The Church Answers Podcast

By The Church Answers PodcastReligion & Spirituality Christianity

The Church Answers Podcast episodes

February 26, 2025Someone puked loudly while I was preaching. How should I handle unexpected interruptions? and other listener questions
Jess and Thom will answer listener questions at various points throughout the year. This week, we will answer several questions on two of our podcasts.
Someone puked loudly while I was preaching. How should I handle unexpected interruptions?
Two churches have approached me to serve as pastor of both of their churches. How do I discern if I can do it?
Our church is considering adopting another church. How do I deal with the doctrinal difference between our two churches?
Are denominations really dying?
Should our church make the pay of our staff visible to all of the church members?
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Upward Sports
Ryan Burge
Lowcountry Community Church
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
We are excited to be partnering with Upward Sports in 2025. 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.
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.
Kick off 2025 with purpose—use sports to fuel your outreach ministry!
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 building on an existing sports ministry or starting fresh, check out Upward Sports.
Schedule your call today – www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers
The post Someone puked loudly while I was preaching. How should I handle unexpected interruptions? and other listener questions appeared first on Church Answers.
34 min
February 26, 2025Should I lead the elders to fire our pastor, who is also my brother-in-law? and other listener questions
Jess and Thom will answer listener questions at various points throughout the year. This week, we will answer several questions on two of our podcasts.
Should I lead the elders to fire our pastor, who is also my brother-in-law?
I am leading my church in revitalization. How much should I focus on the members’ internal spiritual growth compared to evangelism?
What are the trends in streaming services for churches?
What should be my priority in the order of hiring staff?
How are churches deciding to fund organizations outside the church?
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Upward Sports
Church Answers Membership
The Hope Initiative
“Pray & Go: Your Invitation to Become a Great Commission Christian” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
Lowcountry Community Church
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
We are excited to be partnering with Upward Sports in 2025. 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.
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.
Kick off 2025 with purpose—use sports to fuel your outreach ministry!
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 building on an existing sports ministry or starting fresh, check out Upward Sports.
Schedule your call today – www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers
The post Should I lead the elders to fire our pastor, who is also my brother-in-law? and other listener questions appeared first on Church Answers.
35 min
February 19, 2025Growing an Evangelistic Church in a Town of 5,602 People
The story is remarkable in any town of any size. But First Baptist Church of Okeechobee, Florida, is reaching more people than churches in major cities. You will be amazed by the insights as Thom interviews Pastor Mark McCarter of First Baptist Church, Okeechobee, Florida.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Upward Sports
First Baptist Church, Okeechobee, FL
Platinum 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
We are excited to be partnering with Upward Sports in 2025. 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.
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.
Kick off 2025 with purpose—use sports to fuel your outreach ministry!
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 building on an existing sports ministry or starting fresh, check out Upward Sports.
Schedule your call today – www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers
The post Growing an Evangelistic Church in a Town of 5,602 People appeared first on Church Answers.
31 min
February 19, 2025Evangelistic Growth in a Non-Denominational Church
Non-denominational churches are among the fastest (and only?) major categories of growing churches in the United States. Sadly, though, most of them are growing from transfer growth. Lowcountry Community Church in South Carolina is an exception. Thom interviews Pastor Jeff Cranston about the church’s amazing conversion growth.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Upward Sports
Lowcountry Community Church
Kitchen Table Theology Podcast
Ryan Burge
Platinum 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
We are excited to be partnering with Upward Sports in 2025. 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.
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.
Kick off 2025 with purpose—use sports to fuel your outreach ministry!
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 building on an existing sports ministry or starting fresh, check out Upward Sports.
Schedule your call today – www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers
The post Evangelistic Growth in a Non-Denominational Church appeared first on Church Answers.
32 min
February 12, 2025The Four Most Common Acts of Stupidity That Get Pastors Fired
Flirting dangerously with sexual boundaries. By the time the physical sexual affair takes place, the pastor has already crossed several sexual boundaries. There is no such thing as a harmless flirtatious comment or text to someone of the opposite gender who is not your spouse. Pornography is not a lone act that hurts no one else. Ongoing counseling that hints of meeting each other’s needs is never good. Close work relationships can become too close. Don’t think it can’t happen to you.
