The Church Answers Podcast

By The Church Answers PodcastReligion & Spirituality Christianity

The Church Answers Podcast episodes

July 08Why Some Churches Plateau at 70 (and Stay There)
Thom examines the common attendance ceiling of around 70 and the leadership, structure, and mindset issues that keep churches from breaking through.
Why 70 becomes a natural relational and structural ceiling
The shift from family pastor to organizational leader
Resistance to adding systems, staff, or new layers of leadership
How care, control, and growth create tension at this level
Practical ways to move beyond the plateau without losing church health
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
Church Answers Awards
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 Some Churches Plateau at 70 (and Stay There) appeared first on Church Answers.
19 min
July 08How to Reach People Who Work on Sundays
Thom discusses the often-overlooked mission field of Sunday workers—and how churches can rethink schedules and structures to engage them.
The growing number of people unable to attend Sunday services
Why most churches unintentionally ignore this group
The opportunity of alternative service times (including weekday options)
How to keep it simple: shorter, more accessible gatherings
First steps for churches willing to experiment
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
Know Your Community
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 How to Reach People Who Work on Sundays appeared first on Church Answers.
21 min
July 01Five Early Warning Signs Your Church Is Aging Too Fast
Thom identifies clear, measurable indicators that a church is aging—and what leaders can do before it becomes irreversible.
Declining involvement of younger adults and families
Worship style and programming that no longer connect across generations
Leadership pipelines that lack younger voices
Budget priorities that reflect the past more than the future
Practical first steps to begin reversing the trend
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
“When Are Half Your Members Going to be Dead?” by Ryan Burge
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 Five Early Warning Signs Your Church Is Aging Too Fast appeared first on Church Answers.
21 min
July 01The Hidden Reason Most Churches Stop Growing
Thom explores the less obvious barriers to growth—especially internal culture, comfort, and unspoken preferences that quietly resist change.
The difference between external excuses and internal realities
How comfort becomes the silent enemy of mission
The role of longtime members in shaping (and sometimes stalling) growth
Why most churches don’t see the problem until it’s too late
One or two simple shifts that can reopen the door to growth
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
Know Your Community
The Hope Initiative
Invite Your One
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 Hidden Reason Most Churches Stop Growing appeared first on Church Answers.
21 min
June 24Five Major Shifts in Churches Influenced By AI
Most ministry positions are not vulnerable to advancing AI capabilities, especially those that are people-to-people ministries. Thom looks at other aspects of AI influences on the church.
Better study tools for pastors and teachers.
Smaller staffs.
Broader responsibilities.
AI-assisted workflows.
Higher productivity expectations.
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
“The Revival of the Analog Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
“Who Moved My Pulpit?: Leading Change in the Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
Logos
The “Safest” Jobs in an AI World (Some Are in Christian Ministry)
Bi-vocational Co-vocational Certification
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 Five Major Shifts in Churches Influenced By AI appeared first on Church Answers.
22 min
June 24Why Too Many Pastors Are Not Fully Relying on the Holy Spirit
Thom welcomes Dr. Chris Lohrstorfer, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Enrollment and Professor of Wesleyan Theology at Wesley Biblical Seminary. He talks about how many pastors ascribe to theologically orthodox trinitarianism, but haven’t really thought through what it means for their ministry, especially the fullness of the role of the Holy Spirit. As a pastor himself and an educator of pastors, he is seeing the surprising shifts that can happen when the light bulb switches on for leaders about what it means to partner with the Spirit in ministry.
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Dr. Chris Lohrstorfer
“In His Steps” by Charles M. Sheldon (affiliate link)
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 Too Many Pastors Are Not Fully Relying on the Holy Spirit appeared first on Church Answers.
27 min
June 17Six Lessons Learned from Adopting a Church (A Real Case Study)
Several years ago, Sam Rainer led his church to adopt a struggling church in the same town. He wrote the lessons he learned one year after the adoption. Thom interviews Sam about these lessons that are worth recalling.
Always do due diligence.
Many will not understand the concept of adoption.
Wrong motives will crush you.
Live preaching is preferable to video venues.
Who you send is critical to long-term success.
Co-vocational is the path to go.
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
From Near Closure to Incredible Growth: The Story of Wesley Biblical Seminary – An Interview with Andy Miller
Church Answers University
I Blame an Elderly Woman Named Margaret for Everything
Church Answers Awards
Church Equip
Church Revitalization Certification
Bi-vocational Co-vocational Certification
The Best Overview of Romans for Your Church’s Groups
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 Six Lessons Learned from Adopting a Church (A Real Case Study) appeared first on Church Answers.
26 min
June 17The Best Overview of Romans for Your Church’s Groups
Thom is a community group teacher/leader at The Church at Spring Hill, where Jess is pastor. He is leading his group through the book, Loved and Unashamed, by Sam Rainer. His group has raved about the book and the accompanying video teaching. One participant said he had studied the Bible all of his life, and this is his best study on Romans.
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
Romans: Loved and Unashamed
“Loved and Unashamed: A Chapter-by-Chapter Journey through Romans” by Sam 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 The Best Overview of Romans for Your Church’s Groups appeared first on Church Answers.
25 min
June 10Five Reasons Pastors Should Consider Publishing a Book
The barriers to publishing a book have fallen dramatically. Some pastors are publishing books, but more need to do so. Jess and Thom look at the growth of books published by pastors and the reasons why pastors should consider it.
The barriers to publishing are falling.
The cost for guided publishing has dropped significantly.
Sermon series are ideal for books.
More pastors need to tell their stories for their families and others in ministry.
Book writing enhances other cognitive skills.
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Answers Awards
Church Equip
Craft Book Publishing
“Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi (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 Five Reasons Pastors Should Consider Publishing a Book appeared first on Church Answers.
25 min
June 10Five Unusual Reasons Pastors are Let Go (and How to Avoid Them)
Unfortunately, pastoral termination is common. Most people think the most common reason is sexual moral failure. Others think it is doctrinal compromise. Neither of those reasons is in the top five. Jess and Thom look at five common reasons most people never consider.
Dismissal of a staff member.
Unwillingness to hire a church member’s family member or friend.
Change in time of worship services.
Deletion of a non-functional committee.
Failure to fund a non-functional program.
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
“Who Moved My Pulpit?: Leading Change in the Church” by Thom S. 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 Five Unusual Reasons Pastors are Let Go (and How to Avoid Them) appeared first on Church Answers.
27 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…