The Church Answers Podcast

The Church Answers Podcast
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The Church Answers Podcast

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 take a ride into the world of congregational health in a fun and fascinating way.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Why and How You Should Create Your Own Church Curriculum

    https://youtu.be/qsv4fcmnNvU Many church leaders are at least aware that a number of churches write their own curriculum. However, this approach is often considered a luxury option that only large churches can do. Jess and Thom share how churches of all sizes can create a variety of their own resources. WHAT Types of Curriculum or Resources Can You Create? New member class Child dedication/confirmation Bible studies for Sunday school or small groups “About Your Church” for Guests and Prospects When a child becomes a Christian A sermon series Explaining the mission and vision of the church Others WHY Should You Create Your Own Resource? Provides doctrinal integrity and clarity Demonstrates the uniqueness of your church Can get many members involved Cost savings Others HOW Do I Begin? Test one of the options noted. Determine who will write it. For PDFs and similar formats, secure a designer. Contact a self-publisher for books (our favorite option). Others Resources: Chaney & Associates * Craft Book Publishing * “We Want You Here” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) * “The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference” by Malcolm Gladwell (affiliate link) * “Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering” by Malcolm Gladwell (affiliate link) * “I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) * “High Expectations: The Remarkable Secret for Keeping People in Your Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) * “Where Have All the Church Members Gone?” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) * “My Story as a Pastor” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) * FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights * The Everything Church Resource Directory The Hope Initiative * Church Answers Central Membership Episode Sponsor: Focus on your ministry, we’ll focus on the finances.  Chaney & Associates — The accounting firm for the Church. Stop stressing about the state of your church’s finances and start feeling confident knowing you’ve hired an accounting team you can trust. At Chaney & Associates, we understand the weight you carry stewarding tithe money which is why we’ve helped over 1,100 churches with accounting & payroll services for over 21 years. Save time with our cloud-based software. Access reports in real time. And feel confident knowing you’re working with software that’s the best in class. From church plants to megachurches, we’ve got you covered.

    47 min

  2. 31 OCT

    Seven Important Trends in New Member Classes

    https://youtu.be/3D6R87K_-OM Churches with membership classes were in the minority just ten years ago. Now, six out of ten churches have a regular new members class. Thom and Jess look at seven of the most current trends. In addition, they provide a contemporary history of new member classes in America. How membership classes moved into the mainstream. Why membership classes were initially resisted in churches (and still are in many churches). Trend #1: Membership becomes meaningful and beneficial. Trend #2: The move from information to expectation to assimilation. Trend #3: The length of the class shortens and then stabilizes. Trend #4: Classes become a permanent feature on church calendars. Trend #5: In established churches, members who joined before the membership class are typically grandfathered. Trend #6: Many membership classes connect the new members to a group immediately. Trend #7: There is a growing trend for new members to become part of the welcome ministry for a season. Resources: Chaney & Associates * “High Expectations: The Remarkable Secret for Keeping People in Your Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) * “I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) * “I Will: Nine Traits of the Outwardly Focused Christian” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) * FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights * The Everything Church Resource Directory The Hope Initiative * Church Answers Central Membership Episode Sponsor: Focus on your ministry, we’ll focus on the finances.  Chaney & Associates — The accounting firm for the Church. Stop stressing about the state of your church’s finances and start feeling confident knowing you’ve hired an accounting team you can trust. At Chaney & Associates, we understand the weight you carry stewarding tithe money which is why we’ve helped over 1,100 churches with accounting & payroll services for over 21 years. Save time with our cloud-based software. Access reports in real time. And feel confident knowing you’re working with software that’s the best in class. From church plants to megachurches, we’ve got you covered. Cumulative Translation Adjustment (CTA): Visit chaneyassociates.com today to get started.

