Rainer on Leadership

In this episode, Ryan Burge and Sam examine newly released national survey data that reveal a significant shift in how young adults understand and report gender identity. Drawing on high-quality data from the Cooperative Election Study, the research shows a clear and statistically meaningful decline in the share of 18–22-year-olds identifying as transgender since 2020, with similar downward trends appearing across older age cohorts as well. While 2020 appears to be a high-water mark, likely shaped by unique social and cultural conditions during the pandemic, subsequent years show a “snap back” toward a lower baseline. The discussion also explores how transgender identification intersects with politics, education, and religiosity, noting substantial declines among young Democrats and among religious young adults. For church leaders, this episode offers an important reminder: cultural narratives move quickly, but long-term ministry requires patience, clarity, and compassion. Understanding real data, rather than headlines, helps churches respond with both truth and grace. Transgender identification among young adults has declined sharply since 2020. The drop appears across political, educational, and age groups—not just Gen Z. Religion remains a significant factor, with religious young adults reporting much lower identification. Churches should ground their responses in careful data, not cultural panic or assumptions. Resources: Brown Church Development Group Upward Sports “The Sharp Decline in Transgender Identification Among Young Adults” by Ryan Burge Graphs About Religion “The Vanishing Church: How the Hollowing Out of Moderate Congregations Is Hurting Democracy, Faith, and Us” by Ryan Burge (affiliate link) Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: Most churches aren’t short on vision—they’re stuck on what to do next. Facility decisions can feel overwhelming, expensive, and risky… Too often, buildings end up working against the ministry instead of for it. That’s where Brown Church Development Group comes in… They are the Church Facility Experts. They’ve helped hundreds of churches across the United States find facility solutions that actually fit their ministry style, budget, and long-term plans. From feasibility studies and master planning to architecture and construction, they’re a true one-stop shop for all your church facility needs. Brown Church Development Group helps churches avoid costly mistakes, gain clarity, and move forward with confidence—without the guesswork. Whether you’re improving an existing facility or building something new, Brown Church Development Group can help you know exactly what to do next. Proven experience helping churches nationwide. Facility solutions that fit your ministry vision, budget, and long-term growth. A true one stop shop for church facility needs.     Bring the Game to Your Church From basketball and cheerleading to soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, adult running—and now pickleball for middle and high schoolers—Upward Sports offers leagues for every interest and age. Flexible and family-friendly, these experiences give your church the tools to engage your community, connect families, and create lasting memories. As the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, partnering with over 1,800 churches nationwide, Upward Sports is ready to help you launch a first-class, organized, and intentional league. Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers. The post The Burge Report: The Latest Data on Transgender Young Adults and the Church appeared first on Church Answers.

Lead pastors often provide management oversight of staff. But should they know what church staff give to the church? Josh and Sam break down the arguments on both sides, examine potential safeguards, and discuss how church culture and pastoral character shape the best approach. Start with three key areas: What is your policy (staff requirement or not)? What are the longstanding accepted practices? What is outlined in the personnel manual or employee handbook? There are strong arguments both for and against giving visibility. Supporters emphasize pastoral care, spiritual insight, and better discernment, while critics highlight the dangers of favoritism, privacy concerns, and compromised motivation. Pastoral character and church culture matter. The same policy can be healthy in one church and harmful in another, depending on trust levels, leadership integrity, and communication patterns. Best practices: Weekly reports are overkill (and paranoid). An annual check is adequate for most churches. If you are the lead pastor, what is the motivation? Curiosity or care? Do you want to be helpful, or do you want to use the information as leadership leverage? Good middle ground: Have the financial bookkeeper share whether a pattern of faithfulness is present or trends are moving in the wrong direction without sharing specific amounts. Resources: Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Church Answers Central The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: The Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to strengthen both you and your church. You’ll bring a real challenge from your ministry into the program—and through trusted faculty mentorship and applied theological study, you’ll develop a biblically grounded, practical plan that equips you to implement lasting change in your church. This is theological scholarship applied where it matters most: your local ministry. Study under faculty mentors who are both scholars and seasoned ministry leaders. Sharpen your thinking, deepen your theology, and lead with clarity. Build a network of peers who share your calling and understand your challenges. Learn how at sbts.edu/dmin. The post Tithing Or Not: Should Lead Pastors Know What Church Staff Give? appeared first on Church Answers.

