The Church Answers Podcast

In this episode, Thom and Jess examine one of the more unusual findings from the 2023 Faith Communities Today (FACT) study . The survey reveals a noticeable gap in pastors aged 46 to 50. We’ll explore why this age bracket is underrepresented, what factors may have shaped this trend, and what it means for the future of pastoral leadership.

In this episode, Thom discusses an encouraging statistic from the 2023 Faith Communities Today (FACT) study. Despite the challenges of shrinking attendance, financial strain, and cultural headwinds, nearly three out of four congregations still report a positive outlook on their future. What fuels this optimism, and what does it mean for church leaders?

Thom talks with Mike Stadelmayer at Church Growth Services who offers some fascinating insights about churches and debt. There are definitely some surprises in this interview.

Thom and Jess open a conversation from their revised book, “The Millennials: How We Missed the Largest Living Generation -- and Why It's Not Late.” This episode unpacks what happens when churches neglect reaching the Millennials.

Thom and Jess draw from the introduction of their revised book, “The Millennials: How We Missed the Largest Living Generation -- and Why It's Not Late,” to set the stage for why Millennials matter. They highlight how this generation compares in size to others and why pastors must pay attention now.

In this episode, Thom looks at one of the surprising findings from the 2023 FACT (Faith Communities Today) study . The research shows that more than seven out of ten churches share their facilities with other organizations. Thom explores why so many churches are opening their doors, what kinds of groups they are hosting, and how this trend impacts both the church and the community.

In this episode of The Church Answers Podcast, Thom looks at new data from the 2023 FACT (Faith Communities Today) study . The research shows that churches with extensive online giving receive 34% more per attender than those with none. Thom unpacks what that number means for church leaders, why it matters, and how congregations can take practical steps to strengthen generosity in a digital age.

In this episode, Thom dives into a surprising and encouraging statistic from the 2023 FACT study—79% of church attenders say that church is “very important” in their lives. With so many articles and headlines announcing the decline of religion in America, this number offers a different perspective—one filled with hope, mission, and responsibility. The data comes from “This Place Means Everything t...

In this episode, Thom discusses a striking figure from the 2023 FACT (Faith Communities Today) study: 62% of churchgoers report attending weekly worship services. What does this number really tell us? Is it reliable? And how should pastors respond in a culture where attendance patterns are shifting?

It has been several years since the pandemic, but its effects are still lasting. Thom and Jess explore how COVID-19 didn’t just disrupt church attendance for a season — it changed patterns for the long term. They discuss the lasting shifts and how churches can adapt.

Thom and Jess explore why Gen Z’s view of the church differs significantly from that of past generations. They unpack the values, expectations, and skepticism of this connected-yet-cautious generation.

Thom and Jess discuss how smartphones have reshaped connection — and disconnection — in the church. From constant distraction to reduced attention spans, they explore how devices affect worship, community, and discipleship.

Thom and Jess discuss how church conflict is often not about the issue on the surface. Many disputes mask deeper spiritual, relational, or personal struggles — and wise leaders learn to look beyond the obvious.

In the final part of the series, Thom and Jess examine four additional translations that remain popular within more specific theological, academic, or expositional contexts: New American Standard Bible (NASB), New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), Revised Standard Version (RSV), and Legacy Standard Bible (LSB).

The series continues as Thom and Jess explore the next three popular translations: English Standard Version (ESV), Christian Standard Bible (CSB), and New King James Version (NKJV).

Thom and Jess begin ranking the most widely used Bible translations in the U.S., starting with the top three: New International Version (NIV), King James Version (KJV), and New Living Translation (NLT).

Thom and Jess Rainer introduce a four-part series on the top 10 English Bible translations in America. In this episode, they offer a broad overview of how these translations emerged, the philosophies behind them, and how cultural, theological, and practical factors affect their popularity.

In the conclusion of this two-part series, Thom and Jess Rainer share four more reasons churches are dying in 2025. The challenges are real—but so are the opportunities to respond with courage and clarity.

Thom and Jess Rainer revisit the insights from Thom’s 2016 bestseller “Autopsy of a Deceased Church” and provide a sobering update for today’s church landscape. In this episode, they begin unpacking the eight new signs that a church is nearing its end in 2025.

Thom and Jess Rainer continue their honest conversation about why outreach has dropped off the radar in many churches. The second half of the list offers insight into theological drift and misplaced priorities.

In this episode of The Church Answers Podcast, Thom and Jess Rainer begin a two-part discussion on the widespread neglect of outreach in local churches. They unpack the foundational barriers that keep churches from obeying the Great Commission.

Do you know any church members who have made demands based upon their financial giving to the church? Okay, that’s probably a rhetorical question because most of you readers certainly have experienced that discomfort. I asked a number of church leaders to share with me how this “hostage taking” usually takes place. Here are the five most common responses.

Thom welcomes Tim Cool to The Church Answers Podcast. Tim is the founder and CEO of Smart Church Solutions, the developer of eSPACE software platform which includes Event Management, Work Order Management, Life Cycle Calculator, IoT Integrations, and other church facility management consulting services. He has assisted thousands of churches throughout the United States with their facility needs in...

Welcome to a special four-part podcast series titled "Thomas Edison on Leadership." In this series, we'll explore the surprising and insightful leadership principles of one of history's most prolific inventors—principles that still speak powerfully to today's leaders in business, ministry, and innovation. Thomas Alva Edison (1847–1931) was not only the mind behind the electric light bulb, the phon...

Welcome to a special four-part podcast series titled "Thomas Edison on Leadership." In this series, we'll explore the surprising and insightful leadership principles of one of history's most prolific inventors—principles that still speak powerfully to today's leaders in business, ministry, and innovation. Thomas Alva Edison (1847–1931) was not only the mind behind the electric light bulb, the phon...