The Church Answers Podcast

By The Church Answers Podcast

What's The Church Answers Podcast about?

The Church Answers Podcast with Thom Rainer is fast-paced, to the point, and sometimes witty. It addresses one question about church life and leadership in just ten minutes. Buckle your seatbelt and take a ride into the world of congregational health in a fun and fascinating way.

5.0

178178 ratings

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Church Answers Podcast episodes:

04.18.2024
Why Do We Even Have CHRINOs (Christians in Name Only)?
https://youtu.be/kUFAM_ZTKoA Thom takes six episodes to take a deep-dive look at the demographic groups that claim they are Christians but are likely not true believers. In this episode, he looks at the cultural and church-related factors that caused this large demographic...
04.18.2024
The Three Major Groups of the CHRINOs (Christians in Name Only)
https://youtu.be/1EE5UiAmt0s Thom takes six episodes to take a deep-dive look at the demographic groups that claim they are Christians but are probably not true believers. In this episode, he looks at the three major groups of CHRINOs: churched CHRINOs, cultural CHRINOs,...
04.18.2024
Who Are the CHRINOs (Christians in Name Only)?
https://youtu.be/k2upBiJdhUQ Thom takes six episodes to take a deep-dive look at the demographic groups that claim they are Christians but are probably not true believers. In this episode, he provides a profile of the CHRINOs. Resources: Chaney & Associates * The Everything...
04.11.2024
How the Work-from-Anywhere Movement Has Impacted Churches: Opportunities for Significant Cost Saving, Part 3
https://youtu.be/sgfXcBvmyjU Thom's three-part series examines how the massive work-from-anywhere movement has affected churches. In this third episode, he looks at how many churches save a lot of money by moving some of their staff and functions to work-from-anywhere. Resources: Chaney & Associates ...
04.11.2024
How the Work-from-Anywhere Movement Has Impacted Churches: The Accountability Issue, Part 2
https://youtu.be/DfV_Ck2kHwY Thom's three-part series examines how the massive work-from-anywhere movement has affected churches. In this second episode, he tracks how some churches are making sure those who work outside the church facilities are held accountable. Resources: Chaney & Associates * The Hope...
04.11.2024
How the Work-from-Anywhere Movement Has Impacted Churches: Non-Ministry Staff, Part 1
https://youtu.be/ZbR_XFWh9Lk Thom's three-part series examines how the massive work-from-anywhere movement has affected churches. In this first episode, he examines its impact on non-ministry staff. Resources: Chaney & Associates * The Hope Initiative * Church Answers Central Membership Episode Sponsor: Focus on your ministry, we’ll...
04.04.2024
Rejoicing about Evangelistic Churches
https://youtu.be/hfX3vVBoYGY Though we still have a long way to go, we rejoice that many churches have renewed their emphasis and intentionality about evangelism. Thom celebrates these trends. Resources: Chaney & Associates “Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive”...
04.04.2024
What Happened When the Public Invitation Died in Many Churches
https://youtu.be/ycI2wQhMZjU Thousands of churches once offered a public invitation at the end of a worship service. Thom looks at the unintended consequences of this decision. Resources: Chaney & Associates * “Just as I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham” by Billy Graham ...
04.04.2024
The Epidemic of Denial in Many Churches
https://youtu.be/FIU_Tluz548 You can't find solutions if you don't admit you have a problem. Thom examines why many church members are in denial and offers a few suggestions to help them see the light. Resources: Chaney & Associates * Know Your Church, Know...
03.28.2024
What the Revitalization Movement Is Missing: Leadership Assessment
https://youtu.be/IoZBglW_Bf4 Thom takes three episodes to share what he sees missing in most sectors of the revitalization movement today. In this episode, he examines the crucial need to know if leaders are equipped to lead a revitalization effort. Resources: Chaney & Associates ...
03.28.2024
What the Revitalization Movement Is Missing: Accountability for Evangelism
https://youtu.be/pzzdYOAy2vM Thom takes three episodes to share what he sees missing in most sectors of the revitalization movement today. In this episode, he shares good news about a renewed emphasis on evangelism, but he is concerned that this emphasis does not...
03.28.2024
What the Revitalization Movement Is Missing: Culture Shift
https://youtu.be/BpmkCORFKVs Thom takes three episodes to share what he sees missing in most sectors of the revitalization movement today. In this episode, he addresses the imperative for the church to make a culture shift before anything else takes place. Resources: Chaney &...
