Rainer on Leadership
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Rainer on Leadership episodes

  • The Burge Report: Everyone Is Having Less Sex (What It Means for the Church)

    Ryan Burge discusses his most-read research post of the year. Every age group is having less sex than they were a generation ago. Not only has sexual behavior declined among young people, but it has also declined among Evangelicals and other religious groups. What are the implications for the church? How should pastors address this reality, if at all?

      • Marriage rates are falling.
      • People are starting families later.
      • Couples are having fewer children.
      • Biological growth is not as likely in the church as in the past.
      • Are smartphones to blame?
      • Resources:
        • Rooted
          • Upward Running
            • Ryan Burge
              • “The Data is Clear: People Are Having Less Sex” by Ryan Burge
                • Church Answers Central
                  • 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! We’re excited to bring you Upward Running for adults—the newest addition to the Upward Sports family.
                          • Offer a 5K Challenge: Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides training plans, access to the new RunClub app for run tracking and community building, and a fully customizable package to fit your timeline—led by your dedicated run coach.
                          • Simple to Start: All you need is one passionate leader. No facility required—your church parking lot is all it takes to launch this impactful program.
                          • Build Stronger Connections: Use running as a way to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, grow spiritually, and expand your church’s outreach.
                          • Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today!
                          • The post The Burge Report: Everyone Is Having Less Sex (What It Means for the Church) appeared first on Church Answers.

                            32 min
                          • What’s Often Missed with Student Ministry Safety in Churches

                            Student ministry is often where rules about minors break down in the church. Student ministries don’t need fewer rules than children’s ministries, but they need different rules. Though rebellion seems to be a rite of passage for many teenagers, they are far more receptive to guidance than you might think. Josh and Sam discuss what’s often missed in churches.

                              • Never alone applies to teens as well as children.
                              • Document all major problems and incidents.
                              • Offer professional counseling to those who can’t afford it.
                              • Never promise confidentiality.
                              • Zero tolerance for pornography.
                              • Limit off-hours time with students.
                              • Avoid excessive texting and social media interaction with students.
                              • Resources:
                                • The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
                                  • Churchteams
                                    • “Make My Church Safe” by Sam Rainer
                                      • Safe Church Training
                                        • FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
                                          • Church Answers Central
                                            • The Hope Initiative
                                            • Episode Sponsors:

                                                • Pastors and ministry leaders are invited to apply now to be accepted into a new– fully online–PhD program at Southern Seminary.
                                                • The Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Studies at Southern is not a series of recorded lectures. Scholars in this program will experience live interactions with the same professors who teach at Southern Seminary’s Louisville campus.
                                                • This program provides the opportunity for ministry leaders to engage in rigorous theological study while continuing to serve in their current ministry.
                                                • The PhD in Christian Studies includes seminars in New Testament and Old Testament exposition, historical theology, biblical theology, ethics, leadership, and discipleship.
                                                • Come join the long line of ministry faithfulness that dates back to 1892 when The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary launched the first seminary-based doctoral degree in North America. 
                                                • That degree became the PhD, and it has grown into one of the most respected in higher education.
                                                • Learn more at SBTS.edu/rainer
                                                •  

                                                    • 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’s Often Missed with Student Ministry Safety in Churches appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                      28 min
                                                    • Seven Power Groups in Churches (The Good and the Bad)

                                                      Where people organize, power will be present. The church is no exception. Thom and Sam discuss seven common power groups in churches. Hint: They are not all bad. How can you manage power dynamics among congregants in a way that is helpful to the church and glorifying to God?

