The Church Answers Podcast

The Church Answers Podcast
  • 4.8 (266)
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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. 4D AGO

    The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of American Protestantism the Past 25 Years, Part 2: Abject Failures of American Protestantism in the 21st Century

    https://youtu.be/w_BKn9iWxvk In an unusual departure from the style of this podcast, Thom and Jess look at American Protestantism in the 21st century, highlighting 10 amazing contributions and 10 abject failures. For number 21, the Rainers give American Christianity a “grade” they believe is objective based on the past 25 years. They will take four podcasts to take you on this journey. Part 2: Abject Failures of American Protestantism in the 21st Century 1. Denominational Decline and Fragmentation – Many traditional Protestant denominations (e.g., United Methodist Church, PCUSA, ELCA, Southern Baptist Convention) face splits, theological conflicts, and numerical decline. 2. Lack of Accountability in Leadership – Scandals involving sexual misconduct, financial fraud, and spiritual abuse (e.g., Ravi Zacharias, Hillsong, Southern Baptist abuse report) have eroded public trust. 3. Political Polarization – Protestantism is deeply divided along political lines, often aligning too closely with partisan agendas rather than maintaining a prophetic voice that transcends party loyalties. 4. Shallow Discipleship and Biblical Illiteracy – Despite widespread access to biblical resources, many churchgoers lack a deep understanding of Scripture, leading to theological confusion and susceptibility to false teachings. 5. The Prosperity Gospel and Celebrity Culture – The rise of prosperity theology and megachurch celebrity pastors has shifted focus from biblical faithfulness to entertainment, self-help messages, and financial gain. Resources: Chaney & Associates * The Church Advisory Podcast * Upward Sports * Part 1: Key Strengths of American Protestantism in the 21st Century * Rooted * Know Your Beliefs * The Hope Initiative * Church Answers Membership * FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights Episode Sponsor: Lead Your Church. We'll Handle the Numbers.  We have decades of experience serving churches across the country.  We’re church accountants who speak your language and understand your mission. Gain clear financial insights to guide your ministry decisions with confidence.  Tailored solutions for churches of every size and stage.  Smart tools that save time and simplify finances so you can focus on ministry.  Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both.  Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers   Upward Sports is the world's largest Christian youth sports organization, partnering with local churches to use sports as a powerful outreach tool to engage the community.

    22 min

  2. 4D AGO

    The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of American Protestantism the Past 25 Years, Part 1: Key Strengths of American Protestantism in the 21st Century

    https://youtu.be/3buHmUYT5qA In an unusual departure from the style of this podcast, Thom and Jess look at American Protestantism in the 21st century, highlighting 10 amazing contributions and 10 abject failures. For number 21, the Rainers give American Christianity a “grade” they believe is objective based on the past 25 years. They will take four podcasts to take you on this journey. Part 1: Key Strengths of American Protestantism in the 21st Century 1. Local and Global Humanitarian Efforts – Protestant churches lead in disaster relief, medical missions, hunger alleviation, and human trafficking intervention. Organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, World Vision, and denominational mission agencies make a significant impact. 2. Church Planting and Innovation – While many churches decline, the 21st century has seen a resurgence of church planting, such as Acts 29, ARC (Association of Related Churches), and City to City, and church planting efforts through denominations. 3. Biblical Literacy and Theological Training – Seminaries, online training programs, and grassroots movements have provided accessible biblical education to both clergy and laity, increasing theological engagement. 4. Cultural Adaptability – Protestantism has shown remarkable flexibility in adopting new technologies (e.g., livestream services, social media evangelism, YouTube teaching ministries) to reach people in innovative ways. 5. Growth of Multicultural and Multiracial Churches – Many Protestant churches are becoming more racially and ethnically diverse, reflecting demographic shifts in the U.S. and demonstrating a commitment to racial reconciliation. Resources: Chaney & Associates * The Church Advisory Podcast * Upward Sports * Part 2: Abject Failures of American Protestantism in the 21st Century * “Why Conservative Churches Are Growing” by Dean Kelley (affiliate link) * “Our Kind of People” by C. Peter Wagner (affiliate link) * “Church Planting for a Greater Harvest” by C. Peter Wagner (affiliate link) * Samaritan’s Purse * World Vision * Acts 29 * ARC (Association of Related Churches) * City to City * The Hope Initiative * Church Answers Membership * FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights Episode Sponsor: Lead Your Church. We'll Handle the Numbers.  We have decades of experience serving churches across the country.  We’re church accountants who speak your language and understand your mission.