How does a church grow without relying on people transferring from other congregations? Thom and Sam take a dive into this topic. What happened to the culture of invitation? The cancellation of outreach programs 30 years ago. The lack of new equipping mechanisms in the church. Many churches have lived off the remnants of cultural Christianity for the last three decades. Transfer growth is more common than other forms of growth. An increasingly polarized and insular society. What growing churches actually do: Focus on conversion growth rather than transfer growth. Create consistent rhythms for outreach (seasonal campaigns, not one-offs). Build a fun and encouraging culture — joy motivates more than guilt. Equip people to make inviting normal, not awkward. Set clear expectations for members through your membership class. Systematize follow-up with guests through trackers or outreach teams. Pray intentionally for opportunities with neighbors. Resources: Upward Running Upward Sports Brown Church Development Group Ryan Burge “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt (affiliate link) “The Anxious Generation Goes to Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) The Hope Initiative “7 Basics of Belonging: The Meaning of Church Membership” by Sam Rainer (affiliate link) The Complete Membership Class Toolkit Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Episode Sponsors: Upward Running for Your Small Group Turn your small group into a community on the move! Upward Running helps adults go from the couch to completing a 5K together. You provide the run coach, and we’ll equip them with training plans, resources, and support to lead well. It’s a fun, healthy way to grow relationships, encourage one another, and experience fitness and fellowship together. Learn more at Upward.org/Runcoach.     Facilities shouldn’t slow ministry down—but for many churches, they do. Facility decisions can feel overwhelming, expensive, and risky… Too often, buildings end up working against the ministry instead of for it. That’s where Brown Church Development Group comes in… They are the Church Facility Experts. They’ve helped hundreds of churches across the United States find facility solutions that actually fit their ministry style, budget, and long-term plans. From feasibility studies and master planning to architecture and construction, they’re a true one-stop shop for all your church facility needs. Brown Church Development Group helps churches avoid costly mistakes, gain clarity, and move forward with confidence—without the guesswork. Whether you’re improving an existing facility or building something new, Brown Church Development Group can help you know exactly what to do next. Proven experience helping churches nationwide. Facility solutions that fit your ministry vision, budget, and long-term growth. A true one stop shop for church facility needs. The post What Growing Churches Actually Do to Reach and Keep People appeared first on Church Answers.

One of the biggest mistakes church leaders can make is assuming that abuse won’t happen in their churches. The belief that “it can’t happen here” is dangerously naïve. Any organization that works with children and other vulnerable individuals can be a target for predators. Satan specifically aims to attack churches and seeks to harm children and vulnerable people. Josh and Sam discuss this very important topic of safety. What makes your church a target? Churches gather often. Churches welcome everyone. Churches are high-trust environments. Churches want new people to attend. Churches rarely do security checks. Typical areas of vulnerability in a church: Trusting someone when warning signs are present. Giving authority to a leader without accountability. Systems involving too few people. Places without security, guidance, or upkeep. Making exceptions for well-known congregants or leaders. Resources: Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Church Answers Central The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: The Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to strengthen both you and your church. You’ll bring a real challenge from your ministry into the program—and through trusted faculty mentorship and applied theological study, you’ll develop a biblically grounded, practical plan that equips you to implement lasting change in your church. This is theological scholarship applied where it matters most: your local ministry. Study under faculty mentors who are both scholars and seasoned ministry leaders. Sharpen your thinking, deepen your theology, and lead with clarity. Build a network of peers who share your calling and understand your challenges. Learn how at sbts.edu/dmin. The post Churches Are Targets for Predators (Here’s Why) appeared first on Church Answers.