                                                        1. Family-owned and operated.
                                                        2. Benevolent dictators.
                                                        3. Formal alliances.
                                                        4. Money managers.
                                                        5. Past-is-present protectors.
                                                        6. Ministry militia.
                                                        7. Network connectors.
                                                        8. Resources:
                                                          • Upward Sports
                                                            • Rooted
                                                              • Church Growth Services: Get your free campaign capacity analysis!
                                                                • Church Answers Platinum Membership
                                                                  • FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
                                                                    • The Hope Initiative
                                                                    • Episode Sponsors:

                                                                      • Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, partnering with local churches to use sports as a powerful outreach tool to engage the community.
                                                                      • To remind our listeners, Upward offers a variety of league options, including basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball… and now running for adults.
                                                                      • Partnering with Upward Sports helps your church reach the community, attract young families, and share the Gospel in a meaningful way.
                                                                      • Is your church striving to be known as a welcoming space where families come together? Sports can naturally become your invitation. Upward Sports understands this and is ready to help you cultivate that atmosphere.
                                                                      • At Upward, they will customize your sports outreach strategy to fit your church’s budget, and community needs because we know one size doesn’t fit all.
                                                                      • Already have a thriving outreach ministry? Add sports to further fuel your outreach and connect with even more families.
                                                                      • Are you looking to engage new families, bless your community, or mobilize your congregation to serve? Whether you have a gym, field space, or access to a facility, Upward Sports can help. We’re here to support your church in creating a first-class, organized, and intentional outreach ministry that tells families, “You are welcome here!”
                                                                      • Whether you’re expanding an existing sports ministry or starting from scratch, explore Upward Sports. With a trusted history of partnering with over 5,000 churches nationwide, Upward stands ready to support you.
                                                                      • Schedule your call today – 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 Seven Power Groups in Churches (The Good and the Bad) appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                            28 min
                                                                          • The Surprise Benefits of a Culture of Continual Education in Your Church: An Interview with Timothy Paul Jones

                                                                            Continual learning is the philosophy that you keep growing in knowledge over a lifetime. Most of the time, this kind of learning is ongoing and self-motivated. Sam and Josh interview Timothy Paul Jones to discuss what happens when churches have continual education built into their discipleship process.

                                                                              • Continual education encourages people in the church to be more self-motivated. 
                                                                              • Continual education helps the church staff become more flexible and adaptable.
                                                                              • Continual education elevates the value of discipleship among congregants.
                                                                              • Continual education reduces potential theological controversies.
                                                                              • Continual education strengthens the doctrinal foundation of the church.
                                                                              • Resources:
                                                                                • The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
                                                                                  • Churchteams
                                                                                    • Timothy Paul Jones
                                                                                      • FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
                                                                                        • Church Answers Central
                                                                                          • The Hope Initiative
                                                                                          • Episode Sponsors:

                                                                                              • Pastors and ministry leaders are invited to apply now to be accepted into a new– fully online–PhD program at Southern Seminary.
                                                                                              • The Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Studies at Southern is not a series of recorded lectures. Scholars in this program will experience live interactions with the same professors who teach at Southern Seminary’s Louisville campus.
                                                                                              • This program provides the opportunity for ministry leaders to engage in rigorous theological study while continuing to serve in their current ministry.
                                                                                              • The PhD in Christian Studies includes seminars in New Testament and Old Testament exposition, historical theology, biblical theology, ethics, leadership, and discipleship.
                                                                                              • Come join the long line of ministry faithfulness that dates back to 1892 when The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary launched the first seminary-based doctoral degree in North America. 
                                                                                              • That degree became the PhD, and it has grown into one of the most respected in higher education.
                                                                                              • Learn more at SBTS.edu/rainer
                                                                                              •  

                                                                                                  • 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 Surprise Benefits of a Culture of Continual Education in Your Church: An Interview with Timothy Paul Jones appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                                    30 min
                                                                                                  • What Business Leaders in the Church Want Pastors to Know: An Interview with Steve Graves

                                                                                                    Thom and Sam interview Steve Graves and discuss how pastors should shepherd business leaders in their churches. Steve has been coaching business leaders for decades and has a deep knowledge of the church. He shares his wisdom in this episode.

