The Church Answers Podcast

By The Church Answers PodcastReligion & Spirituality Christianity

The Church Answers Podcast episodes

September 02Four Better Questions than “What Percent Should Our Church Personnel Expenses Be?”
Though percentage metrics are helpful, church leaders should ask these questions. Jess and Thom explain why these four questions are most helpful.
Is giving growing?
Is attendance and ministry impact growing?
Are staff appropriately compensated for your market?
Is the church accomplishing its mission more effectively because of these personnel investments?
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
What Percent of a Church Budget Should Personnel Costs Be?
When Personnel Costs Are Too High
When Personnel Costs Are Too Low
Church Personnel Expenses Warning Signs
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
Ready to take the next step in your ministry calling but don’t want to spend the next five years in school?
At Wesley Biblical Seminary, we’re excited about our new Master of Ministry, a 37-credit-hour graduate degree for pastors and Christian leaders that provides a solid foundation in biblical and theological studies and can be completed in as little as two years.
You’ll strengthen your ability to study the Bible, improve your preaching, teaching, and leadership skills, and learn to think theologically.
What’s great about this degree program is, if you like what you’re learning and decide to pursue the more comprehensive Master of Divinity degree, all your courses in the Master of Ministry will transfer up.
Classes are affordable and offered live online—so you get the benefit of real interaction with your professors and classmates, while still enjoying the flexibility of working from home on your own schedule.
Learn more and apply today at wbs.edu/mm.
Want to save even more time and money?
Right now, you can get nine hours of credit towards the Master of Ministry for any Church Answers University certificate program that you complete—a savings of $4,500. Learn more at wbs.edu/cau.
The post Four Better Questions than “What Percent Should Our Church Personnel Expenses Be?” appeared first on Church Answers.
21 min
September 02Church Personnel Expenses Warning Signs
Thom and Jess share why church leaders should watch for these indicators:
Personnel exceeds 60% and continues climbing.
Salary increases outpace giving increases for several years.
New staff are added without measurable ministry impact.
The church postpones facility maintenance because payroll consumes available cash.
Missions and outreach become the “adjustment category” every budget cycle.
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
What Percent of a Church Budget Should Personnel Costs Be?
When Personnel Costs Are Too High
When Personnel Costs Are Too Low
Four Better Questions than “What Percent Should Our Church Personnel Expenses Be?”
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
Ready to take the next step in your ministry calling but don’t want to spend the next five years in school?
At Wesley Biblical Seminary, we’re excited about our new Master of Ministry, a 37-credit-hour graduate degree for pastors and Christian leaders that provides a solid foundation in biblical and theological studies and can be completed in as little as two years.
You’ll strengthen your ability to study the Bible, improve your preaching, teaching, and leadership skills, and learn to think theologically.
What’s great about this degree program is, if you like what you’re learning and decide to pursue the more comprehensive Master of Divinity degree, all your courses in the Master of Ministry will transfer up.
Classes are affordable and offered live online—so you get the benefit of real interaction with your professors and classmates, while still enjoying the flexibility of working from home on your own schedule.
Learn more and apply today at wbs.edu/mm.
Want to save even more time and money?
Right now, you can get nine hours of credit towards the Master of Ministry for any Church Answers University certificate program that you complete—a savings of $4,500. Learn more at wbs.edu/cau.
The post Church Personnel Expenses Warning Signs appeared first on Church Answers.
18 min
August 26When Personnel Costs Are Too Low
Thom and Jess discuss the challenges if personnel costs fall below about 40%.
Chronic understaffing
Staff burnout
Heavy dependence on volunteers for responsibilities that really require employees
Difficulty sustaining ministry quality
There are exceptions, particularly churches with extensive volunteer cultures
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
What Percent of a Church Budget Should Personnel Costs Be?
When Personnel Costs Are Too High
Church Personnel Expenses Warning Signs
Four Better Questions than “What Percent Should Our Church Personnel Expenses Be?”
