Rainer on Leadership

By Thom RainerBusiness Religion & Spirituality Christianity Education Courses Management

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Rainer on Leadership episodes

March 05America’s Gambling Problem and the Church
Josh and Sam talk about the rising tide of gambling addiction in the U.S., fueled by the explosion of online betting and sports wagering. With millions of adults and youth affected, and billions lost in social and personal costs, the issue is quickly becoming a pastoral and congregational challenge. This episode highlights the scope of the crisis, why it’s escalating, and how the church can respond with clarity, compassion, and practical care.
The stats are not good. Gambling disorder affects far more people than many pastors realize. Two to four million adults in the U.S. will experience a lifetime gambling disorder, and another five to nine million wrestle with subclinical issues. In any given year, 2.5 million Americans will battle severe gambling problems.
The financial fallout is staggering: an estimated $14 billion in social costs each year.
What’s especially alarming is the rapid emergence of online gambling and sports betting, now woven into American entertainment.
Help-seeking is tragically low. Even though gambling carries one of the highest suicide attempt rates of any addiction, only about 8% seek formal help.
Preaching: It’s time to use the pulpit to address the problem.
Benevolence: Some of the best uses of church benevolent funds are to help with counseling services for those who are addicted.
Accountability: The structure you use to aid those with pornography addictions should also be utilized for gambling addictions.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
Church Answers Central
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
Lead Your Church. We’ll Handle the Numbers.
We have decades of experience serving churches across the country.
We’re church accountants who speak your language and understand your mission.
Gain clear financial insights to guide your ministry decisions with confidence.
Tailored solutions for churches of every size and stage.
Smart tools that save time and simplify finances so you can focus on ministry.
Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both.
Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers

The Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to strengthen both you and your church.
You’ll bring a real challenge from your ministry into the program—and through trusted faculty mentorship and applied theological study, you’ll develop a biblically grounded, practical plan that equips you to implement lasting change in your church.
This is theological scholarship applied where it matters most: your local ministry.
Study under faculty mentors who are both scholars and seasoned ministry leaders.
Sharpen your thinking, deepen your theology, and lead with clarity.
Build a network of peers who share your calling and understand your challenges.
Learn how at sbts.edu/dmin.
The post America’s Gambling Problem and the Church appeared first on Church Answers.
27 min
March 02Why Small Churches Matter More Than Ever
While big cities often dominate attention and resources, it is the small towns and rural communities where congregations are disappearing fastest and where the church’s presence is most at risk. Thom and Sam explore why revitalizing and supporting small churches is essential for the future of Christian witness and how these congregations uniquely embody relational, community-anchoring ministry that larger models simply cannot replicate.
Small towns are the real American norm and a massive mission field. With 76% of incorporated places under 5,000 people, the typical American community is small. When churches disappear from these towns, entire regions lose access to a local gospel witness.
Megachurches cannot reach small places, but small churches can. Large churches thrive in metropolitan areas, but they cannot physically plant themselves in every rural community. Healthy small churches are the only sustainable model for local ministry in these contexts.
Small churches provide deeply personal, relational ministry. In a culture starved for authentic connection, small congregations offer high-touch community, intentional discipleship, and pastoral care that mirrors the early church.
Strengthening small churches strengthens whole communities. Rural churches act as social glue—anchoring identity, compassion, and moral grounding. Investing in them produces exponential impact, often influencing entire counties.
Check out Thom’s article on this subject.
Resources:
Brown Church Development Group
Upward Sports
Church Growth Services
Wesley Biblical Seminary
“The Urgent Need for Smaller Churches” by Thom S. Rainer
Church Answers Platinum Membership
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
A church building should be your greatest ministry tool… not your biggest headache.
Facility decisions can feel overwhelming, expensive, and risky… Too often, buildings end up working against the ministry instead of for it.
That’s where Brown Church Development Group comes in… They are the Church Facility Experts.
They’ve helped hundreds of churches across the United States find facility solutions that actually fit their ministry style, budget, and long-term plans. From feasibility studies and master planning to architecture and construction, they’re a true one-stop shop for all your church facility needs.
Brown Church Development Group helps churches avoid costly mistakes, gain clarity, and move forward with confidence—without the guesswork.
Whether you’re improving an existing facility or building something new, Brown Church Development Group can help you know exactly what to do next.
Proven experience helping churches nationwide.
Facility solutions that fit your ministry vision, budget, and long-term growth.
A true one stop shop for church facility needs.

