Rainer On Leadership podcast

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Christian Leadership

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A tartalmat a Thom Rainer biztosítja. Az összes podcast-tartalmat, beleértve az epizódokat, grafikákat és podcast-leírásokat, közvetlenül a Thom Rainer vagy a podcast platform partnere tölti fel és biztosítja. Ha úgy gondolja, hogy valaki az Ön engedélye nélkül használja fel a szerzői joggal védett művét, kövesse az itt leírt folyamatot https://hu.player.fm/legal.

<div class="span index">1</div> <span><a class="" data-remote="true" data-type="html" href="/series/b2b-agility-with-greg-kihlstrom-martech-e-commerce-customer-success">B2B Agility with Greg Kihlström™: MarTech, E-Commerce, & Customer Success</a></span>

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B2B Agility with Greg Kihlström™: MarTech, E-Commerce, & Customer Success

Leiratkozás

12 hours12h ago

Leiratkozás

Havi+

B2B marketing strategy grows ever more complex, with marketers needing to understand strategy, marketing technology, e-commerce, customer success, and more. This show covers it all, from a Business-to-Business perspective. From the creators and host of the award-winning The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström podcast, comes B2B Agility™, a podcast focused on how B2B marketers and the brands they represent become category leaders and drive optimal results for the business and their customers. The show looks at B2B success in a variety of ways, all with a focus on the intersection of sales, marketing & technology.

Rainer on Leadership

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Your online home for leadership lessons for both the church and the workplace.

616 epizódok

#Christian Leadership #Society #Business #google Play #Thom Rainer #Religion #Christianity #MBA #Higher Education #Podcasting Education

Rainer on Leadership

992 subscribers

updated körülbelül egy napja

Megosztás

Sorozat kép•Feed

Your online home for leadership lessons for both the church and the workplace.

616 epizódok

#Christian Leadership #Society #Business #google Play #Thom Rainer #Religion #Christianity #MBA #Higher Education #Podcasting Education

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1
The Burge Report: Is Gen Z More Religiously Engaged than Their Parents? 31:30

1 day31:30

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Listák

Tetszik

Kedvelt

31:30

New religious data in the United States was released recently, and Ryan Burge joins the show with Sam to discuss the details. In 2024, Gen Z showed relatively strong religious attendance compared to other generations. Twenty-four percent of Gen Z reported attending religious services weekly—two percentage points higher than both Millennials and Gen X. While 53% of Gen Z attend less than once a year, that’s actually the lowest percentage of infrequent attenders among all the generations analyzed. What factors might be contributing to Gen Z’s higher weekly religious attendance compared to Millennials and Gen X? How should churches and faith communities respond to the fact that Gen Z has the lowest percentage of people attending less than once a year? Does Gen Z’s relatively strong attendance indicate a deeper spiritual engagement, or are other motivations at play (e.g., community, tradition, social influence)? Resources: Upward Sports Upward Sports: Pickleball Rooted “Religion in 2024: The Plateau Is Real” by Ryan Burge Ryan Burge Rainer on Leadership Podcast: “Five Predictions We Got Wrong about the Future of the Church” Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: The Power of Partnership Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, empowering local churches to use sports as a dynamic connection tool to engage their communities. A Variety of Sports for Every Church From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs. Exciting News: Pickleball Has Arrived! Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available ! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more. Be the Neighborhood Church Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today. Get Ahead for Fall Sports Looking ahead to the fall season? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – Use sports as that invite. Whether it’s soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball or pickleball, Upward Sports is ready to support your church in reaching families right in the heart of your community. All you need is access to a gym or field and one passionate leader and Upward will support you with the rest. Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers . The Rooted experience can help you create a discipleship culture that connects your people and leads to ongoing life change in Jesus. Rooted is… A proven plan for helping people connect to God, their church, and their purpose A sustainable way to launch groups An approach to discipleship that helps people step out of their comfort zones and experience life-changing rhythms of discipleship An opportunity to change the culture of your church Visit experiencerooted.com/churchanswers for free resources to help you learn more, including the What is Rooted? video and a free download of the Rooted experience framework and Rooted Workbook sample. The post The Burge Report: Is Gen Z More Religiously Engaged than Their Parents? appeared first on Church Answers .…

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The Limits of Pastoral Care: When Counseling Isn’t Appropriate 30:03

