EST. - For the Established Church with Sam Rainer and Josh King artwork

EST. - For the Established Church with Sam Rainer and Josh King

386 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 125 ratings

A weekly discussion for the established church about the challenges and issues church leaders face. Hosted by Sam Rainer (West Bradenton Baptist Church, Bradenton FL) and Josh King (2ND Baptist, Conway AR). The show is produced by Jay Allen (facebook.com/jayallenlive/) in Dallas TX.

Christianity Religion & Spirituality Business Management
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Good Reasons Why Your Church Should Accept Transfer Growth (Ep. 386)

April 19, 2024 08:00 - 28 minutes - 39 MB

Not all transfer growth is bad. Not every person is a church hopper, looking for the next best thing. In fact, there are good reasons to transfer to another church, even one right down the road. Josh and Sam unpack five reasons why your church should accept transfer growth. Check out the article mentioned in the episode at Church Answers.  Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to...

Does Live Streaming Help or Hurt the Church? (Ep. 385)

April 12, 2024 08:00 - 26 minutes - 36.1 MB

Just about every church started live streaming during the pandemic, but views have been down significantly since then. Is live streaming a relic of the pandemic? Is it still worth the time? Josh and Sam talk about their perspectives on the pros and cons of live streaming. There is another digital option that might be better for your church. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built t...

What Do Pastors Really Tell Their Kids about the Church? (Ep. 384)

April 05, 2024 08:00 - 27 minutes - 37.4 MB

Should pastors share the inner workings of the church with their children? Josh and Sam discuss what they do in their homes. As fathers, they want what is best for their children. What should pastors share with their children about sermon preparation, church politics, staff, and people issues? The co-hosts get quite personal on this episode. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built...

How to Lead a Whiteboard Session with Church Leadership (Ep. 383)

March 29, 2024 08:00 - 25 minutes - 35 MB

What is a whiteboard session and how can you lead one with your church? Josh and Sam discuss some best practices. The term refers to a meeting in which a group of people collaborates with an open mind. The whiteboard reference implies starting fresh with nothing on the board—a “blank slate” if you’re referencing a chalkboard. The two keys to a whiteboard session are collaboration and creativity. How can you do one successfully at your church? Sam's article on the subject is found here. Epis...

The Top Three Things NOT to Do as a New Pastor (Ep. 382)

March 22, 2024 08:00 - 25 minutes - 34.6 MB

Josh and Sam share some of the lessons learned from being new pastors at a church. What are three things you don't want to do? Don't attempt to change everything. Don't start with a heavy or gimmicky sermon series. And don't "clean house" with the leadership structure. They share why these three items are off-limits early in a pastor's tenure. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was buil...

What Happened to All the Celebrity Preachers? (Ep. 381)

March 15, 2024 08:00 - 28 minutes - 38.7 MB

For a season, it seemed like the Christian evangelical world was dominated by celebrity preachers. What happened to this movement? Josh and Sam discuss some reasons why there is less of an emphasis on big names with big platforms. The story is deeper than some of the notorious scandals. Leadership style has a lot to do with it. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring toge...

When You're a Younger Pastor of an Older Church (Ep. 380)

March 08, 2024 09:00 - 30 minutes - 41.8 MB

You've likely heard the horror stories of what can happen when a younger pastor goes to an older church. But it doesn't have to be this way. On this episode, Josh and Sam discuss ways this arrangement can work well. The mix of a younger pastor and an older congregation can produce a positive situation in which both thrive. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring together ...

The Real Momentum Driving Comeback Churches (Ep. 379)

March 01, 2024 09:00 - 29 minutes - 40.9 MB

What gets the process of revitalization started? Momentum has to be built somehow. Josh and Sam talk about comeback churches and what you can do to start making progress. While challenging, there are certain practical steps you can take to build some momentum in your church. And once it gets going, you're well on your way to a comeback. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to b...