Bring the Game to Your Church
From basketball and cheerleading to soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, adult running—and now pickleball for middle and high schoolers—Upward Sports offers leagues for every interest and age. Flexible and family-friendly, these experiences give your church the tools to engage your community, connect families, and create lasting memories. As the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, partnering with over 1,800 churches nationwide, Upward Sports is ready to help you launch a first-class, organized, and intentional league.
Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.
The post Why Small Churches Matter More Than Ever appeared first on Church Answers.
26 min
February 26When Church Members Become Online Trolls: What Pastors Should Do
Josh and Sam tackle a growing and uncomfortable reality for pastors: what to do when one of your own church members becomes an online troll. The cohosts explore how to discern genuine critics from disruptive trolls, protect your church’s unity and safety, and lead with grace even when someone is trying to provoke you publicly.
Document before you act. Screenshot everything and keep a clean record, especially if the behavior escalates into harassment or requires legal counsel.
Discern the source and intent. Trolls seek reaction, critics seek clarity. Many online agitators are former members, hurting individuals, or people seeking attention rather than constructive conversation.
Control the platform with confidence. Ignoring, deleting, or blocking is often the wisest decision. You are not obligated to host destructive behavior on church channels.
Move conversations offline, not into the spotlight. When the troll is a known member, shift the interaction to private, pastoral spaces—phone, video, or in person—where accountability and empathy are possible.
Lead with grace but prioritize safety. Respond with brief, gospel-centered statements (or silence when appropriate) while protecting staff, volunteers, and the church from threats or instability.
Stay focused on ministry, not online battles. Don’t waste energy on endless debates. Keep the mission central, uphold Christian values, and shepherd the church toward unity rather than distraction.
The goal is not to “win” online but to model Christlike character and redirect the conversation toward spiritual health and relational restoration.
Resources:
Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Chaney & Associates
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
Church Answers Central
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
The Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to strengthen both you and your church.
You’ll bring a real challenge from your ministry into the program—and through trusted faculty mentorship and applied theological study, you’ll develop a biblically grounded, practical plan that equips you to implement lasting change in your church.
This is theological scholarship applied where it matters most: your local ministry.
Study under faculty mentors who are both scholars and seasoned ministry leaders.
Sharpen your thinking, deepen your theology, and lead with clarity.
Build a network of peers who share your calling and understand your challenges.
Learn how at sbts.edu/dmin.

Lead Your Church. We’ll Handle the Numbers.
We have decades of experience serving churches across the country.
We’re church accountants who speak your language and understand your mission.
Gain clear financial insights to guide your ministry decisions with confidence.
Tailored solutions for churches of every size and stage.
Smart tools that save time and simplify finances so you can focus on ministry.
Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both.
Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers
The post When Church Members Become Online Trolls: What Pastors Should Do appeared first on Church Answers.
27 min
February 23The Burge Report: The Assemblies of God: Why This Denomination Is Defying Gravity
Only one denomination in the United States has grown consistently. Drawing from nearly fifty years of data, Ryan Burge’s analysis shows a denomination that has not only maintained stability but also demonstrated resilience, growth, and demographic vitality. From membership and attendance trends to conversion inflows and racial diversity, the Assemblies of God presents a statistical profile that is almost entirely positive, even after the shock of COVID-19. While many traditions wrestle with long-term decline, the Assemblies of God appears poised for continued strength.
Long-Term Growth Is Real and Remarkably Steady. Since 1975, the Assemblies of God has experienced consistent 2–3% annual membership growth, rising to over 3 million people today. Even after a significant pandemic-related dip, membership has returned near pre-COVID levels, demonstrating organizational resilience.
Attendance Is Rebounding Faster Than Expected. Worship attendance nearly doubled from the 1970s to the mid-2010s, then dropped sharply in 2020. But since 2021, the rebound has been strong. Current projections show the AG could completely erase the COVID-era attendance gap by 2029 or 2030—an almost unheard-of recovery curve among U.S. denominations.
Conversions Have Surged to Near-Historic Highs. Water baptisms and Spirit baptisms all spiked post-2020. In 2024 alone, the Assemblies of God reported roughly 530,000 new additions, one of the highest totals in their recorded history. Water baptisms alone jumped from 94,000 to 169,000, about 3,250 every weekend nationwide.
The AG Now Mirrors the Racial Makeup of the U.S. The Assemblies of God has become one of the most ethnically diverse denominations in the nation. As of 2024, only 55% of members are White, while Hispanic representation has risen to 23%, and Black membership to 11%. Statistically, the racial composition of the AG now almost perfectly matches that of the United States as a whole.
Resources:
Upward Running
Upward Sports
HelpFinder Bible
Tyndale House Publishers
Ryan Burge
“The Vanishing Church: How the Hollowing Out of Moderate Congregations Is Hurting Democracy, Faith, and Us” by Ryan Burge (affiliate link)
Church Answers Platinum Membership
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
Upward Running for Your Small Group
Turn your small group into a community on the move! Upward Running helps adults go from the couch to completing a 5K together. You provide the run coach, and we’ll equip them with training plans, resources, and support to lead well. It’s a fun, healthy way to grow relationships, encourage one another, and experience fitness and fellowship together.
Learn more at Upward.org/Runcoach.