    27 min

  3. MAR 26

    The 15 Most Common Names of Churches in the United States

    https://youtu.be/Yom7KnDrIW0 Listen to the previous podcast where Jess and Thom review the six reasons you should change the name of your church. In this podcast, they look at the 15 most common church names. * First + denomination * Grace Church * Hope Church * New Life Church * Crossroads Church * Journey Church * Bridge Church * Elevation Church * Summit Church * Redeemer Church * Oasis Church * Harvest Church * Light Church  * Anchor Church * Gathering Church Honorable mention: PCA churches. Resources: Chaney & Associates * The Church Advisory Podcast * Upward Running * The Church Answers Podcast: “Six Reasons You Should Change the Name of Your Church” * The Hope Initiative * Church Answers Membership * FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights Episode Sponsor: Lead Your Church. We'll Handle the Numbers.  We have decades of experience serving churches across the country.  We’re church accountants who speak your language and understand your mission. Gain clear financial insights to guide your ministry decisions with confidence.  Tailored solutions for churches of every size and stage.  Smart tools that save time and simplify finances so you can focus on ministry.  Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both.  Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers   * Introducing Upward Running! We're excited to bring you Upward Running for adults—the newest addition to the Upward Sports family. * Offer a 5K Challenge: Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides training plans, access to the new RunClub app for run tracking and community building, and a fully customizable package to fit your timeline—led by your dedicated run coach. * Simple to Start: All you need is one passionate leader. No facility required—your church parking lot is all it takes to launch this impactful program. * Build Stronger Connections: Use running as a way to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, grow spiritually, and expand your church's outreach. * Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today!

    28 min

  4. MAR 26

    Six Reasons You Should Change the Name of Your Church

    https://youtu.be/ZIFFfZL_I9E Yes, there are times when you should consider changing your church's name. Jess and Thom review six of them. Look at our other podcast this week, where we review the top 15 most common church names. * To create a clear or new priority. * To change a geographical distinction that is no longer relevant. * To identify with the community more clearly and emphatically. * To avoid confusion with another church. * To do a de facto relaunch. * To reflect the merger with or acquisition by another church. Resources: Chaney & Associates * The Church Advisory Podcast * Upward Running * The Church Answers Podcast: “The 15 Most Common Names of Churches in the United States” * The Hope Initiative * Church Answers Membership * FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights Episode Sponsor: Lead Your Church. We'll Handle the Numbers.  We have decades of experience serving churches across the country.  We’re church accountants who speak your language and understand your mission. Gain clear financial insights to guide your ministry decisions with confidence.  Tailored solutions for churches of every size and stage.  Smart tools that save time and simplify finances so you can focus on ministry.  Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both.  Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers   * Introducing Upward Running! We're excited to bring you Upward Running for adults—the newest addition to the Upward Sports family. * Offer a 5K Challenge: Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides training plans, access to the new RunClub app for run tracking and community building, and a fully customizable package to fit your timeline—led by your dedicated run coach. * Simple to Start: All you need is one passionate leader. No facility required—your church parking lot is all it takes to launch this impactful program. * Build Stronger Connections: Use running as a way to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, grow spiritually, and expand your church's outreach. * Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today!

    27 min

  5. MAR 19

    23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 4

    https://youtu.be/0ImYrLqIeKk In Part 4, Thom and Jess look at some of the most common issues and questions you have about church revitalization. Your questions have directed us in our research and writings, and they will continue to do so. Though there were several hundred questions you submitted, we selected 23 most common questions about revitalizing churches. See the previous episodes to get the complete series. * Where do I begin if my church needs revitalization? * Is there any hope for my church? * What are the most common obstacles to revitalization? * How long does it take for a church to begin to turn around? * How do you help move a congregation to be more open to change? * How do church facilities hurt or help church revitalization? * How do you raise the level of commitment of church members? * How do you increase the level of funding in the church? * What do you do when conflict arises? * What are the most common criticisms I can expect? * How do you deal with staff as you seek to lead a church to turn around? * If I’ve been at my church a while, is it possible to become a leader toward revitalization? * What are some good case studies in revitalization? * How do you get multiple generations to work together to turn around a church? * How do you start a good welcome or greeter’s ministry? * How do you deal with power groups in the church? * My church is stuck, but I don’t know why it is. What can I do? * Why should I even bother staying at this church? * What are some unique challenges for the smaller church? * How do I find the time to prepare sermons and lead in revitalization? * How do I start a new members’ class? * What does effective evangelism look like in a healthy church? * How do I start an effective process of discipleship in the church? Resources: Chaney & Associates * The Church Advisory Podcast * Upward Sports * 23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 1 * 23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 2 * 23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 3 * Church Revitalization Certification * Church Answers Membership * The Hope Initiative * “I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) * The Complete Membership Class Toolkit/a...