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
Ready to take the next step in your ministry calling but don’t want to spend the next five years in school?
At Wesley Biblical Seminary, we’re excited about our new Master of Ministry, a 37-credit-hour graduate degree for pastors and Christian leaders that provides a solid foundation in biblical and theological studies and can be completed in as little as two years.
You’ll strengthen your ability to study the Bible, improve your preaching, teaching, and leadership skills, and learn to think theologically.
What’s great about this degree program is, if you like what you’re learning and decide to pursue the more comprehensive Master of Divinity degree, all your courses in the Master of Ministry will transfer up.
Classes are affordable and offered live online—so you get the benefit of real interaction with your professors and classmates, while still enjoying the flexibility of working from home on your own schedule.
Learn more and apply today at wbs.edu/mm.
Want to save even more time and money?
Right now, you can get nine hours of credit towards the Master of Ministry for any Church Answers University certificate program that you complete—a savings of $4,500. Learn more at wbs.edu/cau.
The post When Personnel Costs Are Too Low appeared first on Church Answers.
20 min
August 26The Rooted Leader: An Interview with Eric Geiger
Thom and Jess welcome Eric Geiger to The Church Answers Podcast. In his new book, “The Rooted Leader: Seven Rhythms of Leaders Who Bear Fruit That Lasts” (Tyndale Momentum, August 2026), Eric provides practical guidance for leaders in any area of life, helping them grow in influence and impact. Drawing from the biblical story of Nehemiah, often called history’s first leadership book, he introduces seven intermingling rhythms that result in the fruit all leaders desire: vision, conviction, servanthood, perseverance, credibility, transformation, and resolve.
Eric serves as senior pastor of Mariners Church in Irvine, California, and has been heavily involved in the Rooted Network, a discipleship program impacting thousands of churches nationwide.
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
“The Rooted Leader: Seven Rhythms of Leaders Who Bear Fruit That Lasts” by Eric Geiger
Eric Geiger
Rooted Network
“Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples” by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger (affiliate link)
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
Ready to take the next step in your ministry calling but don’t want to spend the next five years in school?
At Wesley Biblical Seminary, we’re excited about our new Master of Ministry, a 37-credit-hour graduate degree for pastors and Christian leaders that provides a solid foundation in biblical and theological studies and can be completed in as little as two years.
You’ll strengthen your ability to study the Bible, improve your preaching, teaching, and leadership skills, and learn to think theologically.
What’s great about this degree program is, if you like what you’re learning and decide to pursue the more comprehensive Master of Divinity degree, all your courses in the Master of Ministry will transfer up.
Classes are affordable and offered live online—so you get the benefit of real interaction with your professors and classmates, while still enjoying the flexibility of working from home on your own schedule.
Learn more and apply today at wbs.edu/mm.
Want to save even more time and money?
Right now, you can get nine hours of credit towards the Master of Ministry for any Church Answers University certificate program that you complete—a savings of $4,500. Learn more at wbs.edu/cau.
The post The Rooted Leader: An Interview with Eric Geiger appeared first on Church Answers.
27 min
August 19When Personnel Costs Are Too High
Jess and Thom discuss the downsides of high personnel expenses that approach or exceed 60–65% of the budget.
Little money remains for ministry expansion.
Facility maintenance gets deferred.
Missions giving may stagnate.
Innovation becomes difficult.
Every budget shortfall becomes a staffing crisis.
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
What Percent of a Church Budget Should Personnel Costs Be?
When Personnel Costs Are Too Low
Church Personnel Expenses Warning Signs
Four Better Questions than “What Percent Should Our Church Personnel Expenses Be?”
Upward Sports
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
Ready to take the next step in your ministry calling but don’t want to spend the next five years in school?
At Wesley Biblical Seminary, we’re excited about our new Master of Ministry, a 37-credit-hour graduate degree for pastors and Christian leaders that provides a solid foundation in biblical and theological studies and can be completed in as little as two years.
