The Church Answers Podcast

By The Church Answers PodcastReligion & Spirituality Christianity

The Church Answers Podcast episodes

June 11, 2025Lack of Focus on Clean and Well-Supplied Restrooms: The Unforced Error Series
An “unforced error” is a term borrowed from sports, especially tennis, meaning a mistake made due to one’s own lapse rather than being forced by an opponent. In everyday language, it refers to an avoidable mistake or misstep, typically resulting from a lack of attention or care rather than external pressure. Thom and Jess examine one of the most common unforced errors in this podcast: lack of focus on clean and well-supplied restrooms.
Restroom quality communicates how much a church values its guests and members.
Many visitors make subtle judgments about cleanliness and care based on restroom conditions.
Unclean or poorly stocked restrooms can leave a negative impression that lingers beyond the visit.
A clean, well-lit, and fully stocked restroom is a simple but powerful expression of excellence.
Just like restaurants and retailers, churches should see restrooms as part of the guest experience.
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 Lack of Focus on Clean and Well-Supplied Restrooms: The Unforced Error Series appeared first on Church Answers.
26 min
June 11, 2025Lack of Guest-Friendly Signage and Markers: The Unforced Error Series
An “unforced error” is a term borrowed from sports, especially tennis, meaning a mistake made due to one’s own lapse rather than being forced by an opponent. In everyday language, it refers to an avoidable mistake or misstep, typically resulting from a lack of attention or care rather than external pressure. Thom and Jess examine one of the most common unforced errors in this podcast: lack of guest-friendly signage and markers.
Regular attendees no longer need signs — but first-time guests need signs.
Poor signage can leave visitors feeling confused about where to park, enter, or drop off children.
Clear, visible markers such as arrows, banners, and welcome tents improve guest flow and reduce anxiety.
Signage should prioritize simplicity, visibility, and accessibility over creativity or clever language.
Guest-friendly churches see signage not as décor, but as essential hospitality.
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 Lack of Guest-Friendly Signage and Markers: The Unforced Error Series appeared first on Church Answers.
28 min
June 04, 2025Failure to Have a Secret Guest: The Unforced Error Series
An “unforced error” is a term borrowed from sports, especially tennis, meaning a mistake made due to one’s own lapse rather than being forced by an opponent. In everyday language, it refers to an avoidable mistake or misstep, typically resulting from a lack of attention or care rather than external pressure. Thom examines one of the most common unforced errors in this podcast: failure to have a secret guest.
A secret guest is someone who visits the church anonymously and provides honest, outsider feedback.
Churches often become blind to their own flaws, and fresh eyes reveal issues that regular attendees no longer notice.
Insights from a secret guest can address areas like signage, greeting, cleanliness, and service clarity.
One or two visits per year can provide a powerful pulse check on the guest experience.
Simple observations from a first-time perspective often lead to some of the most impactful improvements.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Running
The Amazing Growth of Sports Ministries to Reach Communities with the Gospel
More Than Money Podcast
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 Failure to Have a Secret Guest: The Unforced Error Series appeared first on Church Answers.
21 min
June 04, 2025Failure to Remind People About Digital Giving: The Unforced Error Series
An “unforced error” is a term borrowed from sports, especially tennis, meaning a mistake made due to one’s own lapse rather than being forced by an opponent. In everyday language, it refers to an avoidable mistake or misstep, typically resulting from a lack of attention or care rather than external pressure. Thom examines one of the most common unforced errors in this podcast: failure to remind people about digital giving.
Digital giving has become one of the primary ways churches receive consistent, recurring donations.
Members who give digitally are often more regular in their generosity and less affected by seasonal attendance dips.
Many newer members are unaware of digital options unless they are regularly highlighted and explained.
Digital platforms not only increase convenience but also support sustained engagement with the church’s mission.
Failing to promote digital giving can result in missed opportunities to develop faithful givers.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Running
“High Expectations: The Remarkable Secret for Keeping People in Your 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 Failure to Remind People About Digital Giving: The Unforced Error Series appeared first on Church Answers.