    29 min

  6. MAR 19

    23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 3

    https://youtu.be/my0KqwzsI58 In Part 3, Thom and Jess look at some of the most common issues and questions you have about church revitalization. Your questions have directed us in our research and writings, and they will continue to do so. Though there were several hundred questions you submitted, we selected 23 most common questions about revitalizing churches. Because of the number, we cover the questions in four consecutive podcasts. * Where do I begin if my church needs revitalization? * Is there any hope for my church? * What are the most common obstacles to revitalization? * How long does it take for a church to begin to turn around? * How do you help move a congregation to be more open to change? * How do church facilities hurt or help church revitalization? * How do you raise the level of commitment of church members? * How do you increase the level of funding in the church? * What do you do when conflict arises? * What are the most common criticisms I can expect? * How do you deal with staff as you seek to lead a church to turn around? * If I’ve been at my church a while, is it possible to become a leader toward revitalization? * What are some good case studies in revitalization? * How do you get multiple generations to work together to turn around a church? * How do you start a good welcome or greeter’s ministry? * How do you deal with power groups in the church? * My church is stuck, but I don’t know why it is. What can I do? * Why should I even bother staying at this church? * What are some unique challenges for the smaller church? * How do I find the time to prepare sermons and lead in revitalization? * How do I start a new members’ class? * What does effective evangelism look like in a healthy church? * How do I start an effective process of discipleship in the church? Resources: Chaney & Associates * The Church Advisory Podcast * Upward Sports * 23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 1 * 23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 2 * 23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 4 * Church Revitalization Certification * Church Answers Membership * The Hope Initiative * “Becoming a Welcoming Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) * My Church Staff: Guest Services

    28 min

  7. MAR 12

    23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 2

    https://youtu.be/mmWN_zabIg8 Thom and Jess look at some of the most common issues and questions you have about church revitalization. Your questions have directed us in our research and writings, and they will continue to do so. Though there were several hundred questions you submitted, we selected 23 most common questions about revitalizing churches. Because of the number, we cover the questions in four consecutive podcasts. See the previous episode and stay tuned for Part 3 and 4. * Where do I begin if my church needs revitalization? * Is there any hope for my church? * What are the most common obstacles to revitalization? * How long does it take for a church to begin to turn around? * How do you help move a congregation to be more open to change? * How do church facilities hurt or help church revitalization? * How do you raise the level of commitment of church members? * How do you increase the level of funding in the church? * What do you do when conflict arises? * What are the most common criticisms I can expect? * How do you deal with staff as you seek to lead a church to turn around? * If I’ve been at my church a while, is it possible to become a leader toward revitalization? * What are some good case studies in revitalization? * How do you get multiple generations to work together to turn around a church? * How do you start a good welcome or greeter’s ministry? * How do you deal with power groups in the church? * My church is stuck, but I don’t know why it is. What can I do? * Why should I even bother staying at this church? * What are some unique challenges for the smaller church? * How do I find the time to prepare sermons and lead in revitalization? * How do I start a new members’ class? * What does effective evangelism look like in a healthy church? * How do I start an effective process of discipleship in the church? Resources: Chaney & Associates * Upward Running * 23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 1 * 23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 3 * 23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 4 * Church Revitalization Certification * “Anatomy of a Revived Church: Seven Findings about How Congregations Avoided Death” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) * Church Answers Membership * The Church Answers Podcast: Evangelistic Growth in a Non-Denominational Church

    28 min

  8. MAR 12

    23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 1

    https://youtu.be/XU_4byLtLlA Thom and Jess look at some of the most common issues and questions you have about church revitalization. Your questions have directed us in our research and writings, and they will continue to do so. Though there were several hundred questions you submitted, we selected 23 most common questions about revitalizing churches. Because of the number, we cover the questions in four consecutive podcasts. * Where do I begin if my church needs revitalization? * Is there any hope for my church? * What are the most common obstacles to revitalization? * How long does it take for a church to begin to turn around? * How do you help move a congregation to be more open to change? * How do church facilities hurt or help church revitalization? * How do you raise the level of commitment of church members? * How do you increase the level of funding in the church? * What do you do when conflict arises? * What are the most common criticisms I can expect? * How do you deal with staff as you seek to lead a church to turn around? * If I’ve been at my church a while, is it possible to become a leader toward revitalization? * What are some good case studies in revitalization? * How do you get multiple generations to work together to turn around a church? * How do you start a good welcome or greeter’s ministry? * How do you deal with power groups in the church? * My church is stuck, but I don’t know why it is. What can I do? * Why should I even bother staying at this church? * What are some unique challenges for the smaller church? * How do I find the time to prepare sermons and lead in revitalization? * How do I start a new members’ class? * What does effective evangelism look like in a healthy church? * How do I start an effective process of discipleship in the church? Resources: Chaney & Associates * Upward Running * 23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 2 * 23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 3 * 23 of the Most Common Questions Asked about Church Revitalization, Part 4 * Church Revitalization Certification * “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) * “Pray & Go: Your Invitation to Become a Great Commission Christian” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) * The Hope Initiative * Church Answers Membership * a href="https://churchanswers.

    29 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 - 2025
    • Episodes
      101
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © 2023
    • Show Website
      The Church Answers Podcast

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