The Church Answers Podcast

By The Church Answers PodcastReligion & Spirituality Christianity

The Church Answers Podcast episodes

November 28, 2024How Do Pastors Recover When Something Unexpected, Funny, or Even Tragic Happens During a Worship Service?
There are 375,000 churches in America that have approximately 26 million worship services a year. Something unexpected is likely to happen every week. And the unexpected does indeed happen. Jess and Thom share some of those stories and tell how pastors respond (or should respond). At the end of the podcast is their favorite on video.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Famous Falling Camel
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
The Everything Church Resource Directory
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central Membership
Episode Sponsor:
Focus on your ministry, we’ll focus on the finances.
Chaney & Associates — The accounting firm for the Church.
Stop stressing about the state of your church’s finances and start feeling confident knowing you’ve hired an accounting team you can trust.
At Chaney & Associates, we understand the weight you carry stewarding tithe money which is why we’ve helped over 1,100 churches with accounting & payroll services for over 21 years.
Save time with our cloud-based software. Access reports in real time. And feel confident knowing you’re working with software that’s the best in class.
From church plants to megachurches, we’ve got you covered.
Cumulative Translation Adjustment (CTA): Visit chaneyassociates.com today to get started.
The post How Do Pastors Recover When Something Unexpected, Funny, or Even Tragic Happens During a Worship Service? appeared first on Church Answers.
43 min
November 21, 2024How Several Church Leaders Became Their Own Church Consultant with Great Success
Thom started noticing a trend several years ago. Many pastors and other church leaders were getting consultation training primarily to help their own churches. Thom and Jess look at this growing trend.
The origins of church consultation.
The origins of church consultation training.
Is there a biblical basis for church consultation?
What Thom learned about pastors who “accidentally” became a consultant for their own churches.
What Jess learned in his mentoring calls with pastors.
The key missing factor that this training addressed.
How does a pastor start? The least expensive is the book approach. We recommend “Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive” and “Anatomy of a Revived Church: Seven Findings about How Congregations Avoided Death.”
Some have chosen the DIY approach with the Church Health Scorecard.
Some have chosen to become a certified church consultant.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Lyle E. Schaller
“Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
“Anatomy of a Revived Church: Seven Findings about How Congregations Avoided Death” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
Church Health Scorecard
Church Revitalization Certification 50% OFF. Use coupon code: CRC50OFF
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
The Everything Church Resource Directory
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central Membership
Episode Sponsor:
Focus on your ministry, we’ll focus on the finances.
Chaney & Associates — The accounting firm for the Church.
Stop stressing about the state of your church’s finances and start feeling confident knowing you’ve hired an accounting team you can trust.
At Chaney & Associates, we understand the weight you carry stewarding tithe money which is why we’ve helped over 1,100 churches with accounting & payroll services for over 21 years.
Save time with our cloud-based software. Access reports in real time. And feel confident knowing you’re working with software that’s the best in class.
From church plants to megachurches, we’ve got you covered.
Cumulative Translation Adjustment (CTA): Visit chaneyassociates.com today to get started.
The post How Several Church Leaders Became Their Own Church Consultant with Great Success appeared first on Church Answers.
45 min
November 14, 2024Seven Characteristics of Excellent Worship Leaders That Are Often Forgotten: An Interview with Mike Harland
A good worship leader can make an incredible difference in a church. A not-so-good worship leader can really mess things up. Jess and Thom interview Mike Harland to dive deeply into seven characteristics of excellent worship leaders that are often not at the forefront of discussion.
An obvious walk with God.
A joyous desire to work with and under the authority of the pastor.
Humility from the perspective of a highly visible position in the church.
An ability to recruit and maintain volunteers.
A good conflict manager.
A unifier in the church.
Transparency and healthy communication skills.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
My Church Staff
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
The Everything Church Resource Directory
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central Membership
Episode Sponsor:
Focus on your ministry, we’ll focus on the finances.
Chaney & Associates — The accounting firm for the Church.
Stop stressing about the state of your church’s finances and start feeling confident knowing you’ve hired an accounting team you can trust.
At Chaney & Associates, we understand the weight you carry stewarding tithe money which is why we’ve helped over 1,100 churches with accounting & payroll services for over 21 years.
Save time with our cloud-based software. Access reports in real time. And feel confident knowing you’re working with software that’s the best in class.
From church plants to megachurches, we’ve got you covered.
Cumulative Translation Adjustment (CTA): Visit chaneyassociates.com today to get started.
The post Seven Characteristics of Excellent Worship Leaders That Are Often Forgotten: An Interview with Mike Harland appeared first on Church Answers.
49 min
November 07, 2024Why and How You Should Create Your Own Church Curriculum
Many church leaders are at least aware that a number of churches write their own curriculum. However, this approach is often considered a luxury option that only large churches can do. Jess and Thom share how churches of all sizes can create a variety of their own resources.
WHAT Types of Curriculum or Resources Can You Create?