5 napja30:03

30:03

Pastors provide spiritual guidance, but there are times when counseling crosses into territory best handled by trained professionals. In this episode, Josh and Sam explore the limits of pastoral care—when ethical, legal, and practical concerns make it necessary to refer someone elsewhere. From mental health crises to marital conflicts beyond a pastor’s expertise, knowing when to step back is crucial for both the pastor and the person seeking help. We’ll discuss red flags, healthy boundaries, and how pastors can support without overstepping. Substance abuse and addiction Children, teens, and other vulnerable people Meeting with one spouse with marital troubles Reporting crimes and other abusive situations People who use regular counseling to feel better without getting better Conflict of interest with church employees Resources: The Revitalization at Shadowbrook Church Doctor of Educational Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Church Answers Certifications FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Church Answers Central The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: Shadowbrook Church members in Suwanee, Georgia, have rediscovered their first love–serving Christ and loving others. But during Jerrod Rumley’s first two years as pastor, he was shepherding a divided congregation. A small number of members seemed better suited for sharing gossip than the gospel. Older and younger members had relegated the Great Commission to the church staff. Gen-Xers were comfortable in a congregation that placed few demands upon them. Others were busy meeting community needs–yet seldom shared the gospel. Rumley needed guidance to unify his splintered congregation. He knew exactly where to turn. Go to SBTS.edu/Unified to read about the steps Shadowbrook’s pastor took to erase barriers and revive the church’s passion for evangelism and discipleship. Those same steps are available to you, and it begins at SBTS.edu/Unified . Certifications to Take Your Ministry and Leadership Skills to the Next Level If you’re passionate about seeing churches make a kingdom impact, or you are passionate about churches transitioning well from pastor to pastor, this program is for you. We provide all the training you need with our self-paced video training modules. Learn more about certifications . The post The Limits of Pastoral Care: When Counseling Isn’t Appropriate appeared first on Church Answers .…

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The Top 5 Legal Issues Churches Face Today 30:45

8 napja30:45

30:45

Churches may be spiritual communities, but they operate in a legal world. And many aren’t prepared. In today’s episode, Sam interviews Ryan June of Castañeda + Heidelman LLP, and we unpack the five most common legal issues churches face: child protection, property disputes, employment law, governance and bylaws, and intellectual property. Ignorance of the law is not a spiritual gift. Whether your church is 50 years old or just starting, these legal risks can’t be ignored. Create and enforce a written child protection policy—it’s your frontline defense against liability. Keep your property deeds, insurance coverage, and usage agreements up to date and in writing. Treat staff and volunteers according to federal and state labor laws—intentions don’t override obligations. Review your bylaws every 3–5 years to ensure clarity and legal alignment with your actual practices. Consider the need to address content ownership as between the church and the staff, particularly pastors. Failure to have the conversation can lead to disputes. Documenting ownership of content in advance of its creation is important here, too. Otherwise, there is risk of violating IRS rules. The information contained in this podcast is not legal advice. It is intended as general educational material to help pastors and church leaders. For specific guidance, churches should consult with a qualified attorney familiar with their applicable laws and circumstances. Resources: Rooted Upward Sports Upward Sports: Pickleball Castañeda + Heidelman LLP Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: The Rooted experience can help you create a discipleship culture that connects your people and leads to ongoing life change in Jesus. Rooted is… A proven plan for helping people connect to God, their church, and their purpose A sustainable way to launch groups An approach to discipleship that helps people step out of their comfort zones and experience life-changing rhythms of discipleship An opportunity to change the culture of your church Visit experiencerooted.com/churchanswers for free resources to help you learn more, including the What is Rooted? video and a free download of the Rooted experience framework and Rooted Workbook sample. The Power of Partnership Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, empowering local churches to use sports as a dynamic connection tool to engage their communities. A Variety of Sports for Every Church From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs. Exciting News: Pickleball Has Arrived! Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available ! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more. Be the Neighborhood Church Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today. Get Ahead for Fall Sports Looking ahead to the fall season? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – Use sports as that invite. Whether it’s soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball or pickleball, Upward Sports is ready to support your church in reaching families right in the heart of your community. All you need is access to a gym or field and one passionate leader and Upward will support you with the rest. Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers . The post The Top 5 Legal Issues Churches Face Today appeared first on Church Answers .…

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Ten Quiet Disrupters in American Church Life (Part 2) 24:07

