For decades, 11:00 a.m. was the “sacred hour” of church life—the assumed, unquestioned start time for Sunday worship. But that era is fading fast. In this episode, Thom and Sam unpack the data and on-the-ground observations showing how churches are rethinking when they gather. From earlier services to multiple options to non-Sunday gatherings, flexibility is replacing tradition. What once served an agrarian culture no longer fits modern family rhythms. Growing churches are adapting their schedules to remove barriers and create more on-ramps for attendance.

If your church building feels like it’s holding ministry back, you’re not alone.

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.

Celebrate with Soccer

A big moment for soccer is almost here! What better way to celebrate than by starting your own Upward Sports soccer league? With families everywhere paying attention to the game, kids will be excited to jump on the field and play.

Upward Sports is ready to help your church launch a summer or fall soccer league. You’ll have support every step of the way- from communication tools and marketing resources to themed jerseys and meaningful ministry materials. To help you get started, Upward will also send your church 2 FREE soccer goals when you create your league.

Don’t wait. Schedule a call with the Upward team today, and they’ll help you build the right timeline for your soccer launch. Learn more at Upward.org/Soccer

The post Are Sunday Morning Service Times Changing? What the Data Says About the Future of Church Worship Schedules appeared first on Church Answers.

When a crisis hits a church, the first few hours can either build trust or break it. In this episode, Sam interviews crisis communication expert Amy Whitfield and walks through what to say (and not say) immediately after a church crisis. We talk about the first statement, the first 24 hours, and the common missteps that unintentionally escalate confusion, fear, or anger. Amy offers practical language that pastors and church leaders can actually use, along with guardrails for accuracy and accountability, especially when facts are still developing.

Ministry isn’t theoretical. It comes with complex challenges that demand wisdom and clarity.

The Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to help you address those challenges head-on.

You’ll bring a pressing issue from your church into the program and, under the guidance of trusted faculty, develop a biblically grounded plan you can implement in your context.

This is theological depth applied directly to preaching, leadership, counseling, and shepherding.

If you want solutions anchored in God’s Word and built for your church, learn more at sbts.edu/dmin.

The post What to Say (and Not Say) Immediately After a Church Crisis appeared first on Church Answers.

Churches that are laser-focused on these five commitments tend to experience a continuous cycle of healthy church growth, while churches that allow the urgency of the moment to distract them from these commitments tend to experience decline. Thom and Sam discuss the new book, Crucial Commitments.

Upward Running – Faith in Motion

Last year, Upward Sports introduced Upward Running, giving adults a way to engage in sports ministry. Now, they are launching the brand-new Faith in Motion series through Upward Running, a 12-week journey of fitness and faith. This experience is truly for every level of fitness! Whether someone has never run before… prefers to walk… is getting back into fitness… or already loves being active, this program will meet them right where they are! 

This kit focuses on The Women of the New Testament, connecting Scripture to everyday life in a practical and encouraging way. It’s an opportunity to grow in faith, build unity, and cultivate intentional discipleship, whether individually or within your church’s women’s ministry. 

You will want a Faith in Motion 12-Week Kit which includes a T-shirt, a 12-week devotional journal to write in, and an exclusive promo code to the Run Club App (however, no membership is required). The perfect companion to your 12-week journey. This is a structured, meaningful way for women in your church to grow physically and spiritually, side by side. If you have a women’s ministry leader looking for a fresh way to engage and inspire women, this could be the perfect next step.

Learn more or order your Faith in Motion 12-Week Kit at Upwardrunning.com/faithinmotion  

Don’t wait…. There are limited kits available. Get yours today!

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 Crucial Commitments: 5 Simple Decisions That Members of Healthy and Growing Churches Make appeared first on Church Answers.

Josh and Sam discuss what makes an ideal church member from the pastor’s perspective. They pull some descriptions from some of their favorite members and talk about what they love about them.

Ministry isn’t theoretical. It comes with complex challenges that demand wisdom and clarity.

The Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to help you address those challenges head-on.

You’ll bring a pressing issue from your church into the program and, under the guidance of trusted faculty, develop a biblically grounded plan you can implement in your context.

This is theological depth applied directly to preaching, leadership, counseling, and shepherding.

If you want solutions anchored in God’s Word and built for your church, learn more at sbts.edu/dmin.

The post How to Become Your Pastor’s Favorite Church Member appeared first on Church Answers.

While some church power struggles stem from bad actors, a more common cause is blurred lines. In this episode, Thom and Sam tackle one of the most common sources of church dysfunction: confusion between what the board should do and what the staff should do.

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.