03.21.2024
Why Your Pastor Search Process Is Not Working
https://youtu.be/QgXhzR6IEqU Churches are taking longer to find a pastor and are often growing frustrated in the process. Thom looks at the reasons for a broken search process and what your church might do to produce greater fruit. Resources: Chaney & Associates *...
03.21.2024
Where Have All the Student Ministers Gone?
https://youtu.be/L1y2JLhgVC8 They go by different titles: youth minister, student minister, family minister, and others. Regardless of the name, there is an acute shortage of these ministers. Thom shares why and what your church might do about the shortage. Resources: Chaney & Associates ...
03.21.2024
How to Get Stuck Church Members to Be Willing to Change
https://youtu.be/PaLCqF3KwdM It might be one of the most common questions Thom receives: How do I get church members to be willing to change? In the previous episode, Thom addressed the question, “Why?” In this episode, he addresses “What?” Resources: Chaney & Associates ...
03.14.2024
Why Some Church Members Hold on to Traditions and Refuse to Change
https://youtu.be/b0fkc498m48 There are some key reasons why some church members will not change or why they don't want their church to change. Thom shares these reasons so we can address the causes more than the symptoms. Resources: Chaney & Associates * “Who...
03.14.2024
What Churches in the 1990s Got Right
https://youtu.be/9pnQiYXG4_E We do not want to live in the past, and we don't want to re-create the 1990s in our churches. But Thom offers some church practices we should still be doing. Resources: Chaney & Associates * The Hope Initiative Church Answers...
03.14.2024
When I Visited a Church and Was Asked to Stand and Greet People
https://youtu.be/QO3_eAcUIQ0 For those who know Thom, you know he is an introvert. You might also know he would rather have a root canal than experience the “stand and greet” time in a worship service. He recounts the time he visited a...
03.07.2024
Why Is There Gender Imbalance in Church Participation? Questions From Those Who Do Not Attend Church
https://youtu.be/fGlu0LWG45U In this special series, Thom takes questions from people not connected to churches and answers them with a brief ten-minute response. Resources: Chaney & Associates * The Hope Initiative Church Answers Central Membership * Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore!...
03.07.2024
Why Are There So Many Different Bible Translations? Questions From Those Who Do Not Attend Church
https://youtu.be/kmWxOLN8JZQ In this special series, Thom takes questions from people not connected to churches and answers them with a brief ten-minute response. Resources: Chaney & Associates * The Hope Initiative Church Answers Central Membership * Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore!...
03.07.2024
How Is the Bible Used in Churches? Questions From Those Who Do Not Attend Church
https://youtu.be/bU59uz1CRJ8 In this special series, Thom takes questions from people not connected to churches and answers them with a brief ten-minute response. Resources: Chaney & Associates * The Hope Initiative Church Answers Central Membership * Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore!...
02.29.2024
How Do Churches Fund Their Activities? Questions From Those Who Do Not Attend Church
https://youtu.be/E_ckMQbqMhg In this special series, Thom takes questions from people not connected to churches and answers them with a brief ten-minute response. Resources: Chaney & Associates * The Hope Initiative Church Answers Central Membership * Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore!...
02.29.2024
Why Do Pastors Always Talk about Money? Questions From Those Who Do Not Attend Church
https://youtu.be/z1G-r9EHETc In this special series, Thom takes questions from people not connected to churches and answers them with a brief ten-minute response. Resources: Chaney & Associates 8 Money Milestones Program * Church Growth Services * The Hope Initiative Church Answers Central Membership ...
02.29.2024
What Happens During a Typical Church Service? Questions From Those Who Do Not Attend Church
https://youtu.be/sad3ZVT6Hh4 In this special series, Thom takes questions from people not connected to churches and answers them with a brief ten-minute response. Resources: Chaney & Associates * The Hope Initiative Church Answers Central Membership * Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore!...
02.22.2024
What Is the View of Women in Leadership in the Church? Questions From Those Who Do Not Attend Church
https://youtu.be/0QQ-8qPDXnI In this special series, Thom takes questions from people not connected to churches and answers them with a brief ten-minute response. Resources: Chaney & Associates * The Hope Initiative Church Answers Central Membership * Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore!...
