Are aging churches a real problem? The US population has a median age of 39 years old. Most denominations have a median age of congregants close to 60 years old. Josh and Sam discuss why churches are a generation older than their surrounding communities. What are the implications of the aging trend in churches?

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 Why Churches Are MUCH Older Now… appeared first on Church Answers.

Big events can be a way for churches to reach people, but they often fail to draw people back once the event is done. Thom and Sam unpack what it actually takes to turn community events into gospel opportunities.

Check out Thom’s article on this subject.

Upward Running for Your Small Group

One wrong facility decision can cost a church years of momentum and millions of dollars.

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 Why Guests Don’t Come Back to Church After a Big Ministry Event appeared first on Church Answers.

Josh and Sam talk about the rising tide of gambling addiction in the U.S., fueled by the explosion of online betting and sports wagering. With millions of adults and youth affected, and billions lost in social and personal costs, the issue is quickly becoming a pastoral and congregational challenge. This episode highlights the scope of the crisis, why it’s escalating, and how the church can respond with clarity, compassion, and practical care.

Lead Your Church. We’ll Handle the Numbers. 

Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both. 

Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers

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 America’s Gambling Problem and the Church appeared first on Church Answers.

While big cities often dominate attention and resources, it is the small towns and rural communities where congregations are disappearing fastest and where the church’s presence is most at risk. Thom and Sam explore why revitalizing and supporting small churches is essential for the future of Christian witness and how these congregations uniquely embody relational, community-anchoring ministry that larger models simply cannot replicate.

Check out Thom’s article on this subject.

A church building should be your greatest ministry tool… not your biggest headache.

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.

Bring the Game to Your Church

The post Why Small Churches Matter More Than Ever appeared first on Church Answers.

Josh and Sam tackle a growing and uncomfortable reality for pastors: what to do when one of your own church members becomes an online troll. The cohosts explore how to discern genuine critics from disruptive trolls, protect your church’s unity and safety, and lead with grace even when someone is trying to provoke you publicly.

The goal is not to “win” online but to model Christlike character and redirect the conversation toward spiritual health and relational restoration.

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.

Lead Your Church. We’ll Handle the Numbers. 

Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both. 

Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers

The post When Church Members Become Online Trolls: What Pastors Should Do appeared first on Church Answers.

Only one denomination in the United States has grown consistently. Drawing from nearly fifty years of data, Ryan Burge’s analysis shows a denomination that has not only maintained stability but also demonstrated resilience, growth, and demographic vitality. From membership and attendance trends to conversion inflows and racial diversity, the Assemblies of God presents a statistical profile that is almost entirely positive, even after the shock of COVID-19. While many traditions wrestle with long-term decline, the Assemblies of God appears poised for continued strength.

Upward Running for Your Small Group

As ministry leaders, you are walking with people through anxiety, grief, conflict, and big questions every week. The HelpFinder Bible is a simple, practical tool to help you point them to Scripture quickly and confidently.

Its unique HelpFinder Index includes more than 100 life topics—so whether someone is struggling with stress, relationships, or doubt, you can turn straight to relevant verses, helpful notes, and God’s promises that speak to their situation.

It is great for counseling, discipleship, or small groups, and there is even a built-in discussion guide to spark meaningful conversations.

Equip your church with a resource that makes it easier to find God’s answers—right when they need them most. Check out HelpFinderBible.com.

The post The Burge Report: The Assemblies of God: Why This Denomination Is Defying Gravity appeared first on Church Answers.

Is the strength of our prayer life really measured in minutes? And what if shorter, consistent rhythms of prayer throughout the day lead to a more sustainable, joyful connection with God? In this episode, Josh and Sam explore how pastors and church leaders can cultivate a meaningful prayer life without tying their spiritual health to a stopwatch.

Lead Your Church. We’ll Handle the Numbers. 

Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both. 

Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers

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 How Long Should a Pastor Pray Each Day? appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Sam interview Dr. Andy Miller, the president of Wesley Biblical Seminary, to explore what every potential seminary student needs to consider before enrolling. While seminary can provide clarity and theological depth, it is not a magic formula for ministry success. This discussion breaks down the practical steps every prospective student should consider.

As ministry leaders, you are walking with people through anxiety, grief, conflict, and big questions every week. The HelpFinder Bible is a simple, practical tool to help you point them to Scripture quickly and confidently.

Its unique HelpFinder Index includes more than 100 life topics—so whether someone is struggling with stress, relationships, or doubt, you can turn straight to relevant verses, helpful notes, and God’s promises that speak to their situation.

It is great for counseling, discipleship, or small groups, and there is even a built-in discussion guide to spark meaningful conversations.

Equip your church with a resource that makes it easier to find God’s answers—right when they need them most. Check out HelpFinderBible.com.

Bring the Game to Your Church

The post Before You Enroll: What You Need to Know About Seminary appeared first on Church Answers.

Most nonprofit organizations have clear visibility into donor activity: who gives, how often, and how much. But churches often treat data on giving very differently. Should pastors know who is giving in their churches? Josh and Sam take a fresh look at this sensitive and often misunderstood topic.

Lead Your Church. We’ll Handle the Numbers. 

Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both. 

Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers

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 Should the Pastor Know How Much People Give to the Church? appeared first on Church Answers.

In this episode, Thom and Sam shine a light on a trend few church leaders see: the silent exodus of senior adults. While much attention is given to reaching Millennials and Gen Z, an equally significant group is slowly drifting away: older adults who once formed the backbone of many congregations. Their departure isn’t loud or dramatic. It’s subtle: an empty pew, a missing volunteer, a longtime member who quietly stops attending.

Take a deeper dive into this subject.

Upward Running for Your Small Group

As ministry leaders, you are walking with people through anxiety, grief, conflict, and big questions every week. The HelpFinder Bible is a simple, practical tool to help you point them to Scripture quickly and confidently.

Its unique HelpFinder Index includes more than 100 life topics—so whether someone is struggling with stress, relationships, or doubt, you can turn straight to relevant verses, helpful notes, and God’s promises that speak to their situation.

It is great for counseling, discipleship, or small groups, and there is even a built-in discussion guide to spark meaningful conversations.

Equip your church with a resource that makes it easier to find God’s answers—right when they need them most. Check out HelpFinderBible.com.

The post The Silent Exodus of Senior Adults (What’s Happening in Churches?) appeared first on Church Answers.