Rainer on Leadership

By Thom RainerBusiness Religion & Spirituality Christianity Education Courses Management

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Rainer on Leadership episodes

July 14, 2025Ten Quiet Disrupters in American Church Life (Part 1)
Many of the disruptions in local church life are widely known. For example, most congregants and church leaders can clearly see the impact of COVID several years ago. But there have been a number of “quiet” disruptions that don’t get much attention. Thom and Sam look at ten of them over two episodes.
1. Evolving expectations for spiritual authority.
2. Blurring the lines between personal and private faith.
3. Digital natives redefine community.
4. Micro-communities become a greater influence.
5. Donation dynamics change.
Resources:
Upward Sports
Upward Sports: Pickleball
Rooted
Church Growth Services: Get your free campaign capacity analysis!
Churchteams
Ten Quiet Disrupters in American Church Life (Part 2)
“The Anxious Generation Goes to Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
Church Answers Platinum Membership
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
The Power of Partnership
Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, empowering local churches to use sports as a dynamic connection tool to engage their communities.
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: Pickleball Has Arrived!
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.
Get Ahead for Fall Sports
Looking ahead to the fall season? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – Use sports as that invite. Whether it’s soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball or pickleball, 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 and Upward will support you with the rest.
Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.
The Rooted experience can help you create a discipleship culture that connects your people and leads to ongoing life change in Jesus. Rooted is…
A proven plan for helping people connect to God, their church, and their purpose
A sustainable way to launch groups
An approach to discipleship that helps people step out of their comfort zones and experience life-changing rhythms of discipleship
An opportunity to change the culture of your church
Visit experiencerooted.com/churchanswers for free resources to help you learn more, including the What is Rooted? video and a free download of the Rooted experience framework and Rooted Workbook sample.
The post Ten Quiet Disrupters in American Church Life (Part 1) appeared first on Church Answers.
22 min
July 10, 2025What Young Families Really Want in a Church
Most every church desires to grow with young families. But what do they look for in a church? Josh and Sam discuss a few key ways to attract and retain families with children.
An indicator of health: 25% of Sunday morning attendance should be 18 and under.
An indicator of investment: The children’s and student ministry budgets should be more than the worship ministry budget.
Clear policies and procedures that prioritize child safety.
Family-friendly service start times (9:30 or 10:00 a.m.) and service length (one hour).
Age-segmented discipleship programs for children, students, and adults.
Full programming for the entire family.
Worship styles, preaching philosophy, and specific programs can be important to some but are less important overall.
Resources:
The Revitalization at Shadowbrook Church
Doctor of Educational Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Churchteams
Church Answers Certifications
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
Church Answers Central
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
Shadowbrook Church members in Suwanee, Georgia, have rediscovered their first love–serving Christ and loving others.
But during Jerrod Rumley’s first two years as pastor, he was shepherding a divided congregation.
A small number of members seemed better suited for sharing gossip than the gospel.
Older and younger members had relegated the Great Commission to the church staff.
Gen-Xers were comfortable in a congregation that placed few demands upon them.
Others were busy meeting community needs–yet seldom shared the gospel.
Rumley needed guidance to unify his splintered congregation.
He knew exactly where to turn.
Go to SBTS.edu/Unified to read about the steps Shadowbrook’s pastor took to erase barriers and revive the church’s passion for evangelism and discipleship.
Those same steps are available to you, and it begins at SBTS.edu/Unified.
You see the need for systems to follow up on guests, volunteers, pastoral care; but right now that is really sporadic and siloed. Each person doing their own thing and people falling through the cracks. Churchteams will help you build and implement the system you need.
Tired of not being able to get the help you need for your software? Churchteams support staff have all served on Church staff. They know the software and they know how churches work. Call, text, set up free support appointments.
Integrated. How many different software systems are you using that require sharing people’s data? If 2 or more, you know the challenge and limitations of data in different systems that don’t play well together. Churchteams has all your people data in one place, including your communication data (email, texts, workflows).