12 napja24:07

24:07

Many of the disruptions in local church life are widely known. For example, most congregants and church leaders can clearly see the impact of COVID several years ago. But there have been a number of “quiet” disruptions that don’t get much attention. Thom and Sam look at ten of them over two episodes. 6. Mobility rates of younger families and neighborhood churches. 7. Greater awareness of mental health issues. 8. Greater access to theological education. 9. Data-driven ministry changes the landscape of practical ministry. 10. Decentralization of communication. Resources: Rooted Upward Running Brown Church Development Group The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Churchteams VisitorReach Ten Quiet Disrupters in American Church Life (Part 1) “The Anxious Generation Goes to Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt (affiliate link) Church Answers University Church Equip Know Your Community Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: The Rooted experience can help you create a discipleship culture that connects your people and leads to ongoing life change in Jesus. Rooted is… A proven plan for helping people connect to God, their church, and their purpose A sustainable way to launch groups An approach to discipleship that helps people step out of their comfort zones and experience life-changing rhythms of discipleship An opportunity to change the culture of your church Visit experiencerooted.com/churchanswers for free resources to help you learn more, including the What is Rooted? video and a free download of the Rooted experience framework and Rooted Workbook sample. Introducing Upward Running! Upward Sports’ first step into adult sports is here — and running has never been easier to get “up and running.” Offer a 5K Challenge: Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides: Tailored training plans to help your runner or walkers move from the couch to completing a 5k. Access to the new RunClub app for tracking progress and building community. A fully customizable program that fits your church’s timeline — all led by your run coach who will be fully equipped with the Upward Running materials to lead. Simple to Start: With just one passionate leader and no facility needed, your church parking lot can become the starting line for life transformation. Build Stronger Connections: Use running to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, and grow spiritually while expanding your church’s impact. Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today! The post Ten Quiet Disrupters in American Church Life (Part 2) appeared first on Church Answers .…

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Ten Quiet Disrupters in American Church Life (Part 1) 21:33

15 napja21:33

21:33

Many of the disruptions in local church life are widely known. For example, most congregants and church leaders can clearly see the impact of COVID several years ago. But there have been a number of “quiet” disruptions that don’t get much attention. Thom and Sam look at ten of them over two episodes. 1. Evolving expectations for spiritual authority. 2. Blurring the lines between personal and private faith. 3. Digital natives redefine community. 4. Micro-communities become a greater influence. 5. Donation dynamics change. Resources: Upward Sports Upward Sports: Pickleball Rooted Church Growth Services: Get your free campaign capacity analysis! Churchteams Ten Quiet Disrupters in American Church Life (Part 2) “The Anxious Generation Goes to Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: The Power of Partnership Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, empowering local churches to use sports as a dynamic connection tool to engage their communities. A Variety of Sports for Every Church From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs. Exciting News: Pickleball Has Arrived! Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available ! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more. Be the Neighborhood Church Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today. Get Ahead for Fall Sports Looking ahead to the fall season? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – Use sports as that invite. Whether it’s soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball or pickleball, Upward Sports is ready to support your church in reaching families right in the heart of your community. All you need is access to a gym or field and one passionate leader and Upward will support you with the rest. Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers . The Rooted experience can help you create a discipleship culture that connects your people and leads to ongoing life change in Jesus. Rooted is… A proven plan for helping people connect to God, their church, and their purpose A sustainable way to launch groups An approach to discipleship that helps people step out of their comfort zones and experience life-changing rhythms of discipleship An opportunity to change the culture of your church Visit experiencerooted.com/churchanswers for free resources to help you learn more, including the What is Rooted? video and a free download of the Rooted experience framework and Rooted Workbook sample. The post Ten Quiet Disrupters in American Church Life (Part 1) appeared first on Church Answers .…

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What Young Families Really Want in a Church 24:00

19 napja24:00

24:00

Most every church desires to grow with young families. But what do they look for in a church? Josh and Sam discuss a few key ways to attract and retain families with children. An indicator of health: 25% of Sunday morning attendance should be 18 and under. An indicator of investment: The children’s and student ministry budgets should be more than the worship ministry budget. Clear policies and procedures that prioritize child safety. Family-friendly service start times (9:30 or 10:00 a.m.) and service length (one hour). Age-segmented discipleship programs for children, students, and adults. Full programming for the entire family. Worship styles, preaching philosophy, and specific programs can be important to some but are less important overall. Resources: The Revitalization at Shadowbrook Church Doctor of Educational Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Churchteams Church Answers Certifications FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Church Answers Central The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: Shadowbrook Church members in Suwanee, Georgia, have rediscovered their first love–serving Christ and loving others. But during Jerrod Rumley’s first two years as pastor, he was shepherding a divided congregation. A small number of members seemed better suited for sharing gossip than the gospel. Older and younger members had relegated the Great Commission to the church staff. Gen-Xers were comfortable in a congregation that placed few demands upon them. Others were busy meeting community needs–yet seldom shared the gospel. Rumley needed guidance to unify his splintered congregation. He knew exactly where to turn. Go to SBTS.edu/Unified to read about the steps Shadowbrook’s pastor took to erase barriers and revive the church’s passion for evangelism and discipleship. Those same steps are available to you, and it begins at SBTS.edu/Unified . You see the need for systems to follow up on guests, volunteers, pastoral care; but right now that is really sporadic and siloed. Each person doing their own thing and people falling through the cracks. Churchteams will help you build and implement the system you need. Tired of not being able to get the help you need for your software? Churchteams support staff have all served on Church staff. They know the software and they know how churches work. Call, text, set up free support appointments. Integrated. How many different software systems are you using that require sharing people’s data? If 2 or more, you know the challenge and limitations of data in different systems that don’t play well together. Churchteams has all your people data in one place, including your communication data (email, texts, workflows). Ease of use. Do you feel like you should be getting more from your church software, but just can’t get people to use it? Churchteams makes it easy for guests, members, volunteers, and leaders to do everything they need to do including giving without having to create an account. Check it out to learn how. Reports. Are you getting the feedback on your ministry that you need from your database when you need it? Churchteams reports are extremely customizable. Let each staff save the ones they use on their dashboard. Or, schedule it to show up in their inbox. Learn more at Churchteams . The post What Young Families Really Want in a Church appeared first on Church Answers .…

