Rainer on Leadership

Halloween often creates unnecessary tension among Christians. Some avoid it because of its association with spiritual darkness and the occult, while others view it as a harmless cultural tradition centered on costumes, candy, and neighborhood fun. Josh and Sam discuss how churches do not need to retreat from their communities during Halloween.

Five Loaves Marketing builds church websites and handles church SEO, so the people searching for a church in your community actually find yours.

Our websites are optimized for the best experience possible for new visitors and members, including user-friendly design and high-end performance.

We’re currently offering FREE church SEO audits, plus listeners get 20% off any website design with the code “Rainer” with the purchase of an annual plan.

You can’t be a healthy church without fulfilling the Great Commission. Visit fiveloavesmarketing.com today to learn how we can help you build a digital evangelism system.

The post An Honest Perspective on Celebrating Halloween as Christians appeared first on Church Answers.

Sam welcomes Susan K. Pitts and Becky Thompson to the Rainer on Leadership podcast. They are a mother-daughter team who have built their lives around encouraging moms right in the middle of everyday life. Susan has spent over forty years in ministry, walking alongside women and families with wisdom and compassion. She is the prayer director for the Midnight Mom Devotional and co-author of the Midnight Mom Devotional books. Becky has spent the last decade creating resources to equip and encourage the heart of the momma. They are both bestselling authors and Becky is a national speaker who speaks honestly about faith and family.

They are the authors of two devotional books, Tonight We Pray for the Momma and Midnight Mom Devotional and are the content writers for the devotional content in the Midnight Mom Devotional Bible. In addition, they have a vibrant social media community on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok where they lead over 2 million mommas in nightly prayer.

It is hard to put into words how important moms are. Maybe this is one of the reasons why in their darkest moments they can feel unseen, hidden under worries and expectations. Even as a church community, do we put an overwhelming burden on them to do it all—home, work, school, church, and beyond? This can leave them feeling like they are failing at every turn. But what can we do to help?

One resource is the Midnight Mom Devotional Bible. In its pages God is offering a respite to a momma’s weary soul. Filled with prayers, devotionals, and space for reflection, God is inviting moms to leave the guilt behind and find comfort and peace in his arms.

Learn more about this Bible at MidnightMomBible.com

Open Your Gym to Families – Through Upward Basketball

The post How Churches Can Better Support Moms in the Unseen Midnight Moments of Motherhood appeared first on Church Answers.

Sam interviews David Graham of Five Loaves Marketing, and they talk about the best ways for churches to utilize marketing resources.

Five Loaves Marketing builds church websites and handles church SEO, so the people searching for a church in your community actually find yours.

Our websites are optimized for the best experience possible for new visitors and members, including user-friendly design and high-end performance.

We’re currently offering FREE church SEO audits, plus listeners get 20% off any website design with the code “Rainer” with the purchase of an annual plan.

You can’t be a healthy church without fulfilling the Great Commission. Visit fiveloavesmarketing.com today to learn how we can help you build a digital evangelism system.

The post Hitting Home Runs with Church Marketing appeared first on Church Answers.

A new Hartford Institute report shows median in-person worship attendance increasing from 65 to 70 since just before the pandemic. That five-person gain may sound small, but it represents a 7.7% increase and moves the median congregation above its pre-pandemic level. Still, the story requires careful interpretation. This is not a return to the church landscape of 2000, when the median congregation had 137 in worship. It is better understood as a modest but meaningful inflection point—encouraging enough to notice, but not strong enough yet to call a trend.

Read more.

Sports are one of the easiest ways to connect with families in your community. Upward Sports helps churches turn that connection into an intentional ministry that reaches families both on and off the field or court.

When you partner with Upward Sports, your church will receive:

You don’t have to figure it out on your own. Upward Sports stands ready to partner with your church every step of the way, helping you create a first-class sports experience that builds relationships, engages families, and creates opportunities to share the Gospel.

Take time to learn more at Upward.org/church-leaders.

It is hard to put into words how important moms are. Maybe this is one of the reasons why in their darkest moments they can feel unseen, hidden under worries and expectations. Even as a church community, do we put an overwhelming burden on them to do it all—home, work, school, church, and beyond? This can leave them feeling like they are failing at every turn. But what can we do to help?

One resource is the Midnight Mom Devotional Bible. In its pages God is offering a respite to a momma’s weary soul. Filled with prayers, devotionals, and space for reflection, God is inviting moms to leave the guilt behind and find comfort and peace in his arms.

Learn more about this Bible at MidnightMomBible.com

The post Church Worship Attendance Is… Up! (For the First Time in Years) appeared first on Church Answers.

