The Church Answers Podcast

The Church Answers Podcast

By The Church Answers PodcastReligion & SpiritualityChristianity
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The Church Answers Podcast episodes

  • Why “The Anxious Generation” May Be One of the Most Important Ministry Books Written – Part 1: The Agonizing Pain of a Generation

    “The Anxious Generation” is written by an atheistic Jew, but it has a powerful message for ministering to Gen Z and Gen Alpha. In this first of three parts, Thom reviews the pain this generation currently experiences.

    Resources:
    • Chaney & Associates
      • “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt (affiliate link)
        • 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 “The Anxious Generation” May Be One of the Most Important Ministry Books Written – Part 1: The Agonizing Pain of a Generation appeared first on Church Answers.

                12 min
              • Lessons from Church Autopsies, Part 3: Refusal to Accept Responsibility

                Between 8,000 and 12,000 churches close annually in the United States. Thom examines some of the common excuses we’ve heard that lead to church death.

                  • “The community knows where we are.”
                  • “It’s the other church’s fault.”
                  • “We won’t budge from the truth.”
                  • “It’s the denomination’s fault.”
                    • Resources:
                    • Chaney & Associates
                      • “Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
                        • 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 Lessons from Church Autopsies, Part 3: Refusal to Accept Responsibility appeared first on Church Answers.

                                11 min
                              • Lessons from Church Autopsies, Part 2: The Failure to Deal with Toxins

                                Between 8,000 and 12,000 churches close annually in the United States. Thom examines one of the factors in the death of churches: toxic church members.

                                  • Toxins are not the same as critics.
                                  • Church leaders should form a guiding coalition.
                                  • Prayer is still powerful.
                                  • Kicking the can never works.
                                    • Resources:
                                    • Chaney & Associates
                                      • “Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
                                        • “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:

                                                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 Lessons from Church Autopsies, Part 2: The Failure to Deal with Toxins appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                  13 min
                                                • Lessons from Church Autopsies, Part 1: Dealing with Denial

                                                  Between 8,000 and 12,000 churches close annually in the United States. Thom examines one of the leading factors in the death of churches: denial. Here are three of the main issues he will cover:

                                                    1. Matters related to faith are challenging to release.
                                                    2. Incremental decline can be the most challenging decline.
                                                    3. Inward movement is natural; outward focus is supernatural.
                                                      4. Resources:
                                                      • Chaney & Associates
                                                        • “Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
                                                          • Interested in a church health checkup? Email [email protected]
                                                            • 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 Lessons from Church Autopsies, Part 1: Dealing with Denial appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                    12 min
                                                                  • Seven Powerful Guidelines for Pastors Who Have to Let a Staff Member Go

                                                                    It is one of the most painful situations in ministry. A pastor must let a staff member go. Thom and Jess share seven guidelines to walk through this challenging reality.

                                                                    Resources:
                                                                    • Chaney & Associates
                                                                      • Church Answers Research – Coming soon!
                                                                        • 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 Powerful Guidelines for Pastors Who Have to Let a Staff Member Go appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                11 min
                                                                              • How Pastors Deal with Burnout When Their Churches Are Not Supportive

                                                                                Burnout is always painful. But it is especially hurtful when you don’t have a church that supports you. Thom and Jess discuss the painful realities of these situations.

                                                                                Resources:
                                                                                • Chaney & Associates
                                                                                  • Church Answers Research – Coming soon!
                                                                                    • 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 Pastors Deal with Burnout When Their Churches Are Not Supportive appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                            13 min
                                                                                          • Changing a Sermon at the Last Minute

                                                                                            Every pastor faces the need to change a sermon at some point, even if they have completed it. Thom and Jess share when and why these changes are necessary and how to make them.

                                                                                            Resources:
                                                                                            • Chaney & Associates
                                                                                              • “I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
                                                                                                • Church Answers Research – Coming soon!
                                                                                                  • 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 Changing a Sermon at the Last Minute appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                                          13 min
                                                                                                        • How Churches Can Reach Gen Z

                                                                                                          Gen Z could represent the first generation to return to church after decades of declining attendance. Thom and Jess look at four areas where local churches can connect with Gen Z in positive ways:

                                                                                                            1. Understand how different they are from previous generations.
                                                                                                            2. Focus on those ministries that help Gen Z form in-person community.
                                                                                                            3. Don’t compromise on biblical truths.
                                                                                                            4. Stress the importance of church involvement to the parents of Gen Z.
                                                                                                              5. Resources:
                                                                                                              • Chaney & Associates
                                                                                                                • “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt (affiliate link)
                                                                                                                  • “The Millennials” by Thom S. Rainer and Jess W. Rainer (affiliate link)
                                                                                                                    • “Surprising Insights from the Unchurched and Proven Ways to Reach Them” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
                                                                                                                      • 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 Churches Can Reach Gen Z appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                                                              12 min
                                                                                                                            • Why Gen Z Is Called “The Anxious Generation”

                                                                                                                              Mental health statistics point to the severe emotional and mental challenges of Gen Z. Church leaders should be aware of the significant reasons why this challenge is taking place. Thom and Jess look at three key reasons:

                                                                                                                                1. Smartphones
                                                                                                                                2. Social media
                                                                                                                                3. The COVID pandemic
                                                                                                                                  4. Resources:
                                                                                                                                  • Chaney & Associates
                                                                                                                                    • “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt (affiliate link)
                                                                                                                                      • “The Millennials” by Thom S. Rainer and Jess W. Rainer (affiliate link)
                                                                                                                                        • 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 Gen Z Is Called “The Anxious Generation” appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                                                                                14 min
                                                                                                                                              • Understanding Gen Z Compared to Other Generations

                                                                                                                                                It is essential for church leaders to understand Gen Z in relation to previous generations. Thom and Jess, a Boomer and Millennial, compare Gen Z to four other generations. Here are the four generations they will discuss:

                                                                                                                                                  1. 1946-1964 (Baby Boom Generation): Approximately 76 million live births occurred during this period. This period is known for the post-World War II baby boom.
                                                                                                                                                  2. 1965-1979 (Generation X): Approximately 47 million live births occurred during this period. This generation followed the Baby Boomers and experienced a decline in birth rates compared to the previous period.
                                                                                                                                                  3. 1980-1997 (Millennials): This period saw around 83 million live births. Millennials, also known as Generation Y, represent a significant population increase after the relatively lower birth rates of Generation X.
                                                                                                                                                  4. 1997-2015 (Generation Z ): There were about 60 million live births, a clear indicator of declining birth rates.
                                                                                                                                                    5. Resources:
                                                                                                                                                    • Chaney & Associates
                                                                                                                                                      • “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt (affiliate link)
                                                                                                                                                        • “The Millennials” by Thom S. Rainer and Jess W. Rainer (affiliate link)
                                                                                                                                                          • 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 Understanding Gen Z Compared to Other Generations appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                                                                                                  12 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…

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