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.

Check out this Rooted article from Chad Cronin.

If you’re feeling the weight of leadership in today’s unstable world, you’re not alone.

Southern Seminary is offering a free ebook called Leadership in a Chaotic World—written by trusted faculty to equip pastors with biblical clarity, character, and conviction.

It’s a short, practical guide from Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre to help you lead well in the midst of cultural pressure, spiritual fatigue, and ministry complexity.

Download it for free.

The post Three Things Every Church Small Group Leader Should Be Doing 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 bottom line: you don’t need a new committee or a glossy campaign. Just keep it simple, keep it biblical, and keep communicating. Generosity grows when gratitude and stories flow freely.

Start Preparing Now for 2026! Sports that Bring People Together.

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.

If you’re feeling the weight of leadership in today’s unstable world, you’re not alone.

Southern Seminary is offering a free ebook called Leadership in a Chaotic World—written by trusted faculty to equip pastors with biblical clarity, character, and conviction.

It’s a short, practical guide from Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre to help you lead well in the midst of cultural pressure, spiritual fatigue, and ministry complexity.

Download it for free.

The post The Unchurched Are Not Angry with You (But They Are Indifferent) 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.

Upward Running for Adults: Your Church’s Next Step in Outreach

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 Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to strengthen both you and your church.

You’ll bring a real challenge from your ministry into the program—and through trusted faculty mentorship and applied theological study, you’ll develop a biblically grounded, practical plan that equips you to implement lasting change in your church.

This is theological scholarship applied where it matters most: your local ministry.

Learn how at sbts.edu/dmin.

Looking for a better way to manage your church or school facilities?

eSPACE is the leading facility management software built specifically for churches.

It helps you schedule events, manage work orders, and track assets – all in one place.

You can even automate things like HVAC and door access to save time and money.

Trusted by over 1,250 organizations – including some of the largest churches in the country.

If you’re tired of spreadsheets, sticky notes, or last-minute maintenance emergencies, it’s time to check out eSPACE.

Learn more and book a personalized demo at smartchurchsolutions.com/rainer/.

The post Many Churches Face Future Sticker Shock with Deferred Maintenance 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.

A Variety of Sports for Every Church. From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs.

Exciting News: Did you hear? Pickleball is the newest offering – Claim your TWO free net sets, while supplies last! Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more.

Be the Neighborhood Church. Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today.

Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Experience profound transformation as you encounter God through the pages of the Life Application Study Bible. Bible engagement is not just about knowing Scripture; it’s about living it out! The Life Application Study Bible deepens your connection with God and inspires a transformed life through a growing relationship with Christ.

Crafted by dedicated scholars and pastors, the Life Application Study Bible is filled with thousands of study resources that increase understanding so you can experience Scripture’s life-changing power. For readers from nine to ninety and beyond, the Life Application Study Bible is designed to help you find true heart transformation.

Learn more here.

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.”

Looking for a better way to manage your church or school facilities?

eSPACE is the leading facility management software built specifically for churches.

It helps you schedule events, manage work orders, and track assets – all in one place.

You can even automate things like HVAC and door access to save time and money.

Trusted by over 1,250 organizations – including some of the largest churches in the country.

If you’re tired of spreadsheets, sticky notes, or last-minute maintenance emergencies, it’s time to check out eSPACE.

Learn more and book a personalized demo at smartchurchsolutions.com/rainer/.

The Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to strengthen both you and your church.

You’ll bring a real challenge from your ministry into the program—and through trusted faculty mentorship and applied theological study, you’ll develop a biblically grounded, practical plan that equips you to implement lasting change in your church.

This is theological scholarship applied where it matters most: your local ministry.

Learn how at sbts.edu/dmin.

The post The One-Person Church Communication Plan (That Actually Works) 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.

Experience profound transformation as you encounter God through the pages of the Life Application Study Bible. Bible engagement is not just about knowing Scripture; it’s about living it out! The Life Application Study Bible deepens your connection with God and inspires a transformed life through a growing relationship with Christ.

Crafted by dedicated scholars and pastors, the Life Application Study Bible is filled with thousands of study resources that increase understanding so you can experience Scripture’s life-changing power. For readers from nine to ninety and beyond, the Life Application Study Bible is designed to help you find true heart transformation.

Learn more here.

Start Preparing Now for 2026! Looking ahead to what’s next in your ministry? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – use sports as that invite. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball, pickleball, or running for adults, Upward Sports is ready to support your church in reaching families right in the heart of your community. All you need is access to a gym or field and one passionate leader — Upward will support you with the rest.

A Variety of Sports for Every Church. From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs.

Exciting News: Did you hear? Pickleball is the newest offering – Claim your TWO free net sets, while supplies last! Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more.

Be the Neighborhood Church. Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today.

Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

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 Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to strengthen both you and your church.

You’ll bring a real challenge from your ministry into the program—and through trusted faculty mentorship and applied theological study, you’ll develop a biblically grounded, practical plan that equips you to implement lasting change in your church.

This is theological scholarship applied where it matters most: your local ministry.

Learn how at sbts.edu/dmin.

Looking for a better way to manage your church or school facilities?

eSPACE is the leading facility management software built specifically for churches.

It helps you schedule events, manage work orders, and track assets – all in one place.

You can even automate things like HVAC and door access to save time and money.

Trusted by over 1,250 organizations – including some of the largest churches in the country.

If you’re tired of spreadsheets, sticky notes, or last-minute maintenance emergencies, it’s time to check out eSPACE.

Learn more and book a personalized demo at smartchurchsolutions.com/rainer/.

The post The Least Appreciated People in Your Church (And What To Do About It) 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.

Author of The Legacy Life, Leadership Not by the Book, and The Leader’s Devotional, Green received the World Changer award and the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. David, his wife, Barbara, and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all live in Oklahoma City.

Legacy Stone is a ministry dedicated to helping families thrive today and for generations to come. A former attorney, Bill also founded one of the largest charitable foundations in the country where they facilitated more than $6 billion in gifts. He has consulted with families on a global basis on the subject of family legacy. A recognized speaker and teacher, he is the author and coauthor of several books, including Leadership Not by the Book. He lives with his wife, Brooke, in the Kansas City area.

A Variety of Sports for Every Church. From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs.

Exciting News: Did you hear? Pickleball is the newest offering – Claim your TWO free net sets, while supplies last! Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more.

Be the Neighborhood Church. Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today.

Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Experience profound transformation as you encounter God through the pages of the Life Application Study Bible. Bible engagement is not just about knowing Scripture; it’s about living it out! The Life Application Study Bible deepens your connection with God and inspires a transformed life through a growing relationship with Christ.

Crafted by dedicated scholars and pastors, the Life Application Study Bible is filled with thousands of study resources that increase understanding so you can experience Scripture’s life-changing power. For readers from nine to ninety and beyond, the Life Application Study Bible is designed to help you find true heart transformation.

Learn more here.

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.