Imagine a church on life support one year that has moved to thriving within a few years. Though you've heard of church turnarounds, you've rarely heard a story this dramatic. Sam and Thom interview Jonathan Smith with Texas Baptists to hear about this God-sized story.

 	Tell us the background of this church up to the point of its near-death experience.


 	How long did it take to get to the point in the title of this podcast?


 	What were some of the key factors in the turnaround?


 	What were some of the biggest obstacles to the turnaround?


 	What are some key transferable principles from this story for other churches?


 
Resources:

 	Texas Baptists


 	Know Your Community


 
Episode Sponsors:


Southeastern is committed to helping you get the training you need to pursue your ministry from anywhere around the world. That’s why we’re waiving the application fee to any of our programs for Church Answers listeners. Use the code “CHURCHANSWERS” and we’ll waive the fee. No matter what stage of life’s journey you find yourself in, we want to help you take your next step in getting equipped to disciple and teach others. In coming to Southeastern, you’ll find that seminary isn’t just about theological education; it’s about ministry preparation. Explore degrees, schedule a visit, or apply today at sebts.edu.

 

If you're a church, school, nonprofit, values-based business, or family office, Vanderbloemen would be honored to serve you. Their team's goal is to empower yours by aligning your people solutions for growth: hiring, compensation, succession, and culture. Hire the right people. Pay them well. Plan for the future. Build a culture that lasts. Learn more at Vanderbloemen.com

 

From $1.06 and 25 People to a $700,000 Budget and a Church of 450 – An Interview with Jonathan Smith

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https://youtu.be/I5sqtgPQiJY

It is fascinating to engage church leaders and members about their understanding of discipleship. Frankly, it means different things to different people. Sam and Thom discuss the importance of getting clarity about discipleship in a local church.

 	

 	Why it is important to define (or at least clarify) the term




 	

 	Personal discipleship and corporate discipleship




 	

 	Programs and discipleship




 	

 	Can you measure discipleship in your church?




 	

 	The false dichotomy of evangelism and discipleship



Resources:

 	“Every Woman’s Bible” (Discover This Bible)


 	* “Every Woman’s Bible” (Bulk Purchasing)


 	* Tyndale House Publishers


 	* Upward Sports


 	“Simple Church: Returning to God's Process for Making Disciples” by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger


 	* “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life” by Donald S. Whitney 


 	The Everything Church Resource Directory


 	* The Hope Initiative


 	* Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector

Episode Sponsors:

Discover your story in God’s story and find a life of extraordinary purpose.

Every woman brings her own questions to the Bible: If I’m God’s child, why does my life sometimes feel ordinary or even disappointing? Why does the Bible say such hard and confusing things about and to women? How can I understand God and my own identity and place in God’s story?

Every Woman’s Bible doesn’t shy away from the questions women ask. In these pages, active and impactful women of yesterday and today share age-old truths with modern relevance. Contributions from more than 100 women around the world—from every continent—explore the heartfelt needs, gritty challenges, and uncommon faithfulness of women of the Bible, throughout history, and today. Serious study and deep reflection will help you clarify your calling through personal stories, insights, inspiration, and study notes that dig into personal needs during your Bible reading—all created by women, for women.

You’ll find . . .

 	

 	Insight and transformation through deep study
 	Personal growth through reflective content
 	Connection to a global community of women
 	Powerful learning through access to additional study and devotional resources in the Filament Bible App
 	Greater understanding of God through digging into passages that are often difficult for women
 	Challenge through learning from a diverse group of women from many walks of life



This beautiful Bible is created in community across socio-economic lines and international borders, by women united by their bond through Christ. This is your invitation to a global community. Together, in these pages,

The Confusion about the Word “Discipleship”

https://youtu.be/Pz_ZE5cxkQc

Thom welcomes Dr. Naomi Cramer Overton, "Every Woman’s Bible" General Editor and CEO of Stonecroft, and Misty Arterburn, Associate Editor for the "Every Woman’s Bible." The Every Woman’s Bible by Tyndale House Publishers is a study Bible for the heart and mind. The relevant and timely features in this Bible focus on what hundreds of women say they desire from a Bible. Over one hundred scholars, writers, and contributors—all women—from around the world invite readers into serious study and deep reflection through this Bible and to connection in the global community.

 	

 	Why do you see women as central to God’s mission?




 	

 	Why do you see the Every Woman’s Bible as a Bible for such a time as this?




 	

 	Tell us about your vision to see women being transformed and transforming.




 	

 	What do you want church leaders to know as they consider this Bible for their ministries?




 	

 	Why create a woman’s study Bible for heart and mind?




 	

 	What was your approach in tackling the difficult questions this Bible addresses?