Josh and Sam discuss how to avoid the “always available” trap of shepherding a congregation. Unfortunately, many pastors, if not most, are never truly “off.”

Five Loaves Marketing builds church websites and handles church SEO, so the people searching for a church in your community actually find yours.

Our websites are optimized for the best experience possible for new visitors and members, including user-friendly design and high-end performance.

We’re currently offering FREE church SEO audits, plus listeners get 20% off any website design with the code “Rainer” with the purchase of an annual plan.

You can’t be a healthy church without fulfilling the Great Commission. Visit fiveloavesmarketing.com today to learn how we can help you build a digital evangelism system.

The post The Pastoral Burden of Never Having “Off Hours” appeared first on Church Answers.

Sam welcomes Dr. Nijay Gupta back to the Rainer on Leadership podcast. Nijay is a senior translator for the New Living Translation, a Professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, and the author of several books, including A Beginner’s Guide to New Testament Studies and Tell Her Story. Today they discuss why preachers should commit to one primary translation in the pulpit, and why the New Living Translation is the best choice.

It is hard to put into words how important moms are. Maybe this is one of the reasons why in their darkest moments they can feel unseen, hidden under worries and expectations. Even as a church community, do we put an overwhelming burden on them to do it all—home, work, school, church, and beyond? This can leave them feeling like they are failing at every turn. But what can we do to help?

One resource is the Midnight Mom Devotional Bible. In its pages God is offering a respite to a momma’s weary soul. Filled with prayers, devotionals, and space for reflection, God is inviting moms to leave the guilt behind and find comfort and peace in his arms.

Learn more about this Bible at MidnightMomBible.com

Open Your Gym to Families – Through Upward Basketball

The post Why Preachers Should Pick One Translation (And Which One Is Best) appeared first on Church Answers.

Historically, Christians have favored burial. That practice was not accidental. Burial reflects the biblical pattern of honoring the body, treating death with gravity, and looking forward to the resurrection. In Scripture, the body is not treated as disposable. At the same time, the Bible does not give a direct command that Christians must be buried or that cremation is sinful. Josh and Sam discuss this question on today’s episode.

1. Burial carries strong Christian symbolism.

Burial reflects the biblical language of the body being “sown” in hope of resurrection. It treats the body with dignity and points forward to the day when Christ will raise the dead. For this reason, pastors can reasonably encourage burial as the historic and theologically rich Christian practice.

2. Cremation should not be treated as a salvation issue.

The Bible does not teach that cremation prevents resurrection. God is fully able to raise the dead regardless of what happens to the body after death. Pastors should avoid creating fear or shame for families who have chosen cremation, especially in moments of grief.

3. Cost and family circumstances matter pastorally.

Burial can be expensive, and many families feel financial pressure during funeral planning. Pastors should be sensitive to these realities. Encouraging burial should not become another burden placed on grieving families who are already overwhelmed.

4. Churches should teach about death before crisis comes.

The best time to discuss burial, cremation, funerals, and resurrection hope is before a death occurs. Pastors can help members make thoughtful plans that reflect Christian conviction, reduce family stress, and keep the focus on the gospel.

Five Loaves Marketing builds church websites and handles church SEO, so the people searching for a church in your community actually find yours.

Our websites are optimized for the best experience possible for new visitors and members, including user-friendly design and high-end performance.

We’re currently offering FREE church SEO audits, plus listeners get 20% off any website design with the code “Rainer” with the purchase of an annual plan.

You can’t be a healthy church without fulfilling the Great Commission. Visit fiveloavesmarketing.com today to learn how we can help you build a digital evangelism system.

The post Should Pastors Encourage Burial Over Cremation? appeared first on Church Answers.

Americans are moving far less than they did in previous generations, and Gen Z may become the least mobile generation in American history. In the 1950s, about 20% of Americans moved each year. By 2019, that number had fallen to roughly 11%. Even more surprising, younger adults are more likely than older generations to say they have lived in the same local community their entire lives. Nearly half of those born in the early 2000s report never having moved from their local community.

Ryan and Sam discuss how this trend also has implications for churches. People who stay rooted in one place appear somewhat more likely to remain connected to religious life than those who move away. Moving disrupts habits, relationships, and rhythms—including church attendance. For many dechurched people, the issue may not be a conscious rejection of faith, but the loss of a weekly rhythm after relocating.

Sports are one of the easiest ways to connect with families in your community. Upward Sports helps churches turn that connection into an intentional ministry that reaches families both on and off the field or court.