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Seven Occasions When You Should Not Hire More Church Staff 24:53

22 napja24:53

24:53

Hiring staff can strengthen a church—but not always. In this episode, Thom and Sam discuss seven times when adding staff is a mistake, from removing ministry opportunities from the laity to financial missteps and agenda-driven hires. Learn how to make wise, mission-focused staffing decisions for your church’s health. When it takes ministry away from the laity. When you add staff according to the way you’ve always done it. When it’s not a smart financial decision. When a particular group in the church pushes its own agenda. When a friend needs a job. When it’s just a copy of another church. When you are unwilling to deal with a current ineffective staff member. Resources: Rooted Upward Running Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: The Rooted experience can help you create a discipleship culture that connects your people and leads to ongoing life change in Jesus. Rooted is… A proven plan for helping people connect to God, their church, and their purpose A sustainable way to launch groups An approach to discipleship that helps people step out of their comfort zones and experience life-changing rhythms of discipleship An opportunity to change the culture of your church Visit experiencerooted.com/churchanswers for free resources to help you learn more, including the What is Rooted? video and a free download of the Rooted experience framework and Rooted Workbook sample. Introducing Upward Running! Upward Sports’ first step into adult sports is here — and running has never been easier to get “up and running.” Offer a 5K Challenge: Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides: Tailored training plans to help your runner or walkers move from the couch to completing a 5k. Access to the new RunClub app for tracking progress and building community. A fully customizable program that fits your church’s timeline — all led by your run coach who will be fully equipped with the Upward Running materials to lead. Simple to Start: With just one passionate leader and no facility needed, your church parking lot can become the starting line for life transformation. Build Stronger Connections: Use running to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, and grow spiritually while expanding your church’s impact. Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today! The post Seven Occasions When You Should Not Hire More Church Staff appeared first on Church Answers .…

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How Much Money Should a Pastor Make? 26:32

26 napja26:32

26:32

A pastor’s salary is determined by several factors, including church size and budget, geographic location, cost of living, education, experience, and responsibilities. While there is no universal answer, Josh and Sam discuss general guidelines and what pastors should expect from their churches. Remember, everything is negotiable on the front end. Don’t go to a church and negotiate after you accept the position. Some denominations are known to pay better than others. Most pastors are underpaid, but few get paid far too much. The median household income of a community is typically not where pastors should be given their experience, education, and responsibilities. A small school superintendent is a better comparison point for a full-time pastor at a mid-size to large church. Rent x 3 is a good rule of thumb. For churches with budgets between $600,000 and $2,000,000, 10% of the income received is typical for a compensation package of a lead pastor. Remember, you must consider salary, housing, benefits, and social security exemption. Should churches pay for half of FICA if a pastor has opted into social security? Many churches do not realize that Section 3121(b)(8)(A) prevents them from withholding Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) from a minister’s wages. Instead, ministers are responsible for paying Self-Employment Contributions Act (SECA) tax on their salary and housing allowance—unless they have obtained an approved exemption. Resources: The Revitalization at Shadowbrook Church Doctor of Educational Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Churchteams Church Answers Certifications FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Church Answers Central The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: Shadowbrook Church members in Suwanee, Georgia, have rediscovered their first love–serving Christ and loving others. But during Jerrod Rumley’s first two years as pastor, he was shepherding a divided congregation. A small number of members seemed better suited for sharing gossip than the gospel. Older and younger members had relegated the Great Commission to the church staff. Gen-Xers were comfortable in a congregation that placed few demands upon them. Others were busy meeting community needs–yet seldom shared the gospel. Rumley needed guidance to unify his splintered congregation. He knew exactly where to turn. Go to SBTS.edu/Unified to read about the steps Shadowbrook’s pastor took to erase barriers and revive the church’s passion for evangelism and discipleship. Those same steps are available to you, and it begins at SBTS.edu/Unified . You see the need for systems to follow up on guests, volunteers, pastoral care; but right now that is really sporadic and siloed. Each person doing their own thing and people falling through the cracks. Churchteams will help you build and implement the system you need. Tired of not being able to get the help you need for your software? Churchteams support staff have all served on Church staff. They know the software and they know how churches work. Call, text, set up free support appointments. Integrated. How many different software systems are you using that require sharing people’s data? If 2 or more, you know the challenge and limitations of data in different systems that don’t play well together. Churchteams has all your people data in one place, including your communication data (email, texts, workflows). Ease of use. Do you feel like you should be getting more from your church software, but just can’t get people to use it? Churchteams makes it easy for guests, members, volunteers, and leaders to do everything they need to do including giving without having to create an account. Check it out to learn how. Reports. Are you getting the feedback on your ministry that you need from your database when you need it? Churchteams reports are extremely customizable. Let each staff save the ones they use on their dashboard. Or, schedule it to show up in their inbox. Learn more at Churchteams . The post How Much Money Should a Pastor Make? appeared first on Church Answers .…

