Rainer on Leadership

By Thom RainerBusiness Religion & Spirituality Christianity Education Courses Management

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Rainer on Leadership episodes

October 24, 2023How You Can Get Your Church Members Reading the Bible Regularly: An Interview with Alex Goodwin
Thom welcomes Alex Goodwin, co-founder of the Institute for Bible Reading and co-creator of “Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience” and “Immerse: The Reading Bible,” winner of the 2022 ECPA Bible of the Year award. He counts himself as one of many Christians who have struggled to read the Bible and believes that changing how we interact with Scripture can help us become immersed in its transformative story.
What is your hope for this book, The Bible Reset?
What prompted you to write on this topic? Why do you think people need to hear this message?
How does modern Bible formatting hinder our understanding of the text? What are some common Bible reading habits we should be wary of?
What is the difference between Biblical literacy and Biblical fluency? Is one better than the other, and what are some ways to cultivate both?
What is the difference between Bible reading and Bible study, and how do you personally incorporate both in your own life?
What is the “Six-Act Drama of Scripture,” and what is our role in it?
How would you advise a Christian who wants to read the Bible more, but doesn’t know where to start?
Resources
California Baptist University Pre-College Credit
Courage For Life Study Bible
Courage For Life Study Bible for Men
Courage For Life Study Bible for Women
Tyndale House Publishers
“The Bible Reset” by Alex Goodwin
Read Chapter 1 of the “The Bible Reset” by Alex Goodwin
Institute for Bible Reading
Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector
Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry.
Episode Sponsors:
Eligible high schoolers can earn college credit online, the first class is free (not including books and course materials), and they get a significant discount ($166 per credit vs. $613 per credit) for every subsequent class. They can choose from more than 30 available courses. Here are just a few additional details not included on the flier:
This program is open to third-culture kids, homeschool students, private and public school students, etc.
Students can start during any eight-week session – summer, fall, spring, each semester has two sessions as indicated on the flier
The first-class free offer is limited. I do not yet know for how long, but we should market it as temporary for now.
Many students have successfully completed courses during their normal school year. Classes are asynchronous, so they can access course materials at their convenience.
Sometimes universities have similar programs and they make classes specific for high school students – HS students sitting with other HS students. In our program, participants sit in on real college courses, with actual college student peers. They get the real deal through our experience.
NLT Courage For Life Study Bible for Women, Filament-Enabled Edition
Courage may take many forms, but it always begins in the heart.

Courage can take root in us when we as women recognize God’s truth over the lies that our world is telling us—lies that we often tell ourselves too. The Courage For Life Study Bible for Women is a rich, beautiful, and comprehensive study Bible—featuring a Bible study on every page—that guides us as we discover our ability to live purposeful lives of courage and to become the women God intends us to be.

This Bible will help women break old patterns and experience transformation as they study and understand the Bible and invite God’s work in their lives.

This Bible is unlike any other on the market. Features of this women’s Bible include:
A Bible study on every page
Reflection questions
Encouraging profiles
A topical index
Access to a suite of resources including a linked audio Bible through the Filament Bible app
A unique discipleship path through the Bible, based on the seven COURAGE steps from the Courage For Life ministry
The clear and accurate, easy-to-read New Living Translation
This is the perfect Bible for any woman who is serious about growth and transformation in Christ and for anyone looking for an innovative New Living Translation Bible for women.