                                                                                                      • What is different about shepherding business leaders today compared to when you started coaching?
                                                                                                      • Why do churches often miss the opportunity to connect with local businesses and their owners?
                                                                                                      • What do pastors miss when shepherding business leaders?
                                                                                                      • What are some of the biggest spiritual needs business leaders have, and how can the church help them?
                                                                                                      • How can pastors get more comfortable “talking shop” with business leaders in their churches?
                                                                                                      • Resources:
                                                                                                        • Rooted
                                                                                                          • Upward Running
                                                                                                            • Steve Graves
                                                                                                              • Cornerstone Coaching
                                                                                                                • “Flourishing” by Steve Graves
                                                                                                                  • “Eating the Elephant: Leading the Established Church to Growth” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
                                                                                                                    • 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! We’re excited to bring you Upward Running for adults—the newest addition to the Upward Sports family.
                                                                                                                              • Offer a 5K Challenge: Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides training plans, access to the new RunClub app for run tracking and community building, and a fully customizable package to fit your timeline—led by your dedicated run coach.
                                                                                                                              • Simple to Start: All you need is one passionate leader. No facility required—your church parking lot is all it takes to launch this impactful program.
                                                                                                                              • Build Stronger Connections: Use running as a way to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, grow spiritually, and expand your church’s outreach.
                                                                                                                              • Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today!
                                                                                                                              • The post What Business Leaders in the Church Want Pastors to Know: An Interview with Steve Graves appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                                                                30 min
                                                                                                                              • The Ten Commandments of a Pastor’s Vacation

                                                                                                                                Time away is essential. Every pastor needs it, and every church should give it. Josh and Sam revisit a Church Answers article from a few years ago, and the co-hosts discuss the continued importance of rest and relaxation for pastors.

                                                                                                                                  1. Thou shalt take a vacation every year.
                                                                                                                                  2. Thou shalt get off the field.
                                                                                                                                  3. Thou shalt leave clear instructions before you go.
                                                                                                                                  4. Thou shalt relax.
                                                                                                                                  5. Thou shalt enjoy your family.
                                                                                                                                  6. Thou shalt read something fun.
                                                                                                                                  7. Thou shalt not skip church.
                                                                                                                                  8. Thou shalt not skip devotional time.
                                                                                                                                  9. Thou shalt not feel guilty.
                                                                                                                                  10. Thou shalt not return unless in an extreme emergency.
                                                                                                                                  11. Resources:
                                                                                                                                    • The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
                                                                                                                                      • Churchteams
                                                                                                                                        • FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
                                                                                                                                          • Church Answers Central
                                                                                                                                            • The Hope Initiative
                                                                                                                                            • Episode Sponsors:

                                                                                                                                                • Pastors and ministry leaders are invited to apply now to be accepted into a new– fully online–PhD program at Southern Seminary.
                                                                                                                                                • The Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Studies at Southern is not a series of recorded lectures. Scholars in this program will experience live interactions with the same professors who teach at Southern Seminary’s Louisville campus.
                                                                                                                                                • This program provides the opportunity for ministry leaders to engage in rigorous theological study while continuing to serve in their current ministry.
                                                                                                                                                • The PhD in Christian Studies includes seminars in New Testament and Old Testament exposition, historical theology, biblical theology, ethics, leadership, and discipleship.
                                                                                                                                                • Come join the long line of ministry faithfulness that dates back to 1892 when The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary launched the first seminary-based doctoral degree in North America. 
                                                                                                                                                • That degree became the PhD, and it has grown into one of the most respected in higher education.
                                                                                                                                                • Learn more at SBTS.edu/rainer
                                                                                                                                                •  

                                                                                                                                                    • 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 Ten Commandments of a Pastor’s Vacation appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                                                                                      31 min
                                                                                                                                                    • The Hidden Opportunity of Hospitality in Churches: An Interview with Danny Franks

                                                                                                                                                      Three out of four churches in America have no type of welcome ministry. Why do church leaders fail to see its importance? What are the most significant challenges in starting and maintaining a welcome or guest services ministry? How might hospitality be underutilized in churches? Thom and Sam interview Danny Franks of Summit Church to learn more about this important and often-ignored topic.