1
The Burge Report: Are Religious People More Prone to Conspiracy Theories? 32:14

29 napja32:14

32:14

Both prophets and conspiracy theorists cater to the human desire to make sense of chaos. This connection sparks compelling questions: Do religious belief and conspiracy thinking go hand in hand, as both involve leaps of imagination? Or does a strong religious framework offer enough structure, reducing the need for conspiracy theories? Ryan Burge joins the show to discuss what the hard data reveals. Non-religious people are slightly less inclined toward conspiracy theories. Those who attend church weekly are also less inclined toward conspiracy theories. The quasi-religious (attending church occasionally) are more prone to conspiracy theories. Overall, being politically conservative had no impact at all on belief in conspiracy theories. However, for those who don’t have a strong religious belief, being more conservative drives up conspiratorial thinking. Holding to Christian Nationalist views drives up the belief in conspiracy theories. Political ideology is more influential on holding to conspiracy theories than religious beliefs. Resources: NLT Large Print Pew Bible Church Connect Tyndale House Publishers Upward Sports Upward Sports: Pickleball Ryan Burge “Trust the Plan – Does Religion Drive Conspiratorial Thinking?” by Ryan Burge “Leviathan” by Thomas Hobbes (affiliate link) “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again” by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson (affiliate link) Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: Pastors, if you are looking for the perfect pew Bible to serve your congregation, the NLT Large Print Pew Bible is a fantastic choice! With its easy-to-read 10.25 point font, even seniors and young readers will follow along comfortably. It’s durable, affordable, and beautifully crafted—ideal for use in worship. And because it is the New Living Translation, your congregation will hear an accurate, understandable, and audibly enjoyable reading of Scripture that speaks to the heart, enriches understanding, and transforms lives—perfect for sermons, public reading, and personal reflection. Upgrade your pew Bibles today. Learn more and find bulk discounts for churches at Church Connect . The Power of Partnership Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, empowering local churches to use sports as a dynamic connection tool to engage their communities. A Variety of Sports for Every Church From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs. Exciting News: Pickleball Has Arrived! Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available ! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more. Be the Neighborhood Church Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today. Get Ahead for Fall Sports Looking ahead to the fall season? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – Use sports as that invite. Whether it’s soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball or pickleball, Upward Sports is ready to support your church in reaching families right in the heart of your community. All you need is access to a gym or field and one passionate leader and Upward will support you with the rest. Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers . The post The Burge Report: Are Religious People More Prone to Conspiracy Theories? appeared first on Church Answers .…

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The Future of America’s Largest Churches: An Interview with Eric Geiger 30:33