Ease of use. Do you feel like you should be getting more from your church software, but just can’t get people to use it? Churchteams makes it easy for guests, members, volunteers, and leaders to do everything they need to do including giving without having to create an account. Check it out to learn how.
Reports. Are you getting the feedback on your ministry that you need from your database when you need it? Churchteams reports are extremely customizable. Let each staff save the ones they use on their dashboard. Or, schedule it to show up in their inbox.
Learn more at Churchteams.
The post What Young Families Really Want in a Church appeared first on Church Answers.
24 min
July 07, 2025Seven Occasions When You Should Not Hire More Church Staff
Hiring staff can strengthen a church—but not always. In this episode, Thom and Sam discuss seven times when adding staff is a mistake, from removing ministry opportunities from the laity to financial missteps and agenda-driven hires. Learn how to make wise, mission-focused staffing decisions for your church’s health.
When it takes ministry away from the laity.
When you add staff according to the way you’ve always done it.
When it’s not a smart financial decision.
When a particular group in the church pushes its own agenda.
When a friend needs a job.
When it’s just a copy of another church.
When you are unwilling to deal with a current ineffective staff member.
Resources:
Rooted
Upward Running
Church Answers Platinum Membership
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
The Rooted experience can help you create a discipleship culture that connects your people and leads to ongoing life change in Jesus. Rooted is…
A proven plan for helping people connect to God, their church, and their purpose
A sustainable way to launch groups
An approach to discipleship that helps people step out of their comfort zones and experience life-changing rhythms of discipleship
An opportunity to change the culture of your church
Visit experiencerooted.com/churchanswers for free resources to help you learn more, including the What is Rooted? video and a free download of the Rooted experience framework and Rooted Workbook sample.
Introducing Upward Running! Upward Sports’ first step into adult sports is here — and running has never been easier to get “up and running.”
Offer a 5K Challenge: Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides:
Tailored training plans to help your runner or walkers move from the couch to completing a 5k.
Access to the new RunClub app for tracking progress and building community.
A fully customizable program that fits your church’s timeline — all led by your run coach who will be fully equipped with the Upward Running materials to lead.
Simple to Start: With just one passionate leader and no facility needed, your church parking lot can become the starting line for life transformation.
Build Stronger Connections: Use running to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, and grow spiritually while expanding your church’s impact.
Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today!
The post Seven Occasions When You Should Not Hire More Church Staff appeared first on Church Answers.
25 min
July 03, 2025How Much Money Should a Pastor Make?
A pastor’s salary is determined by several factors, including church size and budget, geographic location, cost of living, education, experience, and responsibilities. While there is no universal answer, Josh and Sam discuss general guidelines and what pastors should expect from their churches.
Remember, everything is negotiable on the front end. Don’t go to a church and negotiate after you accept the position.
Some denominations are known to pay better than others.
Most pastors are underpaid, but few get paid far too much.
The median household income of a community is typically not where pastors should be given their experience, education, and responsibilities. A small school superintendent is a better comparison point for a full-time pastor at a mid-size to large church.
Rent x 3 is a good rule of thumb.
For churches with budgets between $600,000 and $2,000,000, 10% of the income received is typical for a compensation package of a lead pastor.
Remember, you must consider salary, housing, benefits, and social security exemption.
Should churches pay for half of FICA if a pastor has opted into social security? Many churches do not realize that Section 3121(b)(8)(A) prevents them from withholding Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) from a minister’s wages. Instead, ministers are responsible for paying Self-Employment Contributions Act (SECA) tax on their salary and housing allowance—unless they have obtained an approved exemption.
Resources:
The Revitalization at Shadowbrook Church
Doctor of Educational Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Churchteams
Church Answers Certifications
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
Church Answers Central
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
Shadowbrook Church members in Suwanee, Georgia, have rediscovered their first love–serving Christ and loving others.
But during Jerrod Rumley’s first two years as pastor, he was shepherding a divided congregation.
A small number of members seemed better suited for sharing gossip than the gospel.
Older and younger members had relegated the Great Commission to the church staff.