Upward Running for Your Small Group

The post The Best Board and Trustee Structure for Churches appeared first on Church Answers.

Josh and Sam have a little fun and pull back the curtain on some personal quirks of pastors.

Ministry isn’t theoretical. It comes with complex challenges that demand wisdom and clarity.

The Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to help you address those challenges head-on.

You’ll bring a pressing issue from your church into the program and, under the guidance of trusted faculty, develop a biblically grounded plan you can implement in your context.

This is theological depth applied directly to preaching, leadership, counseling, and shepherding.

If you want solutions anchored in God’s Word and built for your church, learn more at sbts.edu/dmin.

The post Seven Things Pastors Do You Probably Don’t Know About appeared first on Church Answers.

Institutional trust has collapsed nationwide across all age groups, but Gen Z is entering adulthood at historically low levels of trust toward institutions and toward other people. Yet there is a surprising glimmer of hope when it comes to religious institutions. Compared to Millennials, Gen Z shows slightly more openness to trusting the church, suggesting the story is not over. On this edition of The Burge Report, we discuss what pastors and churches can do to build bridges with Gen Z.

Bring the Game to Your Church

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: Gen Z and the Church: Lonely, Cautious, Skeptical, But… Open appeared first on Church Answers.

Many Christians feel uneasy simply throwing away a damaged or worn Bible. While there are no official rules, Josh and Sam discuss several thoughtful and reverent ways to handle a copy of Scripture that has served its purpose.

Reverent Burial

One historic approach—rooted in Jewish tradition—is burial. Christians may wrap the Bible, pray a short prayer of gratitude, and bury it in a meaningful place. This option is especially fitting for highly sentimental or family Bibles.

Respectful Burning

Like the respectful retirement of a worn American flag, burning can be done reverently and privately as a symbolic act of release, not destruction. Done prayerfully and safely, it reminds us that while the physical pages fade, God’s Word endures forever.

Recycling or Repurposing

Since a Bible is still a printed book physically, recycling is an appropriate and environmentally responsible option. Removing non-paper materials and offering a prayer of thanks recognizes both stewardship and reverence. Some even repurpose covers or materials as keepsakes.

Donation or “Second-Life” Uses

If the Bible is still usable, donation may give it a second life in someone else’s hands. Even severely worn Bibles can sometimes be used for artwork or display of readable portions, allowing Scripture to continue encouraging others.

Ministry isn’t theoretical. It comes with complex challenges that demand wisdom and clarity.

The Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to help you address those challenges head-on.

You’ll bring a pressing issue from your church into the program and, under the guidance of trusted faculty, develop a biblically grounded plan you can implement in your context.

This is theological depth applied directly to preaching, leadership, counseling, and shepherding.

If you want solutions anchored in God’s Word and built for your church, learn more at sbts.edu/dmin.

The post How to Discard a Worn-Out Bible Properly appeared first on Church Answers.

Ministry today and in the future will necessitate more co-vocational pastors and church leaders. What about full-time pastors who need to supplement their income? A side job may relieve financial pressure, expand skills, and create meaningful community connections outside the church. However, it can also be a distraction and create divided attention.

Upsides

 Downsides

Inspire kids’ creativity, Bible reading, and love for God with the new Inspire Bible for Kids!

It’s the latest Bible in the bestselling Inspire Bible line, and it’s packed with activities for boys and girls ages seven to twelve.

Whether on their own or together with family, Inspire Bible for Kids invites boys and girls to meaningfully engage with each other and God’s Word.

There are over 400 ready-to-color line-art illustrations, wide margins for creativity, devotional readings and trivia questions, journaling prompts, memory verse prompts, fun facts—and more—all to bring God’s Word to life for young hearts!

Inspire the kids in your life with the activity-packed Inspire Bible for Kids!

Discover more at www.InspireBibleforKids.com.

Upward Running for Your Small Group

The post Should Full-Time Pastors Have a Side Hustle? appeared first on Church Answers.

On this episode, Josh and Sam discuss some critical functions of their work as pastors that are not included in the typical church job description.

Ministry isn’t theoretical. It comes with complex challenges that demand wisdom and clarity.

The Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to help you address those challenges head-on.

You’ll bring a pressing issue from your church into the program and, under the guidance of trusted faculty, develop a biblically grounded plan you can implement in your context.

This is theological depth applied directly to preaching, leadership, counseling, and shepherding.

If you want solutions anchored in God’s Word and built for your church, learn more at sbts.edu/dmin.

The post The Critical Functions of a Pastor Rarely Found in a Church Job Description appeared first on Church Answers.