Should Churches Offer Bonuses to Paid Staff? The Pros and Cons (Ep. 378)

February 23, 2024 09:00 - 32 minutes - 45.1 MB

Bonuses can be a positive motivator for church staff. Done poorly, they can be detrimental. Whether you offer merit-based bonuses is a key decision. Josh and Sam discuss the good and bad of offering bonuses and best practices for churches. The cohosts cover the types of bonuses churches can offer, when to offer them, and how to set amounts. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built ...

Seven Styles of Preaching to Avoid (Ep. 377)

February 16, 2024 09:00 - 28 minutes - 39.2 MB

Preachers have different personalities and should develop their own voices. However, some styles of preaching are not beneficial. Josh and Sam discuss seven styles of preaching to avoid. They discuss styles like the "look at me" preacher and the "aimless driver" preacher. Thanks go to @lukedsimmons on Twitter for the idea. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring together ...

Seven Handwritten Cards Every Pastor Needs to Write (Ep. 376)

February 09, 2024 09:00 - 28 minutes - 39.6 MB

Some old-school habits are worth keeping. Handwritten notes are a quick way to make a significant impact on your congregation. But when should you write these notes? And to whom? Josh and Sam discuss seven opportunities to handwrite a note. The hosts give some advice on what to include in these notes and how often to send them. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring toge...

Are Wednesday Nights Dead or Your Biggest Opportunity? (Ep. 375)

February 02, 2024 09:00 - 32 minutes - 44.3 MB

The midweek gathering was once a big part of the church calendar. Josh and Sam discuss what happened to Wednesday nights and whether churches should continue using the timeslot as part of the overall strategy. Perhaps it's dead in your church. Maybe it's one of your biggest opportunities. Listen to this week's episode to find out more. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to br...

Why Pastoring a Church Is One of the Weirdest Jobs (Ep. 374)

January 26, 2024 09:00 - 32 minutes - 44.4 MB

We all have our quirks, but churches can be especially weird. Josh and Sam delve into these eccentricities with some humor. Sharing some of their most amusing anecdotes, they embrace and celebrate the unique, often awkward, aspects of ministry. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features. ...

How to Kill Programs and Events without Hurting Your Church (Ep. 373)

January 19, 2024 09:00 - 32 minutes - 44.8 MB

Every season has its end, and this includes church programs and events. When the moment arrives for them to go, the question arises. How should a pastor gracefully navigate ending them? Terminating a program or event is not always straightforward and may often lead to tensions within the church. In this week's episode, Josh and Sam explore various pastoral strategies to address these challenges effectively. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church ch...

How to Leave a Church without Burning It Down (Ep. 372)

January 12, 2024 09:00 - 35 minutes - 48.3 MB

When you leave a church, what should you say as you exit? There is a time to speak up. And there is a time to shut up. But how can you discern? Josh and Sam discuss the ways you can leave a church without burning it down on this week's episode. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features....

The Future of KidMin for Small and Mid-Size Churches (Ep. 371)

January 05, 2024 09:00 - 29 minutes - 40.7 MB

Children's ministry has changed rapidly in the last few years, especially at small and mid-size churches. Curriculum choices are becoming more important. Volunteer needs are creating new stress points. Anxiety among children is on the rise. And hiring is shifting as churches select internal candidates. Jenny Smith, Awana's lead curriculum developer, joins the show with Josh and Sam to discuss these developments. See her work at BriteCurriculum.com. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you t...

How Your Church Can Use Sports Outreach to Invite Families In (Ep. 370)

December 29, 2023 09:00 - 24 minutes - 33.5 MB

Almost every church wants to focus more on outreach. Recreation ministry is a great way to connect with the neighborhood around your church. Unfortunately, many churches overlook the power of sports, even though the popularity of sports is overwhelming. Josh and Sam interview Kevin Drake, Executive Director of Upward Sports, to discuss how churches can use sports outreach to invite families in. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, givin...

