Rainer on Leadership

By Thom RainerBusiness Religion & Spirituality Christianity Education Courses Management

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Rainer on Leadership episodes

January 29The Best Ways to Encourage a Discouraged Church (Your Next Three Steps)
In this episode, Josh and Sam explore what happens when a church becomes discouraged and how God restores hope in a congregation that feels stuck, tired, or overwhelmed. Discouragement drains energy, distorts reality, and slowly turns a church inward. Encouragement is both spiritual and strategic. It starts with leaders who refuse to catastrophize and instead cast vision. Pessimists predict failure. Realists describe what is. But optimistic, faith-filled leaders show what could be.
Return to reality. Discouragement distorts reality. Discouraged churches often slide into emotional fog: overgeneralizing, catastrophizing, and believing “nothing works.”
Celebrate faithfulness, not just fruit. God measures obedience before outcomes. Celebrate effort, not just results. Faithfulness is success in God’s eyes.
Clarify the next step. Overwhelmed churches often need a simple starting point. Choose one six-month initiative to build confidence and momentum. Focus on one major emphasis every six months, building one mid-term success on top of another.
Take a deeper dive in this Church Answers article.
Resources:
“Leadership in a Chaotic World” by Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre
Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Chaney & Associates
“Ten Practical Ways to Encourage a Discouraged Church” by Sam Rainer
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
Church Answers Central
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
If you’re feeling the weight of leadership in today’s unstable world, you’re not alone.
Southern Seminary is offering a free ebook called Leadership in a Chaotic World—written by trusted faculty to equip pastors with biblical clarity, character, and conviction.
It’s a short, practical guide from Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre to help you lead well in the midst of cultural pressure, spiritual fatigue, and ministry complexity.
Download it for free.

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 The Best Ways to Encourage a Discouraged Church (Your Next Three Steps) appeared first on Church Answers.
25 min
January 26Revisiting Simple Church: What Worked, What Didn’t
In 2006, Simple Church encouraged churches to streamline programming, clarify discipleship pathways, and focus on moving people toward spiritual maturity rather than filling calendars with activities. The book had a significant impact, shaping how thousands of pastors thought about ministry systems and structure. Nearly two decades later, Thom and Sam take a fresh look: What principles stood the test of time? What challenges emerged in practice? And how should churches apply Simple Church today in a ministry landscape that’s more complex, digital, and post-pandemic than ever?
Churches never attain the ideal, but the process is what makes the book impactful.
Simplicity does not mean minimalism. Cutting programs without replacing them with relational pathways can lead to disengagement.
Alignment requires ongoing work.
A church may simplify in one season but drift back into complexity over time. Continual evaluation is essential.
Culture must change, not just calendars.
The biggest challenge wasn’t restructuring programs. It was reshaping the mindset of members who equated activity with spiritual growth.
Resources:
Upward Running
Upward Sports
Rooted
“Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples” by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger (affiliate link)
Certification in Simple Church Ministry
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.
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 Revisiting Simple Church: What Worked, What Didn’t appeared first on Church Answers.
25 min
January 22How Do You Fire a Church Employee?
Letting a staff member go is one of the hardest leadership moments a pastor will ever face. Churches are relational environments, and employment decisions are deeply personal. But there are times when releasing someone is the most loving, wise, and responsible step—for the staff member, for the team, and for the health of the church. In this episode, Josh and Sam talk through how to navigate this complex process with clarity, compassion, and integrity.
Always follow your polity and bylaws, no exceptions.
Don’t delay the inevitable.
Don’t pawn off the difficult conversation to someone else. And have the conversation in person.
Document, document, document.
Show the maximum amount of care and grace you can.
Communicate to the church only what needs to be known, but don’t hide behind polity.
Resources:
“Leadership in a Chaotic World” by Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre
Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Chaney & Associates
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
Church Answers Central
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
If you’re feeling the weight of leadership in today’s unstable world, you’re not alone.
Southern Seminary is offering a free ebook called Leadership in a Chaotic World—written by trusted faculty to equip pastors with biblical clarity, character, and conviction.
It’s a short, practical guide from Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre to help you lead well in the midst of cultural pressure, spiritual fatigue, and ministry complexity.
Download it for free.