22 min
May 28, 2025Zero Invitations: The Unforced Error Series
An “unforced error” is a term borrowed from sports, especially tennis, meaning a mistake made due to one’s own lapse rather than being forced by an opponent. In everyday language, it refers to an avoidable mistake or misstep, typically resulting from a lack of attention or care rather than external pressure. Thom and Jess examine one of the most common unforced errors in this podcast: zero invitations.
Research shows that nearly 8 out of 10 unchurched people would attend church if invited personally.
Despite this openness, most churches lack a structured approach or culture of regular invitation.
Members often need encouragement and practical tools to extend an invite confidently.
Personal invitations remain one of the most powerful evangelism tools available to the local church.
Programs like the Hope Initiative and Invite Your One help congregations mobilize members to reach their circles of influence.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Sports
“Surprising Insights from the Unchurched and Proven Ways to Reach Them” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
“The Unchurched Next Door” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
The Hope Initiative
Invite Your One
Church Answers Membership
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
Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, partnering with local churches to use sports as a powerful outreach tool to engage the community.
To remind our listeners, Upward offers a variety of league options, including basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, running for adults, and now, pickleball.
Partnering with Upward Sports helps your church reach the community, attract young families, and share the Gospel in a meaningful way.
Is your church striving to be known as a welcoming space where families come together? Sports can naturally become your invitation. Upward Sports understands this and is ready to help you cultivate that atmosphere.
Exciting news from Upward Sports! Pickleball is now available as an Upward sport! Perfect for middle and high schoolers, pickleball is easy to learn, quick to set up, and one of the best ways to keep kids engaged. Whether you’re looking to start a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to help you build a strategy that fits your church. Ready to get started? Schedule a call today and launch a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community!
At Upward, they will customize your sports outreach strategy to fit your church’s budget, and community needs because we know one size doesn’t fit all.
Already have a thriving outreach ministry? Add sports to further fuel your outreach and connect with even more families.
Are you looking to engage new families, bless your community, or mobilize your congregation to serve? Whether you have a gym, field space, or access to a facility, Upward Sports can help. We’re here to support your church in creating a first-class, organized, and intentional outreach ministry that tells families, “You are welcome here!”
Whether you’re expanding an existing sports ministry or starting from scratch, explore Upward Sports. With a trusted history of partnering with over 5,000 churches nationwide, Upward stands ready to support you.
Schedule your call today at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.
The post Zero Invitations: The Unforced Error Series appeared first on Church Answers.
27 min
May 28, 2025The Holy Huddle: The Unforced Error Series
An “unforced error” is a term borrowed from sports, especially tennis, meaning a mistake made due to one’s own lapse rather than being forced by an opponent. In everyday language, it refers to an avoidable mistake or misstep, typically resulting from a lack of attention or care rather than external pressure. Thom and Jess examine one of the most common unforced errors in this podcast: the holy huddle.
The term refers to greeters or members who gather in friendly conversations with each other but ignore passing guests.
This behavior unintentionally forms an invisible wall that isolates newcomers rather than welcoming them.
Many guests quickly sense whether a church is inward-focused or genuinely hospitable based on lobby interactions.
Greeter teams that engage everyone — especially people they don’t know — foster a culture of inclusion and warmth.
What may seem like small social moments to insiders can significantly shape a guest’s perception.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Sports
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
Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, partnering with local churches to use sports as a powerful outreach tool to engage the community.
To remind our listeners, Upward offers a variety of league options, including basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, running for adults, and now, pickleball.
Partnering with Upward Sports helps your church reach the community, attract young families, and share the Gospel in a meaningful way.
Is your church striving to be known as a welcoming space where families come together? Sports can naturally become your invitation. Upward Sports understands this and is ready to help you cultivate that atmosphere.
Exciting news from Upward Sports! Pickleball is now available as an Upward sport! Perfect for middle and high schoolers, pickleball is easy to learn, quick to set up, and one of the best ways to keep kids engaged. Whether you’re looking to start a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to help you build a strategy that fits your church. Ready to get started? Schedule a call today and launch a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community!