Who Should Know What about Top Church Givers? (Ep. 369)

December 22, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 46.5 MB

Most every church has expectations with giving records. Who can know what and when? Smaller churches can be even more challenging, especially if a couple of families are giving the majority of funds. What should you do if you are the pastor? What should you do if you are the key giver? Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbr...

What We Expect to Happen in Churches in 2024 (Ep. 368)

December 15, 2023 09:00 - 34 minutes - 47 MB

The upcoming year could prove pivotal for many churches. Josh and Sam discuss what they expect to happen in churches in 2024. Trends in giving are changing. The roles of women in leadership could reach a boiling point in some tribes. The megachurch movement will continue to fade. And seminary education will start to shift in favor of shorter programs. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams...

Why Now Is the Time Every Church Should Consider Recreation Ministry (Ep. 367)

December 08, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutes - 38.1 MB

Recreation ministry is one of the biggest opportunities for churches right now. It's a great way to connect spiritual health with physical health. Josh and Sam interview Drew Provence, the Director of Partner Engagement at Upward Sports. The three of them discuss how every church can utilize recreation ministry. Visit Upward.org/ChurchAnswers. Why is now the right time for churches to consider recreation ministry? What does a successful recreation ministry look like? Is recreation ministr...

Making the Most of a Very Busy December (Ep. 366)

December 01, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 42 MB

The month of December is a chaotic mess of busyness for most pastors. Josh and Sam discuss why in this episode. The co-hosts give some practical tips on how to manage the stress of December and have a little fun. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features. Get value without compromise. ...

Why Pastors Consider Leaving Churches for a Marketplace Job (Ep. 365)

November 24, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 39.3 MB

There is a growing trend of pastors seeking a marketplace job outside of ministry. What's happening? Eric Hoke joins Josh and Sam to discuss the implications. More pastors are finding it difficult to make ends meet financially, while at the same time, ministry is becoming more stressful. You can learn more about some of Eric's solutions at ihelppastorsgetjobs.com. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? ...

Should Pastors Care About Making More Money? (Ep. 364)

November 17, 2023 09:00 - 26 minutes - 35.9 MB

Does a pastor's salary matter? If so, to what degree? Art Rainer, president of Christian Money Solutions, joins Sam on this week's episode. They discuss the sensitive subject of money. Ministry can be tough for a variety of reasons, but financial frustrations are often at the top of the list. You can learn more at ChristianMoneySolutions.com. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was buil...

The Best Technology to Encourage Church Communication (Ep. 363)

November 10, 2023 09:00 - 25 minutes - 35.3 MB

What's the best way to use technology to communicate with your church? Boyd Pelley, co-founder of Churchteams, joins Sam on the show to discuss how churches use different system to communicate with people throughout the assimilation process. When should you use texting? And when should you use a church app? We have some specific and practical answers to these questions. You can learn more at Churchteams.com. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church ...

Should Every Church Staff Person Get a Computer, Cell Phone, and Other Tech Needs? (Ep. 362)

November 03, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 40.3 MB

Churches should provide basic tools for pastors and staff to accomplish their jobs. Josh and Sam discuss the best practices for providing church staff with technology needs. They share how to set up the budget and what accountability should be in place to avoid abuses of the system. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrel...

The Debate Over Ad Hoc Committees vs. Standing Committees (Ep. 361)

October 27, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 40.9 MB

On this episode, Josh proposes what he believes is a secret weapon for church leaders. Ad Hoc committees are used to make specific decisions within a determined timeframe. Sam counters with why he believes standing committees are also important. When should you use each one? The co-hosts debate the issue. Episode Sponsors: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring together all your people an...

Should Pastors Office Onsite or Offsite? (Ep. 360)

October 20, 2023 08:00 - 34 minutes - 47.1 MB

Sam moved his office to the third floor of the church's education building. Josh moved his entire team to an offsite office building two miles from the church campus. Who made the best move and why? On this episode, the cohosts discuss the benefits and downsides of office arrangements. People can have an emotional connection to the church building, and there is a sociological benefit to office space. Josh and Sam go at it with two different perspectives. Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of ...