Gen-Xers were comfortable in a congregation that placed few demands upon them.
Others were busy meeting community needs–yet seldom shared the gospel.
Rumley needed guidance to unify his splintered congregation.
He knew exactly where to turn.
Go to SBTS.edu/Unified to read about the steps Shadowbrook’s pastor took to erase barriers and revive the church’s passion for evangelism and discipleship.
Those same steps are available to you, and it begins at SBTS.edu/Unified.
You see the need for systems to follow up on guests, volunteers, pastoral care; but right now that is really sporadic and siloed. Each person doing their own thing and people falling through the cracks. Churchteams will help you build and implement the system you need.
Tired of not being able to get the help you need for your software? Churchteams support staff have all served on Church staff. They know the software and they know how churches work. Call, text, set up free support appointments.
Integrated. How many different software systems are you using that require sharing people’s data? If 2 or more, you know the challenge and limitations of data in different systems that don’t play well together. Churchteams has all your people data in one place, including your communication data (email, texts, workflows).
Ease of use. Do you feel like you should be getting more from your church software, but just can’t get people to use it? Churchteams makes it easy for guests, members, volunteers, and leaders to do everything they need to do including giving without having to create an account. Check it out to learn how.
Reports. Are you getting the feedback on your ministry that you need from your database when you need it? Churchteams reports are extremely customizable. Let each staff save the ones they use on their dashboard. Or, schedule it to show up in their inbox.
Learn more at Churchteams.
The post How Much Money Should a Pastor Make? appeared first on Church Answers.
27 min
June 30, 2025The Burge Report: Are Religious People More Prone to Conspiracy Theories?
Both prophets and conspiracy theorists cater to the human desire to make sense of chaos. This connection sparks compelling questions: Do religious belief and conspiracy thinking go hand in hand, as both involve leaps of imagination? Or does a strong religious framework offer enough structure, reducing the need for conspiracy theories? Ryan Burge joins the show to discuss what the hard data reveals.
Non-religious people are slightly less inclined toward conspiracy theories.
Those who attend church weekly are also less inclined toward conspiracy theories.
The quasi-religious (attending church occasionally) are more prone to conspiracy theories.
Overall, being politically conservative had no impact at all on belief in conspiracy theories.
However, for those who don’t have a strong religious belief, being more conservative drives up conspiratorial thinking.
Holding to Christian Nationalist views drives up the belief in conspiracy theories.
Political ideology is more influential on holding to conspiracy theories than religious beliefs.
Resources:
NLT Large Print Pew Bible
Church Connect
Tyndale House Publishers
Upward Sports
Upward Sports: Pickleball
Ryan Burge
“Trust the Plan – Does Religion Drive Conspiratorial Thinking?” by Ryan Burge
“Leviathan” by Thomas Hobbes (affiliate link)
“Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again” by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson (affiliate link)
Church Answers Platinum Membership
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
Pastors, if you are looking for the perfect pew Bible to serve your congregation, the NLT Large Print Pew Bible is a fantastic choice!
With its easy-to-read 10.25 point font, even seniors and young readers will follow along comfortably.
It’s durable, affordable, and beautifully crafted—ideal for use in worship.
And because it is the New Living Translation, your congregation will hear an accurate, understandable, and audibly enjoyable reading of Scripture that speaks to the heart, enriches understanding, and transforms lives—perfect for sermons, public reading, and personal reflection.
Upgrade your pew Bibles today.
Learn more and find bulk discounts for churches at Church Connect.
The Power of Partnership
Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, empowering local churches to use sports as a dynamic connection tool to engage their communities.
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: Pickleball Has Arrived!
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.
Get Ahead for Fall Sports
Looking ahead to the fall season? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – Use sports as that invite. Whether it’s soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball or pickleball, 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 and Upward will support you with the rest.
Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.
The post The Burge Report: Are Religious People More Prone to Conspiracy Theories? appeared first on Church Answers.