Enhance Your Bible Studying through the Free Filament App

This app enables you to use your mobile phone or tablet to connect every page to a vast array of related content, including:
25,000+ study notes
350+ videos
40+ maps and infographics
400+ profiles and articles
1,500+ devotionals
Library of worship music
The Filament Bible app turns this Bible into a powerful study and devotional experience, offering more to expand your mind and touch your heart than you can possibly hold in your hand. And there is no additional cost for the Filament Bible app. No additional purchase. No additional size or weight.
Of course, you can use this Bible without the app, but when you want to dig deeper, grab your phone or tablet and open the Filament Bible app. It’s so easy to use.
The post How You Can Get Your Church Members Reading the Bible Regularly: An Interview with Alex Goodwin appeared first on Church Answers.
25 min
October 17, 2023When Difficult People Want to Come Back to Church After Leaving
You’ve likely heard the phrase “blessed subtraction” referring to divisive church members who leave for another congregation. On occasion, they will return. What should you do? Thom and Sam give some tips to church leaders.
How long has it been since they left?
Do they have a specific motive for returning?
Were you part of the previous situation?
What was the degree of problematic behavior?
Has reconciliation occurred if needed?
Is this person coming back quietly or loudly?
Resources
Courage For Life Study Bible
Courage For Life Study Bible for Men
Courage For Life Study Bible for Women
Tyndale House Publishers
California Baptist University Pre-College Credit
Get your FREE eBook, 5 Generosity Megatrends
The Hope Initiative
Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector
Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry.
Episode Sponsors:
NLT Courage For Life Study Bible for Men, Filament-Enabled Edition
Men face frequent challenges to show courage—to take a stand, to step into danger, and to do the right thing.

The biggest challenge men face, though, is seeing our weaknesses and recognizing God’s truth over the lies our culture is telling us.

The Courage For Life Study Bible for Men is a strong and rigorous study Bible—featuring a Bible study on every page—for men seeking to demonstrate godly courage and to discover the God who transcends all limitations and transforms anyone who follows him.

This Bible will help men break old patterns and experience transformation as they study and understand God’s Word and invite God’s work in their lives.

This Bible is unlike any other on the market. Features of this men’s Bible include:
A Bible study on every page
Reflection questions
Encouraging profiles of courageous men
A topical index
Access to a suite of resources including a linked audio Bible through the Filament Bible app
A unique discipleship path through the Bible, based on the seven COURAGE steps from the Courage For Life ministry
The clear and accurate, easy-to-read New Living Translation
This is the perfect Bible for any man who is serious about growth and transformation in Christ and great for anyone looking for an innovative New Living Translation Bible for men.
Eligible high schoolers can earn college credit online, the first class is free (not including books and course materials), and they get a significant discount ($166 per credit vs. $613 per credit) for every subsequent class. They can choose from more than 30 available courses. Here are just a few additional details not included on the flier:
This program is open to third-culture kids, homeschool students, private and public school students, etc.
Students can start during any eight-week session – summer, fall, spring, each semester has two sessions as indicated on the flier
The first-class free offer is limited. I do not yet know for how long, but we should market it as temporary for now.
Many students have successfully completed courses during their normal school year. Classes are asynchronous, so they can access course materials at their convenience.
Sometimes universities have similar programs and they make classes specific for high school students – HS students sitting with other HS students. In our program, participants sit in on real college courses, with actual college student peers. They get the real deal through our experience.
The post When Difficult People Want to Come Back to Church After Leaving appeared first on Church Answers.
27 min
October 10, 2023How to Encourage Church Members Who Serve Behind the Scenes
Thom and Sam received a question from a regular listener. Henry from Ontario wanted to know how pastors can best recognize faithful members serving in areas of the church that are often unnoticed. For example, the only time the church notices the tech team is when something goes wrong in the worship service. Most people who serve behind the scenes do not want public recognition. How can the church honor them?
Management by walking around still works well in the church.
Thanking people in casual conversations is often the most genuine approach.
Invite long-time volunteers to your home for dinner, dessert, or coffee.
Sometimes public recognition is warranted even for introverts.
When doing recap videos for worship services or social media, include those who are in non-visible roles.
Hand-written notes still mean a lot to everyone.
Offer to send key volunteers to a conference for development and equipping.
Resources
California Baptist University Pre-College Credit
Courage For Life Study Bible
Courage For Life Study Bible for Men
Courage For Life Study Bible for Women
Tyndale House Publishers
Church Answers Platinum Membership
The Hope Initiative
Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector
Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry.
Episode Sponsors:
Eligible high schoolers can earn college credit online, the first class is free (not including books and course materials), and they get a significant discount ($166 per credit vs. $613 per credit) for every subsequent class. They can choose from more than 30 available courses. Here are just a few additional details not included on the flier:
This program is open to third-culture kids, homeschool students, private and public school students, etc.
Students can start during any eight-week session – summer, fall, spring, each semester has two sessions as indicated on the flier
The first-class free offer is limited. I do not yet know for how long, but we should market it as temporary for now.
Many students have successfully completed courses during their normal school year. Classes are asynchronous, so they can access course materials at their convenience.
Sometimes universities have similar programs and they make classes specific for high school students – HS students sitting with other HS students. In our program, participants sit in on real college courses, with actual college student peers. They get the real deal through our experience.
Courage For Life Study Bible for Women
NLT Courage For Life Study Bible for Women, Filament-Enabled Edition
Courage may take many forms, but it always begins in the heart.