Resources:

 	* Upward Sports


 	“Every Woman’s Bible” (Discover This Bible)


 	* “Every Woman’s Bible” (Bulk Purchasing)


 	* Tyndale House Publishers


 	* “Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters” by Carmen Imes


 	The Everything Church Resource Directory


 	* The Hope Initiative


 	* Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector

Episode Sponsors:

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.

**As a partner of Rainer or Leadership, Upward Sports is offering a $500 sports start up grant to listeners. Head over to Upward.org/ChurchAnswers and schedule a call… tell them we sent you! Your sports grant will assist you in a 2024 LEAGUE!

Discover your story in God’s story and find a life of extraordinary purpose.

Every woman brings her own questions to the Bible: If I’m God’s child, why does my life sometimes feel ordinary or even disappointing? Why does the Bible say such hard and confusing things about and to women? How can I understand God and my own identity and place in God’s story?

Every Woman’s Bible doesn’t shy away from the questions women ask.

Why Every Woman in Your Church Needs This Bible: An Interview with Naomi Cramer Overton and Misty Arterburn

As the median size of a church gets smaller, more are in the predicament of being supported by a handful of key donors. Mike Stadelmayer of Church Growth Services joins Thom and Sam to discuss what these churches can do. Not every case is dire, but the long-term viability of a congregation is at stake when one or two key donors are responsible for most of the budget.

 	

 	The median church size is around 40 to 60 people, so many churches are supported by one or two key donors.




 	

 	Financial risk increases as the number of donors decreases.




 	

 	Assume the best of these key donors, even if they have a lot of influence.




 	

 	Some cases will only be resolved with numerical growth and strong stewardship training.




 	

 	Build a strong relationship with key donors while you build the church.




 	

 	Take care of as much deferred maintenance as possible.




 	

 	Fill the church budget with as many outwardly focused ministries as possible.




 	

 	Transparency is key; don’t be afraid to ask your church to step up.



Resources:

 	Church Growth Services


 	Get your FREE eBook, 5 Generosity Megatrends


 	* Episode #1: Making the Ask: How Pastors Should Approach Key Church Donors – An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer


 	* Episode #2: The Upside and Downside of Designated Giving in Churches – An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer

Episode Sponsor:


 

A Special Three-Part Series with Church Growth Services: Episode #3 – What Should You Do When a Handful of Key Donors Support the Church – An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer

Most gifts to churches are given without designating how the funds should be spent. However, there are cases when donors restrict their donations or give to a designated account. While every donation helps kingdom work, designated gifts can be tricky. Mike Stadelmayer of Church Growth Services joins Thom and Sam, and they discuss some of the nuances around restricted giving.

 	

 	Designated gifts are restricted to a particular project or budget line item.




 	

 	They are a blessing when people give above and beyond their undesignated tithe.




 	

 	Some churches strategically request designated gifts, like mission offerings and capital campaigns.




 	

 	Some members give only designated gifts because of pet projects or discontent with leadership.




 	

 	By law, designated gifts must be used for their intended purposes.




 	

 	Designated gifts to individuals are not tax-deductible contributions.




 	

 	When a church has too many designated funds, givers get confused. And confused givers typically donate less.




 	

 	Some churches use a “one fund” approach to giving.



Resources:

 	Church Growth Services


 	Get your FREE eBook, 5 Generosity Megatrends


 	* Episode #1: Making the Ask: How Pastors Should Approach Key Church Donors – An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer


 	* Episode #3: What Should You Do When a Handful of Key Donors Support the Church – An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer

Episode Sponsor:


A Special Three-Part Series with Church Growth Services: Episode #2 – The Upside and Downside of Designated Giving in Churches – An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer

Talking to key givers in the church does not have to be awkward. Mike Stadelmayer of Church Growth Services joins Thom and Sam to discuss how pastors can make the ask without feeling icky. They discuss some best practices that any pastor can follow.

 	

 	Understand the history and culture of your church.




 	

 	Do not violate any written policies or unwritten rules.




 	

 	If you are comfortable in the conversation, most others will be as well.




 	

 	Watch your non-verbal cues and be confident.




 	

 	Desperation only works once.




 	

 	Building relationships takes time, and you may not have the luxury of waiting.



Resources:

 	Church Growth Services


 	Get your FREE eBook, 5 Generosity Megatrends


 	* Episode #2: The Upside and Downside of Designated Giving in Churches – An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer


 	* Episode #3: What Should You Do When a Handful of Key Donors Support the Church – An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer

Episode Sponsor:


A Special Three-Part Series with Church Growth Services: Episode #1 – Making the Ask: How Pastors Should Approach Key Church Donors – An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer

Rainer on Leadership

From $1.06 and 25 People to a $700,000 Budget and a Church of 450 – An Interview with Jonathan Smith

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