The Church Answers Podcast

By The Church Answers PodcastReligion & Spirituality Christianity

The Church Answers Podcast episodes

July 16, 2025Why There Has Never Been a Better Time to Reach Gen Z
They are called the Anxious Generation in addition to Gen Z. For years, we have assumed they were not receptive to the gospel or to the church, but something has changed, and it’s rather dramatic. Thom looks at key reasons why there has never been a better time to reach Gen Z.
They are a large population group.
Their anxiety has turned to receptivity.
They desire an analog church.
They desire personal and in-person connections.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Running
Why There Has Never Been a Better Time to Reach the Boomers
Know Your Community
“The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt (affiliate link)
“The Anxious Generation Goes to Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Membership
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
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
Introducing Upward Running! Upward Sports’ first step into adult sports is here — and running has never been easier to get “up and running.”
Offer a 5K Challenge: Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides:
Tailored training plans to help your runner or walkers move from the couch to completing a 5k.
Access to the new RunClub app for tracking progress and building community.
A fully customizable program that fits your church’s timeline — all led by your run coach who will be fully equipped with the Upward Running materials to lead.
Simple to Start: With just one passionate leader and no facility needed, your church parking lot can become the starting line for life transformation.
Build Stronger Connections: Use running to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, and grow spiritually while expanding your church’s impact.
Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today!
The post Why There Has Never Been a Better Time to Reach Gen Z appeared first on Church Answers.
23 min
July 16, 2025Why There Has Never Been a Better Time to Reach the Boomers
Thom examines why churches should be more intentional about reaching the Boomer generation, those born between 1946 and 1964.
There are still 60 million living Boomers.
They are more receptive to the gospel and church.
They account for 53% of the nation’s wealth, but only 17.9% of the population.
Their “me first” attitude is changing.
Their life expectancy is 85 years.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Running
Why There Has Never Been a Better Time to Reach Gen Z
Know Your Community
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Membership
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
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
Introducing Upward Running! Upward Sports’ first step into adult sports is here — and running has never been easier to get “up and running.”
Offer a 5K Challenge: Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides:
Tailored training plans to help your runner or walkers move from the couch to completing a 5k.
Access to the new RunClub app for tracking progress and building community.
A fully customizable program that fits your church’s timeline — all led by your run coach who will be fully equipped with the Upward Running materials to lead.
Simple to Start: With just one passionate leader and no facility needed, your church parking lot can become the starting line for life transformation.
Build Stronger Connections: Use running to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, and grow spiritually while expanding your church’s impact.
Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today!
The post Why There Has Never Been a Better Time to Reach the Boomers appeared first on Church Answers.
22 min
July 09, 2025Ten Ways an Almost Deceased Church in the Florida Keys Is Being Revitalized (Part 2)
Jess and Thom share the story of Sugarloaf Church, an almost deceased church in the Florida Keys. Braydenton McCormick became the lead pastor of the church two years ago. The church was facing insolvency, but last year it reached its budget, even putting away an additional year’s worth of funds for rainy days. The church had only seven members, and the pastor’s family added five more. The facilities were stale and outdated, but the church had no debt. We will examine ten key ways the church transitioned from near death to hope.
6. Build a network of support.
7. Create a simple church model that can easily accommodate new people.
8. Slowly add new staff.
9. Make sure you do something with excellence.
10. There are no reasons to stop and coast.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Sports
Upward Sports: Pickleball
Ten Ways an Almost Deceased Church in the Florida Keys Is Being Revitalized (Part 1)
Sugarloaf Church
Sugarloaf Church Giving
“Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples” by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger (affiliate link)
The Hope Initiative
Know Your Community
Church Answers Membership
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
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 Power of Partnership
Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, empowering local churches to use sports as a dynamic connection tool to engage their communities.
A Variety of Sports for Every Church
From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs.
Exciting News: Pickleball Has Arrived!
Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more.
Be the Neighborhood Church
Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today.
Get Ahead for Fall Sports
Looking ahead to the fall season? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – Use sports as that invite. Whether it’s soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball or pickleball, Upward Sports is ready to support your church in reaching families right in the heart of your community. All you need is access to a gym or field and one passionate leader and Upward will support you with the rest.
Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.
The post Ten Ways an Almost Deceased Church in the Florida Keys Is Being Revitalized (Part 2) appeared first on Church Answers.
24 min
