The Church Answers Podcast

By The Church Answers PodcastReligion & Spirituality Christianity

The Church Answers Podcast episodes

April 02, 2025The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of American Protestantism the Past 25 Years, Part 2: Abject Failures of American Protestantism in the 21st Century
In an unusual departure from the style of this podcast, Thom and Jess look at American Protestantism in the 21st century, highlighting 10 amazing contributions and 10 abject failures. For number 21, the Rainers give American Christianity a “grade” they believe is objective based on the past 25 years. They will take four podcasts to take you on this journey.
Part 2: Abject Failures of American Protestantism in the 21st Century
1. Denominational Decline and Fragmentation – Many traditional Protestant denominations (e.g., United Methodist Church, PCUSA, ELCA, Southern Baptist Convention) face splits, theological conflicts, and numerical decline.
2. Lack of Accountability in Leadership – Scandals involving sexual misconduct, financial fraud, and spiritual abuse (e.g., Ravi Zacharias, Hillsong, Southern Baptist abuse report) have eroded public trust.
3. Political Polarization – Protestantism is deeply divided along political lines, often aligning too closely with partisan agendas rather than maintaining a prophetic voice that transcends party loyalties.
4. Shallow Discipleship and Biblical Illiteracy – Despite widespread access to biblical resources, many churchgoers lack a deep understanding of Scripture, leading to theological confusion and susceptibility to false teachings.
5. The Prosperity Gospel and Celebrity Culture – The rise of prosperity theology and megachurch celebrity pastors has shifted focus from biblical faithfulness to entertainment, self-help messages, and financial gain.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Sports
Part 1: Key Strengths of American Protestantism in the 21st Century
Part 3: Key Strengths of American Protestantism in the 21st Century
Part 4: Abject Failures of American Protestantism in the 21st Century
Rooted
Know Your Beliefs
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 starting April 1st! 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 Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of American Protestantism the Past 25 Years, Part 2: Abject Failures of American Protestantism in the 21st Century appeared first on Church Answers.
22 min
April 02, 2025The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of American Protestantism the Past 25 Years, Part 1: Key Strengths of American Protestantism in the 21st Century
In an unusual departure from the style of this podcast, Thom and Jess look at American Protestantism in the 21st century, highlighting 10 amazing contributions and 10 abject failures. For number 21, the Rainers give American Christianity a “grade” they believe is objective based on the past 25 years. They will take four podcasts to take you on this journey.
Part 1: Key Strengths of American Protestantism in the 21st Century
1. Local and Global Humanitarian Efforts – Protestant churches lead in disaster relief, medical missions, hunger alleviation, and human trafficking intervention. Organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, World Vision, and denominational mission agencies make a significant impact.
2. Church Planting and Innovation – While many churches decline, the 21st century has seen a resurgence of church planting, such as Acts 29, ARC (Association of Related Churches), and City to City, and church planting efforts through denominations.
3. Biblical Literacy and Theological Training – Seminaries, online training programs, and grassroots movements have provided accessible biblical education to both clergy and laity, increasing theological engagement.
4. Cultural Adaptability – Protestantism has shown remarkable flexibility in adopting new technologies (e.g., livestream services, social media evangelism, YouTube teaching ministries) to reach people in innovative ways.
5. Growth of Multicultural and Multiracial Churches – Many Protestant churches are becoming more racially and ethnically diverse, reflecting demographic shifts in the U.S. and demonstrating a commitment to racial reconciliation.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Sports
Part 2: Abject Failures of American Protestantism in the 21st Century
Part 3: Key Strengths of American Protestantism in the 21st Century
Part 4: Abject Failures of American Protestantism in the 21st Century
“Why Conservative Churches Are Growing” by Dean Kelley (affiliate link)
“Our Kind of People” by C. Peter Wagner (affiliate link)
“Church Planting for a Greater Harvest” by C. Peter Wagner (affiliate link)
Samaritan’s Purse
World Vision
Acts 29
ARC (Association of Related Churches)
City to City
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 starting April 1st! 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 Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of American Protestantism the Past 25 Years, Part 1: Key Strengths of American Protestantism in the 21st Century appeared first on Church Answers.
27 min
March 26, 2025The 15 Most Common Names of Churches in the United States
Listen to the previous podcast where Jess and Thom review the six reasons you should change the name of your church. In this podcast, they look at the 15 most common church names.
First + denomination
Grace Church
Hope Church
New Life Church
Crossroads Church
Journey Church
Bridge Church
Elevation Church
Summit Church
Redeemer Church
Oasis Church
Harvest Church
Light Church
Anchor Church
Gathering Church
Honorable mention: PCA churches.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Running
The Church Answers Podcast: “Six Reasons You Should Change the Name of Your Church”
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—the newest addition to the Upward Sports family.