At Upward, they will customize your sports outreach strategy to fit your church’s budget, and community needs because we know one size doesn’t fit all.
Already have a thriving outreach ministry? Add sports to further fuel your outreach and connect with even more families.
Are you looking to engage new families, bless your community, or mobilize your congregation to serve? Whether you have a gym, field space, or access to a facility, Upward Sports can help. We’re here to support your church in creating a first-class, organized, and intentional outreach ministry that tells families, “You are welcome here!”
Whether you’re expanding an existing sports ministry or starting from scratch, explore Upward Sports. With a trusted history of partnering with over 5,000 churches nationwide, Upward stands ready to support you.
Schedule your call today at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.
The post The Holy Huddle: The Unforced Error Series appeared first on Church Answers.
27 min
May 21, 2025Grow Your Congregation in the Grace of Giving: An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer
Thom and Jess interview Mike Stadelmayer of Church Growth Services. In this episode, they discuss how to grow your congregation in the grace of giving.
Increase in Faith
Culture Shift
Unify Congregation
Develop New Volunteers
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Running
Church Growth Services: Get your free campaign capacity analysis!
Church Growth Services
Reconnect Your Congregation to the Vision through Generosity: An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer
Brown Church Development Group
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! We’re excited to bring you Upward Running for adults—Upward Sports first step into adult sports ministry. This sport is hands down, the easiest to get up and “running.”
Offer a 5K Challenge: Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides training plans, access to the new RunClub app for run tracking and community building, and a fully customizable package to fit your timeline—led by your dedicated run coach.
Simple to Start: All you need is one passionate leader. No facility required—your church parking lot is all it takes to launch this impactful program.
Build Stronger Connections: Use running as a way to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, grow spiritually, and expand your church’s outreach.
Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today!
The post Grow Your Congregation in the Grace of Giving: An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer appeared first on Church Answers.
23 min
May 21, 2025Reconnect Your Congregation to the Vision through Generosity: An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer
Thom and Jess interview Mike Stadelmayer of Church Growth Services. In this episode, they discuss how to reconnect your congregation to the vision through generosity.
Increase Momentum
Break Longtime Barriers
Increase General Fund Giving
Expand Ministry Opportunities
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Running
Church Growth Services: Get your free campaign capacity analysis!
Church Growth Services
Grow Your Congregation in the Grace of Giving: An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer
“Bridges of God: A Study in the Strategy of Missions” by Donald McGavran (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! We’re excited to bring you Upward Running for adults—Upward Sports first step into adult sports ministry. This sport is hands down, the easiest to get up and “running.”
Offer a 5K Challenge: Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides training plans, access to the new RunClub app for run tracking and community building, and a fully customizable package to fit your timeline—led by your dedicated run coach.
Simple to Start: All you need is one passionate leader. No facility required—your church parking lot is all it takes to launch this impactful program.
Build Stronger Connections: Use running as a way to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, grow spiritually, and expand your church’s outreach.
Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today!
The post Reconnect Your Congregation to the Vision through Generosity: An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer appeared first on Church Answers.
24 min
May 14, 2025Failure to Have a Parking Lot Greeter: The Unforced Error Series
An “unforced error” is a term borrowed from sports, especially tennis, meaning a mistake made due to one’s own lapse rather than being forced by an opponent. In everyday language, it refers to an avoidable mistake or misstep, typically resulting from a lack of attention or care rather than external pressure. Thom and Jess examine one of the most common unforced errors in this podcast: failure to have a parking lot greeter.
Parking lot greeters serve as both a warm welcome and a practical guide, especially for first-time guests.
Many churches have sufficient parking, but visitors often don’t know where to find it without help.
A lack of parking assistance can lead guests to assume the lot is full and leave without ever stepping inside.
Guests tend to feel more at ease when someone is visibly present to direct them and answer basic questions.
