The Church Answers Podcast

By The Church Answers Podcast

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 t... more

4.8

269269 ratings

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about The Church Answers Podcast:

How many episodes does The Church Answers Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 813 episodes available.

The Church Answers Podcast episodes:

September 16, 2026Why Your Church’s Front Door Is Bigger Than You Think
The Rainers discuss big opportunities to make the front door bigger and more effective.
The website is often the first visit.
Google search and online reviews now shape first impressions.
Social media creates awareness long before attendance.
Children’s and student ministries may be the real entry point for young families.
Community events and ministries can function as low-risk first steps.
Personal invitations remain powerful, but invitees research the church before coming.
Every digital and physical touchpoint should answer: “Would I feel comfortable taking the next step?”
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
Upward Sports
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
Ready to take the next step in your ministry calling but don’t want to spend the next five years in school?
At Wesley Biblical Seminary, we’re excited about our new Master of Ministry, a 37-credit-hour graduate degree for pastors and Christian leaders that provides a solid foundation in biblical and theological studies and can be completed in as little as two years.
You’ll strengthen your ability to study the Bible, improve your preaching, teaching, and leadership skills, and learn to think theologically.
What’s great about this degree program is, if you like what you’re learning and decide to pursue the more comprehensive Master of Divinity degree, all your courses in the Master of Ministry will transfer up.
Classes are affordable and offered live online—so you get the benefit of real interaction with your professors and classmates, while still enjoying the flexibility of working from home on your own schedule.
Learn more and apply today at wbs.edu/mm.
Want to save even more time and money?
Right now, you can get nine hours of credit towards the Master of Ministry for any Church Answers University certificate program that you complete—a savings of $4,500. Learn more at wbs.edu/cau.
The post Why Your Church’s Front Door Is Bigger Than You Think appeared first on Church Answers.
...more
23min
September 16, 2026Five Things Churches Keep Doing That No Longer Work
Jess and Thom review five areas where churches keep repeating mistakes.
Assuming a good worship service alone will bring people back.
Relying on announcements from the platform to drive engagement.
Treating the church website as a digital brochure instead of a front door.
Building ministries around long-standing programs rather than current needs.
Assuming the community understands the church’s language, structure, and expectations.
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
“Opening the front door: Worship and church growth” by James Emery White (affiliate link)
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
Ready to take the next step in your ministry calling but don’t want to spend the next five years in school?
At Wesley Biblical Seminary, we’re excited about our new Master of Ministry, a 37-credit-hour graduate degree for pastors and Christian leaders that provides a solid foundation in biblical and theological studies and can be completed in as little as two years.
You’ll strengthen your ability to study the Bible, improve your preaching, teaching, and leadership skills, and learn to think theologically.
What’s great about this degree program is, if you like what you’re learning and decide to pursue the more comprehensive Master of Divinity degree, all your courses in the Master of Ministry will transfer up.
Classes are affordable and offered live online—so you get the benefit of real interaction with your professors and classmates, while still enjoying the flexibility of working from home on your own schedule.
Learn more and apply today at wbs.edu/mm.
Want to save even more time and money?
Right now, you can get nine hours of credit towards the Master of Ministry for any Church Answers University certificate program that you complete—a savings of $4,500. Learn more at wbs.edu/cau.
The post Five Things Churches Keep Doing That No Longer Work appeared first on Church Answers.
...more
24min
September 09, 2026Five Giving Strategies Almost No Church Is Using
Jess and Thom share five innovative and rare strategies that increase giving in the church. They estimate that fewer than one percent of churches use any of these strategies.
Conducting “The 1% Giving Challenge”
Demonstrating that recurring giving is a spiritual discipline
Teaching the congregation to be prepared when God provides unexpectedly
Making one giving opportunity extraordinarily tangible
Launching a “What Could We Do?” generosity experiment
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
Ready to take the next step in your ministry calling but don’t want to spend the next five years in school?
At Wesley Biblical Seminary, we’re excited about our new Master of Ministry, a 37-credit-hour graduate degree for pastors and Christian leaders that provides a solid foundation in biblical and theological studies and can be completed in as little as two years.
You’ll strengthen your ability to study the Bible, improve your preaching, teaching, and leadership skills, and learn to think theologically.
What’s great about this degree program is, if you like what you’re learning and decide to pursue the more comprehensive Master of Divinity degree, all your courses in the Master of Ministry will transfer up.
Classes are affordable and offered live online—so you get the benefit of real interaction with your professors and classmates, while still enjoying the flexibility of working from home on your own schedule.
Learn more and apply today at wbs.edu/mm.
Want to save even more time and money?
Right now, you can get nine hours of credit towards the Master of Ministry for any Church Answers University certificate program that you complete—a savings of $4,500. Learn more at wbs.edu/cau.
The post Five Giving Strategies Almost No Church Is Using appeared first on Church Answers.
...more
22min
September 09, 2026The Incredible Story of First Baptist Church of San Francisco: An Interview with Dr. Ryan Blackwell
Jess and Thom welcome Dr. Ryan Blackwell, President and CEO of Lifeway, to The Church Answers Podcast. He shares the incredible story of First Baptist Church of San Francisco.
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
Dr. Ryan Blackwell
“Who Moved My Pulpit?: Leading Change in the Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
“Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
Ready to take the next step in your ministry calling but don’t want to spend the next five years in school?