    48 min

  3. 25 OCT

    If Your Church Is a Neighborhood Church, Act Like It

    https://youtu.be/V6PUSCYMbYI Many churches are located in neighborhoods they are not reaching. Thom highlights two important steps churches can take to act like a neighborhood church. Resources: Upward Sports Know Your Community * Know Your Community Politics * “The Surprising Return of the Neighborhood Church: Discover How Your Church Is Primed to Reach Your Neighbors” by Sam Rainer (affiliate link) * Good News Neighbors Toolkit * The Everything Church Resource Directory The Hope Initiative * Church Answers Central Membership Episode Sponsor: Who is Upward Sports? * Upward Sports is the World’s largest Christian youth sports organization, dedicated to partnering with local churches to use sports outreach to reach the community. * Upward Sports offers basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, and soccer as a league offering. * When partnering with Upward Sports, your church can reach the community, attract young families, and share the Gospel. * Upward Sports will customize your sports outreach strategy to support your church budget and community needs. We know one size does not fit all. * Are you looking to engage new families, bless your community, or mobilize your congregation to serve? Consider adding sports ministry in 2025. If you have a gym, field space, or even access to a facility consider Upward Sports. * Now is the time to consider using sports as your 2025 outreach ministry! Schedule a call to learn more about launching a first-class, organized, intentional league in the new year! * Visit https://www.upward.org/ChurchAnswers/

    13 min

  4. 25 OCT

    How to Assimilate People Who Come to Events at Your Church

    https://youtu.be/MQ_9OYpTwcc We at Church Answers hear from church leaders who want to know how to get guests who attend church events assimilated into the church. Thom shares two simple steps that work almost every time. You will be surprised at its simplicity. Resources: Upward Sports The Everything Church Resource Directory The Hope Initiative * Church Answers Central Membership Episode Sponsor: Who is Upward Sports? * Upward Sports is the World’s largest Christian youth sports organization, dedicated to partnering with local churches to use sports outreach to reach the community. * Upward Sports offers basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, and soccer as a league offering. * When partnering with Upward Sports, your church can reach the community, attract young families, and share the Gospel. * Upward Sports will customize your sports outreach strategy to support your church budget and community needs. We know one size does not fit all. * Are you looking to engage new families, bless your community, or mobilize your congregation to serve? Consider adding sports ministry in 2025. If you have a gym, field space, or even access to a facility consider Upward Sports. * Now is the time to consider using sports as your 2025 outreach ministry! Schedule a call to learn more about launching a first-class, organized, intentional league in the new year! * Visit https://www.upward.org/ChurchAnswers/

    12 min

  5. 25 OCT

    Don’t Fight Sports Leagues – Join Them

    https://youtu.be/12t_iBRRB-s Many pastors and church leaders express frustration when Sunday sports have priority over church. Thom shares the simple step many churches have taken to respond positively to this challenge. Resources: Upward Sports “Where Have All the Church Members Gone?” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) * The Everything Church Resource Directory The Hope Initiative * Church Answers Central Membership Episode Sponsor: Who is Upward Sports? * Upward Sports is the World’s largest Christian youth sports organization, dedicated to partnering with local churches to use sports outreach to reach the community. * Upward Sports offers basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, and soccer as a league offering. * When partnering with Upward Sports, your church can reach the community, attract young families, and share the Gospel. * Upward Sports will customize your sports outreach strategy to support your church budget and community needs. We know one size does not fit all. * Are you looking to engage new families, bless your community, or mobilize your congregation to serve? Consider adding sports ministry in 2025. If you have a gym, field space, or even access to a facility consider Upward Sports. * Now is the time to consider using sports as your 2025 outreach ministry! Schedule a call to learn more about launching a first-class, organized, intentional league in the new year! * Visit https://www.upward.org/ChurchAnswers/