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 How Do You Fire a Church Employee? appeared first on Church Answers.
29 min
January 19The Burge Report: The Democrats Have a Religion Problem (Does It Matter?)
In this episode, we look at Ryan Burge’s latest analysis showing how the modern Democratic coalition is being pulled apart by widening religious divides. While Republicans continue to draw support from a largely Christian voter base, Democrats now include two groups with opposite religious profiles: highly secular white voters and deeply religious voters of color. This creates major messaging and policy tensions within the party, tensions that didn’t exist at the same scale in earlier decades.
1. White Democrats Have Become Majority Non-Religious
White Democrats shifted dramatically from being majority Christian in 2008 to majority non-religious in 2024, a complete reversal in just 16 years. This is the most secular major voting bloc in American politics today.
2. Democrats of Color Remain Significantly More Religious
Black, Hispanic, and Asian Democrats attend church more often, place higher importance on religion, and are more likely to identify as Christian. Their religious profile mirrors the “average American” much more closely than white Democrats do.
3. These Religious Differences Create Major Ideological Splits
Non-religious white Democrats take far more progressive positions than religious Democrats of color, leading to internal policy conflicts.
4. Democrats Cannot Build a Winning Strategy on Secular Voters Alone
With the U.S. still roughly 60% Christian, Democrats risk alienating either secular whites or religious voters of color, depending on how they frame their messaging.
Resources:
Rooted
Upward Sports
“The Democrats Have a Religious Problem” by Ryan Burge
Graphs About Religion
“The Vanishing Church: How the Hollowing Out of Moderate Congregations Is Hurting Democracy, Faith, and Us” by Ryan Burge (affiliate link)
“Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America’s Continuing Debate Over Science and Religion” by Edward Larson (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.

2026 – New Year, Greater Family Impact
A new year is the perfect time to dream bigger, reach farther, and make an even greater impact in your community. Upward Sports isn’t just about the game—it’s about bringing the whole family together.
As you plan for 2026, imagine creating experiences that connect kids, parents, and grandparents in a fun, welcoming environment. From cheering on the sidelines to hitting the court or field, every sport is an opportunity to build relationships, strengthen community, and share your church’s message of care and connection.
Whether it’s basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball, pickleball, or even adult running, Upward Sports equips your church to reach families right in the heart of your neighborhood. All it takes is one passionate leader and a church ready to turn this new year into greater impact.
Start today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers
The post The Burge Report: The Democrats Have a Religion Problem (Does It Matter?) appeared first on Church Answers.
27 min
January 15When Should a Church Hire an Executive Pastor?
As churches grow, leaders often reach a tipping point where the senior pastor can no longer carry the full weight of vision, preaching, pastoral care, administration, staff oversight, and organizational leadership. That’s when the question arises: Is it time to hire an Executive Pastor? In this episode, Josh and Sam unpack what an Executive Pastor actually does, why this role has become more common across church sizes, and how to know whether your church is ready for one.
Capacity is the trigger, not attendance: The need for an XP has more to do with complexity than church size. Some churches need one at 250 people; others may not need one until 1,000.
Administrative strain is the warning light: When ministries are growing but communication, processes, and staff coordination are breaking down, the church is entering the “organizational gap” that an XP is designed to close.
Is the senior pastor ready to let go? Sometimes, the biggest issue is the difficulties top leaders have delegating to an executive pastor.
Room exists in the personnel budget: Some churches hire part-time, while others wait until they can afford full-time.
Resources:
“Leadership in a Chaotic World” by Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre
Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Chaney & Associates
“Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples” by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger (affiliate link)
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
Church Answers Central
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
If you’re feeling the weight of leadership in today’s unstable world, you’re not alone.
Southern Seminary is offering a free ebook called Leadership in a Chaotic World—written by trusted faculty to equip pastors with biblical clarity, character, and conviction.
It’s a short, practical guide from Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre to help you lead well in the midst of cultural pressure, spiritual fatigue, and ministry complexity.
Download it for free.