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 The 15 Most Common Names of Churches in the United States appeared first on Church Answers.
28 min
March 26, 2025Six Reasons You Should Change the Name of Your Church
Yes, there are times when you should consider changing your church’s name. Jess and Thom review six of them. Look at our other podcast this week, where we review the top 15 most common church names.
To create a clear or new priority.
To change a geographical distinction that is no longer relevant.
To identify with the community more clearly and emphatically.
To avoid confusion with another church.
To do a de facto relaunch.
To reflect the merger with or acquisition by another church.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Running
The Church Answers Podcast: “The 15 Most Common Names of Churches in the United States”
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—the newest addition to the Upward Sports family.
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 Six Reasons You Should Change the Name of Your Church appeared first on Church Answers.
28 min
March 19, 202523 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 4
In Part 4, Thom and Jess look at some of the most common issues and questions you have about church revitalization. Your questions have directed us in our research and writings, and they will continue to do so. Though there were several hundred questions you submitted, we selected 23 most common questions about revitalizing churches. See the previous episodes to get the complete series.
Where do I begin if my church needs revitalization?
Is there any hope for my church?
What are the most common obstacles to revitalization?
How long does it take for a church to begin to turn around?
How do you help move a congregation to be more open to change?
How do church facilities hurt or help church revitalization?
How do you raise the level of commitment of church members?
How do you increase the level of funding in the church?
What do you do when conflict arises?
What are the most common criticisms I can expect?
How do you deal with staff as you seek to lead a church to turn around?
If I’ve been at my church a while, is it possible to become a leader toward revitalization?
What are some good case studies in revitalization?
How do you get multiple generations to work together to turn around a church?
How do you start a good welcome or greeter’s ministry?
How do you deal with power groups in the church?
My church is stuck, but I don’t know why it is. What can I do?
Why should I even bother staying at this church?
What are some unique challenges for the smaller church?
How do I find the time to prepare sermons and lead in revitalization?
How do I start a new members’ class?
What does effective evangelism look like in a healthy church?
How do I start an effective process of discipleship in the church?
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Sports
23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 1
23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 2
23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 3
Church Revitalization Certification
Church Answers Membership
The Hope Initiative
“I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
The Complete Membership Class Toolkit
“Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples” by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger (affiliate link)
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… and now running for adults.
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.
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 – www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers
The post 23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 4 appeared first on Church Answers.
29 min
March 19, 202523 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 3
In Part 3, Thom and Jess look at some of the most common issues and questions you have about church revitalization. Your questions have directed us in our research and writings, and they will continue to do so. Though there were several hundred questions you submitted, we selected 23 most common questions about revitalizing churches. Because of the number, we cover the questions in four consecutive podcasts.
Where do I begin if my church needs revitalization?
Is there any hope for my church?
What are the most common obstacles to revitalization?
How long does it take for a church to begin to turn around?
How do you help move a congregation to be more open to change?
How do church facilities hurt or help church revitalization?
How do you raise the level of commitment of church members?
How do you increase the level of funding in the church?
What do you do when conflict arises?
What are the most common criticisms I can expect?
How do you deal with staff as you seek to lead a church to turn around?
If I’ve been at my church a while, is it possible to become a leader toward revitalization?
What are some good case studies in revitalization?
How do you get multiple generations to work together to turn around a church?
How do you start a good welcome or greeter’s ministry?
How do you deal with power groups in the church?
My church is stuck, but I don’t know why it is. What can I do?
Why should I even bother staying at this church?
What are some unique challenges for the smaller church?
How do I find the time to prepare sermons and lead in revitalization?
How do I start a new members’ class?
What does effective evangelism look like in a healthy church?
How do I start an effective process of discipleship in the church?
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
The Church Advisory Podcast
Upward Sports
23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 1
23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 2
23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 4
Church Revitalization Certification
Church Answers Membership
The Hope Initiative
“Becoming a Welcoming Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
My Church Staff: Guest Services
Know Your Community
Know Your Church
Know Your Beliefs
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… and now running for adults.
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.
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 – www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers
The post 23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 3 appeared first on Church Answers.
28 min
March 12, 202523 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 2
Thom and Jess look at some of the most common issues and questions you have about church revitalization. Your questions have directed us in our research and writings, and they will continue to do so. Though there were several hundred questions you submitted, we selected 23 most common questions about revitalizing churches. Because of the number, we cover the questions in four consecutive podcasts. See the previous episode and stay tuned for Part 3 and 4.
Where do I begin if my church needs revitalization?
Is there any hope for my church?
What are the most common obstacles to revitalization?
How long does it take for a church to begin to turn around?
How do you help move a congregation to be more open to change?
How do church facilities hurt or help church revitalization?