33 min
June 26, 2025The Future of America’s Largest Churches: An Interview with Eric Geiger
The future of America’s largest churches (specifically megachurches—2,000+ weekly attendees) is a complex mix of momentum, innovation, and cultural headwinds. Eric Geiger from Mariners Church joins Sam on the show to discuss the reality facing large churches. Will they keep growing? Some will, but many are plateauing or entering slow decline.
What are the biggest challenges facing large churches today?
What is different now than in the 1990s and early 2000s when megachurch growth peaked?
Why do many large churches base their ministry strategies on charismatic leadership models?
How will the declining Baby Boomer population affect large church trends?
What is Mariners Church doing to prepare for the future?
Resources:
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Churchteams
Rooted
“Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples” by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger (affiliate link)
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
Church Answers Central
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
You’ve been in ministry long enough to spot both the obstacles and the opportunities facing your congregation.
There must be solutions, but how do you find them?
If you are the ministry leader called to champion these issues, Southern Seminary has a problem-solving degree that will guide you to the answers.
From the moment you begin your doctor of ministry program at Southern, you will research the issues and start writing about the biblical solutions that will immediately benefit your church.
The academic sharpening that comes through your faculty supervisor and doctoral cohorts will strengthen both you and your church.
Learn how Southern’s DMin can be an extension of your current ministry, not a distraction from it.
The DMin at Southern Seminary will equip you to solve a problem or harness a ministry opportunity that will strengthen you and your church. Learn how at SBTS.edu/solutions.
You see the need for systems to follow up on guests, volunteers, pastoral care; but right now that is really sporadic and siloed. Each person doing their own thing and people falling through the cracks. Churchteams will help you build and implement the system you need.
Tired of not being able to get the help you need for your software? Churchteams support staff have all served on Church staff. They know the software and they know how churches work. Call, text, set up free support appointments.
Integrated. How many different software systems are you using that require sharing people’s data? If 2 or more, you know the challenge and limitations of data in different systems that don’t play well together. Churchteams has all your people data in one place, including your communication data (email, texts, workflows).
Ease of use. Do you feel like you should be getting more from your church software, but just can’t get people to use it? Churchteams makes it easy for guests, members, volunteers, and leaders to do everything they need to do including giving without having to create an account. Check it out to learn how.
Reports. Are you getting the feedback on your ministry that you need from your database when you need it? Churchteams reports are extremely customizable. Let each staff save the ones they use on their dashboard. Or, schedule it to show up in their inbox.
Learn more at Churchteams.
The post The Future of America’s Largest Churches: An Interview with Eric Geiger appeared first on Church Answers.
31 min
June 23, 2025The Shifts in How Churches Choose Small Group Curriculum (What You Need to Know): An Interview with Michael Kelley
In this episode, Sam interviews Michael Kelley, Executive Director for the Rooted Network and a seasoned writer of church small group curriculum. As churches adapt to evolving discipleship needs, small group materials are also transforming. We’ll explore what’s driving these changes, how new approaches are resonating with different congregations, and practical insights for church leaders who are choosing curriculum in today’s landscape.
What are some of the most significant shifts you’ve seen in church small group curriculum over the past few years?
How have changing cultural dynamics influenced the topics and formats of small group studies?
What role does technology play in shaping modern small group curriculum, and how can churches effectively leverage it?
How can church leaders discern which curriculum will best serve their congregation’s unique needs?
What advice would you give to small group leaders who want to foster deeper engagement and spiritual growth through the curriculum they choose?
Resources:
Upward Running
NLT Large Print Pew Bible
Church Connect
Tyndale House Publishers
Rooted
“Understanding the Bible as a Whole” by Sam Rainer (affiliate link)
Church Answers Platinum Membership
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
Introducing Upward Running! Upward Sports’ first step into adult sports is here — and running has never been easier to get “up and running.”
Offer a 5K Challenge: Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides:
Tailored training plans to help your runner or walkers move from the couch to completing a 5k.
Access to the new RunClub app for tracking progress and building community.
A fully customizable program that fits your church’s timeline — all led by your run coach who will be fully equipped with the Upward Running materials to lead.