5 weeks30:33

30:33

The future of America’s largest churches (specifically megachurches—2,000+ weekly attendees) is a complex mix of momentum, innovation, and cultural headwinds. Eric Geiger from Mariners Church joins Sam on the show to discuss the reality facing large churches. Will they keep growing? Some will, but many are plateauing or entering slow decline. What are the biggest challenges facing large churches today? What is different now than in the 1990s and early 2000s when megachurch growth peaked? Why do many large churches base their ministry strategies on charismatic leadership models? How will the declining Baby Boomer population affect large church trends? What is Mariners Church doing to prepare for the future? Resources: The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Churchteams Rooted “Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples” by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger (affiliate link) FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Church Answers Central The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: You’ve been in ministry long enough to spot both the obstacles and the opportunities facing your congregation. There must be solutions, but how do you find them? If you are the ministry leader called to champion these issues, Southern Seminary has a problem-solving degree that will guide you to the answers. From the moment you begin your doctor of ministry program at Southern, you will research the issues and start writing about the biblical solutions that will immediately benefit your church. The academic sharpening that comes through your faculty supervisor and doctoral cohorts will strengthen both you and your church . Learn how Southern’s DMin can be an extension of your current ministry, not a distraction from it . The DMin at Southern Seminary will equip you to solve a problem or harness a ministry opportunity that will strengthen you and your church. Learn how at SBTS.edu/solutions . You see the need for systems to follow up on guests, volunteers, pastoral care; but right now that is really sporadic and siloed. Each person doing their own thing and people falling through the cracks. Churchteams will help you build and implement the system you need. Tired of not being able to get the help you need for your software? Churchteams support staff have all served on Church staff. They know the software and they know how churches work. Call, text, set up free support appointments. Integrated. How many different software systems are you using that require sharing people’s data? If 2 or more, you know the challenge and limitations of data in different systems that don’t play well together. Churchteams has all your people data in one place, including your communication data (email, texts, workflows). Ease of use. Do you feel like you should be getting more from your church software, but just can’t get people to use it? Churchteams makes it easy for guests, members, volunteers, and leaders to do everything they need to do including giving without having to create an account. Check it out to learn how. Reports. Are you getting the feedback on your ministry that you need from your database when you need it? Churchteams reports are extremely customizable. Let each staff save the ones they use on their dashboard. Or, schedule it to show up in their inbox. Learn more at Churchteams . The post The Future of America’s Largest Churches: An Interview with Eric Geiger appeared first on Church Answers .…

1
The Shifts in How Churches Choose Small Group Curriculum (What You Need to Know): An Interview with Michael Kelley 28:35

5 weeks28:35

28:35

In this episode, Sam interviews Michael Kelley, Executive Director for the Rooted Network and a seasoned writer of church small group curriculum. As churches adapt to evolving discipleship needs, small group materials are also transforming. We’ll explore what’s driving these changes, how new approaches are resonating with different congregations, and practical insights for church leaders who are choosing curriculum in today’s landscape. What are some of the most significant shifts you’ve seen in church small group curriculum over the past few years? How have changing cultural dynamics influenced the topics and formats of small group studies? What role does technology play in shaping modern small group curriculum, and how can churches effectively leverage it? How can church leaders discern which curriculum will best serve their congregation’s unique needs? What advice would you give to small group leaders who want to foster deeper engagement and spiritual growth through the curriculum they choose? Resources: Upward Running NLT Large Print Pew Bible Church Connect Tyndale House Publishers Rooted “Understanding the Bible as a Whole” by Sam Rainer (affiliate link) Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: Introducing Upward Running! Upward Sports’ first step into adult sports is here — and running has never been easier to get “up and running.” Offer a 5K Challenge: Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides: Tailored training plans to help your runner or walkers move from the couch to completing a 5k. Access to the new RunClub app for tracking progress and building community. A fully customizable program that fits your church’s timeline — all led by your run coach who will be fully equipped with the Upward Running materials to lead. Simple to Start: With just one passionate leader and no facility needed, your church parking lot can become the starting line for life transformation. Build Stronger Connections: Use running to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, and grow spiritually while expanding your church’s impact. Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today! Pastors, if you are looking for the perfect pew Bible to serve your congregation, the NLT Large Print Pew Bible is a fantastic choice! With its easy-to-read 10.25 point font, even seniors and young readers will follow along comfortably. It’s durable, affordable, and beautifully crafted—ideal for use in worship. And because it is the New Living Translation, your congregation will hear an accurate, understandable, and audibly enjoyable reading of Scripture that speaks to the heart, enriches understanding, and transforms lives—perfect for sermons, public reading, and personal reflection. Upgrade your pew Bibles today. Learn more and find bulk discounts for churches at Church Connect . The post The Shifts in How Churches Choose Small Group Curriculum (What You Need to Know): An Interview with Michael Kelley appeared first on Church Answers .…