Plagiarism. Don’t ever copy that first sermon. You might think you can get away with it, but it becomes a pattern. If you found a great sermon by Alistair Begg, so will those who are listening to you. If you discovered some incredible sermon sites with fully prepared messages, so will those in your congregation. I get messages on social media where members and staff share with me that their pastors are plagiarizing. They know. Don’t do it. And don’t be tempted to let AI do your sermon. There are AI detectors just waiting for someone to get lazy.
Financial stupidity. A church credit card can be very helpful. A church credit card can be very dangerous. Don’t even think about putting a personal charge on your credit card. And don’t say you read the book Never Eat Alone to justify having a meal on the church every day. If you have any doubt about a financial matter, err on the side of total caution.
Social media madness. I am sorry, pastors, but social media is not a place for you to vent, to get into political battles, or to join a bandwagon of critics. There is simply no upside to such madness. Avoid sarcastic and bombastic comments. Don’t take on a church member on X or Facebook. Don’t be the constant critic. And never, ever, ever make unsavory or sexual comments. And if you think it’s unfair that you can’t do what others do, get another job. The office of pastor and other church leadership positions demand that you demonstrate total integrity. You are to be above reproach.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Upward Sports
Christian Money Solutions
“Never Eat Alone” by Keith Ferrazzi (affiliate link)
“40 Things I’ve Learned in 40 Years of Ministry” by Thom S. Rainer
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
We are excited to be partnering with Upward Sports in 2025. 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.
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.
Kick off 2025 with purpose—use sports to fuel your outreach ministry!
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 building on an existing sports ministry or starting fresh, check out Upward Sports.
Schedule your call today – www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers
The post The Four Most Common Acts of Stupidity That Get Pastors Fired appeared first on Church Answers.
37 min
February 12, 2025Seven Personality Traits Guests Like in a Pastor
Initially, when you ask church guests what they like about a pastor, they will respond with a comment about the pastor’s preaching. But if you go just one more level in the conversation, these church guests will also talk about the favorable personality traits of the pastor.
Most of these traits fall under the category of “relational skills.” Here are some of the most common personality traits noted in exit interviews with church guests. Each of the traits is followed with a representative guest comment:
Down-to-earth. “I hadn’t been in church in over seven years. When I visited this church, I was shocked at how the pastor seemed to be a regular guy. When I used to go to church, pastors presented themselves as high and mighty. Not this pastor.”
Other-centered. “The pastor is always asking about how others are doing. He really seems to care about how other people are doing.”
Sense of humor. “There is no doubt the pastor takes his ministry seriously; he just doesn’t take himself too seriously. He seems to have a lot of fun.”
Humble. “The pastor at the church I’m visiting is one of the most humble people I know. He never talks about himself unless it is self-deprecation.”
Relational. “The pastor says he is an introvert, but he sure has good relational skills. The two times I spoke with him were very enjoyable conversations.”
God-centered. “Pastor Frank is a man of prayer. You can just tell he walks with God.”
Not defensive. “I heard someone criticize the pastor after worship services. I was amazed at how he responded kindly and gently. I would have hit the person!”
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Upward Sports
“The Levity Effect: Why it Pays to Lighten Up” by Adrian Gostick and Scott Christopher (affiliate link)
The Church Answers Podcast: #253 Breaking the Stigma: Why Church Finances Shouldn’t Be a Mystery (Multisite Churches Must Listen to This)
The Church Answers Podcast: #254 From Chaos to Clarity: Simplifying Church Finances for Growing Ministries
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
We are excited to be partnering with Upward Sports in 2025. 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.
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.
Kick off 2025 with purpose—use sports to fuel your outreach ministry!
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 building on an existing sports ministry or starting fresh, check out Upward Sports.
Schedule your call today – www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers
The post Seven Personality Traits Guests Like in a Pastor appeared first on Church Answers.
34 min
February 05, 2025From Chaos to Clarity: Simplifying Church Finances for Growing Ministries
Thom and Jess interview Steve Chaney, founder and CEO of Chaney and Associates, the premier CPA firm for churches of all sizes. In this episode, they discuss how churches can streamline their bookkeeping processes to focus more on ministry and growth.
Warning signs that a church’s financial systems are too complex or outdated for its needs.