Simple to Start: With just one passionate leader and no facility needed, your church parking lot can become the starting line for life transformation.
Build Stronger Connections: Use running to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, and grow spiritually while expanding your church’s impact.
Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today!
Pastors, if you are looking for the perfect pew Bible to serve your congregation, the NLT Large Print Pew Bible is a fantastic choice!
With its easy-to-read 10.25 point font, even seniors and young readers will follow along comfortably.
It’s durable, affordable, and beautifully crafted—ideal for use in worship.
And because it is the New Living Translation, your congregation will hear an accurate, understandable, and audibly enjoyable reading of Scripture that speaks to the heart, enriches understanding, and transforms lives—perfect for sermons, public reading, and personal reflection.
Upgrade your pew Bibles today.
Learn more and find bulk discounts for churches at Church Connect.
The post The Shifts in How Churches Choose Small Group Curriculum (What You Need to Know): An Interview with Michael Kelley appeared first on Church Answers.
29 min
June 19, 2025The Best Bible Translation for Preaching
Many people are passionate about Bible translations and have strong opinions about which one is the best. Pastors are no exception. Josh and Sam discuss what translations they believe are best suited for preaching.
Formal equivalence, dynamic equivalence, and optimal equivalence are helpful terms but ultimately just marketing language.
Word-for-word translations are not necessarily more accurate than other translation philosophies.
Some churches require certain translations like the KJV.
The HCSB was excellent (capitalized pronouns!) and missed.
Sam prefers the NLT because it’s highly readable and highly accurate. Scripture should be read in church, and the NLT is easily understood when read aloud.
Josh prefers the CSB because…
Resources:
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Churchteams
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
Church Answers Central
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
You’ve been in ministry long enough to spot both the obstacles and the opportunities facing your congregation.
There must be solutions, but how do you find them?
If you are the ministry leader called to champion these issues, Southern Seminary has a problem-solving degree that will guide you to the answers.
From the moment you begin your doctor of ministry program at Southern, you will research the issues and start writing about the biblical solutions that will immediately benefit your church.
The academic sharpening that comes through your faculty supervisor and doctoral cohorts will strengthen both you and your church.
Learn how Southern’s DMin can be an extension of your current ministry, not a distraction from it.
The DMin at Southern Seminary will equip you to solve a problem or harness a ministry opportunity that will strengthen you and your church. Learn how at SBTS.edu/solutions.
You see the need for systems to follow up on guests, volunteers, pastoral care; but right now that is really sporadic and siloed. Each person doing their own thing and people falling through the cracks. Churchteams will help you build and implement the system you need.
Tired of not being able to get the help you need for your software? Churchteams support staff have all served on Church staff. They know the software and they know how churches work. Call, text, set up free support appointments.
Integrated. How many different software systems are you using that require sharing people’s data? If 2 or more, you know the challenge and limitations of data in different systems that don’t play well together. Churchteams has all your people data in one place, including your communication data (email, texts, workflows).
Ease of use. Do you feel like you should be getting more from your church software, but just can’t get people to use it? Churchteams makes it easy for guests, members, volunteers, and leaders to do everything they need to do including giving without having to create an account. Check it out to learn how.
Reports. Are you getting the feedback on your ministry that you need from your database when you need it? Churchteams reports are extremely customizable. Let each staff save the ones they use on their dashboard. Or, schedule it to show up in their inbox.
Learn more at Churchteams.
The post The Best Bible Translation for Preaching appeared first on Church Answers.
25 min
June 16, 2025Four Kinds of Church Leaders Who Will Not Lead in Revitalization
In this episode, Thom and Sam explore four types of church leaders who are unlikely to lead effectively in revitalization:
Fearful leaders who avoid risk.
Leaders in denial who ignore decline.
Comfortable leaders who resist change.
Coasting leaders who have lost their drive.
Each of these leadership postures hinders momentum, blocks vision, and stalls renewal. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward raising courageous, honest, and mission-focused leaders who can guide the church forward.