New member class
Child dedication/confirmation
Bible studies for Sunday school or small groups
“About Your Church” for Guests and Prospects
When a child becomes a Christian
A sermon series
Explaining the mission and vision of the church
Others
WHY Should You Create Your Own Resource?
Provides doctrinal integrity and clarity
Demonstrates the uniqueness of your church
Can get many members involved
Cost savings
Others
HOW Do I Begin?
Test one of the options noted.
Determine who will write it.
For PDFs and similar formats, secure a designer.
Contact a self-publisher for books (our favorite option).
Others
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Craft Book Publishing
“We Want You Here” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
“The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference” by Malcolm Gladwell (affiliate link)
“Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering” by Malcolm Gladwell (affiliate link)
“I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
“High Expectations: The Remarkable Secret for Keeping People in Your Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
“Where Have All the Church Members Gone?” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
“My Story as a Pastor” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
The Everything Church Resource Directory
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central Membership
Episode Sponsor:
Focus on your ministry, we’ll focus on the finances.
Chaney & Associates — The accounting firm for the Church.
Stop stressing about the state of your church’s finances and start feeling confident knowing you’ve hired an accounting team you can trust.
At Chaney & Associates, we understand the weight you carry stewarding tithe money which is why we’ve helped over 1,100 churches with accounting & payroll services for over 21 years.
Save time with our cloud-based software. Access reports in real time. And feel confident knowing you’re working with software that’s the best in class.
From church plants to megachurches, we’ve got you covered.
Cumulative Translation Adjustment (CTA): Visit chaneyassociates.com today to get started.
The post Why and How You Should Create Your Own Church Curriculum appeared first on Church Answers.
47 min
October 31, 2024Seven Important Trends in New Member Classes
Churches with membership classes were in the minority just ten years ago. Now, six out of ten churches have a regular new members class. Thom and Jess look at seven of the most current trends. In addition, they provide a contemporary history of new member classes in America.
How membership classes moved into the mainstream.
Why membership classes were initially resisted in churches (and still are in many churches).
Trend #1: Membership becomes meaningful and beneficial.
Trend #2: The move from information to expectation to assimilation.
Trend #3: The length of the class shortens and then stabilizes.
Trend #4: Classes become a permanent feature on church calendars.
Trend #5: In established churches, members who joined before the membership class are typically grandfathered.
Trend #6: Many membership classes connect the new members to a group immediately.
Trend #7: There is a growing trend for new members to become part of the welcome ministry for a season.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
“High Expectations: The Remarkable Secret for Keeping People in Your Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
“I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
“I Will: Nine Traits of the Outwardly Focused Christian” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
The Everything Church Resource Directory
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central Membership
Episode Sponsor:
Focus on your ministry, we’ll focus on the finances.
Chaney & Associates — The accounting firm for the Church.
Stop stressing about the state of your church’s finances and start feeling confident knowing you’ve hired an accounting team you can trust.
At Chaney & Associates, we understand the weight you carry stewarding tithe money which is why we’ve helped over 1,100 churches with accounting & payroll services for over 21 years.
Save time with our cloud-based software. Access reports in real time. And feel confident knowing you’re working with software that’s the best in class.
From church plants to megachurches, we’ve got you covered.
Cumulative Translation Adjustment (CTA): Visit chaneyassociates.com today to get started.
The post Seven Important Trends in New Member Classes appeared first on Church Answers.
49 min
October 25, 2024If Your Church Is a Neighborhood Church, Act Like It
Many churches are located in neighborhoods they are not reaching. Thom highlights two important steps churches can take to act like a neighborhood church.
Resources:
Upward Sports
Know Your Community
Know Your Community Politics
“The Surprising Return of the Neighborhood Church: Discover How Your Church Is Primed to Reach Your Neighbors” by Sam Rainer (affiliate link)
Good News Neighbors Toolkit
The Everything Church Resource Directory
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central Membership
Episode Sponsor:
Who is Upward Sports?
Upward Sports is the World’s largest Christian youth sports organization, dedicated to partnering with local churches to use sports outreach to reach the community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, and soccer as a league offering.
When partnering with Upward Sports, your church can reach the community, attract young families, and share the Gospel.
Upward Sports will customize your sports outreach strategy to support your church budget and community needs. We know one size does not fit all.
Are you looking to engage new families, bless your community, or mobilize your congregation to serve? Consider adding sports ministry in 2025. If you have a gym, field space, or even access to a facility consider Upward Sports.
Now is the time to consider using sports as your 2025 outreach ministry! Schedule a call to learn more about launching a first-class, organized, intentional league in the new year!
Visit https://www.upward.org/ChurchAnswers/
The post If Your Church Is a Neighborhood Church, Act Like It appeared first on Church Answers.
13 min
October 25, 2024How to Assimilate People Who Come to Events at Your Church
We at Church Answers hear from church leaders who want to know how to get guests who attend church events assimilated into the church. Thom shares two simple steps that work almost every time. You will be surprised at its simplicity.
Resources:
Upward Sports
The Everything Church Resource Directory
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central Membership
Episode Sponsor:
Who is Upward Sports?