How do you raise the level of commitment of church members?
How do you increase the level of funding in the church?
What do you do when conflict arises?
What are the most common criticisms I can expect?
How do you deal with staff as you seek to lead a church to turn around?
If I’ve been at my church a while, is it possible to become a leader toward revitalization?
What are some good case studies in revitalization?
How do you get multiple generations to work together to turn around a church?
How do you start a good welcome or greeter’s ministry?
How do you deal with power groups in the church?
My church is stuck, but I don’t know why it is. What can I do?
Why should I even bother staying at this church?
What are some unique challenges for the smaller church?
How do I find the time to prepare sermons and lead in revitalization?
How do I start a new members’ class?
What does effective evangelism look like in a healthy church?
How do I start an effective process of discipleship in the church?
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Upward Running
23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 1
23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 3
23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 4
Church Revitalization Certification
“Anatomy of a Revived Church: Seven Findings about How Congregations Avoided Death” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
Church Answers Membership
The Church Answers Podcast: Evangelistic Growth in a Non-Denominational Church
The Church Answers Podcast: Growing an Evangelistic Church in a Town of 5,602 People
The Hope Initiative
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—the newest addition to the Upward Sports family.
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 23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 2 appeared first on Church Answers.
29 min
March 12, 202523 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 1
Thom and Jess look at some of the most common issues and questions you have about church revitalization. Your questions have directed us in our research and writings, and they will continue to do so. Though there were several hundred questions you submitted, we selected 23 most common questions about revitalizing churches. Because of the number, we cover the questions in four consecutive podcasts.
Where do I begin if my church needs revitalization?
Is there any hope for my church?
What are the most common obstacles to revitalization?
How long does it take for a church to begin to turn around?
How do you help move a congregation to be more open to change?
How do church facilities hurt or help church revitalization?
How do you raise the level of commitment of church members?
How do you increase the level of funding in the church?
What do you do when conflict arises?
What are the most common criticisms I can expect?
How do you deal with staff as you seek to lead a church to turn around?
If I’ve been at my church a while, is it possible to become a leader toward revitalization?
What are some good case studies in revitalization?
How do you get multiple generations to work together to turn around a church?
How do you start a good welcome or greeter’s ministry?
How do you deal with power groups in the church?
My church is stuck, but I don’t know why it is. What can I do?
Why should I even bother staying at this church?
What are some unique challenges for the smaller church?
How do I find the time to prepare sermons and lead in revitalization?
How do I start a new members’ class?
What does effective evangelism look like in a healthy church?
How do I start an effective process of discipleship in the church?
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Upward Running
23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 2
23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 3
23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 4
Church Revitalization Certification
“Anatomy of a Revived Church: Seven Findings about How Congregations Avoided Death” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
“Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
“Pray & Go: Your Invitation to Become a Great Commission Christian” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Membership
The Complete Membership Class Toolkit
“I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
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—the newest addition to the Upward Sports family.
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 23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 1 appeared first on Church Answers.
29 min
March 05, 2025Five of the Greatest Pain Points of Pastors
Church Answers surveyed over 100 pastors and asked them what caused them the greatest pain. Thom and Jess identify five of the most frequent responses.
“When someone I’ve invested in heavily quits the church.”
“When I have to say something about money and giving.”
“When I am expected to do everything.”
“When a staff member turns on me.”
“When a member of my family is criticized.”
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Upward Sports
The Church at Spring Hill
Christian Money Solutions
My Church Staff: Stewardship
Church Answers Membership
The Hope Initiative
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… and now running for adults.
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.
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 – www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers
The post Five of the Greatest Pain Points of Pastors appeared first on Church Answers.
33 min
March 05, 2025Seven Ways You Can Develop Thicker Skin in Ministry
Jess and Thom discuss seven ways you can develop thicker skin in ministry.
Don’t take most of the criticisms personally. Most of them are really not about you or your character.
Pray for the critic. I shouldn’t be surprised, but I still am amazed at the power of prayer.
Develop a winsome spirit. Defensiveness and bitterness never help. Learn to laugh at yourself. Have a joyous spirit. Rejoice in the Lord always (there is something biblical about that).
Be a transparent leader. A transparent leader will be given the benefit of the doubt more often than not.
Pray for your own attitude. You will not only deal with ministry more effectively and godly, but you will also develop thicker skins for dealing with criticisms.
Focus on the majority. The minority critics can seem so loud that we get the impression that almost everyone is against us.
Look in the mirror. Be willing to admit you are wrong.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Upward Sports
Church Answers Membership
The Hope Initiative
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… and now running for adults.
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.
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 – www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers
The post Seven Ways You Can Develop Thicker Skin in Ministry appeared first on Church Answers.
32 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…