As ministry leaders, you are walking with people through anxiety, grief, conflict, and big questions every week. The HelpFinder Bible is a simple, practical tool to help you point them to Scripture quickly and confidently.
Its unique HelpFinder Index includes more than 100 life topics—so whether someone is struggling with stress, relationships, or doubt, you can turn straight to relevant verses, helpful notes, and God’s promises that speak to their situation.
It is great for counseling, discipleship, or small groups, and there is even a built-in discussion guide to spark meaningful conversations.
Equip your church with a resource that makes it easier to find God’s answers—right when they need them most. Check out HelpFinderBible.com.
The post The Burge Report: The Assemblies of God: Why This Denomination Is Defying Gravity appeared first on Church Answers.
26 min
February 19How Long Should a Pastor Pray Each Day?
Is the strength of our prayer life really measured in minutes? And what if shorter, consistent rhythms of prayer throughout the day lead to a more sustainable, joyful connection with God? In this episode, Josh and Sam explore how pastors and church leaders can cultivate a meaningful prayer life without tying their spiritual health to a stopwatch.
You need a plan. Prayer rarely happens by accident. Both pastors and laypeople benefit from creating intentional rhythms that keep them focused and consistent.
More minutes ≠ more maturity. Time spent praying matters, but the total number of minutes isn’t the ultimate measure of spiritual depth.
Short prayers count. Multiple 10–15 minute prayer windows throughout the day can be as spiritually rich as a single uninterrupted hour.
Frequency fuels depth. Regular, brief conversations with God make those extended times of prayer more natural, more meaningful, and something you look forward to.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
Church Answers Central
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
Lead Your Church. We’ll Handle the Numbers.
We have decades of experience serving churches across the country.
We’re church accountants who speak your language and understand your mission.
Gain clear financial insights to guide your ministry decisions with confidence.
Tailored solutions for churches of every size and stage.
Smart tools that save time and simplify finances so you can focus on ministry.
Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both.
Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers

The Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to strengthen both you and your church.
You’ll bring a real challenge from your ministry into the program—and through trusted faculty mentorship and applied theological study, you’ll develop a biblically grounded, practical plan that equips you to implement lasting change in your church.
This is theological scholarship applied where it matters most: your local ministry.
Study under faculty mentors who are both scholars and seasoned ministry leaders.
Sharpen your thinking, deepen your theology, and lead with clarity.
Build a network of peers who share your calling and understand your challenges.
Learn how at sbts.edu/dmin.
The post How Long Should a Pastor Pray Each Day? appeared first on Church Answers.
23 min
February 16Before You Enroll: What You Need to Know About Seminary
Thom and Sam interview Dr. Andy Miller, the president of Wesley Biblical Seminary, to explore what every potential seminary student needs to consider before enrolling. While seminary can provide clarity and theological depth, it is not a magic formula for ministry success. This discussion breaks down the practical steps every prospective student should consider.
Seminary helps, but it isn’t essential. A degree on the wall doesn’t make a minister, but seminary education can enhance the discipleship that happens in the local church.
Real-world experience enhances seminary education. Working in a secular job helps future pastors serve congregants who face workplace pressures every day.
Seminary should not be limited to vocational church staff. A well-educated church is better equipped to make multiplying disciples.
Seminary does not replace serving in a local church. You can’t book-learn your way into becoming a good pastor. Begin ministering immediately.
Know your financial limits and avoid debt. Ministry brings spiritual reward, not financial abundance. Entering ministry with heavy student loans is a burden that will follow you for years. Work while studying, take classes slowly if needed, and never sabotage future ministry freedom with unnecessary debt.
Choose the right track and the toughest professors. Pick a degree aligned with your calling, take the shortest path necessary, and intentionally enroll with the most challenging professors. Fewer rigorous classes will shape you far more than padding a degree with easy electives. A lower GPA is a small price to pay for a sharper mind and stronger preparation.
Resources:
HelpFinder Bible
Tyndale House Publishers
Upward Sports
Wesley Biblical Seminary
Learn more about the bridge program at Wesley Biblical Seminary
Church Answers Platinum Membership
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
As ministry leaders, you are walking with people through anxiety, grief, conflict, and big questions every week. The HelpFinder Bible is a simple, practical tool to help you point them to Scripture quickly and confidently.
Its unique HelpFinder Index includes more than 100 life topics—so whether someone is struggling with stress, relationships, or doubt, you can turn straight to relevant verses, helpful notes, and God’s promises that speak to their situation.
It is great for counseling, discipleship, or small groups, and there is even a built-in discussion guide to spark meaningful conversations.
Equip your church with a resource that makes it easier to find God’s answers—right when they need them most. Check out HelpFinderBible.com.

