The Church Answers Podcast

By The Church Answers PodcastReligion & Spirituality Christianity

The Church Answers Podcast episodes

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
July 29Four Signs Your Church Is Ready for a Turnaround
Thom identifies four signs that indicate a church may be ready to move from decline to renewal.
Prayer developing organically
Facing reality honestly
Being willing to change
Focusing outward instead of inward
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Why the Co-vocational Trend Is So Important
Church Answers Awards
“Breakout Churches” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
“Good to Great” by Jim Collins (affiliate link)
“Pray & Go: Your Invitation to Become a Great Commission Christian” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
The Hope Initiative
Know Your Community
Unchurched Receptivity Report
“Who Moved My Pulpit?: Leading Change in the Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
“I Will: Nine Traits of the Outwardly Focused Christian” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
Church Equip
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 Signs Your Church Is Ready for a Turnaround appeared first on Church Answers.
23 min
July 29Why the Co-vocational Trend Is So Important
Thom opens with a reality many church leaders are already experiencing: the traditional fully funded pastorate is no longer the norm in many churches. Financial pressures, changing attendance patterns, and shifting expectations are forcing churches to rethink ministry models.
But this is not simply a problem to solve—it is an opportunity to steward. In this conversation, Thom talks with Dr. Andy Miller, the president of Wesley Biblical Seminary, about why the co-vocational trend is one of the most important developments in the future of the church and how it can actually strengthen gospel impact.
Co-vocational ministry is becoming the new normal for many churches.
Co-vocational pastors often have greater natural access to the community.
Churches must rethink expectations of pastors and leadership structures.
Seminaries are being forced to adapt their training models quickly.
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Answers Awards
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 Why the Co-vocational Trend Is So Important appeared first on Church Answers.
26 min
July 22The Return of Evangelism: Why Outreach Is Working Again
Thom looks at why many churches are finding people more receptive to the gospel and how churches can take advantage of this opportunity.
Why receptivity is increasing
What churches often get wrong about the unchurched
How churches can respond
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
The Hope Initiative
Invite Your One
Good News Neighbors Toolkit
Church Answers Awards
Church Equip
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 Return of Evangelism: Why Outreach Is Working Again appeared first on Church Answers.
18 min
July 22Why Volunteer Recruitment Is Harder Than Ever
Thom discusses why churches are finding it more difficult to recruit volunteers and what leaders can do to reverse the trend.
Why volunteer recruitment has changed
The biggest mistakes churches make
What works today
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Consultation
“I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
“Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples” by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger (affiliate link)
Church Answers Awards
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 Why Volunteer Recruitment Is Harder Than Ever appeared first on Church Answers.
22 min
July 15The 12 Categories of the Church Answers Awards
Thom and Jess unveil the 12 categories of the Church Answers Awards. They discuss why these particular categories were chosen.
Evangelism Impact Award: Recognizes a church demonstrating intentional, measurable, and reproducible evangelistic engagement.
Discipleship Pathway Award: Honors a church with a clearly defined and consistently implemented process for making disciples.
Church of Prayer Award: Recognizes a church where prayer is central to ministry culture, leadership decisions, and congregational life.
Community Impact Award: Honors a church with sustained and meaningful engagement in its local community.
Facility Stewardship Award: Recognizes strategic, effective, and mission-focused use of church facilities.
Courageous Pastor Award: Honors a pastor who has demonstrated faithful leadership through adversity, challenge, or cultural pressure.
Reproducing Church Award: Honors a church modeling generational reproduction through church planting.
Church Innovation Award: Honors a church that has implemented creative, mission-aligned solutions to ministry challenges.
Co-Vocational Church of the Year: Recognizes a church effectively led through a co-vocational ministry model.
Volunteer Equipping Award: Honors a church that intentionally equips members for ministry and leadership beyond staff roles.
Rural Church of the Year: Recognizes faithfulness and effectiveness in a rural ministry context.
Emerging Church Leader Award: Honors an emerging leader demonstrating strong character, leadership capacity, and ministry effectiveness.
We are incredibly grateful for these 12 ministry partners who make this special recognition possible:
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Answers Awards
Why the Church Answers Awards Are So Important
Church Equip
The Hope Initiative
“Walt Disney: an American Original” by Bob Thomas (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 The 12 Categories of the Church Answers Awards appeared first on Church Answers.
26 min
July 15Why the Church Answers Awards Are So Important
Jess and Thom discuss the inaugural Church Answers Awards and five key reasons the Awards are so important to the health of churches in the United States.
It recognizes areas of church health often neglected.
It is not connected exclusively to attendance.
It recognizes the “hidden churches.”
It is based on research and data.
It allows those closest to the churches to acknowledge them.
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Answers Awards
Craft Book Publishing
The 12 Categories of the Church Answers Awards
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 Why the Church Answers Awards Are So Important appeared first on Church Answers.
24 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…