July 09, 2025Ten Ways an Almost Deceased Church in the Florida Keys Is Being Revitalized (Part 1)
Jess and Thom share the story of Sugarloaf Church, an almost deceased church in the Florida Keys. Braydenton McCormick became the lead pastor of the church two years ago. The church was facing insolvency, but last year it reached its budget, even putting away an additional year’s worth of funds for rainy days. The church had only seven members, and the pastor’s family added five more. The facilities were stale and outdated, but the church had no debt. We will examine ten key ways the church transitioned from near death to hope.
1. Celebrate as much as possible.
2. Be transparent with everyone.
3. Use the 60% principle to recruit volunteers.
4. Freshen up the space.
5. Embrace the value of guest cards.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Sports
Upward Sports: Pickleball
Ten Ways an Almost Deceased Church in the Florida Keys Is Being Revitalized (Part 2)
Sugarloaf Church
Sugarloaf Church Giving
The Hope Initiative
Know Your Community
Church Answers Membership
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
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 Power of Partnership
Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, empowering local churches to use sports as a dynamic connection tool to engage their communities.
A Variety of Sports for Every Church
From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs.
Exciting News: Pickleball Has Arrived!
Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more.
Be the Neighborhood Church
Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today.
Get Ahead for Fall Sports
Looking ahead to the fall season? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – Use sports as that invite. Whether it’s soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball or pickleball, Upward Sports is ready to support your church in reaching families right in the heart of your community. All you need is access to a gym or field and one passionate leader and Upward will support you with the rest.
Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.
The post Ten Ways an Almost Deceased Church in the Florida Keys Is Being Revitalized (Part 1) appeared first on Church Answers.
23 min
July 02, 2025Why We Can No Longer Define Worship Styles
While some churches continue rounds of ungodly worship wars, more churches don’t have worship wars because it’s difficult to impossible to define a position or style to defend or attack. Jess and Thom examine the reasons behind this blessing.
No one can precisely define traditional, contemporary, and blended.
The Boomers are fading, along with their preference-driven approach to ministry.
Platform music is yielding to congregational participation.
Hymns are being rediscovered and repurposed.
Current compositions do not tend to be age-focused.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Running
“Putting an End to Worship Wars” by Elmer L. Towns (affiliate link)
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Membership
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
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
Introducing Upward Running! Upward Sports’ first step into adult sports is here — and running has never been easier to get “up and running.”
Offer a 5K Challenge: Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides:
Tailored training plans to help your runner or walkers move from the couch to completing a 5k.
Access to the new RunClub app for tracking progress and building community.
A fully customizable program that fits your church’s timeline — all led by your run coach who will be fully equipped with the Upward Running materials to lead.
Simple to Start: With just one passionate leader and no facility needed, your church parking lot can become the starting line for life transformation.
Build Stronger Connections: Use running to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, and grow spiritually while expanding your church’s impact.
Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today!
The post Why We Can No Longer Define Worship Styles appeared first on Church Answers.
25 min
July 02, 2025Four Off-the-Wall Actions That Are Highly Effective for Attendance Growth
A church’s growth is the work of the Holy Spirit, but God uses different methodologies for different seasons. Jess and Thom examine four of the most effective actions that growing churches of all sizes are taking today. You probably don’t hear much about these four.
An external entry and welcome tent.
Exactly two to three rounds of The Hope Initiative.
Moving to a new paradigm of “Jerusalem” mission giving.
Undefined worship styles.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Running
The Hope Initiative
Know Your Community
Church Answers Membership
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
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
Introducing Upward Running! Upward Sports’ first step into adult sports is here — and running has never been easier to get “up and running.”
Offer a 5K Challenge: Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides:
Tailored training plans to help your runner or walkers move from the couch to completing a 5k.
Access to the new RunClub app for tracking progress and building community.
A fully customizable program that fits your church’s timeline — all led by your run coach who will be fully equipped with the Upward Running materials to lead.
Simple to Start: With just one passionate leader and no facility needed, your church parking lot can become the starting line for life transformation.
Build Stronger Connections: Use running to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, and grow spiritually while expanding your church’s impact.
Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today!
The post Four Off-the-Wall Actions That Are Highly Effective for Attendance Growth appeared first on Church Answers.
24 min
June 25, 2025Why has the use of the offering plate declined?
Thom has seen a precipitous decline in the use of offering plates in churches. He joins Jess as they both examine the reasons behind the decline.
Online giving platforms
COVID-19
Desire to avoid pressure on guests
Reduce service interruptions
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Sports
Upward Sports: Pickleball