02.22.2024
Can Anyone Attend a Church Service? Questions From Those Who Do Not Attend Church
https://youtu.be/d1fonCPpL_4 In this special series, Thom takes questions from people not connected to churches and answers them with a brief ten-minute response. Resources: Chaney & Associates * The Hope Initiative Church Answers Central Membership * Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore!...
02.22.2024
Why Are There Denominations? Questions From Those Who Do Not Attend Church
https://youtu.be/BfcmxQVgZyE In this special series, Thom takes questions from people not connected to churches and answers them with a brief ten-minute response. Resources: Chaney & Associates * The Hope Initiative Church Answers Central Membership * Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore!...
02.15.2024
Practical Ways Churches Can Use a ‘First Aid Kit’ to Help Others: An Interview with Eddie Moody
https://youtu.be/TcI1ZVVx48U Thom welcomes Dr. Eddie Moody, Executive Director of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, for a special series on the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs faced in today's society. They discuss how the “First Aid Kit” provides pastors and...
02.15.2024
Get Your Church to Love the Community by Helping the Community: An Interview with Eddie Moody
https://youtu.be/H23Lpmr__fg Thom welcomes Dr. Eddie Moody, Executive Director of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, for a special series on the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs faced in today's society. They discuss how the “First Aid Kit” provides pastors and...
02.15.2024
A ‘First Aid Kit’ for Churches: Why Churches Must Be Concerned about the Hurting. An Interview with Eddie Moody
https://youtu.be/B8MSLZ5v0EY Thom welcomes Dr. Eddie Moody, Executive Director of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, for a special series on the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs faced in today's society. They discuss how the “First Aid Kit” provides pastors and...
02.08.2024
What We Learned from Deceased Churches in 2023
https://youtu.be/rlMpKhXAK-M Thom talks about a resource called “Autopsy of a Deceased Church: Help My Church Not to Die” that Church Answers created recently. In this podcast, he shares for the first time how he became “the church mortician.” Resources: Chaney & Associates ...
02.08.2024
Why Bi-vocational Pastor Training Should Be a Priority for Denominations
https://youtu.be/1tA0ym9I9QM We know that the number of churches that are moving to hire bi-vocational pastors is increasing. But that is not the only reason denominations and networks should make their training a priority. Resources: Chaney & Associates “5 Reasons Why Non-Denominational Churches...
02.08.2024
Is Your Church Giving Raises in 2024?
https://youtu.be/qjsdwpTwlwQ Thom has heard from many church leaders about this question. He shares what will be the likely consensus in most churches. Resources: Chaney & Associates * Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) * The Hope Initiative Church Answers Central Membership * Check out the...
02.01.2024
Is the Worship Service for Believers or Non-Believers? Why This Is the Wrong Question
https://youtu.be/0MYVNZBkCiU For several decades, Christians have debated this question. Thom believes this issue is not the issue at all. Resources: Chaney & Associates * The Hope Initiative Church Answers Central Membership * Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted...
02.01.2024
Why Eroding Doctrinal Beliefs Are Such a Big Factor in Church Decline
https://youtu.be/oJ25O5Oep9I The slippage of belief in core doctrines is a reality in many evangelical churches. Thom shares how this erosion of belief leads to decline in many churches. Resources: Chaney & Associates Know Your Church Know Your Beliefs - Coming soon! A...
02.01.2024
Dealing with the Discomfort of Leading Change in Your Church
Church leaders no longer have the luxury of time to lead change in their churches. Thom discusses why this reality is true and how leaders can handle the discomfort that comes with change. Resources: Chaney & Associates * “Eating the Elephant:...
01.25.2024
The 8 Money Milestones and Healthy Marriages: An Interview with Art Rainer
https://youtu.be/3Q4AaN_eVn0 One of the most common reasons marriages fail is that the husband and wife fight about their finances. Art explains how families would be strengthened by following the 8 Money Milestones. Resources: BELAY's FREE resource, "4 Costly Financial Mistakes for Churches”...
01.25.2024
The 8 Money Milestones and Generosity: An Interview with Art Rainer