Courage can take root in us when we as women recognize God’s truth over the lies that our world is telling us—lies that we often tell ourselves too. The Courage For Life Study Bible for Women is a rich, beautiful, and comprehensive study Bible—featuring a Bible study on every page—that guides us as we discover our ability to live purposeful lives of courage and to become the women God intends us to be.

This Bible will help women break old patterns and experience transformation as they study and understand the Bible and invite God’s work in their lives.

This Bible is unlike any other on the market. Features of this women’s Bible include:
A Bible study on every page
Reflection questions
Encouraging profiles
A topical index
Access to a suite of resources including a linked audio Bible through the Filament Bible app
A unique discipleship path through the Bible, based on the seven COURAGE steps from the Courage For Life ministry
The clear and accurate, easy-to-read New Living Translation
This is the perfect Bible for any woman who is serious about growth and transformation in Christ and for anyone looking for an innovative New Living Translation Bible for women.

Enhance Your Bible Studying through the Free Filament App

This app enables you to use your mobile phone or tablet to connect every page to a vast array of related content, including:
25,000+ study notes
350+ videos
40+ maps and infographics
400+ profiles and articles
1,500+ devotionals
Library of worship music
The Filament Bible app turns this Bible into a powerful study and devotional experience, offering more to expand your mind and touch your heart than you can possibly hold in your hand. And there is no additional cost for the Filament Bible app. No additional purchase. No additional size or weight.
Of course, you can use this Bible without the app, but when you want to dig deeper, grab your phone or tablet and open the Filament Bible app. It’s so easy to use.
The post How to Encourage Church Members Who Serve Behind the Scenes appeared first on Church Answers.
25 min
October 03, 2023Getting Your Church Leaders and Members Really Reading the Bible: An Interview with Ann White
Sam welcomes Ann White, an internationally known author, speaker, Christian TV Host, passionate Bible teacher, Founder and CEO of Courage For Life. Her passion is to equip and encourage people from all walks of life to embrace their God-given courage for life. They discuss the need to have resources available to help people grow both spiritually and emotionally.
We know the number of people reading the Bible is on the decline. Why do you think that is? What are some roadblocks for people who want to study the Bible?
If we can’t get people to read their Bibles how can we get them to study them? How can we get people in our churches excited to study the Bible?
How does Bible study help us to have courage?
How can we as church leaders use a Bible like, Courage For Life Study Bible, to help our Church communities? Why a men’s and women’s edition?
Why do you think it’s important for church communities to not only be in personal study, but in God’s Word together?
What do you feel is missing for most people in their Bible study?
Resources
Courage For Life Study Bible
Courage For Life Study Bible for Men
Courage For Life Study Bible for Women
Tyndale House Publishers
California Baptist University Pre-College Credit
The Hope Initiative
Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector
Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry.
Episode Sponsors:
NLT Courage For Life Study Bible for Men, Filament-Enabled Edition
Men face frequent challenges to show courage—to take a stand, to step into danger, and to do the right thing.

The biggest challenge men face, though, is seeing our weaknesses and recognizing God’s truth over the lies our culture is telling us.

The Courage For Life Study Bible for Men is a strong and rigorous study Bible—featuring a Bible study on every page—for men seeking to demonstrate godly courage and to discover the God who transcends all limitations and transforms anyone who follows him.

This Bible will help men break old patterns and experience transformation as they study and understand God’s Word and invite God’s work in their lives.