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 Should a Church Hire an Executive Pastor? appeared first on Church Answers.
24 min
January 12Digital Worship Fatigue: Why Online Church Can’t Replace the In-Person Gathering
Many are tired of online worship. What happened? When the pandemic forced churches online, digital worship seemed like the future. Congregations grew virtually, and pastors reached audiences they never imagined. But five years later, that momentum has faded. The church is discovering what technology can—and cannot—do for worship. On this episode, Thom and Sam explore why online engagement has declined and how churches can find balance between digital convenience and in-person community.
The Hype Has Faded: What began as a lifeline during lockdowns has lost its luster. Most believers now prefer in-person worship, with digital participation falling sharply since 2020.
Screens Can’t Replicate Sanctuaries: True worship is embodied—voices, presence, and shared experience matter. A livestream delivers content but not community.
Distraction Undermines Devotion: At-home worship competes with countless interruptions, reducing focus and engagement compared to gathered worship.
Convenience Leads to Complacency: Online access makes participation easy, but it also weakens commitment and volunteerism.
Digital Should Supplement, Not Substitute: Online tools still serve a purpose for the sick, travelers, and seekers, but they should point people back to the gathered church, not replace it.
Resources:
Upward Running
Upward Sports
Rooted
Church Growth Services
“Bridges of God: A Study in the Strategy of Missions” by Donald McGavran (affiliate link)
“Revival of the Analog Church” by Thom S. Rainer – coming soon!
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.
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 Digital Worship Fatigue: Why Online Church Can’t Replace the In-Person Gathering appeared first on Church Answers.
23 min
January 08Church Conflict: Five Common Ways Small Fights Turn into Big Problems
Every pastor has seen it. Churches splitting hairs over things that don’t matter. Beard length. Carpet color. Playground equipment. These disputes may sound absurd, but they reveal something much deeper. Small conflicts are rarely about what they seem. Beneath the surface, emotions, control, and trust are at play. In this episode, Josh and Sam explore why trivial fights erupt in churches, what they reveal about church health, and how leaders can keep the small stuff from becoming spiritual landmines.
Personal Identity Intertwined with Church Identity: Churches are deeply tied to people’s sense of community and spiritual identity. Even small changes can feel like a threat to “who we are” as a church family, or “who I am” as a person, so people defend the status quo passionately.
Emotional Over-Investment in Traditions: Even small church customs can symbolize cherished memories, identity, or heritage—making change feel like a personal loss.
Low-Trust Environments Amplify Small Problems: When trust is lacking, every decision feels suspect. Minor disagreements can quickly spiral into major divisions.
The “Last Straw” Effect Is Real: Years of frustration can erupt over a minor issue simply because it’s safer to fight about carpet than about long-term dysfunction.
Displaced Conflict: Members may have personal frustrations (marital issues, work stress, health concerns) that they subconsciously project onto church matters. The church becomes the arena where unrelated tension spills over.
The enemy doesn’t need major theological heresy to divide a church, just unaddressed, unchecked minor conflicts that slowly erode unity.
Resources:
“Leadership in a Chaotic World” by Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre
Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Chaney & Associates
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
Church Answers Central
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
If you’re feeling the weight of leadership in today’s unstable world, you’re not alone.
Southern Seminary is offering a free ebook called Leadership in a Chaotic World—written by trusted faculty to equip pastors with biblical clarity, character, and conviction.
It’s a short, practical guide from Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre to help you lead well in the midst of cultural pressure, spiritual fatigue, and ministry complexity.
Download it for free.

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 Church Conflict: Five Common Ways Small Fights Turn into Big Problems appeared first on Church Answers.
25 min
January 05Does Counting Church Worship Attendance Still Make Sense?
Church attendance is both a helpful tool and a potential trap. Numbers can reveal momentum, but they can also distort priorities if leaders focus on counting heads instead of making disciples. In this episode, Thom and Sam unpack the healthy and unhealthy ways to measure worship attendance, and how pastors can move from chasing growth to cultivating spiritual health.
Attendance Can Help or Hurt: Measuring attendance isn’t wrong; it depends on how it’s used. Healthy leaders use it to foster connection and track discipleship, not as a scoreboard.
Healthy Metrics Drive Momentum: Lead metrics (such as invitations or follow-ups) are more powerful than lag metrics (such as attendance numbers). Focus on what your people do, not just what the results show.
Consistency Beats Flash: Regular attendance and steady rhythms of worship build deeper discipleship than occasional big Sundays.
Presence Over Performance: Attendance still matters, but presence matters more: engagement, community, and spiritual growth. Churches grow best when they prioritize people, not numbers. Track the numbers, but don’t make them THE priority.
Resources:
Rooted
Upward Sports
Brown Church Development Group
Religious People Are Happier (And the Data Proves It)
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.

