A good worship leader can make an incredible difference in a church. A not-so-good worship leader can really mess things up. Jess and Thom interview Mike Harland to dive deeply into seven characteristics of excellent worship leaders that are often not at the forefront of discussion. An obvious walk with God. A joyous desire to work with and under t…

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 Chi…

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 w…

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 Rai…

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 Members…

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 Initia…

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 h…

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 Gu…

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 i…

Jess interviews Thom about a church that recently died. All of the facts really took place. It is a fascinating study of how many churches die. Any church leader or church member would benefit greatly from this episode. Resources: Chaney & Associates “Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) “I A…

Our team at Church Answers frequently examines church budgets. It is common for the pianist to be paid, while other music positions are not. Thom and Jess examine the history and cultural relevance of this reality today. Resources: Chaney & Associates FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights The Everything Church Resource Directory The Hope In…

Pastors are not clones of one another. On the contrary, their personalities and preferences can be dramatically different. Jess and Thom examine eight different personality styles of pastors and how they affect their ministries. In this episode, they discuss the second four of eight typologies of pastors. Resources: Chaney & Associates “Eight Typol…

Pastors are not clones of one another. On the contrary, their personalities and preferences can be dramatically different. In this first episode, Jess and Thom examine eight different personality styles of pastors and how they affect their ministries. They discuss the first four of eight typologies of pastors. Resources: Chaney & Associates “Eight …

While Americans’ demographics can’t always predict future church commitment, a couple of areas are beginning to show some correlation. Jess and Thom examine these two areas. Resources: Chaney & Associates Know Your Community “Why Were People Attending Church More (or Less) in 2022 vs 2020?” by Ryan Burge FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insight…

Thom and Jess examine factors that predict church member commitment. You might be surprised that one factor predicts commitment more than others. Resources: Chaney & Associates “Why Were People Attending Church More (or Less) in 2022 vs 2020?” by Ryan Burge Craft Book Publishing FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights The Everything Church Re…

Since 1970, when Dean Kelley wrote “Why Conservative Churches Are Growing,” many people have assumed that conservative Christians attend church more frequently over 50 years later. Thom and Jess provide the facts about this assumption. Resources: Chaney & Associates “Why Conservative Churches Are Growing” by Dean Kelley (affiliate link) Know Your B…

“The Anxious Generation” is written by an atheistic Jew, but it has a powerful message for ministering to Gen Z and Gen Alpha. In this last of three parts, Thom examines how few young people attend church and why Matthew 9 must be our direct response. Resources: Chaney & Associates “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt (affiliate link) FREE Re…

“The Anxious Generation” is written by an atheistic Jew, but it has a powerful message for ministering to Gen Z and Gen Alpha. In this second of three parts, Thom looks at the addictive powers of the smartphone and how churches must respond. Resources: Chaney & Associates “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt (affiliate link) The Everything Ch…

“The Anxious Generation” is written by an atheistic Jew, but it has a powerful message for ministering to Gen Z and Gen Alpha. In this first of three parts, Thom reviews the pain this generation currently experiences. Resources: Chaney & Associates “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt (affiliate link) The Everything Church Resource Directory …

Between 8,000 and 12,000 churches close annually in the United States. Thom examines some of the common excuses we’ve heard that lead to church death. “The community knows where we are.” “It’s the other church’s fault.” “We won’t budge from the truth.” “It’s the denomination’s fault.” Resources: Chaney & Associates “Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12…

Between 8,000 and 12,000 churches close annually in the United States. Thom examines one of the factors in the death of churches: toxic church members. Toxins are not the same as critics. Church leaders should form a guiding coalition. Prayer is still powerful. Kicking the can never works. Resources: Chaney & Associates “Autopsy of a Deceased Churc…

Between 8,000 and 12,000 churches close annually in the United States. Thom examines one of the leading factors in the death of churches: denial. Here are three of the main issues he will cover: Matters related to faith are challenging to release. Incremental decline can be the most challenging decline. Inward movement is natural; outward focus is …

It is one of the most painful situations in ministry. A pastor must let a staff member go. Thom and Jess share seven guidelines to walk through this challenging reality. Resources: Chaney & Associates Church Answers Research – Coming soon! The Everything Church Resource Directory The Hope Initiative Church Answers Central Membership Episode Sponsor…

Burnout is always painful. But it is especially hurtful when you don’t have a church that supports you. Thom and Jess discuss the painful realities of these situations. Resources: Chaney & Associates Church Answers Research – Coming soon! The Everything Church Resource Directory The Hope Initiative Church Answers Central Membership Episode Sponsor:…

Every pastor faces the need to change a sermon at some point, even if they have completed it. Thom and Jess share when and why these changes are necessary and how to make them. Resources: Chaney & Associates “I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) Church Answers Research – Coming…