This Bible is unlike any other on the market. Features of this men’s Bible include:
A Bible study on every page
Reflection questions
Encouraging profiles of courageous men
A topical index
Access to a suite of resources including a linked audio Bible through the Filament Bible app
A unique discipleship path through the Bible, based on the seven COURAGE steps from the Courage For Life ministry
The clear and accurate, easy-to-read New Living Translation
This is the perfect Bible for any man who is serious about growth and transformation in Christ and great for anyone looking for an innovative New Living Translation Bible for men.
Eligible high schoolers can earn college credit online, the first class is free (not including books and course materials), and they get a significant discount ($166 per credit vs. $613 per credit) for every subsequent class. They can choose from more than 30 available courses. Here are just a few additional details not included on the flier:
This program is open to third-culture kids, homeschool students, private and public school students, etc.
Students can start during any eight-week session – summer, fall, spring, each semester has two sessions as indicated on the flier
The first-class free offer is limited. I do not yet know for how long, but we should market it as temporary for now.
Many students have successfully completed courses during their normal school year. Classes are asynchronous, so they can access course materials at their convenience.
Sometimes universities have similar programs and they make classes specific for high school students – HS students sitting with other HS students. In our program, participants sit in on real college courses, with actual college student peers. They get the real deal through our experience.
The post Getting Your Church Leaders and Members Really Reading the Bible: An Interview with Ann White appeared first on Church Answers.
25 min
September 26, 2023The Community Demographics and Psychographics Churches Most Often Miss
You can’t reach your community unless you know your community. On this week’s episode, Thom and Sam discuss the most often missed community demographics and why they are important.
Your church address is not an accident.
Perceived demographics are often different than real demographics.
Most leaders cannot tell you how many people live within fifteen minutes of the church.
Single-parent homes are far more prevalent than most realize.
Ethnic diversity is growing almost everywhere at a pace faster than most realize.
Why travel time to work is becoming more important.
Resources
California Baptist University Pre-College Credit
The One Year Pray for the Family Bible
Tyndale House Publishers
Know Your Community
Church Answers Membership
The Hope Initiative
Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector
Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry.
Episode Sponsors:
Eligible high schoolers can earn college credit online, the first class is free (not including books and course materials), and they get a significant discount ($166 per credit vs. $613 per credit) for every subsequent class. They can choose from more than 30 available courses. Here are just a few additional details not included on the flier:
This program is open to third-culture kids, homeschool students, private and public school students, etc.
Students can start during any eight-week session – summer, fall, spring, each semester has two sessions as indicated on the flier
The first-class free offer is limited. I do not yet know for how long, but we should market it as temporary for now.
Many students have successfully completed courses during their normal school year. Classes are asynchronous, so they can access course materials at their convenience.
Sometimes universities have similar programs and they make classes specific for high school students – HS students sitting with other HS students. In our program, participants sit in on real college courses, with actual college student peers. They get the real deal through our experience.
The One Year Pray for the Family Bible NLT
Pray for families around the world as you read through the Bible in one year in as little as 15 minutes a day.

With The One Year Pray for the Family Bible, you will read through the whole Bible in one year as you implement daily prayers for families around the world, including your own. This Bible provides the structure to help you read and act on God’s life-changing Word in only about 15 minutes a day. It includes 365 daily prayer prompts to help you pray for your family and for the institution of the family itself—in an intentional and manageable way. Enjoy insights from leading voices who advocate on behalf of the family, including Dr. Tony Evans, Greg and Erin Smalley, Robin Jones Gunn, Dr. Danny Huerta, and more. The One Year Pray for the Family Bible will help you apply the principles of God’s unchanging Word to an effective prayer life in support of the family.

