The work of pastoral ministry is joyful but also demanding. Every pastor is on call 24/7, and members’ expectations are high and sometimes unreasonable. Pastors are thus expected to “run the race” constantly. But how can they keep up the pace in this marathon of ministry without burning out? How can they remain productive with such demands? Jess an…

Though we cannot know the will of God for your life, we can share with you the mistakes of many leaders who quit prematurely. Jess and Thom discuss six times when it is likely not the right time to quit. The second reason might surprise you. When we lack clarity from God. When you haven’t expressed gratitude and joy to God for where you are now. Wh…

Can anyone really provide an update on AI? It is moving too fast for most of us. Jess and Thom try to keep local churches updated on the AI issues that could most affect them. The evangelistic opportunities using AI are massive. The opportunity for virtual tours of your church facility. The opportunity to demonstrate value in human-to-human connect…

More churches are leasing parts of their facilities for both ministry and additional income. Likewise, more churches are making big mistakes in the leasing process. Jess and Thom look at 15 of those mistakes. Listening to just a few of these traps could be a game-changer for your congregation. Agreement with a handshake (You need to know why) Failu…

The demographic and psychographic information about your church is vital to establishing a healthy outreach plan. Jess and Thom show how this plan can be developed for your church. Get a thorough demographic and psychographic report. We offer Know Your Community. If possible, start with a survey of your church. We offer Know Your Church. What are t…

Thom interviews Mike Stadelmayer of Church Growth Services, who provides three incredible stories about how God works to bless churches financially. In this episode, Mike shares the story of a church that raised funds miraculously for a new building. Resources: Pastor Chris Freeman, City Church Church Growth Services: Get your free campaign capacit…

Thom interviews Mike Stadelmayer of Church Growth, who provides three incredible stories about how God works to bless churches financially. In this episode, Mike shares the story of a church that raised funds miraculously for debt reduction. Resources: Pastor Nathanael Lyon, Hope Community Church Church Growth Services: Get your free campaign capac…

Thom interviews Mike Stadelmayer of Church Growth Services, who provides three incredible stories about how God works to bless churches financially. In this episode, Mike shares the story of a church that raised funds miraculously for deferred maintenance. Resources: Pastor Bob Beckler, Central Community Church Church Growth Services: Get your free…

Jess and Thom look at some of the most common barriers in churches while answering the “why” behind each one. Some of the challenges are the same as in past years, but the reasons behind them are often not. Evangelistic apathy Prayer drought Staffing lid Unvalued bride Unit decline Forgotten pathways Community amnesia Resources: Chaney & Associates…

Thom and Jess revisit one of the most frequently asked questions at Church Answers. Instead of speculating, they share actual stories of churches that are doing just that. This podcast will be incredibly helpful to church leaders. Resources: Chaney & Associates Know Your Community The Hope Initiative “Pray & Go: Your Invitation to Become a Great Co…

There are 375,000 churches in America that have approximately 26 million worship services a year. Something unexpected is likely to happen every week. And the unexpected does indeed happen. Jess and Thom share some of those stories and tell how pastors respond (or should respond). At the end of the podcast is their favorite on video. Resources: Cha…

Thom started noticing a trend several years ago. Many pastors and other church leaders were getting consultation training primarily to help their own churches. Thom and Jess look at this growing trend. The origins of church consultation. The origins of church consultation training. Is there a biblical basis for church consultation? What Thom learne…

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 …