The Church Answers Podcast

By The Church Answers PodcastReligion & Spirituality Christianity

The Church Answers Podcast episodes

April 29Charles Spurgeon: 8 Clear Convictions about Evangelism in the Local Church (Part 2)
Charles Spurgeon died in 1892, but his influence on churches is still pervasive today. Thom looks at one major aspect of Spurgeon’s ministry: his emphasis on evangelism in the local church. He takes two episodes to share Spurgeon’s eight convictions.
5. Urgency Should Mark Our Witness
6. Compassion Must Be Genuine, Not Mechanical
7. Dependence on the Holy Spirit Is Absolute
8. The Church Should Be a Culture of Evangelism, Not Just Events
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
“The Soul Winner” by Charles Spurgeon (affiliate link)
Charles Spurgeon: 8 Clear Convictions about Evangelism in the Local Church (Part 1)
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 Charles Spurgeon: 8 Clear Convictions about Evangelism in the Local Church (Part 2) appeared first on Church Answers.
19 min
April 29Charles Spurgeon: 8 Clear Convictions about Evangelism in the Local Church (Part 1)
Charles Spurgeon died in 1892, but his influence on churches is still pervasive today. Thom looks at one major aspect of Spurgeon’s ministry: his emphasis on evangelism in the local church. He takes two episodes to share Spurgeon’s eight convictions.
1. Evangelism Flows from Personal Holiness
2. Prayer Is the Engine, Not the Afterthought
3. Every Christian Is a Soul Winner
4. Clarity of the Gospel Is Non-Negotiable
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
“The Soul Winner” by Charles Spurgeon (affiliate link)
Charles Spurgeon: 8 Clear Convictions about Evangelism in the Local Church (Part 2)
Know Your Church
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 Charles Spurgeon: 8 Clear Convictions about Evangelism in the Local Church (Part 1) appeared first on Church Answers.
21 min
April 22A Church Facilities Wish List
Our community at Church Answers Central recently discussed their wish list for their churches’ facilities. Jess and Sam supplemented the list from our consultations. Here are the wishes in order of frequency.
Deferred maintenance made current (again)
More and larger restrooms
Larger commons/foyer
Audiovisual capabilities
More rooms for groups
Renovations for children/preschool areas
More parking
Wider hallways
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Church Equip
The Five Reasons Church Building Projects Fail – How to Lead Yours to the Finish Line
Church Growth Services
Brown Church Development Group
Church Answers Central
Lack of Focus on Clean and Well-Supplied Restrooms: The Unforced Error Series
What the Hospitality Industry Can Teach the Church: Six Surprising Findings
The Hope Initiative
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 A Church Facilities Wish List appeared first on Church Answers.
26 min
April 22The Five Reasons Church Building Projects Fail – How to Lead Yours to the Finish Line
Jess and Sam talk with Mike Stadelmayer at Church Growth Services. Church building projects carry tremendous ministry potential—but many stall, scale back, or never happen. The difference between success and frustration often comes down to the following critical factors:
Adopting Unrealistic Timelines
Planning without Financial Clarity
Waiting Too Long Between Projects
Trying to Go It Alone
Making the Focus Buildings (and Money)
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
The Five Reasons Church Building Projects Fail – How to Lead Yours to the Finish Line eBook and Financial Analysis
Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with Mike at Church Growth Services
Church Growth Services
Brown Church Development Group
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 Five Reasons Church Building Projects Fail – How to Lead Yours to the Finish Line appeared first on Church Answers.
26 min
April 15Vibrant Church: Becoming a Healthy Church in the 21st Century – An Interview with Dr. Danny Akin
Thom interviews Dr. Danny Akin, the president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, about his new book, Vibrant Church.
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Dr. Danny Akin
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
“Vibrant Church: Becoming a Healthy Church in the 21st Century” by Thom S. Rainer and Daniel L. Akin (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 Vibrant Church: Becoming a Healthy Church in the 21st Century – An Interview with Dr. Danny Akin appeared first on Church Answers.
26 min
April 15Three Major Factors That Determine How Long It Will Take to Implement Change in Your Church
Many factors can affect the pace of change in a church. Thom discusses three of the biggest factors.
The level of change needed