Bring the Game to Your Church
From basketball and cheerleading to soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, adult running—and now pickleball for middle and high schoolers—Upward Sports offers leagues for every interest and age. Flexible and family-friendly, these experiences give your church the tools to engage your community, connect families, and create lasting memories. As the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, partnering with over 1,800 churches nationwide, Upward Sports is ready to help you launch a first-class, organized, and intentional league.
Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.
The post Before You Enroll: What You Need to Know About Seminary appeared first on Church Answers.
25 min
February 12Should the Pastor Know How Much People Give to the Church?
Most nonprofit organizations have clear visibility into donor activity: who gives, how often, and how much. But churches often treat data on giving very differently. Should pastors know who is giving in their churches? Josh and Sam take a fresh look at this sensitive and often misunderstood topic.
Giving patterns reveal discipleship shifts. Changes in a member’s giving habits often signal that something significant is happening in their life—spiritually, financially, or relationally.
Church giving has declined partly because pastors don’t ask. Many pastors feel uncomfortable talking about money, which leads to missed opportunities for teaching generosity and inviting people into mission.
Most pushback about pastoral visibility comes from non-givers and low-givers. The loudest objections often come from those who are least invested financially.
Recognize the different levels of visibility. Visibility isn’t binary. Pastors can have access in full, in summary, or through designated leaders. Understanding the spectrum helps churches choose wisely.
Acknowledge that the giving landscape has changed. Donations to nonprofits continue to grow while giving to churches continues to decline. Understanding this trend is essential for effective discipleship and stewardship.
Avoid placing non-giving or low-giving individuals into leadership roles. Leaders should model generosity. When they don’t, it creates credibility gaps and weakens the stewardship culture of the church.
Develop a healthy system for expressing gratitude. Churches should have a process for thanking givers appropriately without showing favoritism.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
Church Answers Central
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
Lead Your Church. We’ll Handle the Numbers.
We have decades of experience serving churches across the country.
We’re church accountants who speak your language and understand your mission.
Gain clear financial insights to guide your ministry decisions with confidence.
Tailored solutions for churches of every size and stage.
Smart tools that save time and simplify finances so you can focus on ministry.
Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both.
Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers

The Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to strengthen both you and your church.
You’ll bring a real challenge from your ministry into the program—and through trusted faculty mentorship and applied theological study, you’ll develop a biblically grounded, practical plan that equips you to implement lasting change in your church.
This is theological scholarship applied where it matters most: your local ministry.
Study under faculty mentors who are both scholars and seasoned ministry leaders.
Sharpen your thinking, deepen your theology, and lead with clarity.
Build a network of peers who share your calling and understand your challenges.
Learn how at sbts.edu/dmin.
The post Should the Pastor Know How Much People Give to the Church? appeared first on Church Answers.
26 min
February 09The Silent Exodus of Senior Adults (What’s Happening in Churches?)
In this episode, Thom and Sam shine a light on a trend few church leaders see: the silent exodus of senior adults. While much attention is given to reaching Millennials and Gen Z, an equally significant group is slowly drifting away: older adults who once formed the backbone of many congregations. Their departure isn’t loud or dramatic. It’s subtle: an empty pew, a missing volunteer, a longtime member who quietly stops attending.
The impact is profound. Seniors are often the most faithful givers, steady volunteers, and prayer warriors. Losing them weakens the church both spiritually and practically.
Research from Gallup and Pew reveals a marked decrease in weekly church attendance among adults over 65. The decline isn’t isolated. It’s a national trend impacting churches of all sizes, especially small congregations that rely heavily on seniors.
Mobility issues, health challenges, the loss of peers, and shifting church priorities all contribute to disengagement.
Churches can reverse this trend through practical care (transportation, visits, tech help), intergenerational ministry, visible leadership roles, and sermons that speak directly to senior concerns. When seniors are valued and included, the entire church grows stronger.
Take a deeper dive into this subject.
Resources:
Upward Running
Upward Sports
HelpFinder Bible
Tyndale House Publishers
Church Growth Services
“The Silent Exodus of Senior Adults” by Thom S. Rainer
Ryan Burge
Church Answers Platinum Membership
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
Upward Running for Your Small Group
Turn your small group into a community on the move! Upward Running helps adults go from the couch to completing a 5K together. You provide the run coach, and we’ll equip them with training plans, resources, and support to lead well. It’s a fun, healthy way to grow relationships, encourage one another, and experience fitness and fellowship together.
Learn more at Upward.org/Runcoach.