If your church cares about reaching the next generation, there’s an upstream strategy that strengthens every part of ministry: investing in marriages. Children’s and youth ministries matter deeply, but without discipling the parents who shape the spiritual culture of the home, churches often work harder than they need to. When marriages grow in grace, stability fills the home, volunteers serve with joy, teens show up more open, and the entire church experiences deeper unity. Brad Rhoads of Grace Marriage joins Sam on this episode. They explore why marriage discipleship isn’t just another ministry. It’s the source that feeds every other stream of church life, creating a generational ripple effect of gospel impact. Marriage discipleship strengthens every other ministry. Healthy marriages create healthy homes, and healthy homes produce secure kids, engaged teens, joyful volunteers, and unified congregations. Family ministry works best when all three legs are strong. Children’s ministry, youth ministry, and marriage ministry form a three-legged foundation of discipleship. Remove one, and the others struggle to carry the weight. Investing in marriages is an upstream strategy. By pouring into couples at the source, churches fuel the entire discipleship ecosystem rather than constantly trying to fix symptoms downstream. Marriage ministry can become a movement, not a program. When churches intentionally help couples grow and connect, they build a culture where relationships thrive. Resources: Brown Church Development Group Upward Sports Grace Marriage – FREE eBook, “Discipling Marriages” Unbelievable: 72% of Churches Have No Marriage Ministry! Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: If your church building feels like it’s holding ministry back, you’re not alone. Facility decisions can feel overwhelming, expensive, and risky… Too often, buildings end up working against the ministry instead of for it. That’s where Brown Church Development Group comes in… They are the Church Facility Experts. They’ve helped hundreds of churches across the United States find facility solutions that actually fit their ministry style, budget, and long-term plans. From feasibility studies and master planning to architecture and construction, they’re a true one-stop shop for all your church facility needs. Brown Church Development Group helps churches avoid costly mistakes, gain clarity, and move forward with confidence—without the guesswork. Whether you’re improving an existing facility or building something new, Brown Church Development Group can help you know exactly what to do next. Proven experience helping churches nationwide. Facility solutions that fit your ministry vision, budget, and long-term growth. A true one stop shop for church facility needs.     Bring the Game to Your Church From basketball and cheerleading to soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, adult running—and now pickleball for middle and high schoolers—Upward Sports offers leagues for every interest and age. Flexible and family-friendly, these experiences give your church the tools to engage your community, connect families, and create lasting memories. As the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, partnering with over 1,800 churches nationwide, Upward Sports is ready to help you launch a first-class, organized, and intentional league. Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers. The post Marriage Discipleship Is the Missing Piece in Family Ministry appeared first on Church Answers.

A look at why congregations are about a generation older than their surrounding communities. Discussion of how retirement shifts church life and outreach. Exploration of demographic tools to compare church and town. Conversation about racial diversity, denominational decline, and why simply hiring younger leadership does not fix deeper patterns.