You’ll strengthen your ability to study the Bible, improve your preaching, teaching, and leadership skills, and learn to think theologically.
What’s great about this degree program is, if you like what you’re learning and decide to pursue the more comprehensive Master of Divinity degree, all your courses in the Master of Ministry will transfer up.
Classes are affordable and offered live online—so you get the benefit of real interaction with your professors and classmates, while still enjoying the flexibility of working from home on your own schedule.
Learn more and apply today at wbs.edu/mm.
Want to save even more time and money?
Right now, you can get nine hours of credit towards the Master of Ministry for any Church Answers University certificate program that you complete—a savings of $4,500. Learn more at wbs.edu/cau.
The post When Personnel Costs Are Too High appeared first on Church Answers.
17 min
August 19What Percent of a Church Budget Should Personnel Costs Be?
Jess and Thom discuss the often-asked question about personnel costs in churches. Though there are guidelines, there is no simple answer.
It depends.
50% is a good starting point, but not necessarily the ending point.
A general rule of thumb is 45% to 55%.
All things being equal, the percentage is higher in smaller churches.
Make certain to count all salaries, contract pay functioning like salaries, and benefits.
“The local school teacher” is probably not the best comparison.
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
When Personnel Costs Are Too High
When Personnel Costs Are Too Low
Church Personnel Expenses Warning Signs
Four Better Questions than “What Percent Should Our Church Personnel Expenses Be?”
“Housing Allowance for Ministers: Made Easy” by Art Rainer (affiliate link)
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
Ready to take the next step in your ministry calling but don’t want to spend the next five years in school?
At Wesley Biblical Seminary, we’re excited about our new Master of Ministry, a 37-credit-hour graduate degree for pastors and Christian leaders that provides a solid foundation in biblical and theological studies and can be completed in as little as two years.
You’ll strengthen your ability to study the Bible, improve your preaching, teaching, and leadership skills, and learn to think theologically.
What’s great about this degree program is, if you like what you’re learning and decide to pursue the more comprehensive Master of Divinity degree, all your courses in the Master of Ministry will transfer up.
Classes are affordable and offered live online—so you get the benefit of real interaction with your professors and classmates, while still enjoying the flexibility of working from home on your own schedule.
Learn more and apply today at wbs.edu/mm.
Want to save even more time and money?
Right now, you can get nine hours of credit towards the Master of Ministry for any Church Answers University certificate program that you complete—a savings of $4,500. Learn more at wbs.edu/cau.
The post What Percent of a Church Budget Should Personnel Costs Be? appeared first on Church Answers.
19 min
August 12What the Unchurched Really Think About Your Church
Thom and Jess discuss what research reveals about the unchurched and why many churches misunderstand the people living around them.
What the unchurched really think
Why relationships matter most
How churches can reach receptive people
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
Unchurched Receptivity Report
“The Unchurched Next Door” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
“Pray & Go: Your Invitation to Become a Great Commission Christian” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
Upward Sports
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
Ready to take the next step in your ministry calling but don’t want to spend the next five years in school?
At Wesley Biblical Seminary, we’re excited about our new Master of Ministry, a 37-credit-hour graduate degree for pastors and Christian leaders that provides a solid foundation in biblical and theological studies and can be completed in as little as two years.
You’ll strengthen your ability to study the Bible, improve your preaching, teaching, and leadership skills, and learn to think theologically.
What’s great about this degree program is, if you like what you’re learning and decide to pursue the more comprehensive Master of Divinity degree, all your courses in the Master of Ministry will transfer up.
Classes are affordable and offered live online—so you get the benefit of real interaction with your professors and classmates, while still enjoying the flexibility of working from home on your own schedule.
Learn more and apply today at wbs.edu/mm.
Want to save even more time and money?
Right now, you can get nine hours of credit towards the Master of Ministry for any Church Answers University certificate program that you complete—a savings of $4,500. Learn more at wbs.edu/cau.
The post What the Unchurched Really Think About Your Church appeared first on Church Answers.