When you partner with Upward Sports, your church will receive:

You don’t have to figure it out on your own. Upward Sports stands ready to partner with your church every step of the way, helping you create a first-class sports experience that builds relationships, engages families, and creates opportunities to share the Gospel.

Take time to learn more at Upward.org/church-leaders.

Most churches aren’t short on vision—they’re stuck on what to do next.

Facility decisions can feel overwhelming, expensive, and risky… Too often, buildings end up working against the ministry instead of for it.

That’s where Brown Church Development Group comes in… They are the Church Facility Experts.

They’ve helped hundreds of churches across the United States find facility solutions that actually fit their ministry style, budget, and long-term plans. From feasibility studies and master planning to architecture and construction, they’re a true one-stop shop for all your church facility needs.

Brown Church Development Group helps churches avoid costly mistakes, gain clarity, and move forward with confidence—without the guesswork.

Whether you’re improving an existing facility or building something new, Brown Church Development Group can help you know exactly what to do next.

The post The Burge Report: Why Gen Z Might Be the Least Mobile Generation in American History appeared first on Church Answers.

Many churches are beginning to recognize that their discipleship systems are no longer working as well as they once did. The problem is not necessarily neglect. In many cases, the problem is that the model was built for a different era—one marked by more frequent church attendance, earlier marriage, more stable family rhythms, and Baby Boomers providing much of the volunteers.

That world is fading.

Josh and Sam discuss how churches that adjust their discipleship strategies now will be better positioned to disciple effectively ten and twenty years from today.

1. Sunday-only discipleship is not enough.

Churches need predictable midweek rhythms that help people grow through repetition, relationships, and accountability. Midweek discipleship should not be chaotic or program-heavy; it should be family-friendly, consistent, and formative.

2. Discipleship must target the household, not just the individual.

Faith formation is strongest when churches integrate marriage ministry, parenting support, children’s ministry, and student ministry. Parents remain the primary faith influencers of their children, so churches should build discipleship systems that strengthen the whole family.

3. Theological training should become normal for everyday believers.

Churches do not need to turn every member into a seminarian, but they do need to raise biblical literacy and doctrinal clarity. Short, accessible courses on Bible basics, doctrine, spiritual disciplines, and leadership can help members become more confident and engaged.

4. Stewardship is a discipleship issue.

Generosity should not be treated only as a budget concern. Giving patterns are connected to spiritual maturity, obedience, worship, and mission. Churches should teach stewardship early and often, especially among younger families.

5. Groups must become the default pathway for connection and consistency.

Regular group participation often leads to stronger attendance, deeper relationships, increased serving, and more consistent spiritual habits. Churches should create a clear path from first-time guest to group connection within weeks, not months.

Because the wrong hire costs more than the search.

The wrong ministry hire is costly, but not just financially.

A poor fit can wear out volunteers, frustrate staff, slow momentum, and set a church back for years. Chemistry Staffing helps churches avoid that by bringing structure, pastoral wisdom, and a proven process to one of the highest-stakes decisions a church will make.

Their process helps churches look beyond resumes and interviews to focus on long-term ministry health and fit.

Because the wrong hire costs more than the search.

Learn more at ChemistryStaffing.com

The post How to Prevent Your Discipleship Model from Aging Out with the Older Generations appeared first on Church Answers.

Sam and Thom welcome Dr. Ryan Blackwell to Rainer on Leadership to share his hope for Lifeway as the 11th President and CEO.

Facilities shouldn’t slow ministry down—but for many churches, they do.

Facility decisions can feel overwhelming, expensive, and risky… Too often, buildings end up working against the ministry instead of for it.

That’s where Brown Church Development Group comes in… They are the Church Facility Experts.

They’ve helped hundreds of churches across the United States find facility solutions that actually fit their ministry style, budget, and long-term plans. From feasibility studies and master planning to architecture and construction, they’re a true one-stop shop for all your church facility needs.

Brown Church Development Group helps churches avoid costly mistakes, gain clarity, and move forward with confidence—without the guesswork.

Whether you’re improving an existing facility or building something new, Brown Church Development Group can help you know exactly what to do next.

Intentional Basketball Ministry

Build more than a league–create a ministry that intentionally points every child and family to Jesus.

Turn every practice, game, and conversation into an opportunity for discipleship and Gospel impact.

Upward Sports is ready to partner with your church to create a winter basketball ministry. Learn more about Upward Sports at www.upward.org/churchanswers.

The post My Hope for Lifeway: An Interview with Dr. Ryan Blackwell, President and CEO of Lifeway appeared first on Church Answers.