At Wesley Biblical Seminary, we’re excited about our new Master of Ministry, a 37-credit-hour graduate degree for pastors and Christian leaders that provides a solid foundation in biblical and theological studies and can be completed in as little as two years.
You’ll strengthen your ability to study the Bible, improve your preaching, teaching, and leadership skills, and learn to think theologically.
What’s great about this degree program is, if you like what you’re learning and decide to pursue the more comprehensive Master of Divinity degree, all your courses in the Master of Ministry will transfer up.
Classes are affordable and offered live online—so you get the benefit of real interaction with your professors and classmates, while still enjoying the flexibility of working from home on your own schedule.
Learn more and apply today at wbs.edu/mm.
Want to save even more time and money?
Right now, you can get nine hours of credit towards the Master of Ministry for any Church Answers University certificate program that you complete—a savings of $4,500. Learn more at wbs.edu/cau.
The post The Incredible Story of First Baptist Church of San Francisco: An Interview with Dr. Ryan Blackwell appeared first on Church Answers.
...more
24min
September 02, 2026Four Better Questions than “What Percent Should Our Church Personnel Expenses Be?”
Though percentage metrics are helpful, church leaders should ask these questions. Jess and Thom explain why these four questions are most helpful.
Is giving growing?
Is attendance and ministry impact growing?
Are staff appropriately compensated for your market?
Is the church accomplishing its mission more effectively because of these personnel investments?
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
What Percent of a Church Budget Should Personnel Costs Be?
When Personnel Costs Are Too High
When Personnel Costs Are Too Low
Church Personnel Expenses Warning Signs
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
Ready to take the next step in your ministry calling but don’t want to spend the next five years in school?
At Wesley Biblical Seminary, we’re excited about our new Master of Ministry, a 37-credit-hour graduate degree for pastors and Christian leaders that provides a solid foundation in biblical and theological studies and can be completed in as little as two years.
You’ll strengthen your ability to study the Bible, improve your preaching, teaching, and leadership skills, and learn to think theologically.
What’s great about this degree program is, if you like what you’re learning and decide to pursue the more comprehensive Master of Divinity degree, all your courses in the Master of Ministry will transfer up.
Classes are affordable and offered live online—so you get the benefit of real interaction with your professors and classmates, while still enjoying the flexibility of working from home on your own schedule.
Learn more and apply today at wbs.edu/mm.
Want to save even more time and money?
Right now, you can get nine hours of credit towards the Master of Ministry for any Church Answers University certificate program that you complete—a savings of $4,500. Learn more at wbs.edu/cau.
The post Four Better Questions than “What Percent Should Our Church Personnel Expenses Be?” appeared first on Church Answers.
...more
21min
September 02, 2026Church Personnel Expenses Warning Signs
Thom and Jess share why church leaders should watch for these indicators:
Personnel exceeds 60% and continues climbing.
Salary increases outpace giving increases for several years.
New staff are added without measurable ministry impact.
The church postpones facility maintenance because payroll consumes available cash.
Missions and outreach become the “adjustment category” every budget cycle.
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
What Percent of a Church Budget Should Personnel Costs Be?
When Personnel Costs Are Too High
When Personnel Costs Are Too Low
Four Better Questions than “What Percent Should Our Church Personnel Expenses Be?”
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
Ready to take the next step in your ministry calling but don’t want to spend the next five years in school?
At Wesley Biblical Seminary, we’re excited about our new Master of Ministry, a 37-credit-hour graduate degree for pastors and Christian leaders that provides a solid foundation in biblical and theological studies and can be completed in as little as two years.
You’ll strengthen your ability to study the Bible, improve your preaching, teaching, and leadership skills, and learn to think theologically.
What’s great about this degree program is, if you like what you’re learning and decide to pursue the more comprehensive Master of Divinity degree, all your courses in the Master of Ministry will transfer up.
Classes are affordable and offered live online—so you get the benefit of real interaction with your professors and classmates, while still enjoying the flexibility of working from home on your own schedule.
Learn more and apply today at wbs.edu/mm.
Want to save even more time and money?
Right now, you can get nine hours of credit towards the Master of Ministry for any Church Answers University certificate program that you complete—a savings of $4,500. Learn more at wbs.edu/cau.
The post Church Personnel Expenses Warning Signs appeared first on Church Answers.
...more
18min
August 26, 2026When Personnel Costs Are Too Low
Thom and Jess discuss the challenges if personnel costs fall below about 40%.
Chronic understaffing
Staff burnout
Heavy dependence on volunteers for responsibilities that really require employees
Difficulty sustaining ministry quality
There are exceptions, particularly churches with extensive volunteer cultures
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
What Percent of a Church Budget Should Personnel Costs Be?
When Personnel Costs Are Too High
Church Personnel Expenses Warning Signs
Four Better Questions than “What Percent Should Our Church Personnel Expenses Be?”
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
Ready to take the next step in your ministry calling but don’t want to spend the next five years in school?
At Wesley Biblical Seminary, we’re excited about our new Master of Ministry, a 37-credit-hour graduate degree for pastors and Christian leaders that provides a solid foundation in biblical and theological studies and can be completed in as little as two years.
You’ll strengthen your ability to study the Bible, improve your preaching, teaching, and leadership skills, and learn to think theologically.
What’s great about this degree program is, if you like what you’re learning and decide to pursue the more comprehensive Master of Divinity degree, all your courses in the Master of Ministry will transfer up.
Classes are affordable and offered live online—so you get the benefit of real interaction with your professors and classmates, while still enjoying the flexibility of working from home on your own schedule.
Learn more and apply today at wbs.edu/mm.