Resources:
NLT Large Print Pew Bible
Church Connect
Tyndale House Publishers
Upward Sports
Upward Sports: Pickleball
Going to a Dead Church on Purpose, Rainer on Leadership
Do you want discounts for your denominational church? Email Sam at [email protected]
Church Answers Platinum Membership
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
Pastors, if you are looking for the perfect pew Bible to serve your congregation, the NLT Large Print Pew Bible is a fantastic choice!
With its easy-to-read 10.25 point font, even seniors and young readers will follow along comfortably.
It’s durable, affordable, and beautifully crafted—ideal for use in worship.
And because it is the New Living Translation, your congregation will hear an accurate, understandable, and audibly enjoyable reading of Scripture that speaks to the heart, enriches understanding, and transforms lives—perfect for sermons, public reading, and personal reflection.
Upgrade your pew Bibles today.
Learn more and find bulk discounts for churches at Church Connect.
The Power of Partnership
Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, empowering local churches to use sports as a dynamic connection tool to engage their communities.
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: Pickleball Has Arrived!
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.
Get Ahead for Fall Sports
Looking ahead to the fall season? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – Use sports as that invite. Whether it’s soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball or pickleball, 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 and Upward will support you with the rest.
Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.
The post Four Kinds of Church Leaders Who Will Not Lead in Revitalization appeared first on Church Answers.
26 min
June 12, 2025What Should I Do After Getting Fired from a Church?
One of the most challenging parts of ministry is the rejection of getting fired by a church. Josh and Sam discuss the immediate next steps pastors can take to begin the healing process.
Was the action by the church warranted? If so, seek the spiritual and emotional help you need.
If the action was not warranted (most cases are not), you should still talk to a professional counselor, mentors, and friends.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a large severance if you have the opportunity.
You will discover your true friends through the ordeal. Others will keep their distance.
For many, starting a search process immediately is best. Pray to God, network with decision-makers, and apply to several open positions.
For others, you may need to pause from ministry and re-evaluate God’s path.
Consider the interim an opportunity to change your geography or your position.
Now is the time to ask for favors and call everyone in your network.
Don’t be afraid to tell people exactly what happened. Far more pastors have been through this situation than you realize.
Resources:
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Churchteams
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
Church Answers Central
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
You’ve been in ministry long enough to spot both the obstacles and the opportunities facing your congregation.
There must be solutions, but how do you find them?
If you are the ministry leader called to champion these issues, Southern Seminary has a problem-solving degree that will guide you to the answers.
From the moment you begin your doctor of ministry program at Southern, you will research the issues and start writing about the biblical solutions that will immediately benefit your church.
The academic sharpening that comes through your faculty supervisor and doctoral cohorts will strengthen both you and your church.
Learn how Southern’s DMin can be an extension of your current ministry, not a distraction from it.
The DMin at Southern Seminary will equip you to solve a problem or harness a ministry opportunity that will strengthen you and your church. Learn how at SBTS.edu/solutions.
You see the need for systems to follow up on guests, volunteers, pastoral care; but right now that is really sporadic and siloed. Each person doing their own thing and people falling through the cracks. Churchteams will help you build and implement the system you need.
Tired of not being able to get the help you need for your software? Churchteams support staff have all served on Church staff. They know the software and they know how churches work. Call, text, set up free support appointments.
Integrated. How many different software systems are you using that require sharing people’s data? If 2 or more, you know the challenge and limitations of data in different systems that don’t play well together. Churchteams has all your people data in one place, including your communication data (email, texts, workflows).
Ease of use. Do you feel like you should be getting more from your church software, but just can’t get people to use it? Churchteams makes it easy for guests, members, volunteers, and leaders to do everything they need to do including giving without having to create an account. Check it out to learn how.
Reports. Are you getting the feedback on your ministry that you need from your database when you need it? Churchteams reports are extremely customizable. Let each staff save the ones they use on their dashboard. Or, schedule it to show up in their inbox.
Learn more at Churchteams.
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24 min