https://youtu.be/LV84jKETqWI If a church could get just ten percent of its members moving toward the eight money milestones, it could be transformed. Generosity would be a natural (supernatural) outgrowth of this reality. Resources: BELAY's FREE resource, "4 Costly Financial Mistakes for Churches”...
01.25.2024
The 8 Money Milestones and the Local Church: An Interview with Art Rainer
https://youtu.be/TD1lpiPl0ro The 8 Money Milestones program is coming to churches around the world. Art and Thom discuss how this new resource could light a fire in your church. Resources: BELAY's FREE resource, "4 Costly Financial Mistakes for Churches” - Text THOM to...
01.18.2024
When You Feel Called to Stay, But Your Spouse Wants You Out of Ministry
https://youtu.be/Ze8zZjbiuSc It is indeed one of the more tragic situations. Thom looks at this issue from the pastor's point of view. Resources: BELAY's FREE resource, "4 Costly Financial Mistakes for Churches” - Text THOM to 55123 or go to https://resources.belaysolutions.com/thomrainer * The...
01.18.2024
When Is It Time to Address Deteriorating Facilities? An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer
https://youtu.be/w2J2tZbXcrg Mike Stadelmayer, President/Owner of Church Growth Services, joins Thom. Churches do a good job of duct-taping their facilities, but when is it time to address the deteriorating facilities and stop the drip, drip, drip of constant building frustrations and spending too...
01.18.2024
Yes, You Can Increase Giving in Your Church: An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer
https://youtu.be/vaEdKuQPSm8 Thom welcomes Mike Stadelmayer, President/Owner of Church Growth Services. Churches do an amazing job of being good stewards of the money their congregation gives. They take little and do much with it. However, they do not do a good job of...
01.11.2024
How Do We Communicate Our Church’s Doctrinal Beliefs to Guests?
https://youtu.be/llfb4584TUQ Should churches make clear their doctrinal beliefs to guests? Thom examines some of the issues. Resources: BELAY's FREE resource, "4 Costly Financial Mistakes for Churches” - Text THOM to 55123 or go to https://resources.belaysolutions.com/thomrainer * The Hope Initiative Church Answers Central...
01.11.2024
How Do We Communicate Our Church’s Doctrinal Beliefs to Church Members?
https://youtu.be/ZdCyt_RkjX4 It is becoming increasingly obvious that many church members, including a number of church leaders, do not know (or even adhere to) a church's doctrinal position. Thom looks at this issue that has become increasingly challenging. Resources: BELAY's FREE resource, "4...
01.11.2024
What Do You Do If a Lay Leader Refuses to Step Down from a Leadership Role Where He or She Has Been Ineffective for Years?
https://youtu.be/MYIJrbq-JgE Most pastors experience the challenge of dealing with lay leaders who refuse to give up their positions even if they have not been effective. Thom offers guidance for dealing with such a scenario. Resources: BELAY's FREE resource, "4 Costly Financial Mistakes...
01.04.2024
Turning Your New Members’ Class into a Great Commission Class (Part 2)
https://youtu.be/GpV1WwahvSo The time to start members on a path of Great Commission obedience is when they enter your new members' class. Thom shares two more ways to transform that class. Resources: BELAY's FREE resource, "4 Costly Financial Mistakes for Churches” - Text...
01.04.2024
Turning Your New Members’ Class into a Great Commission Class (Part 1)
https://youtu.be/126VSnzhwlw The time to start members on a path of Great Commission obedience is when they enter your new members' class. Thom shares two ways to transform that class. Resources: BELAY's FREE resource, "4 Costly Financial Mistakes for Churches” - Text THOM...
01.04.2024
How to Respond to That Church Member Who Always Wants to Talk to You after You Preach
https://youtu.be/11w14qJ4dZI If you have been a pastor for a few years, you will have experienced one or more church members who always have something to say to you after you preach. How do you handle that situation? Resources: BELAY's FREE resource, "4...
12.28.2023
Inactive Church Member?
https://youtu.be/5OobYXu9_iE Thom looks at the topic of inactive church members from both a biblical and practical perspective. Resources: BELAY's FREE resource, "4 Costly Financial Mistakes for Churches” - Text THOM to 55123 or go to https://resources.belaysolutions.com/thomrainer * “I Am a Church Member:...
12.28.2023
How a Bookkeeper Can Help Pastors with Financial Decisions: An Interview with Brooke Cecil
https://youtu.be/-fkMT5baVwk Thom welcomes Brooke Cecil, Director of Client Relations at Belay. She offers tips to pastors and church leaders who are overwhelmed with managing church finances. How can a bookkeeper help pastors in financial decision making? Can you offer...