Upward Sports is the World’s largest Christian youth sports organization, dedicated to partnering with local churches to use sports outreach to reach the community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, and soccer as a league offering.
When partnering with Upward Sports, your church can reach the community, attract young families, and share the Gospel.
Upward Sports will customize your sports outreach strategy to support your church budget and community needs. We know one size does not fit all.
Are you looking to engage new families, bless your community, or mobilize your congregation to serve? Consider adding sports ministry in 2025. If you have a gym, field space, or even access to a facility consider Upward Sports.
Now is the time to consider using sports as your 2025 outreach ministry! Schedule a call to learn more about launching a first-class, organized, intentional league in the new year!
Visit https://www.upward.org/ChurchAnswers/
The post How to Assimilate People Who Come to Events at Your Church appeared first on Church Answers.
13 min
October 25, 2024Don’t Fight Sports Leagues – Join Them
Many pastors and church leaders express frustration when Sunday sports have priority over church. Thom shares the simple step many churches have taken to respond positively to this challenge.
Resources:
Upward Sports
“Where Have All the Church Members Gone?” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
The Everything Church Resource Directory
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central Membership
Episode Sponsor:
Who is Upward Sports?
Upward Sports is the World’s largest Christian youth sports organization, dedicated to partnering with local churches to use sports outreach to reach the community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, and soccer as a league offering.
When partnering with Upward Sports, your church can reach the community, attract young families, and share the Gospel.
Upward Sports will customize your sports outreach strategy to support your church budget and community needs. We know one size does not fit all.
Are you looking to engage new families, bless your community, or mobilize your congregation to serve? Consider adding sports ministry in 2025. If you have a gym, field space, or even access to a facility consider Upward Sports.
Now is the time to consider using sports as your 2025 outreach ministry! Schedule a call to learn more about launching a first-class, organized, intentional league in the new year!
Visit https://www.upward.org/ChurchAnswers/
The post Don’t Fight Sports Leagues – Join Them appeared first on Church Answers.
13 min
October 24, 2024The Quiet Denomination: Why You Need to Know More about Free Will Baptists
In an era where many denominations are known for their controversies and in-fighting, here is a story of a denomination that quietly and methodically demonstrates obedience to the gospel in a positive light for the world to see. Thom and Jess interview Dr. Eddie Moody, the Executive Director of The National Association of Free Will Baptists. Heed his words carefully. We can learn a lot about leadership and denominations that can make a difference.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
Know Your Church Report
The National Association of Free Will Baptists
“40 Questions About Arminianism” by J. Matthew Pinson (affiliate link)
NAFWB First Aid Tools
A ‘First Aid Kit’ for Churches: Why Churches Must Be Concerned about the Hurting. An Interview with Eddie Moody
“Surviving Culture” by Dr. Eddie Moody (affiliate link)
“The Anxious Generation Goes To Church” by Thom S. Rainer – Coming in 2025!
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
The Everything Church Resource Directory
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central Membership
Episode Sponsor:
Focus on your ministry, we’ll focus on the finances.
Chaney & Associates — The accounting firm for the Church.
Stop stressing about the state of your church’s finances and start feeling confident knowing you’ve hired an accounting team you can trust.
At Chaney & Associates, we understand the weight you carry stewarding tithe money which is why we’ve helped over 1,100 churches with accounting & payroll services for over 21 years.
Save time with our cloud-based software. Access reports in real time. And feel confident knowing you’re working with software that’s the best in class.
From church plants to megachurches, we’ve got you covered.
Cumulative Translation Adjustment (CTA): Visit chaneyassociates.com today to get started.
The post The Quiet Denomination: Why You Need to Know More about Free Will Baptists appeared first on Church Answers.
49 min
October 17, 2024Ten Ways a Pastor’s Ministry Has Changed Dramatically in 25 Years
Thom and Jess examine the incredible ways pastoring has changed in the past 25 years. Jess offers the current perspective, and Thom looks at the old man’s view. You might be surprised at the magnitude of the changes.
Resources:
Chaney & Associates
“The Anxious Generation Goes To Church” by Thom S. Rainer – Coming in 2025!
“Make My Church Safe: A Guide to the Best Practices to Protect Children and Secure Your Congregation from Harm” by Sam Rainer (affiliate link)
My Church Staff – Coming soon!
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
The Everything Church Resource Directory
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central Membership
Episode Sponsor:
Focus on your ministry, we’ll focus on the finances.
Chaney & Associates — The accounting firm for the Church.
Stop stressing about the state of your church’s finances and start feeling confident knowing you’ve hired an accounting team you can trust.
At Chaney & Associates, we understand the weight you carry stewarding tithe money which is why we’ve helped over 1,100 churches with accounting & payroll services for over 21 years.
Save time with our cloud-based software. Access reports in real time. And feel confident knowing you’re working with software that’s the best in class.
From church plants to megachurches, we’ve got you covered.
Cumulative Translation Adjustment (CTA): Visit chaneyassociates.com today to get started.
The post Ten Ways a Pastor’s Ministry Has Changed Dramatically in 25 Years appeared first on Church Answers.
55 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…