23 min
August 12Why Some Churches Reach New People and Others Don’t
Jess and Thom explore why some churches consistently reach new people while others struggle to do so.
The culture of inviting
The practice of consistency
The experience of first-time guests
Barriers that prevent growth
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
Invite Your One
The Hope Initiative
“Becoming a Welcoming Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
Church Answers Central
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
Ready to take the next step in your ministry calling but don’t want to spend the next five years in school?
At Wesley Biblical Seminary, we’re excited about our new Master of Ministry, a 37-credit-hour graduate degree for pastors and Christian leaders that provides a solid foundation in biblical and theological studies and can be completed in as little as two years.
You’ll strengthen your ability to study the Bible, improve your preaching, teaching, and leadership skills, and learn to think theologically.
What’s great about this degree program is, if you like what you’re learning and decide to pursue the more comprehensive Master of Divinity degree, all your courses in the Master of Ministry will transfer up.
Classes are affordable and offered live online—so you get the benefit of real interaction with your professors and classmates, while still enjoying the flexibility of working from home on your own schedule.
Learn more and apply today at wbs.edu/mm.
Want to save even more time and money?
Right now, you can get nine hours of credit towards the Master of Ministry for any Church Answers University certificate program that you complete—a savings of $4,500. Learn more at wbs.edu/cau.
The post Why Some Churches Reach New People and Others Don’t appeared first on Church Answers.
26 min
August 05The Great Volunteer Burnout Problem
Thom and Jess discuss why so many church volunteers are burned out and how leaders can better care for them.
Why volunteers burn out
Warning signs leaders should recognize
Creating sustainable ministry teams
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
Ready to take the next step in your ministry calling but don’t want to spend the next five years in school?
At Wesley Biblical Seminary, we’re excited about our new Master of Ministry, a 37-credit-hour graduate degree for pastors and Christian leaders that provides a solid foundation in biblical and theological studies and can be completed in as little as two years.
You’ll strengthen your ability to study the Bible, improve your preaching, teaching, and leadership skills, and learn to think theologically.
What’s great about this degree program is, if you like what you’re learning and decide to pursue the more comprehensive Master of Divinity degree, all your courses in the Master of Ministry will transfer up.
Classes are affordable and offered live online—so you get the benefit of real interaction with your professors and classmates, while still enjoying the flexibility of working from home on your own schedule.
Learn more and apply today at wbs.edu/mm.
Want to save even more time and money?
Right now, you can get nine hours of credit towards the Master of Ministry for any Church Answers University certificate program that you complete—a savings of $4,500. Learn more at wbs.edu/cau.
The post The Great Volunteer Burnout Problem appeared first on Church Answers.
26 min
August 05What You Need to Know about Staffing Your Church
Jess and Thom welcome Matt Steen, Co-Founder of Chemistry Staffing, to The Church Answers Podcast.
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Chemistry Staffing
Church Equip
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
Ready to take the next step in your ministry calling but don’t want to spend the next five years in school?
At Wesley Biblical Seminary, we’re excited about our new Master of Ministry, a 37-credit-hour graduate degree for pastors and Christian leaders that provides a solid foundation in biblical and theological studies and can be completed in as little as two years.
You’ll strengthen your ability to study the Bible, improve your preaching, teaching, and leadership skills, and learn to think theologically.
What’s great about this degree program is, if you like what you’re learning and decide to pursue the more comprehensive Master of Divinity degree, all your courses in the Master of Ministry will transfer up.
Classes are affordable and offered live online—so you get the benefit of real interaction with your professors and classmates, while still enjoying the flexibility of working from home on your own schedule.
Learn more and apply today at wbs.edu/mm.
Want to save even more time and money?
Right now, you can get nine hours of credit towards the Master of Ministry for any Church Answers University certificate program that you complete—a savings of $4,500. Learn more at wbs.edu/cau.
The post What You Need to Know about Staffing Your Church appeared first on Church Answers.
29 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…