Big events can be a way for churches to reach people, but they often fail to draw people back once the event is done. Thom and Sam unpack what it actually takes to turn community events into gospel opportunities. Friendliness is not the same as connection. Relationships form when members sit with guests, ask questions, follow up, and invite people into their lives, not just back to a program. Evangelism cannot be outsourced to the pastor or the event. Many churches assume that hosting something big equals outreach, but true evangelism happens when everyday believers share their faith through conversations and personal invitations. Events fail when they aren’t tied to the church’s mission. A crowd is not a win by itself. Impact happens when members understand why the event exists, pray intentionally, and connect the gathering to the church’s disciple-making purpose. A great event is only the beginning. The barbeque might open the door, but mission-minded churches walk through it, engaging people one-on-one, building bridges, and helping guests take real next steps toward Christ and the church. Check out Thom’s article on this subject. Resources: Upward Running Upward Sports Brown Church Development Group “Why Guests Don’t Come to Your Church After a Big Event” by Thom S. Rainer Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: Upward Running for Your Small Group Turn your small group into a community on the move! Upward Running helps adults go from the couch to completing a 5K together. You provide the run coach, and we’ll equip them with training plans, resources, and support to lead well. It’s a fun, healthy way to grow relationships, encourage one another, and experience fitness and fellowship together. Learn more at Upward.org/Runcoach.     One wrong facility decision can cost a church years of momentum and millions of dollars. Facility decisions can feel overwhelming, expensive, and risky… Too often, buildings end up working against the ministry instead of for it. That’s where Brown Church Development Group comes in… They are the Church Facility Experts. They’ve helped hundreds of churches across the United States find facility solutions that actually fit their ministry style, budget, and long-term plans. From feasibility studies and master planning to architecture and construction, they’re a true one-stop shop for all your church facility needs. Brown Church Development Group helps churches avoid costly mistakes, gain clarity, and move forward with confidence—without the guesswork. Whether you’re improving an existing facility or building something new, Brown Church Development Group can help you know exactly what to do next. Proven experience helping churches nationwide. Facility solutions that fit your ministry vision, budget, and long-term growth. A true one stop shop for church facility needs. The post Why Guests Don’t Come Back to Church After a Big Ministry Event appeared first on Church Answers.

Josh and Sam talk about the rising tide of gambling addiction in the U.S., fueled by the explosion of online betting and sports wagering. With millions of adults and youth affected, and billions lost in social and personal costs, the issue is quickly becoming a pastoral and congregational challenge. This episode highlights the scope of the crisis, why it’s escalating, and how the church can respond with clarity, compassion, and practical care. The stats are not good. Gambling disorder affects far more people than many pastors realize. Two to four million adults in the U.S. will experience a lifetime gambling disorder, and another five to nine million wrestle with subclinical issues. In any given year, 2.5 million Americans will battle severe gambling problems. The financial fallout is staggering: an estimated $14 billion in social costs each year. What’s especially alarming is the rapid emergence of online gambling and sports betting, now woven into American entertainment. Help-seeking is tragically low. Even though gambling carries one of the highest suicide attempt rates of any addiction, only about 8% seek formal help. Preaching: It’s time to use the pulpit to address the problem. Benevolence: Some of the best uses of church benevolent funds are to help with counseling services for those who are addicted. Accountability: The structure you use to aid those with pornography addictions should also be utilized for gambling addictions. Resources: Chaney & Associates Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Church Answers Central The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: Lead Your Church. We’ll Handle the Numbers.  We have decades of experience serving churches across the country.  We’re church accountants who speak your language and understand your mission. Gain clear financial insights to guide your ministry decisions with confidence.  Tailored solutions for churches of every size and stage.  Smart tools that save time and simplify finances so you can focus on ministry.  Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both.  Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers     The Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to strengthen both you and your church. You’ll bring a real challenge from your ministry into the program—and through trusted faculty mentorship and applied theological study, you’ll develop a biblically grounded, practical plan that equips you to implement lasting change in your church. This is theological scholarship applied where it matters most: your local ministry. Study under faculty mentors who are both scholars and seasoned ministry leaders. Sharpen your thinking, deepen your theology, and lead with clarity. Build a network of peers who share your calling and understand your challenges. Learn how at sbts.edu/dmin. The post America’s Gambling Problem and the Church appeared first on Church Answers.