Want to save even more time and money?
Right now, you can get nine hours of credit towards the Master of Ministry for any Church Answers University certificate program that you complete—a savings of $4,500. Learn more at wbs.edu/cau.
The post When Personnel Costs Are Too Low appeared first on Church Answers.
...more
20min
August 26, 2026The Rooted Leader: An Interview with Eric Geiger
Thom and Jess welcome Eric Geiger to The Church Answers Podcast. In his new book, “The Rooted Leader: Seven Rhythms of Leaders Who Bear Fruit That Lasts” (Tyndale Momentum, August 2026), Eric provides practical guidance for leaders in any area of life, helping them grow in influence and impact. Drawing from the biblical story of Nehemiah, often called history’s first leadership book, he introduces seven intermingling rhythms that result in the fruit all leaders desire: vision, conviction, servanthood, perseverance, credibility, transformation, and resolve.
Eric serves as senior pastor of Mariners Church in Irvine, California, and has been heavily involved in the Rooted Network, a discipleship program impacting thousands of churches nationwide.
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
“The Rooted Leader: Seven Rhythms of Leaders Who Bear Fruit That Lasts” by Eric Geiger
Eric Geiger
Rooted Network
“Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples” by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger (affiliate link)
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
Ready to take the next step in your ministry calling but don’t want to spend the next five years in school?
At Wesley Biblical Seminary, we’re excited about our new Master of Ministry, a 37-credit-hour graduate degree for pastors and Christian leaders that provides a solid foundation in biblical and theological studies and can be completed in as little as two years.
You’ll strengthen your ability to study the Bible, improve your preaching, teaching, and leadership skills, and learn to think theologically.
What’s great about this degree program is, if you like what you’re learning and decide to pursue the more comprehensive Master of Divinity degree, all your courses in the Master of Ministry will transfer up.
Classes are affordable and offered live online—so you get the benefit of real interaction with your professors and classmates, while still enjoying the flexibility of working from home on your own schedule.
Learn more and apply today at wbs.edu/mm.
Want to save even more time and money?
Right now, you can get nine hours of credit towards the Master of Ministry for any Church Answers University certificate program that you complete—a savings of $4,500. Learn more at wbs.edu/cau.
The post The Rooted Leader: An Interview with Eric Geiger appeared first on Church Answers.
...more
27min
August 19, 2026When Personnel Costs Are Too High
Jess and Thom discuss the downsides of high personnel expenses that approach or exceed 60–65% of the budget.
Little money remains for ministry expansion.
Facility maintenance gets deferred.
Missions giving may stagnate.
Innovation becomes difficult.
Every budget shortfall becomes a staffing crisis.
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
What Percent of a Church Budget Should Personnel Costs Be?
When Personnel Costs Are Too Low
Church Personnel Expenses Warning Signs
Four Better Questions than “What Percent Should Our Church Personnel Expenses Be?”
Upward Sports
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
Ready to take the next step in your ministry calling but don’t want to spend the next five years in school?
At Wesley Biblical Seminary, we’re excited about our new Master of Ministry, a 37-credit-hour graduate degree for pastors and Christian leaders that provides a solid foundation in biblical and theological studies and can be completed in as little as two years.
You’ll strengthen your ability to study the Bible, improve your preaching, teaching, and leadership skills, and learn to think theologically.
What’s great about this degree program is, if you like what you’re learning and decide to pursue the more comprehensive Master of Divinity degree, all your courses in the Master of Ministry will transfer up.
Classes are affordable and offered live online—so you get the benefit of real interaction with your professors and classmates, while still enjoying the flexibility of working from home on your own schedule.
Learn more and apply today at wbs.edu/mm.
Want to save even more time and money?
Right now, you can get nine hours of credit towards the Master of Ministry for any Church Answers University certificate program that you complete—a savings of $4,500. Learn more at wbs.edu/cau.
The post When Personnel Costs Are Too High appeared first on Church Answers.
...more
17min
August 19, 2026What Percent of a Church Budget Should Personnel Costs Be?
Jess and Thom discuss the often-asked question about personnel costs in churches. Though there are guidelines, there is no simple answer.
It depends.
50% is a good starting point, but not necessarily the ending point.
A general rule of thumb is 45% to 55%.
All things being equal, the percentage is higher in smaller churches.
Make certain to count all salaries, contract pay functioning like salaries, and benefits.
“The local school teacher” is probably not the best comparison.
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
When Personnel Costs Are Too High
When Personnel Costs Are Too Low
Church Personnel Expenses Warning Signs
Four Better Questions than “What Percent Should Our Church Personnel Expenses Be?”
“Housing Allowance for Ministers: Made Easy” by Art Rainer (affiliate link)
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
Ready to take the next step in your ministry calling but don’t want to spend the next five years in school?
At Wesley Biblical Seminary, we’re excited about our new Master of Ministry, a 37-credit-hour graduate degree for pastors and Christian leaders that provides a solid foundation in biblical and theological studies and can be completed in as little as two years.
You’ll strengthen your ability to study the Bible, improve your preaching, teaching, and leadership skills, and learn to think theologically.
What’s great about this degree program is, if you like what you’re learning and decide to pursue the more comprehensive Master of Divinity degree, all your courses in the Master of Ministry will transfer up.
Classes are affordable and offered live online—so you get the benefit of real interaction with your professors and classmates, while still enjoying the flexibility of working from home on your own schedule.
Learn more and apply today at wbs.edu/mm.
Want to save even more time and money?
Right now, you can get nine hours of credit towards the Master of Ministry for any Church Answers University certificate program that you complete—a savings of $4,500. Learn more at wbs.edu/cau.
The post What Percent of a Church Budget Should Personnel Costs Be? appeared first on Church Answers.
...more
19min