Features of this Bible include:
365 daily prayer prompts
An insightful forward from Focus on the Family resident Jim Daly laying out God’s vision for flourishing families
Full-color pages
The clear and accurate, easy-to-understand New Living Translation (NLT)
The post The Community Demographics and Psychographics Churches Most Often Miss appeared first on Church Answers.
26 min
September 19, 2023Pivot: An Interview with Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer
Sam welcomes father-daughter duo and theologians Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer. In their book “Pivot,” Scot and Laura help churches to implement practices, establish priorities, and cultivate gospel-centered qualities that form goodness cultures. Scot is professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary. Laura is a teacher and coauthored “A Church Called Tov” with Scot.
What prompted you to write Pivot? Why do you feel this book is necessary in today’s culture?
What encouragement would you give to someone starting the hard work of pivoting their Christian community? What encouragement would you give the person who has spent years trying to transform their culture, but sees no end in sight?
How does church culture impact a church?
How can we find tov people to emulate? And why is emulation important?
What are some healthy steps “transformation agents” should take to start creating new behaviors?
How can we discern if an environment is actually toxic?
Resources
The One Year Pray for the Family Bible
Tyndale House Publishers
California Baptist University Pre-College Credit
“Pivot: The Priorities, Practices, and Powers That Can Transform Your Church into a Tov Culture” by Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer
“A Church Called Tov: Forming a Goodness Culture That Resists Abuses of Power and Promotes Healing” by Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer
The Hope Initiative
Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector
Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry.
Episode Sponsors:
The One Year Pray for the Family Bible NLT
Pray for families around the world as you read through the Bible in one year in as little as 15 minutes a day.

With The One Year Pray for the Family Bible, you will read through the whole Bible in one year as you implement daily prayers for families around the world, including your own. This Bible provides the structure to help you read and act on God’s life-changing Word in only about 15 minutes a day. It includes 365 daily prayer prompts to help you pray for your family and for the institution of the family itself—in an intentional and manageable way. Enjoy insights from leading voices who advocate on behalf of the family, including Dr. Tony Evans, Greg and Erin Smalley, Robin Jones Gunn, Dr. Danny Huerta, and more. The One Year Pray for the Family Bible will help you apply the principles of God’s unchanging Word to an effective prayer life in support of the family.

Features of this Bible include:
365 daily prayer prompts
An insightful forward from Focus on the Family resident Jim Daly laying out God’s vision for flourishing families
Full-color pages
The clear and accurate, easy-to-understand New Living Translation (NLT)
Eligible high schoolers can earn college credit online, the first class is free (not including books and course materials), and they get a significant discount ($166 per credit vs. $613 per credit) for every subsequent class. They can choose from more than 30 available courses. Here are just a few additional details not included on the flier:
This program is open to third-culture kids, homeschool students, private and public school students, etc.
Students can start during any eight-week session – summer, fall, spring, each semester has two sessions as indicated on the flier
The first-class free offer is limited. I do not yet know for how long, but we should market it as temporary for now.
Many students have successfully completed courses during their normal school year. Classes are asynchronous, so they can access course materials at their convenience.
Sometimes universities have similar programs and they make classes specific for high school students – HS students sitting with other HS students. In our program, participants sit in on real college courses, with actual college student peers. They get the real deal through our experience.
The post Pivot: An Interview with Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer appeared first on Church Answers.
28 min
September 12, 2023How Much Vacation Should Pastors Take?
Every pastor should take a vacation. But pastors can struggle with knowing how much vacation they should take and how long they should be away. Thom discusses best practices with vacation time.
Churches should provide paid time away for bi-vocational pastors.
How many vacation days should a pastor take each year?
Missing two Sundays in a row (or more) can be problematic.
Pastors should not feel the need to announce their vacation ahead of time.
Who should preach while the pastor is away?
When should the church interrupt a pastor’s vacation?
Resources
California Baptist University Pre-College Credit
The Hands-On Bible
Tyndale House Publishers
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Bi-vocational Co-vocational Certification
Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector
Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry.
Episode Sponsors:
Eligible high schoolers can earn college credit online, the first class is free (not including books and course materials), and they get a significant discount ($166 per credit vs. $613 per credit) for every subsequent class. They can choose from more than 30 available courses. Here are just a few additional details not included on the flier:
This program is open to third-culture kids, homeschool students, private and public school students, etc.
Students can start during any eight-week session – summer, fall, spring, each semester has two sessions as indicated on the flier
The first-class free offer is limited. I do not yet know for how long, but we should market it as temporary for now.
Many students have successfully completed courses during their normal school year. Classes are asynchronous, so they can access course materials at their convenience.
Sometimes universities have similar programs and they make classes specific for high school students – HS students sitting with other HS students. In our program, participants sit in on real college courses, with actual college student peers. They get the real deal through our experience.
NLT Hands-On Bible, Third Edition
New look! Updated with a fresh, colorful new design, the Hands-On Bible is the BEST OVERALL BIBLE for kids and families. It features loads of exciting hands-on activities and unique experiences to help children want to read and explore the Bible.
Jesus taught with hands-on lessons and illustrations. The Hands-On Bible uses the same experience-based learning to communicate God’s Word in an active, understandable way. With hundreds of fun, memorable activities, the colorful Hands-On Bible is packed with activities and experiences that invite kids to crawl inside the Scriptures and do God’s Word! Exciting Bible features include 102 Hands-On Bible Experiences, 52 Key Verse Activities, 31 Bible Hero Biographies, 16 Bible Bonanza Experiences, 82 Jesus Connections, 66 Bible Book Intros, 69 Fun Facts, a Where to Turn When I’m . . . index, kid-friendly Q & A, and charts and maps.
The Hands-On Bible includes the entire text of the Bible in the clear and accurate New Living Translation, faithfully translated into today’s English from the ancient texts by 90 leading Bible scholars. The NLT’s fresh clarity breathes life into even the most difficult-to-understand Bible passages.