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Membership
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
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 Power of Partnership
Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, empowering local churches to use sports as a dynamic connection tool to engage their communities.
A Variety of Sports for Every Church
From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs.
Exciting News: Pickleball Has Arrived!
Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more.
Be the Neighborhood Church
Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today.
Get Ahead for Fall Sports
Looking ahead to the fall season? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – Use sports as that invite. Whether it’s soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball or pickleball, Upward Sports is ready to support your church in reaching families right in the heart of your community. All you need is access to a gym or field and one passionate leader and Upward will support you with the rest.
Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.
The post Why has the use of the offering plate declined? appeared first on Church Answers.
25 min
June 25, 2025How did churches raise money before the introduction of the offertory?
The time of offertory is a relatively recent phenomenon in local churches. Thom and Jess take a historical excursion to look at three methods of giving that helped churches raise money.
Pew rentals
Tithing requirements
Alms boxes
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Sports
Upward Sports: Pickleball
“Finding More Money” by Art Rainer (affiliate link)
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Membership
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
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 Power of Partnership
Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, empowering local churches to use sports as a dynamic connection tool to engage their communities.
A Variety of Sports for Every Church
From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs.
Exciting News: Pickleball Has Arrived!
Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more.
Be the Neighborhood Church
Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today.
Get Ahead for Fall Sports
Looking ahead to the fall season? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – Use sports as that invite. Whether it’s soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball or pickleball, Upward Sports is ready to support your church in reaching families right in the heart of your community. All you need is access to a gym or field and one passionate leader and Upward will support you with the rest.
Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.
The post How did churches raise money before the introduction of the offertory? appeared first on Church Answers.
24 min
June 18, 2025What is the origin of the Sunday evening worship services?
For churches in many traditions, particularly among Presbyterians, Methodists, and Baptists, Sunday evening services were a staple for decades. Jess and Thom examine the origins of these services.
The agrarian schedule
The factory schedule
The sabbath culture
19th-century revivalism and evangelism
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Running
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Membership
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
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
Introducing Upward Running! Upward Sports’ first step into adult sports is here — and running has never been easier to get “up and running.”
Offer a 5K Challenge: Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides:
Tailored training plans to help your runner or walkers move from the couch to completing a 5k.
Access to the new RunClub app for tracking progress and building community.
A fully customizable program that fits your church’s timeline — all led by your run coach who will be fully equipped with the Upward Running materials to lead.
Simple to Start: With just one passionate leader and no facility needed, your church parking lot can become the starting line for life transformation.
Build Stronger Connections: Use running to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, and grow spiritually while expanding your church’s impact.
Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today!
The post What is the origin of the Sunday evening worship services? appeared first on Church Answers.
30 min
June 18, 2025What is the origin of the Wednesday-night meal in many churches?
Some traditions, particularly among Methodists and Baptists, provided Wednesday night meals with as much fervor as Sunday services. Thom and Jess looked at the origin of the Wednesday night meal in many churches.
Post-war suburbs
A way to reclaim fellowship
An evangelistic tool
Precedent from the revival tradition
Support for programming
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Running
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Membership
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
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
Introducing Upward Running! Upward Sports’ first step into adult sports is here — and running has never been easier to get “up and running.”
Offer a 5K Challenge: Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides:
Tailored training plans to help your runner or walkers move from the couch to completing a 5k.
Access to the new RunClub app for tracking progress and building community.
A fully customizable program that fits your church’s timeline — all led by your run coach who will be fully equipped with the Upward Running materials to lead.
Simple to Start: With just one passionate leader and no facility needed, your church parking lot can become the starting line for life transformation.
Build Stronger Connections: Use running to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, and grow spiritually while expanding your church’s impact.
Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today!
The post What is the origin of the Wednesday-night meal in many churches? appeared first on Church Answers.
28 min

About The Church Answers Podcast

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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…