                                                                                                                                                      Resources:
                                                                                                                                                      • Upward Sports
                                                                                                                                                        • Rooted
                                                                                                                                                          • My Church Staff: Guest Services
                                                                                                                                                            • Danny Franks
                                                                                                                                                              • FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
                                                                                                                                                                • Church Answers Central
                                                                                                                                                                  • The Hope Initiative
                                                                                                                                                                  • Episode Sponsors:

                                                                                                                                                                    • Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, partnering with local churches to use sports as a powerful outreach tool to engage the community.
                                                                                                                                                                    • To remind our listeners, Upward offers a variety of league options, including basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball… and now running for adults.
                                                                                                                                                                    • Partnering with Upward Sports helps your church reach the community, attract young families, and share the Gospel in a meaningful way.
                                                                                                                                                                    • Is your church striving to be known as a welcoming space where families come together? Sports can naturally become your invitation. Upward Sports understands this and is ready to help you cultivate that atmosphere.
                                                                                                                                                                    • At Upward, they will customize your sports outreach strategy to fit your church’s budget, and community needs because we know one size doesn’t fit all.
                                                                                                                                                                    • Already have a thriving outreach ministry? Add sports to further fuel your outreach and connect with even more families.
                                                                                                                                                                    • Are you looking to engage new families, bless your community, or mobilize your congregation to serve? Whether you have a gym, field space, or access to a facility, Upward Sports can help. We’re here to support your church in creating a first-class, organized, and intentional outreach ministry that tells families, “You are welcome here!”
                                                                                                                                                                    • Whether you’re expanding an existing sports ministry or starting from scratch, explore Upward Sports. With a trusted history of partnering with over 5,000 churches nationwide, Upward stands ready to support you.
                                                                                                                                                                    • Schedule your call today – 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 The Hidden Opportunity of Hospitality in Churches: An Interview with Danny Franks appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                                                                                                          26 min
                                                                                                                                                                        • Are Smart Phones Killing Student Ministries in Churches?

                                                                                                                                                                          Since 2010, depression among teens is up 145% in girls and 161% in boys. During the same time period, anxiety is up 139% in those between the ages of 18 and 25. Josh and Sam discuss the findings from the book The Anxious Generation. Much of the problem stems from the widespread adoption of smartphones. What is the impact on student ministries in churches?

                                                                                                                                                                          • The convergence of social media with the first front-facing camera in 2010.
                                                                                                                                                                          • The shift from play-based childhoods to phone-based childhoods.
                                                                                                                                                                          • There has been a dramatic decrease in social capital through church life since the early 2000s (Bowling Alone). Check out the Netflix documentary Join or Die.
                                                                                                                                                                          • Is the smartphone killing student ministries in churches? Short answer: No.
                                                                                                                                                                          • View the student ministry as an answer to the problem rather than a victim of the culture.
                                                                                                                                                                          • Potential solutions: More outdoor activities like hiking and camping, fewer screens (e.g., video games) in student ministry areas, and better patterns and rhythms of hanging out regularly (e.g., morning group at Chick-fil-A).
                                                                                                                                                                          • Resources:
                                                                                                                                                                            • The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
                                                                                                                                                                              • Churchteams
                                                                                                                                                                                • “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt (affiliate link)
                                                                                                                                                                                  • “Bowling Alone” by Robert Putnam (affiliate link)
                                                                                                                                                                                    • “Join or Die” Netflix documentary
                                                                                                                                                                                      • Christianity Today: The Bulletin Podcast #138 “The Embodied Life with Christine Rosen”
                                                                                                                                                                                        • FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
                                                                                                                                                                                          • Church Answers Central
                                                                                                                                                                                            • The Hope Initiative
                                                                                                                                                                                            • Episode Sponsors:

                                                                                                                                                                                                • Pastors and ministry leaders are invited to apply now to be accepted into a new– fully online–PhD program at Southern Seminary.
                                                                                                                                                                                                • The Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Studies at Southern is not a series of recorded lectures. Scholars in this program will experience live interactions with the same professors who teach at Southern Seminary’s Louisville campus.
                                                                                                                                                                                                • This program provides the opportunity for ministry leaders to engage in rigorous theological study while continuing to serve in their current ministry.
                                                                                                                                                                                                • The PhD in Christian Studies includes seminars in New Testament and Old Testament exposition, historical theology, biblical theology, ethics, leadership, and discipleship.
                                                                                                                                                                                                • Come join the long line of ministry faithfulness that dates back to 1892 when The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary launched the first seminary-based doctoral degree in North America. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                • That degree became the PhD, and it has grown into one of the most respected in higher education.
                                                                                                                                                                                                • Learn more at SBTS.edu/rainer
                                                                                                                                                                                                •  

                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 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 Are Smart Phones Killing Student Ministries in Churches? appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      25 min
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Why Some of Our Churches Are Not Safe Places

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Thom interviews Sam about safe churches. This podcast has vital information about your church. You need to find out if your church is really a safe place.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        • What was your motivation for writing Make My Church Safe?
                                                                                                                                                                                                        • How is church safety a spiritual issue?
                                                                                                                                                                                                        • How can we mitigate the risks of ministry?
                                                                                                                                                                                                        • How do you secure the church’s physical campus?
                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Why do we hear more about child abuse in churches than in the past?
                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Resources:
                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Rooted
                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Upward Running
                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Brown Church Development Group
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Safe Church Training
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • “Make My Church Safe: A Guide to the Best Practices to Protect Children and Secure Your Congregation from Harm” by Sam Rainer (affiliate link)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 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! We’re excited to bring you Upward Running for adults—the newest addition to the Upward Sports family.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Offer a 5K Challenge: Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides training plans, access to the new RunClub app for run tracking and community building, and a fully customizable package to fit your timeline—led by your dedicated run coach.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Simple to Start: All you need is one passionate leader. No facility required—your church parking lot is all it takes to launch this impactful program.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Build Stronger Connections: Use running as a way to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, grow spiritually, and expand your church’s outreach.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • The post Why Some of Our Churches Are Not Safe Places appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                30 min
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Does Divorce Disqualify a Pastor from Ministry?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many Christian denominations and networks believe that divorce can affect a person’s eligibility for ministry, particularly key roles such as lead pastor. This perspective is rooted in passages such as 1 Timothy 3:2, which states that an overseer must be “above reproach” and “the husband of one wife.” Some interpret this as disqualifying individuals with prior divorces. Josh and Sam discuss their views.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Divorce is not an unforgivable sin and should not be treated as such.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Important factors include the recency of the divorce and the backstory of the divorce.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Other issues include the ministry position, level of authority, and level of visibility.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • How should we take into consideration biblical exceptions for divorce, like adultery, abandonment, and abuse?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Every divorce situation will need to be examined on a case-by-case basis. Universal rules and sweeping generalities are difficult to create with divorce. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Resources:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Churchteams
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Church Answers Central
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • The Hope Initiative
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Episode Sponsors:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Pastors and ministry leaders are invited to apply now to be accepted into a new– fully online–PhD program at Southern Seminary.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • The Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Studies at Southern is not a series of recorded lectures. Scholars in this program will experience live interactions with the same professors who teach at Southern Seminary’s Louisville campus.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • This program provides the opportunity for ministry leaders to engage in rigorous theological study while continuing to serve in their current ministry.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • The PhD in Christian Studies includes seminars in New Testament and Old Testament exposition, historical theology, biblical theology, ethics, leadership, and discipleship.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Come join the long line of ministry faithfulness that dates back to 1892 when The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary launched the first seminary-based doctoral degree in North America. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • That degree became the PhD, and it has grown into one of the most respected in higher education.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Learn more at SBTS.edu/rainer
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                •  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 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 Does Divorce Disqualify a Pastor from Ministry? appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      28 min

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