The post How Much Vacation Should Pastors Take? appeared first on Church Answers.
23 min
September 05, 2023Does a New Mover Ministry Really Work? An Early Analysis
How effective are new mover ministries, particularly those where a card is mailed to every new mover in a specified area? Thom and Sam look at some early results they gleaned.
Understanding the principles of this ministry.
Understanding the principle of preparing the field.
How does it work? How easy is it?
Looking at some early numbers.
How to make it more effective.
Resources
The Hands-On Bible
Tyndale House Publishers
California Baptist University Pre-College Credit
Brown Church Development Group
Outreach
Know Your Community
The Hope Initiative
Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector
Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry.
Episode Sponsors:
NLT Hands-On Bible, Third Edition
New look! Updated with a fresh, colorful new design, the Hands-On Bible is the BEST OVERALL BIBLE for kids and families. It features loads of exciting hands-on activities and unique experiences to help children want to read and explore the Bible.
Jesus taught with hands-on lessons and illustrations. The Hands-On Bible uses the same experience-based learning to communicate God’s Word in an active, understandable way. With hundreds of fun, memorable activities, the colorful Hands-On Bible is packed with activities and experiences that invite kids to crawl inside the Scriptures and do God’s Word! Exciting Bible features include 102 Hands-On Bible Experiences, 52 Key Verse Activities, 31 Bible Hero Biographies, 16 Bible Bonanza Experiences, 82 Jesus Connections, 66 Bible Book Intros, 69 Fun Facts, a Where to Turn When I’m . . . index, kid-friendly Q & A, and charts and maps.
The Hands-On Bible includes the entire text of the Bible in the clear and accurate New Living Translation, faithfully translated into today’s English from the ancient texts by 90 leading Bible scholars. The NLT’s fresh clarity breathes life into even the most difficult-to-understand Bible passages.
Eligible high schoolers can earn college credit online, the first class is free (not including books and course materials), and they get a significant discount ($166 per credit vs. $613 per credit) for every subsequent class. They can choose from more than 30 available courses. Here are just a few additional details not included on the flier:
This program is open to third-culture kids, homeschool students, private and public school students, etc.
Students can start during any eight-week session – summer, fall, spring, each semester has two sessions as indicated on the flier
The first-class free offer is limited. I do not yet know for how long, but we should market it as temporary for now.
Many students have successfully completed courses during their normal school year. Classes are asynchronous, so they can access course materials at their convenience.
Sometimes universities have similar programs and they make classes specific for high school students – HS students sitting with other HS students. In our program, participants sit in on real college courses, with actual college student peers. They get the real deal through our experience.