2026 – New Year, Greater Family Impact
A new year is the perfect time to dream bigger, reach farther, and make an even greater impact in your community. Upward Sports isn’t just about the game—it’s about bringing the whole family together.
As you plan for 2026, imagine creating experiences that connect kids, parents, and grandparents in a fun, welcoming environment. From cheering on the sidelines to hitting the court or field, every sport is an opportunity to build relationships, strengthen community, and share your church’s message of care and connection.
Whether it’s basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball, pickleball, or even adult running, Upward Sports equips your church to reach families right in the heart of your neighborhood. All it takes is one passionate leader and a church ready to turn this new year into greater impact.
Start today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers
The post Does Counting Church Worship Attendance Still Make Sense? appeared first on Church Answers.
23 min
January 01Five Pastoral New Year’s Resolutions that Aren’t About You
Most New Year’s resolutions focus inward on personal growth, habits, and goals. On this episode, Josh and Sam challenge church leaders to flip the script on traditional resolutions by making them about the people you serve, not yourself. Instead of trying to become a better version of you, resolve to make those around you better.
Serve First: True leadership begins with serving others. When pastors lead by serving their teams and congregations, they model sacrifice for the mission—not self-interest.
Simplify Work: Complexity drains energy. Great leaders take on extra work themselves to make ministry simpler and clearer for their people.
Release Problems: Not every problem can be solved. Wise leaders discern which issues to release rather than forcing solutions that frustrate followers.
Yield Preferences: Humble leaders don’t confuse personal preferences with vision. They invite others into the process and build collective ownership of direction.
Recognize Pride: Pride is leadership’s silent destroyer. Healthy pastors set up accountability to keep their humility in check and protect the church from ego-driven decisions.
Leadership isn’t about control. It’s about stewardship. This year, make resolutions that elevate those you lead, not just yourself.
Resources:
“Leadership in a Chaotic World” by Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre
Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Chaney & Associates
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
Church Answers Central
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
If you’re feeling the weight of leadership in today’s unstable world, you’re not alone.
Southern Seminary is offering a free ebook called Leadership in a Chaotic World—written by trusted faculty to equip pastors with biblical clarity, character, and conviction.
It’s a short, practical guide from Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre to help you lead well in the midst of cultural pressure, spiritual fatigue, and ministry complexity.
Download it for free.

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 Five Pastoral New Year’s Resolutions that Aren’t About You appeared first on Church Answers.
21 min
December 29, 2025The Burge Report: Who’s Really Watching Online Church?
Nearly five years after COVID-19 lockdowns, the research reveals surprising truths about how Americans engage with church online and what that means for pastors and ministry leaders.
While 91% of churches now livestream services, only about 14% of Americans watch weekly. Most online viewers are also in-person attenders, meaning livestreams tend to serve already-committed believers rather than reaching the unchurched. The dream of a large “online-only” congregation just doesn’t match the numbers. In this episode of the Burge Report, Ryan, Thom, and Sam give their key takeaways.
Online worship is supplemental, not a substitute. Attendance in person is still twice as common as online viewing.
Most online participants also attend in person. About 60% of weekly online viewers are regular churchgoers.
Younger generations aren’t tuning in. Digital natives born in the 2000s are no more likely to watch church online than those born in the 1980s.
Traditions matter. Black Protestants are the only major group with higher online than in-person attendance, while Catholics overwhelmingly reject online Mass.
Commitment correlates with presence. Online-only attenders are less devout overall, and livestream participation doesn’t lead to membership growth like in-person worship does.
The bottom line: livestreams are valuable tools, but real discipleship still happens when people gather, serve, and worship together in person.
Resources:
The One Year Bible
Tyndale House Publishers
Upward Running
Upward Sports
Ryan Burge
Church Answers Platinum Membership
FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights
The Hope Initiative
Episode Sponsors:
There is something powerful about walking through the Bible at the same time. When everyone is reading the same Scripture each day, conversations change. Hearts open. People feel connected—not just to God, but to each other.
One Year Bibles are designed to guide readers through the entire Bible in 365 days.
It is one reading a day, and by the end of the year, you will have gone through the entire Bible together—one body, moving in one direction, through one story.
It is more than a reading plan. It is a way to build unity, deepen discipleship, and create shared momentum to know God and each other more.
Perfect for small groups, Bible studies, Sunday School classes, and other connection points.
Find a One Year Bible for your community at TheOneYearBible.com.

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.
The post The Burge Report: Who’s Really Watching Online Church? appeared first on Church Answers.
27 min