Parking lot greeters help turn the first few minutes of a visit from confusing to comforting.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Sports
My Church Staff: Guest Services
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
Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, partnering with local churches to use sports as a powerful outreach tool to engage the community.
To remind our listeners, Upward offers a variety of league options, including basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, running for adults, and now, pickleball.
Partnering with Upward Sports helps your church reach the community, attract young families, and share the Gospel in a meaningful way.
Is your church striving to be known as a welcoming space where families come together? Sports can naturally become your invitation. Upward Sports understands this and is ready to help you cultivate that atmosphere.
Exciting news from Upward Sports! Pickleball is now available as an Upward sport! Perfect for middle and high schoolers, pickleball is easy to learn, quick to set up, and one of the best ways to keep kids engaged. Whether you’re looking to start a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to help you build a strategy that fits your church. Ready to get started? Schedule a call today and launch a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community!
At Upward, they will customize your sports outreach strategy to fit your church’s budget, and community needs because we know one size doesn’t fit all.
Already have a thriving outreach ministry? Add sports to further fuel your outreach and connect with even more families.
Are you looking to engage new families, bless your community, or mobilize your congregation to serve? Whether you have a gym, field space, or access to a facility, Upward Sports can help. We’re here to support your church in creating a first-class, organized, and intentional outreach ministry that tells families, “You are welcome here!”
Whether you’re expanding an existing sports ministry or starting from scratch, explore Upward Sports. With a trusted history of partnering with over 5,000 churches nationwide, Upward stands ready to support you.
Schedule your call today at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.
The post Failure to Have a Parking Lot Greeter: The Unforced Error Series appeared first on Church Answers.
28 min
May 14, 2025The Time of Worship Services on the Website Is Not Correct: The Unforced Error Series
An “unforced error” is a term borrowed from sports, especially tennis, meaning a mistake made due to one’s own lapse rather than being forced by an opponent. In everyday language, it refers to an avoidable mistake or misstep, typically resulting from a lack of attention or care rather than external pressure. Thom and Jess examine one of the most common unforced errors in this podcast: the time of worship services on the website is not correct.
A common error occurs when churches change their service times but fail to update their websites or online listings.
Guests often rely solely on the church website or Google to find service times, especially for holidays like Easter and Christmas.
Even a small discrepancy can cause guests to arrive late and leave before entering, feeling unwelcome or confused.
Outdated digital information communicates disorganization and can unintentionally deter future visits.
Maintaining consistency across all digital platforms — website, social media, and maps — is crucial for first impressions.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Sports
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
Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, partnering with local churches to use sports as a powerful outreach tool to engage the community.
To remind our listeners, Upward offers a variety of league options, including basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, running for adults, and now, pickleball.
Partnering with Upward Sports helps your church reach the community, attract young families, and share the Gospel in a meaningful way.
Is your church striving to be known as a welcoming space where families come together? Sports can naturally become your invitation. Upward Sports understands this and is ready to help you cultivate that atmosphere.
Exciting news from Upward Sports! Pickleball is now available as an Upward sport! Perfect for middle and high schoolers, pickleball is easy to learn, quick to set up, and one of the best ways to keep kids engaged. Whether you’re looking to start a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to help you build a strategy that fits your church. Ready to get started? Schedule a call today and launch a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community!
At Upward, they will customize your sports outreach strategy to fit your church’s budget, and community needs because we know one size doesn’t fit all.
Already have a thriving outreach ministry? Add sports to further fuel your outreach and connect with even more families.
Are you looking to engage new families, bless your community, or mobilize your congregation to serve? Whether you have a gym, field space, or access to a facility, Upward Sports can help. We’re here to support your church in creating a first-class, organized, and intentional outreach ministry that tells families, “You are welcome here!”
Whether you’re expanding an existing sports ministry or starting from scratch, explore Upward Sports. With a trusted history of partnering with over 5,000 churches nationwide, Upward stands ready to support you.
Schedule your call today at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.
The post The Time of Worship Services on the Website Is Not Correct: The Unforced Error Series appeared first on Church Answers.
26 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…