FAQs about The Church Answers Podcast:

How many episodes does The Church Answers Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 813 episodes available.

More shows like The Church Answers Podcast

The Briefing with Albert Mohler by R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

The Briefing with Albert Mohler

8,598 Listeners

Ask Pastor John by Desiring God

Ask Pastor John

3,941 Listeners

5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols by Ligonier Ministries

5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols

1,675 Listeners

The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast by Art of Leadership Network

The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast

2,270 Listeners

BibleProject by BibleProject Podcast

BibleProject

19,493 Listeners

Light + Truth by Desiring God

Light + Truth

1,450 Listeners

Rainer on Leadership by Thom Rainer

Rainer on Leadership

465 Listeners

The Russell Moore Show by Christianity Today, Russell Moore

The Russell Moore Show

1,130 Listeners

Theology in the Raw by Theology in the Raw

Theology in the Raw

1,478 Listeners

The World and Everything In It by WORLD Radio

The World and Everything In It

7,140 Listeners

Knowing Faith by Kyle Worley, JT English, Jen Wilkin

Knowing Faith

2,367 Listeners

The Pour Over: Politically Neutral, Christ-First News by The Pour Over

The Pour Over: Politically Neutral, Christ-First News

4,385 Listeners

The Sean McDowell Show by The Sean McDowell Show

The Sean McDowell Show

275 Listeners

Room for Nuance by Room for Nuance Podcast

Room for Nuance

187 Listeners

Revitalize and Replant by North American Mission Board

Revitalize and Replant

102 Listeners