While big cities often dominate attention and resources, it is the small towns and rural communities where congregations are disappearing fastest and where the church’s presence is most at risk. Thom and Sam explore why revitalizing and supporting small churches is essential for the future of Christian witness and how these congregations uniquely embody relational, community-anchoring ministry that larger models simply cannot replicate. Small towns are the real American norm and a massive mission field. With 76% of incorporated places under 5,000 people, the typical American community is small. When churches disappear from these towns, entire regions lose access to a local gospel witness. Megachurches cannot reach small places, but small churches can. Large churches thrive in metropolitan areas, but they cannot physically plant themselves in every rural community. Healthy small churches are the only sustainable model for local ministry in these contexts. Small churches provide deeply personal, relational ministry. In a culture starved for authentic connection, small congregations offer high-touch community, intentional discipleship, and pastoral care that mirrors the early church. Strengthening small churches strengthens whole communities. Rural churches act as social glue—anchoring identity, compassion, and moral grounding. Investing in them produces exponential impact, often influencing entire counties. Check out Thom’s article on this subject. Resources: Brown Church Development Group Upward Sports Church Growth Services Wesley Biblical Seminary “The Urgent Need for Smaller Churches” by Thom S. Rainer Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: A church building should be your greatest ministry tool… not your biggest headache. Facility decisions can feel overwhelming, expensive, and risky… Too often, buildings end up working against the ministry instead of for it. That’s where Brown Church Development Group comes in… They are the Church Facility Experts. They’ve helped hundreds of churches across the United States find facility solutions that actually fit their ministry style, budget, and long-term plans. From feasibility studies and master planning to architecture and construction, they’re a true one-stop shop for all your church facility needs. Brown Church Development Group helps churches avoid costly mistakes, gain clarity, and move forward with confidence—without the guesswork. Whether you’re improving an existing facility or building something new, Brown Church Development Group can help you know exactly what to do next. Proven experience helping churches nationwide. Facility solutions that fit your ministry vision, budget, and long-term growth. A true one stop shop for church facility needs.     Bring the Game to Your Church From basketball and cheerleading to soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, adult running—and now pickleball for middle and high schoolers—Upward Sports offers leagues for every interest and age. Flexible and family-friendly, these experiences give your church the tools to engage your community, connect families, and create lasting memories. As the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, partnering with over 1,800 churches nationwide, Upward Sports is ready to help you launch a first-class, organized, and intentional league. Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers. The post Why Small Churches Matter More Than Ever appeared first on Church Answers.

Josh and Sam tackle a growing and uncomfortable reality for pastors: what to do when one of your own church members becomes an online troll. The cohosts explore how to discern genuine critics from disruptive trolls, protect your church’s unity and safety, and lead with grace even when someone is trying to provoke you publicly. Document before you act. Screenshot everything and keep a clean record, especially if the behavior escalates into harassment or requires legal counsel. Discern the source and intent. Trolls seek reaction, critics seek clarity. Many online agitators are former members, hurting individuals, or people seeking attention rather than constructive conversation. Control the platform with confidence. Ignoring, deleting, or blocking is often the wisest decision. You are not obligated to host destructive behavior on church channels. Move conversations offline, not into the spotlight. When the troll is a known member, shift the interaction to private, pastoral spaces—phone, video, or in person—where accountability and empathy are possible. Lead with grace but prioritize safety. Respond with brief, gospel-centered statements (or silence when appropriate) while protecting staff, volunteers, and the church from threats or instability. Stay focused on ministry, not online battles. Don’t waste energy on endless debates. Keep the mission central, uphold Christian values, and shepherd the church toward unity rather than distraction. The goal is not to “win” online but to model Christlike character and redirect the conversation toward spiritual health and relational restoration. Resources: Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Chaney & Associates FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Church Answers Central The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: The Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to strengthen both you and your church. You’ll bring a real challenge from your ministry into the program—and through trusted faculty mentorship and applied theological study, you’ll develop a biblically grounded, practical plan that equips you to implement lasting change in your church. This is theological scholarship applied where it matters most: your local ministry. Study under faculty mentors who are both scholars and seasoned ministry leaders. Sharpen your thinking, deepen your theology, and lead with clarity. Build a network of peers who share your calling and understand your challenges. Learn how at sbts.edu/dmin.   Lead Your Church. We’ll Handle the Numbers.  We have decades of experience serving churches across the country.  We’re church accountants who speak your language and understand your mission. Gain clear financial insights to guide your ministry decisions with confidence.  Tailored solutions for churches of every size and stage.  Smart tools that save time and simplify finances so you can focus on ministry.  Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both.  Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers The post When Church Members Become Online Trolls: What Pastors Should Do appeared first on Church Answers.