As ministry leaders, you are walking with people through anxiety, grief, conflict, and big questions every week. The HelpFinder Bible is a simple, practical tool to help you point them to Scripture quickly and confidently.
Its unique HelpFinder Index includes more than 100 life topics—so whether someone is struggling with stress, relationships, or doubt, you can turn straight to relevant verses, helpful notes, and God’s promises that speak to their situation.
It is great for counseling, discipleship, or small groups, and there is even a built-in discussion guide to spark meaningful conversations.
Equip your church with a resource that makes it easier to find God’s answers—right when they need them most. Check out HelpFinderBible.com.
The post The Silent Exodus of Senior Adults (What’s Happening in Churches?) appeared first on Church Answers.
22 min
February 05Should Churches Acknowledge Super Bowl Sunday?
Josh and Sam discuss the best way to handle Super Bowl Sunday. Should churches say anything about it? Play into the day with gimmicks to increase attendance? What’s the best approach?
There is nothing wrong with using cultural events in the church. But what do you say in the worship service?
Gimmicks can fall flat and be self-defeating.
Since the Super Bowl is in the evening, it could be a high-attendance Sunday. Most people do not travel that weekend.
Don’t show the game at church. Most will want to host others in their homes.
Plan a more upbeat service to capture the mood of most people.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
Church Answers Central
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
Lead Your Church. We’ll Handle the Numbers.
We have decades of experience serving churches across the country.
We’re church accountants who speak your language and understand your mission.
Gain clear financial insights to guide your ministry decisions with confidence.
Tailored solutions for churches of every size and stage.
Smart tools that save time and simplify finances so you can focus on ministry.
Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both.
Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers

The Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to strengthen both you and your church.
You’ll bring a real challenge from your ministry into the program—and through trusted faculty mentorship and applied theological study, you’ll develop a biblically grounded, practical plan that equips you to implement lasting change in your church.
This is theological scholarship applied where it matters most: your local ministry.
Study under faculty mentors who are both scholars and seasoned ministry leaders.
Sharpen your thinking, deepen your theology, and lead with clarity.
Build a network of peers who share your calling and understand your challenges.
Learn how at sbts.edu/dmin.
The post Should Churches Acknowledge Super Bowl Sunday? appeared first on Church Answers.
23 min
February 02The Church Number: 60% The Power of a Personal Invitation
A surprisingly high number of churchgoers attend because someone simply invited them. In this episode, Sam and Thom unpack why 60% might be the most overlooked and powerful number in church outreach today.
This statistic comes from Grey Matter Research and Infinity Concepts, which recently asked more than 1,000 American evangelical Protestants about their church experiences.
The Strength of the Personal Invitation
Inviting Is Evangelism 101
Churches That Embrace Invitation Culture Grow
Action Steps to Encourage More Invites
Resources:
HelpFinder Bible
Tyndale House Publishers
Upward Sports
Brown Church Development Group
Invite Your One
Good News Neighbor Toolkit
Church Answers Platinum Membership
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
As ministry leaders, you are walking with people through anxiety, grief, conflict, and big questions every week. The HelpFinder Bible is a simple, practical tool to help you point them to Scripture quickly and confidently.
Its unique HelpFinder Index includes more than 100 life topics—so whether someone is struggling with stress, relationships, or doubt, you can turn straight to relevant verses, helpful notes, and God’s promises that speak to their situation.
It is great for counseling, discipleship, or small groups, and there is even a built-in discussion guide to spark meaningful conversations.
Equip your church with a resource that makes it easier to find God’s answers—right when they need them most. Check out HelpFinderBible.com.

Bring the Game to Your Church
From basketball and cheerleading to soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, adult running—and now pickleball for middle and high schoolers—Upward Sports offers leagues for every interest and age. Flexible and family-friendly, these experiences give your church the tools to engage your community, connect families, and create lasting memories. As the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, partnering with over 1,800 churches nationwide, Upward Sports is ready to help you launch a first-class, organized, and intentional league.
Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.
The post The Church Number: 60% The Power of a Personal Invitation appeared first on Church Answers.
24 min