The post Does a New Mover Ministry Really Work? An Early Analysis appeared first on Church Answers.
26 min
September 01, 2023A Special Three-Part Series with Upward: Episode #3 – What the Future of Church Recreation Ministry Looks Like (Start Now)
In the conclusion of this special series on recreation ministry, Thom and Sam talk about the future of recreation ministries in churches. More churches will restart their sports programs. Now is the time to begin. The future is bright!
Americans need more exercise. The church should be at the forefront of solving this problem.
The hyper-competitive nature of youth sports will open numerous opportunities for churches to create programs for families looking for more fun and less intense commitment.
Partners like Upward will provide more customizable options for recreation ministry.
Recreation ministry will become essential for churches to encourage people to get into a better rhythm and pattern of involvement.
Spiritual health will be connected more to physical health, and recreation ministry will be viewed as an important part of discipleship.
More studies will point to the harm of spending too much time on electronic devices. Parents will seek out sports and recreation for the benefit of their children.
Resources:
Upward
Episode #1 – Why We Need a Church Recreation Ministry Comeback More Than Ever
Episode #2 – How to Make Sports Work for Your Church and Not Against You
Episode Sponsor:
Is your church looking to reach the community? As a pastor or leader, is your desire to reach new families? Use sports as your bridge into the community. As the World’s largest Christian youth sports organization, Upward Sports desires to come alongside your church to advance your mission and promotes Jesus by using sports as your ministry tool. Imagine … families coming to your church, field, local school, parking lot, with their child each week to play in your league. This is where connections are made, relationships are formed, the Gospel is shared, and lives are changed.
By partnering with Upward Sports, your church will customize your unique player package, choose the sport you want to offer, access ministry resources, devotions, coach resources, and gospel materials.
As a self-sustaining ministry, sports outreach fits any church of any size… that is looking to reach their community.
Now is a great time to offer a winter league to prepare for a spring 2024 league.

The post A Special Three-Part Series with Upward: Episode #3 – What the Future of Church Recreation Ministry Looks Like (Start Now) appeared first on Church Answers.
23 min
September 01, 2023A Special Three-Part Series with Upward: Episode #2 – How to Make Sports Work for Your Church and Not Against You
Thom and Sam continue their special series on recreation ministry. Many church leaders bemoan how sports can pull people away from the church. But what if sports can be used to draw people into the body of Christ? Sports can just as easily work for you. The co-hosts explain how on this episode.
Travel sports have soured some people to recreation ministry.
You don’t need a gym to do recreation ministry. Fields and parking lots are adequate.
How Upward can help you with basketball, cheerleading, flag football, soccer, volleyball, baseball, and softball.
Sports ministries are one of the easiest ways to meet people from the community.
Sports ministries help accelerate connection and assimilation in churches.
Sports ministries can be one of the best methods for holistic discipleship.
Sports ministries appeal to young families and bridge all generations.
Resources:
Upward
Know Your Community Report
Episode #1 – Why We Need a Church Recreation Ministry Comeback More Than Ever
Episode #3 – What the Future of Church Recreation Ministry Looks Like (Start Now)
Episode Sponsor:
Is your church looking to reach the community? As a pastor or leader, is your desire to reach new families? Use sports as your bridge into the community. As the World’s largest Christian youth sports organization, Upward Sports desires to come alongside your church to advance your mission and promotes Jesus by using sports as your ministry tool. Imagine … families coming to your church, field, local school, parking lot, with their child each week to play in your league. This is where connections are made, relationships are formed, the Gospel is shared, and lives are changed.
By partnering with Upward Sports, your church will customize your unique player package, choose the sport you want to offer, access ministry resources, devotions, coach resources, and gospel materials.
As a self-sustaining ministry, sports outreach fits any church of any size… that is looking to reach their community.
Now is a great time to offer a winter league to prepare for a spring 2024 league.

The post A Special Three-Part Series with Upward: Episode #2 – How to Make Sports Work for Your Church and Not Against You appeared first on Church Answers.
21 min