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…

Gen Z could represent the first generation to return to church after decades of declining attendance. Thom and Jess look at four areas where local churches can connect with Gen Z in positive ways: Understand how different they are from previous generations. Focus on those ministries that help Gen Z form in-person community. Don’t compromise on bibl…

Mental health statistics point to the severe emotional and mental challenges of Gen Z. Church leaders should be aware of the significant reasons why this challenge is taking place. Thom and Jess look at three key reasons: Smartphones Social media The COVID pandemic Resources: Chaney & Associates “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt (affiliate…

It is essential for church leaders to understand Gen Z in relation to previous generations. Thom and Jess, a Boomer and Millennial, compare Gen Z to four other generations. Here are the four generations they will discuss: 1946-1964 (Baby Boom Generation): Approximately 76 million live births occurred during this period. This period is known for the…

The role of a pastor carries significant challenges. In a three-part series, Thom and Jess look at those challenges pastors have almost every week. In part three, they consider how pastors deal with interruptions that are normative for church life: members in crisis, those seeking counsel and advice, requests from the community, and others. Resourc…

The role of a pastor carries significant challenges. In a three-part series, Thom and Jess look at those challenges pastors have almost every week. In part two, they consider how pastors deal with leading a mostly all-volunteer organization. Resources: Chaney & Associates The Everything Church Resource Directory The Hope Initiative Church Answers C…

The role of a pastor carries significant challenges. In a three-part series, Thom and Jess look at those challenges pastors have almost every week. In part one, they consider how pastors deal with the ongoing demand of sermon preparation. Resources: Chaney & Associates “When the People Pray” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) The Everything Church …

Thom and Jess welcome Kevin Mills, author of “The Day the Church Died.” In this episode, they discuss the differences in writing a fiction book versus a nonfiction book. Resources: Chaney & Associates “The Day the Church Died” by Kevin Mills (affiliate link) Craft Book Publishing “Where Have All the Church Members Gone?” by Thom S. Rainer “How to L…

Thom and Jess welcome Kevin Mills, author of “The Day the Church Died.” In this episode, they discuss moral failures and what a pastor should do to protect himself. Resources: Chaney & Associates “The Day the Church Died” by Kevin Mills (affiliate link) The Everything Church Resource Directory The Hope Initiative Church Answers Central Membership E…

Thom and Jess welcome Kevin Mills, author of “The Day the Church Died.” In this episode, they discuss how Kevin’s book is based on several realities in churches today. Resources: Chaney & Associates “The Day the Church Died” by Kevin Mills (affiliate link) Ryan Burge The Hope Initiative and The Complete Membership Class Toolkit The Everything Churc…

The purposes of the church originate with the early churches in the New Testament. When Rick Warren wrote The Purpose Driven Church in 1995, the purposes became commonplace in conversations in churches around the world. Thom takes a detailed journey about the purposes of the church through nine episodes. Keep all of them together to share with your…

The purposes of the church originate with the early churches in the New Testament. When Rick Warren wrote The Purpose Driven Church in 1995, the purposes became commonplace in conversations in churches around the world. Thom takes a detailed journey about the purposes of the church through nine episodes. Keep all of them together to share with your…

The purposes of the church originate with the early churches in the New Testament. When Rick Warren wrote The Purpose Driven Church in 1995, the purposes became commonplace in conversations in churches around the world. Thom takes a detailed journey about the purposes of the church through nine episodes. Keep all of them together to share with your…

The purposes of the church originate with the early churches in the New Testament. When Rick Warren wrote The Purpose Driven Church in 1995, the purposes became commonplace in conversations in churches around the world. Thom takes a detailed journey about the purposes of the church through nine episodes. Keep all of them together to share with your…

The purposes of the church originate with the early churches in the New Testament. When Rick Warren wrote The Purpose Driven Church in 1995, the purposes became commonplace in conversations in churches around the world. Thom takes a detailed journey about the purposes of the church through nine episodes. Keep all of them together to share with your…

The purposes of the church originate with the early churches in the New Testament. When Rick Warren wrote The Purpose Driven Church in 1995, the purposes became commonplace in conversations in churches around the world. Thom takes a detailed journey about the purposes of the church through nine episodes. Keep all of them together to share with your…

The purposes of the church originate with the early churches in the New Testament. When Rick Warren wrote The Purpose Driven Church in 1995, the purposes became commonplace in conversations in churches around the world. Thom takes a detailed journey about the purposes of the church through nine episodes. Keep all of them together to share with your…

The purposes of the church originate with the early churches in the New Testament. When Rick Warren wrote The Purpose Driven Church in 1995, the purposes became commonplace in conversations in churches around the world. Thom takes a detailed journey about the purposes of the church through nine episodes. Keep all of them together to share with your…

The purposes of the church originate with the early churches in the New Testament. When Rick Warren wrote The Purpose Driven Church in 1995, the purposes became commonplace in conversations in churches around the world. Thom takes a detailed journey about the purposes of the church through nine episodes. Keep all of them together to share with your…

No presidential election in recent history has been as volatile and polarizing for churches as the 2020 election. While the 2024 election will still be a challenge for churches, it will not be nearly as bad as the previous election. Thom and Jess examine why the conflict will not be as great in 2024. Sides have been chosen. The major party candidat…