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Rainer on Leadership

Church Answers

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

religion & spirituality christianity

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21:33

Ten Quiet Disrupters in American Church Life (Part 1)

Rainer on Leadership ·

2025/07/11

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.

24:01

What Young Families Really Want in a Church

Rainer on Leadership ·

2025/07/09

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.

24:53

Seven Occasions When You Should Not Hire More Church...

Rainer on Leadership ·

2025/07/03

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.

26:32

How Much Money Should a Pastor Make?

Rainer on Leadership ·

2025/07/02

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.

32:15

The Burge Report: Are Religious People More Prone to...

Rainer on Leadership ·

2025/06/26

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.

30:33

The Future of America's Largest Churches: An...

Rainer on Leadership ·

2025/06/24

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.

28:35

The Shifts in How Churches Choose Small Group...

Rainer on Leadership ·

2025/06/19

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.

24:54

The Best Bible Translation for Preaching

Rainer on Leadership ·

2025/06/18

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.

25:23

Four Kinds of Church Leaders Who Will Not Lead in...

Rainer on Leadership ·

2025/06/12

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.

23:40

What Should I Do After Getting Fired from a Church?

Rainer on Leadership ·

2025/06/10

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.

25:21

Four Common Reasons Most Churches Aren't Breakout...

Rainer on Leadership ·

2025/06/05

What stops a church from having a breakout? Thom and Sam discuss four primary reasons they often see in their consultations and research.

26:30

Five Key Tips to Teach Your Church to Tithe

Rainer on Leadership ·

2025/06/03

Sam received a message from a friend recently. His question was simple: How many people typically give in a church? Statistically, about 75% of people will give in a typical church. In his case, only 50% of the church was giving regularly. Josh and Sam discuss some ways to teach church members about the importance of tithing. The 10% mark can be controversial, but committing to give regularly should not be.

27:28

Eight Causes for a Ministry Slump

Rainer on Leadership ·

2025/05/29

No church grows week after week and year after year. Additionally, our spiritual growth has highs and lows. A slump is inevitable in churches and people. Thom and Sam discuss some causes of a ministry slump and what you can do to stop the slide.

30:55

Is There Any Hope for Revitalizing Mainline Churches?

Rainer on Leadership ·

2025/05/27

The long, slow death of mainline churches is well documented and goes back to the 1970s. In the mid-twentieth century, approximately half of all Americans were identified as members of one of the seven mainline denominations. Today, it's between 10% and 15%. Not much is said about revitalizing these churches, but there is hope. Josh and Sam interview one mainline Methodist elder, Chad Brooks, who has a plan to solve this problem.

29:13

The Burge Report: Why Are Non-Denominational Churches...

Rainer on Leadership ·

2025/05/23

Fifty years ago, non-denominational churches were more of an anomaly. Today, they are one of largest religious groups in the United States and one of only a few growing religious groups. Why is this? Ryan Burge joins the show to discuss the reasons for growth among non-denominational churches.

22:46

Are Church Members Cussing More Today Than in the Past?

Rainer on Leadership ·

2025/05/20

The co-hosts have noticed something—it seems church members are cussing more these days. But are their anecdotal experiences supported by data? Josh and Sam talk about the expletive problem in churches today.

21:58

Five Reasons Healthy Churches Seek Outside Help

Rainer on Leadership ·

2025/05/15

Churches can struggle with seeking outside help, even when it's obvious they need it. Thom and Sam discuss why healthy churches often have outsiders speak into the operations of the church.

26:40

Why Some Pastors Never Experience Church Growth

Rainer on Leadership ·

2025/05/13

Very few churches are growing, which means most pastors will lead plateaued or declining congregations. Some pastors experience an entire ministry career in no-growth situations. Why does this happen? Josh and Sam discuss several reasons why some pastors never experience church growth.

25:53

What Is the Right Age to Retire as a Lead Pastor?

Rainer on Leadership ·

2025/05/08

The average age of a pastor is 60 years old. The question of retirement is one many pastors are asking. Being a lead pastor comes with unique demands and extra attention. Is there an ideal age to retire? Thom and Sam discuss some guidelines for those who are closer to retirement than not.

27:24

Is Student Ministry Still a Stepping Stone?

Rainer on Leadership ·

2025/05/06

A generation ago, student ministers would often make the leap to the lead pastor role after a few years. Does this kind of move still happen? If so, is it a good thing or not? Unfortunately, sometimes ministry positions outside of the lead pastor are seen as a lesser role in the life of the church. Josh and Sam break down the good and bad of leaping from student ministry to lead pastor.

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