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The Church Answers Podcast
The Church Answers Podcast episodes
- Why Have (Most) Churches Stopped Using Spiritual Gift Inventories?
Thom reviews the history of a tool that received widespread use for three decades. He looks at the reasons why it has almost faded away.
- Skepticism about their precision
- Discover through serving
- The fading of the infrastructure
- Unintended consequences
- Functional gifts versus sign gifts
- Simple church concerns
Resources:- Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
- Church Answers University
- “Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples” by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger (affiliate link)
- 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 Why Have (Most) Churches Stopped Using Spiritual Gift Inventories? appeared first on Church Answers.
25 min - Fostering Connections in the Community and Church Through Sports
Josh Jordan, Family Life Pastor, from First Baptist Church Covington, LA joins Jess and Thom on the show to discuss how his church has used Upward Sports to engage families in their community.
Resources:- Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
- Church Answers University
- Church Equip
- Upward Sports
- Josh Jordan
- First Baptist Church Covington, LA
- Unchurched Receptivity Report
- 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 Fostering Connections in the Community and Church Through Sports appeared first on Church Answers.
25 min - The Volunteer Model Is Breaking
Jess and Thom discuss why this reality has reached a crisis stage in many churches.
- Churches are competing with increasingly crowded schedules.
- Many churches still recruit volunteers with guilt rather than purpose.
- The same dependable people are repeatedly asked to do more.
- Churches often recruit people to fill slots rather than match gifts and calling.
- Training is weak or nonexistent.
- Some volunteer roles are unnecessarily complicated or time-consuming.
- Churches need to move from “We need someone to do this” to “Here is how you can make a difference.”
Resources:- Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
- Church Answers University
- Church Equip
- “I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference” 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 Volunteer Model Is Breaking appeared first on Church Answers.
25 min - Why Church Guests Don’t Come Back
Jess and Thom spend a good bit of this podcast discussing this issue.
- They never make a meaningful relational connection.
- The church experience is confusing for someone who doesn’t know the culture.
- Children’s check-in or security processes create unnecessary friction.
- The worship service feels designed almost entirely for insiders.
- Follow-up is either nonexistent or feels intrusive.
- Guests cannot determine an obvious next step.
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 Why Church Guests Don’t Come Back appeared first on Church Answers.
23 min - Five Signs Your Church Is Becoming an Insider Church
These are much more dangerous than most church leaders and members realize. Jess and Thom discuss why.
- Most calendar decisions center on members’ preferences.
- Church language assumes everyone already knows how things work.
- Budget priorities increasingly favor those already attending.
- Few ministries are designed specifically with outsiders in mind.
- Members become irritated when guests or new people disrupt familiar patterns.
- A bonus warning sign: the church talks much more about “our people” than “our community.”
Resources:- Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
- Church Answers University
- Church Equip
- Know Your Church
- Invite Your One
- The Hope Initiative
- Good News Neighbor Toolkit
- “Eating the Elephant (Updated)” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
- 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 Signs Your Church Is Becoming an Insider Church appeared first on Church Answers.
22 min - The Quiet Crisis of the 100–200 Attendance Church
This crisis is real and pervasive in American churches. Jess and Thom discuss why it is “quiet.” The church is often too large to operate relationally like a small church but too small to operate like a larger church.
- The pastor can no longer carry the ministry personally.
- The key transition is from a pastor-does-ministry church to a church-does-ministry church.
- Volunteer systems become essential, yet many churches never develop them.
- Informal communication begins to break down.
- Longtime members may resist the changes necessary for continued growth.
- Facilities, children’s space, parking, or worship capacity can quietly become barriers.
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 The Quiet Crisis of the 100–200 Attendance Church appeared first on Church Answers.
27 min - Why 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.
23 min - Five 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.
24 min - Five 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.
22 min - The 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
- My Hope for Lifeway: An Interview with Dr. Ryan Blackwell, President and CEO of Lifeway
- “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.
24 min
About The Church Answers Podcast
From the publisher's feed
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.
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