The history of change resistance in the church
The tenure of the leader (pastor)
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
“Who Moved My Pulpit?: Leading Change in the Church” by Thom S. Rainer – New edition coming soon!
Five Types of Unmovable Church Members
How to Build an Eager Coalition for Change in Your Church
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 Three Major Factors That Determine How Long It Will Take to Implement Change in Your Church appeared first on Church Answers.
17 min
April 08How to Build an Eager Coalition for Change in Your Church
Do you want to lead change in your church? If you do, you will need to build allies and supporters to work alongside you. Jess and Thom share the five most common sources to build an eager coalition.
Chemistry
Position
Influence
Expertise
Leadership
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
“Who Moved My Pulpit?: Leading Change in the Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
Five Types of Unmovable Church Members
Three Major Factors That Determine How Long It Will Take to Implement Change in Your Church
“Leading Change” by John Kotter (affiliate link)
“Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson (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 How to Build an Eager Coalition for Change in Your Church appeared first on Church Answers.
22 min
April 08Five Types of Unmovable Church Members
Change is a challenge in any organization and especially in churches. Jess and Thom discuss the five types of church members who resist change the most.
The Deniers
The Entitled
The Blamers
The Critics
The Confused
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
“Who Moved My Pulpit?: Leading Change in the Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
How to Build an Eager Coalition for Change in Your Church
Three Major Factors That Determine How Long It Will Take to Implement Change in Your Church
“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)
“Crucial Commitments” by Thom S. Rainer (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 Five Types of Unmovable Church Members appeared first on Church Answers.
26 min
April 01Why Are Free Will Baptist Church Members So Young? An Interview with Dr. Eddie Moody
It is the outlier denomination. It is the denomination that is young, while the others are decidedly older. Why is this youthfulness taking place? Join Jess and Thom as they talk with Dr. Eddie Moody, Executive Director of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, about this phenomenon. You will be amazed, encouraged. and informed!
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry
Church Answers University
Dr. Eddie Moody, National Association of Free Will Baptists
Two Denominations That Are Surprisingly Young
Ryan Burge
“When Are Half Your Members Going to be Dead?” by Ryan Burge
“The Revival of the Analog Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
Church Answers Platinum Membership
Know Your Community
The Hope Initiative
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 Are Free Will Baptist Church Members So Young? An Interview with Dr. Eddie Moody appeared first on Church Answers.
26 min
April 01The Top 10 Immovable Traditions in Many Churches (Part 3)
Not all traditions are bad, but some can hinder the work of the church. Jess and Thom share the most common church traditions based on an extensive survey, and why they can be difficult to change.
7. Church building
8. Specific rooms in the church
9. Business meeting
10. Staff positions
Resources:
Wesley Biblical Seminary
Learn more about the bridge program at Wesley Biblical Seminary
Church Answers University
“Anatomy of a Revived Church: Seven Findings about How Congregations Avoided Death” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
“Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
The Top 10 Immovable Traditions in Churches (Part 1)
The Top 10 Immovable Traditions in Churches (Part 2)
The Hope Initiative
Church Answers Central
FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights
Episode Sponsor:
Wesley Biblical Seminary is focused on developing trusted leaders for faithful churches.
They offer certificates, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees.
Since 1974 WBS has been faithfully fulfilling its mission.
Fully committed to the inerrancy of Scripture and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
Flexible online format that fits your schedule.
Equipping men and women called by God.
An array of programs to help you take the next step. You can do it!
If you’d like to learn more, visit Wesley Biblical Seminary.
The post The Top 10 Immovable Traditions in Many Churches (Part 3) appeared first on Church Answers.
20 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…