How a church can determine the right solution for its bookkeeping needs.
How streamlined finances can lead to greater ministry impact.
The challenges in transitioning from volunteer bookkeepers to professional services.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Upward Sports
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
We are excited to be partnering with Upward Sports in 2025. 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.
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.
Kick off 2025 with purpose—use sports to fuel your outreach ministry!
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 building on an existing sports ministry or starting fresh, check out Upward Sports.
Schedule your call today – www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers
The post From Chaos to Clarity: Simplifying Church Finances for Growing Ministries appeared first on Church Answers.
32 min
February 05, 2025Breaking the Stigma: Why Church Finances Shouldn’t Be a Mystery (Multisite Churches Must Listen to This)
Thom and Jess interview Steve Chaney, founder and CEO of Chaney and Associates, the premier CPA firm for churches of all sizes. In this episode, they discuss how transparent and accurate bookkeeping builds trust and stewardship in churches.
How strong bookkeeping practices can enhance transparency and trust among church members.
The most common mistakes churches make with their finances.
How churches can balance spiritual mission and financial accountability without losing focus on ministry.
Practical steps that smaller churches can take today to improve their financial systems, even with limited resources.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Upward Sports
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
We are excited to be partnering with Upward Sports in 2025. 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.
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.
Kick off 2025 with purpose—use sports to fuel your outreach ministry!
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 building on an existing sports ministry or starting fresh, check out Upward Sports.
Schedule your call today – www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers
The post Breaking the Stigma: Why Church Finances Shouldn’t Be a Mystery (Multisite Churches Must Listen to This) appeared first on Church Answers.
31 min
January 29, 2025New Research: Where Are Church Attendance Trends Headed Through 2030?
In the previous episode, Thom and Jess provided some of the most accurate data on worship attendance trends from 2019, the last pre-COVID year, through today. In this episode, they extrapolate the data to provide projected trends through 2030. You will probably be surprised.
2025 Projected Median Worship Attendance: 50
2026 Projected Median Worship Attendance: 48
2027 Projected Median Worship Attendance: 45
2028 Projected Median Worship Attendance: 45
2029 Projected Median Worship Attendance: 43
2030 Projected Median Worship Attendance: 40
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Upward Sports
The Church Answers Podcast #251 “Beyond the Fiction: What Are the Real Church Attendance Trends in America?”
My Church Staff: Stewardship
The Hope Initiative
Invite Your One
Good News Neighbors Toolkit
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
We are excited to be partnering with Upward Sports in 2025. 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.
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.
Kick off 2025 with purpose—use sports to fuel your outreach ministry!
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 building on an existing sports ministry or starting fresh, check out Upward Sports.
Schedule your call today – www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers
The post New Research: Where Are Church Attendance Trends Headed Through 2030? appeared first on Church Answers.
38 min
January 22, 2025Beyond the Fiction: What Are the Real Church Attendance Trends in America?
It’s hard to get a handle on accurate church attendance trends in America. Examining some of the most reliable sources for church attendance data, including the work of Church Answers, Thom and Jess look at some incredible data that will provide clarity and help your church.
2019 Median Worship Attendance: 120-130
2020 Median Worship Attendance: 75-100
2021 Median Worship Attendance: 55-75
2022 Median Worship Attendance: 55-65
2023 Median Worship Attendance: 50-60
2024 Median Worship Attendance: 45-55
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Upward Running
“Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
Church Consultation University (CCU)
Church Revitalization Certification
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 Running for adults
We’re excited to introduce Upward Running for adults, a brand-new offering from Upward Sports!
Here are two ways you can get involved:
Bring Upward Running to your church by hosting a 5K Challenge or starting a Training Group. With just one passionate leader, Upward provides everything you need to make it happen.
Join the Upward Running community through the new RunClub app! Whether you’re tackling a 5K, 10K, or marathon, you’ll find everything you need: proven training plans, run tracking, info on how to start or improve in the sport, great ministry content, and connection with like-minded runners and walkers through community groups.
It’s fresh, exciting, and ready for you! Visit UpwardRunning.com today to get started.
The post Beyond the Fiction: What Are the Real Church Attendance Trends in America? appeared first on Church Answers.
38 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…