What's The Church Answers Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Church Answers Podcast episodes:

Why Do We Even Have CHRINOs (Christians in Name Only)?

The Three Major Groups of the CHRINOs (Christians in Name Only)

Who Are the CHRINOs (Christians in Name Only)?

How the Work-from-Anywhere Movement Has Impacted Churches: Opportunities for Significant Cost Saving, Part 3

How the Work-from-Anywhere Movement Has Impacted Churches: The Accountability Issue, Part 2

How the Work-from-Anywhere Movement Has Impacted Churches: Non-Ministry Staff, Part 1

Rejoicing about Evangelistic Churches

What Happened When the Public Invitation Died in Many Churches

The Epidemic of Denial in Many Churches

What the Revitalization Movement Is Missing: Leadership Assessment

What the Revitalization Movement Is Missing: Accountability for Evangelism

What the Revitalization Movement Is Missing: Culture Shift

Why Your Pastor Search Process Is Not Working

Where Have All the Student Ministers Gone?

How to Get Stuck Church Members to Be Willing to Change

Why Some Church Members Hold on to Traditions and Refuse to Change

What Churches in the 1990s Got Right

When I Visited a Church and Was Asked to Stand and Greet People

Why Is There Gender Imbalance in Church Participation? Questions From Those Who Do Not Attend Church

Why Are There So Many Different Bible Translations? Questions From Those Who Do Not Attend Church

How Is the Bible Used in Churches? Questions From Those Who Do Not Attend Church

How Do Churches Fund Their Activities? Questions From Those Who Do Not Attend Church

Why Do Pastors Always Talk about Money? Questions From Those Who Do Not Attend Church

What Happens During a Typical Church Service? Questions From Those Who Do Not Attend Church

What Is the View of Women in Leadership in the Church? Questions From Those Who Do Not Attend Church

Can Anyone Attend a Church Service? Questions From Those Who Do Not Attend Church

Why Are There Denominations? Questions From Those Who Do Not Attend Church

Practical Ways Churches Can Use a ‘First Aid Kit’ to Help Others: An Interview with Eddie Moody

Get Your Church to Love the Community by Helping the Community: An Interview with Eddie Moody

A ‘First Aid Kit’ for Churches: Why Churches Must Be Concerned about the Hurting. An Interview with Eddie Moody

What We Learned from Deceased Churches in 2023

Why Bi-vocational Pastor Training Should Be a Priority for Denominations

Is Your Church Giving Raises in 2024?

Is the Worship Service for Believers or Non-Believers? Why This Is the Wrong Question

Why Eroding Doctrinal Beliefs Are Such a Big Factor in Church Decline

Dealing with the Discomfort of Leading Change in Your Church

The 8 Money Milestones and Healthy Marriages: An Interview with Art Rainer

The 8 Money Milestones and Generosity: An Interview with Art Rainer

The 8 Money Milestones and the Local Church: An Interview with Art Rainer

When You Feel Called to Stay, But Your Spouse Wants You Out of Ministry

When Is It Time to Address Deteriorating Facilities? An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer

Yes, You Can Increase Giving in Your Church: An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer

How Do We Communicate Our Church’s Doctrinal Beliefs to Guests?

How Do We Communicate Our Church’s Doctrinal Beliefs to Church Members?

What Do You Do If a Lay Leader Refuses to Step Down from a Leadership Role Where He or She Has Been Ineffective for Years?

Turning Your New Members’ Class into a Great Commission Class (Part 2)

Turning Your New Members’ Class into a Great Commission Class (Part 1)

How to Respond to That Church Member Who Always Wants to Talk to You after You Preach

Inactive Church Member?

How a Bookkeeper Can Help Pastors with Financial Decisions: An Interview with Brooke Cecil