1
The Best Bible Translation for Preaching 24:54

6 weeks24:54

24:54

Many people are passionate about Bible translations and have strong opinions about which one is the best. Pastors are no exception. Josh and Sam discuss what translations they believe are best suited for preaching. Formal equivalence, dynamic equivalence, and optimal equivalence are helpful terms but ultimately just marketing language. Word-for-word translations are not necessarily more accurate than other translation philosophies. Some churches require certain translations like the KJV. The HCSB was excellent (capitalized pronouns!) and missed. Sam prefers the NLT because it’s highly readable and highly accurate. Scripture should be read in church, and the NLT is easily understood when read aloud. Josh prefers the CSB because… Resources: The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Churchteams FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Church Answers Central The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: You’ve been in ministry long enough to spot both the obstacles and the opportunities facing your congregation. There must be solutions, but how do you find them? If you are the ministry leader called to champion these issues, Southern Seminary has a problem-solving degree that will guide you to the answers. From the moment you begin your doctor of ministry program at Southern, you will research the issues and start writing about the biblical solutions that will immediately benefit your church. The academic sharpening that comes through your faculty supervisor and doctoral cohorts will strengthen both you and your church . Learn how Southern’s DMin can be an extension of your current ministry, not a distraction from it . The DMin at Southern Seminary will equip you to solve a problem or harness a ministry opportunity that will strengthen you and your church. Learn how at SBTS.edu/solutions . You see the need for systems to follow up on guests, volunteers, pastoral care; but right now that is really sporadic and siloed. Each person doing their own thing and people falling through the cracks. Churchteams will help you build and implement the system you need. Tired of not being able to get the help you need for your software? Churchteams support staff have all served on Church staff. They know the software and they know how churches work. Call, text, set up free support appointments. Integrated. How many different software systems are you using that require sharing people’s data? If 2 or more, you know the challenge and limitations of data in different systems that don’t play well together. Churchteams has all your people data in one place, including your communication data (email, texts, workflows). Ease of use. Do you feel like you should be getting more from your church software, but just can’t get people to use it? Churchteams makes it easy for guests, members, volunteers, and leaders to do everything they need to do including giving without having to create an account. Check it out to learn how. Reports. Are you getting the feedback on your ministry that you need from your database when you need it? Churchteams reports are extremely customizable. Let each staff save the ones they use on their dashboard. Or, schedule it to show up in their inbox. Learn more at Churchteams . The post The Best Bible Translation for Preaching appeared first on Church Answers .…

1
Four Kinds of Church Leaders Who Will Not Lead in Revitalization 25:23

6 weeks25:23

25:23

In this episode, Thom and Sam explore four types of church leaders who are unlikely to lead effectively in revitalization: Fearful leaders who avoid risk. Leaders in denial who ignore decline. Comfortable leaders who resist change. Coasting leaders who have lost their drive. Each of these leadership postures hinders momentum, blocks vision, and stalls renewal. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward raising courageous, honest, and mission-focused leaders who can guide the church forward. Resources: NLT Large Print Pew Bible Church Connect Tyndale House Publishers Upward Sports Upward Sports: Pickleball Going to a Dead Church on Purpose, Rainer on Leadership Do you want discounts for your denominational church? Email Sam at sam@churchanswers.com Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: Pastors, if you are looking for the perfect pew Bible to serve your congregation, the NLT Large Print Pew Bible is a fantastic choice! With its easy-to-read 10.25 point font, even seniors and young readers will follow along comfortably. It’s durable, affordable, and beautifully crafted—ideal for use in worship. And because it is the New Living Translation, your congregation will hear an accurate, understandable, and audibly enjoyable reading of Scripture that speaks to the heart, enriches understanding, and transforms lives—perfect for sermons, public reading, and personal reflection. Upgrade your pew Bibles today. Learn more and find bulk discounts for churches at Church Connect . The Power of Partnership Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, empowering local churches to use sports as a dynamic connection tool to engage their communities. A Variety of Sports for Every Church From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs. Exciting News: Pickleball Has Arrived! Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available ! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more. Be the Neighborhood Church Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today. Get Ahead for Fall Sports Looking ahead to the fall season? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – Use sports as that invite. Whether it’s soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball or pickleball, Upward Sports is ready to support your church in reaching families right in the heart of your community. All you need is access to a gym or field and one passionate leader and Upward will support you with the rest. Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers . The post Four Kinds of Church Leaders Who Will Not Lead in Revitalization appeared first on Church Answers .…

