including General Electric. Over the course of his lifetime, he was granted 1,093 patents, a staggering achievement that speaks to both his creativity and his tenacity. But what often goes unnoticed is Edison's extraordinary ability to lead others, manage chaos, overcome failure, and build an enduring legacy of innovation. Edison was an incredible leader, a tireless experimenter, and a shrewd entrepreneur. His Menlo Park and later West Orange labs were among the first true innovation hubs, long before the term became common. In this fourth episode, we see how Edison used persistence to succeed, while being highly selective in when he chose to be persistent. The post Thomas Edison on Leadership – Part 4: The Powerful Lesson of Selected Persistence appeared first on Church Answers.

New religious data in the United States was released recently, and Ryan Burge joins the show with Sam to discuss the details. In 2024, Gen Z showed relatively strong religious attendance compared to other generations. Twenty-four percent of Gen Z reported attending religious services weekly—two percentage points higher than both Millennials and Gen X. While 53% of Gen Z attend less than once a year, that's actually the lowest percentage of infrequent attenders among all the generations analyzed. The post The Burge Report: Is Gen Z More Religiously Engaged than Their Parents? appeared first on Church Answers.

Pastors provide spiritual guidance, but there are times when counseling crosses into territory best handled by trained professionals. In this episode, Josh and Sam explore the limits of pastoral care—when ethical, legal, and practical concerns make it necessary to refer someone elsewhere. From mental health crises to marital conflicts beyond a pastor's expertise, knowing when to step back is crucial for both the pastor and the person seeking help. We'll discuss red flags, healthy boundaries, and how pastors can support without overstepping. The post The Limits of Pastoral Care: When Counseling Isn't Appropriate appeared first on Church Answers.

Welcome to a special four-part podcast series titled "Thomas Edison on Leadership." In this series, we'll explore the surprising and insightful leadership principles of one of history's most prolific inventors—principles that still speak powerfully to today's leaders in business, ministry, and innovation. Thomas Alva Edison (1847–1931) was not only the mind behind the electric light bulb, the phonograph, and motion pictures—he was also the founder of 14 companies, including General Electric. Over the course of his lifetime, he was granted 1,093 patents, a staggering achievement that speaks to both his creativity and his tenacity. But what often goes unnoticed is Edison's extraordinary ability to lead others, manage chaos, overcome failure, and build an enduring legacy of innovation. Edison was an incredible leader, a tireless experimenter, and a shrewd entrepreneur. His Menlo Park and later West Orange labs were some of the first true innovation hubs—long before that term became fashionable. In this first episode, we learn that Edison was a once-in-a-lifetime force, but he also left enduring lessons for those who want to learn growth principles for their own churches and organizations. The post Thomas Edison on Leadership – Part 1: Understanding the Mind of a Growth Leader appeared first on Church Answers.

Churches may be spiritual communities, but they operate in a legal world. And many aren't prepared. In today's episode, Sam interviews Ryan June of Castañeda + Heidelman LLP, and we unpack the five most common legal issues churches face: child protection, property disputes, employment law, governance and bylaws, and intellectual property. Ignorance of the law is not a spiritual gift. Whether your church is 50 years old or just starting, these legal risks can't be ignored. The post The Top 5 Legal Issues Churches Face Today appeared first on Church Answers.