    13 min

  6. 24 OCT

    The Quiet Denomination: Why You Need to Know More about Free Will Baptists

    https://youtu.be/J8h0UOItmwA In an era where many denominations are known for their controversies and in-fighting, here is a story of a denomination that quietly and methodically demonstrates obedience to the gospel in a positive light for the world to see. Thom and Jess interview Dr. Eddie Moody, the Executive Director of The National Association of Free Will Baptists. Heed his words carefully. We can learn a lot about leadership and denominations that can make a difference. Resources: Chaney & Associates * Know Your Church Report * The National Association of Free Will Baptists * “40 Questions About Arminianism” by J. Matthew Pinson (affiliate link) * NAFWB First Aid Tools * A ‘First Aid Kit’ for Churches: Why Churches Must Be Concerned about the Hurting. An Interview with Eddie Moody * “Surviving Culture” by Dr. Eddie Moody (affiliate link) * “The Anxious Generation Goes To Church” by Thom S. Rainer - Coming in 2025! * FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights * The Everything Church Resource Directory The Hope Initiative * Church Answers Central Membership Episode Sponsor: Focus on your ministry, we’ll focus on the finances.  Chaney & Associates — The accounting firm for the Church. Stop stressing about the state of your church’s finances and start feeling confident knowing you’ve hired an accounting team you can trust. At Chaney & Associates, we understand the weight you carry stewarding tithe money which is why we’ve helped over 1,100 churches with accounting & payroll services for over 21 years. Save time with our cloud-based software. Access reports in real time. And feel confident knowing you’re working with software that’s the best in class. From church plants to megachurches, we’ve got you covered. Cumulative Translation Adjustment (CTA): Visit chaneyassociates.com today to get started.

    49 min

  7. 17 OCT

    Ten Ways a Pastor’s Ministry Has Changed Dramatically in 25 Years

    https://youtu.be/Tm9QOmZT9EE Thom and Jess examine the incredible ways pastoring has changed in the past 25 years. Jess offers the current perspective, and Thom looks at the old man's view. You might be surprised at the magnitude of the changes. Resources: Chaney & Associates * “The Anxious Generation Goes To Church” by Thom S. Rainer - Coming in 2025! * “Make My Church Safe: A Guide to the Best Practices to Protect Children and Secure Your Congregation from Harm” by Sam Rainer (affiliate link) * My Church Staff  - Coming soon! * FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights * The Everything Church Resource Directory The Hope Initiative * Church Answers Central Membership Episode Sponsor: Focus on your ministry, we’ll focus on the finances.  Chaney & Associates — The accounting firm for the Church. Stop stressing about the state of your church’s finances and start feeling confident knowing you’ve hired an accounting team you can trust. At Chaney & Associates, we understand the weight you carry stewarding tithe money which is why we’ve helped over 1,100 churches with accounting & payroll services for over 21 years. Save time with our cloud-based software. Access reports in real time. And feel confident knowing you’re working with software that’s the best in class. From church plants to megachurches, we’ve got you covered. Cumulative Translation Adjustment (CTA): Visit chaneyassociates.com today to get started.

    54 min

  8. 10 OCT

    11 Surprising Lessons from a Church Consultant

    https://youtu.be/VdBhcjwLnb8 Thom has done a few thousand consultations since 1988, with over 600 done on the church site. Jess asks Thom to share some of the most surprising lessons he has learned about churches seeking consultations. Resources: Chaney & Associates * The Unstuck Group * Church Consultation University (CCU) * Know Your Beliefs * “Who Moved My Pulpit?: Leading Change in the Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) * “Where Have All the Church Members Gone?” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) * Know Your Community * Church Health Scorecard * FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights * The Everything Church Resource Directory The Hope Initiative * Church Answers Central Membership Episode Sponsor: Focus on your ministry, we’ll focus on the finances.  Chaney & Associates — The accounting firm for the Church. Stop stressing about the state of your church’s finances and start feeling confident knowing you’ve hired an accounting team you can trust. At Chaney & Associates, we understand the weight you carry stewarding tithe money which is why we’ve helped over 1,100 churches with accounting & payroll services for over 21 years. Save time with our cloud-based software. Access reports in real time. And feel confident knowing you’re working with software that’s the best in class. From church plants to megachurches, we’ve got you covered. Cumulative Translation Adjustment (CTA): Visit chaneyassociates.com today to get started.

    54 min
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About

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 take a ride into the world of congregational health in a fun and fascinating way.

Information

  • Creator
    The Church Answers Podcast
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2024
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    The Church Answers Podcast

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