1
What Should I Do After Getting Fired from a Church? 23:39

7 weeks23:39

23:39

One of the most challenging parts of ministry is the rejection of getting fired by a church. Josh and Sam discuss the immediate next steps pastors can take to begin the healing process. Was the action by the church warranted? If so, seek the spiritual and emotional help you need. If the action was not warranted (most cases are not), you should still talk to a professional counselor, mentors, and friends. Don’t be afraid to ask for a large severance if you have the opportunity. You will discover your true friends through the ordeal. Others will keep their distance. For many, starting a search process immediately is best. Pray to God, network with decision-makers, and apply to several open positions. For others, you may need to pause from ministry and re-evaluate God’s path. Consider the interim an opportunity to change your geography or your position. Now is the time to ask for favors and call everyone in your network. Don’t be afraid to tell people exactly what happened. Far more pastors have been through this situation than you realize. Resources: The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Churchteams FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Church Answers Central The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: You’ve been in ministry long enough to spot both the obstacles and the opportunities facing your congregation. There must be solutions, but how do you find them? If you are the ministry leader called to champion these issues, Southern Seminary has a problem-solving degree that will guide you to the answers. From the moment you begin your doctor of ministry program at Southern, you will research the issues and start writing about the biblical solutions that will immediately benefit your church. The academic sharpening that comes through your faculty supervisor and doctoral cohorts will strengthen both you and your church . Learn how Southern’s DMin can be an extension of your current ministry, not a distraction from it . The DMin at Southern Seminary will equip you to solve a problem or harness a ministry opportunity that will strengthen you and your church. Learn how at SBTS.edu/solutions . You see the need for systems to follow up on guests, volunteers, pastoral care; but right now that is really sporadic and siloed. Each person doing their own thing and people falling through the cracks. Churchteams will help you build and implement the system you need. Tired of not being able to get the help you need for your software? Churchteams support staff have all served on Church staff. They know the software and they know how churches work. Call, text, set up free support appointments. Integrated. How many different software systems are you using that require sharing people’s data? If 2 or more, you know the challenge and limitations of data in different systems that don’t play well together. Churchteams has all your people data in one place, including your communication data (email, texts, workflows). Ease of use. Do you feel like you should be getting more from your church software, but just can’t get people to use it? Churchteams makes it easy for guests, members, volunteers, and leaders to do everything they need to do including giving without having to create an account. Check it out to learn how. Reports. Are you getting the feedback on your ministry that you need from your database when you need it? Churchteams reports are extremely customizable. Let each staff save the ones they use on their dashboard. Or, schedule it to show up in their inbox. Learn more at Churchteams . The post What Should I Do After Getting Fired from a Church? appeared first on Church Answers .…

1
Four Common Reasons Most Churches Aren’t Breakout Churches 25:21

7 weeks25:21

25:21

What stops a church from having a breakout? Thom and Sam discuss four primary reasons they often see in their consultations and research. Lack of leadership development. Most pastors have little training or background in leadership. But they are expected to lead a church. Some may have extensive theological and biblical training, but they are weak in leadership. Aaron had to tell Moses that his leadership approach was all wrong. Moses was headed for a leadership disaster. Unbiblical understanding of church membership. Basically, an unbiblical understanding of church membership is self-centered. Members have an attitude that the church exists for “me” and “my” preferences. Unclear purpose. Though it may seem counterintuitive, many church members do not know the clear purpose or purposes of their church. Lack of outward focus. The church does not have an ongoing evangelism emphasis, and, as a result, the culture of the church moves inward. Resources: Upward Running NLT Large Print Pew Bible Church Connect Tyndale House Publishers Church Growth Services: Get your free campaign capacity analysis! “Breakout Churches” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) “High Expectations: The Remarkable Secret for Keeping People in Your Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) “Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples” by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger (affiliate link) Invite Your One Church Answers Silver Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: Introducing Upward Running! Upward Sports’ first step into adult sports is here — and running has never been easier to get “up and running.” Offer a 5K Challenge: Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides: Tailored training plans to help your runner or walkers move from the couch to completing a 5k. Access to the new RunClub app for tracking progress and building community. A fully customizable program that fits your church’s timeline — all led by your run coach who will be fully equipped with the Upward Running materials to lead. Simple to Start: With just one passionate leader and no facility needed, your church parking lot can become the starting line for life transformation. Build Stronger Connections: Use running to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, and grow spiritually while expanding your church’s impact. Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today! Pastors, if you are looking for the perfect pew Bible to serve your congregation, the NLT Large Print Pew Bible is a fantastic choice! With its easy-to-read 10.25 point font, even seniors and young readers will follow along comfortably. It’s durable, affordable, and beautifully crafted—ideal for use in worship. And because it is the New Living Translation, your congregation will hear an accurate, understandable, and audibly enjoyable reading of Scripture that speaks to the heart, enriches understanding, and transforms lives—perfect for sermons, public reading, and personal reflection. Upgrade your pew Bibles today. Learn more and find bulk discounts for churches at Church Connect . The post Four Common Reasons Most Churches Aren’t Breakout Churches appeared first on Church Answers .…

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