Is the Bulletin and Print Communication Finally Dead in Churches? (Ep. 359)

October 13, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 41.4 MB

Many churches killed their worship bulletins during the pandemic. Are they totally dead? No, and they are beginning to make a comeback. Josh and Sam discuss their perspective on how churches can use print media in strategic ways. What should the print bulletin contain now? And how should it differ from your digital communication? Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring together all your...

What's Really Happening Now at U.S. Megachurches? (Ep. 358)

October 06, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 45.1 MB

Current and accurate megachurch stats are hard to find. While there are still many megachurches in the United States, the movement is beginning to wane. What was a Baby Boomer movement is not energizing younger generations in the same way. What does the future hold? Josh and Sam take a deeper dive into the current impact of megachurches and speculate some about the future direction of these churches. Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, memb...

How Encouragement from Lay People Helps Keep Pastors in a Safe Place (Ep. 357)

September 29, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 41.1 MB

Talk is cheap, but encouragement is worth its weight in gold. Why do pastors need encouragement? And how can lay people in the church help pastors by being more encouraging? Josh and Sam interview Joe Humphries of jhgroup.pro. Joe is a longtime executive leadership coach and believes encouragement is one of the greatest ways to fill up pastors and keep them in a safe place for ministry. Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and sch...

Recovering from Ministry Trauma and Church Hurt (Ep. 356)

September 22, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 44.3 MB

Every church leader should work to minimize hurt and maximize unity among the congregation. Sometimes the church hurts the pastor. Sometimes the pastor hurts the church. Josh and Sam discuss the difference between trauma and church hurt. On this episode, they cover forms of church hurt and some practical ways to help others heal. Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring together all you...

Our A/C Blew Up and Now It Costs $2M to Fix It (Ep. 355)

September 15, 2023 08:00 - 31 minutes - 43 MB

There is a looming deferred maintenance crisis coming for churches. Big facility costs can be challenging. Josh and Sam talk about the situation at West Bradenton with the failing air conditioning system. What can churches do to minimize the risk of surprising facility expenses? On this episode, the two co-hosts discuss some practical ways to lower the pain level of large capital expenses. Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and...

Why Every Church's Demographics Are Shifting (And What You Must Do) (Ep. 354)

September 08, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 45.1 MB

Guess what? Your community is changing whether you realize it or not. Demographics are shifting just about everywhere in the United States. What should the church do? Josh and Sam get feisty in this episode with some differing views. They talk about strategies for today and some history involving the church growth movement. Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring together all your peop...

Taking a Big Risk When Making a Ministry Transition (Ep. 353)

September 01, 2023 08:00 - 31 minutes - 42.8 MB

You will not lead a comfortable life when you do ministry with conviction. What constitutes a "big risk" in ministry? Josh and Sam interview Scott Pattison of the Global Methodist Church. Scott took a significant risk later in his ministry career, leaving behind a safety net. In this interview, Scott discusses how you can deal with the unknown. Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring to...

Why The Church Search Process Is Getting Weird (Ep. 352)

August 25, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 38.7 MB

Search committees can be strange creatures. Josh and Sam talk about the church search process from the perspective of the pastor. It seems there are few standards among search committees. They all act differently. Additionally, many churches are searching for unicorn candidates and silver-bullet solutions. What does this mean for the way churches conduct pastoral searches right now? Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and schedul...

What We're Hearing at Ground Level from 30-Something and 40-Something Pastors (Ep. 351)

August 18, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 40.8 MB

What are pastors in their 30s and 40s saying right now? Josh and Sam discuss a few items they are hearing at ground level. With the average age of a pastor being around 60 years old, there are far fewer younger pastors than in the past. Those who are in ministry, however, have a lot of hope for the church, especially smaller congregations. The co-hosts discuss why Millennial pastors have less of a desire to go to a megachurch and why they are more disenfranchised with networks and denominatio...

Why Bigger Is Not Better (Going to a Smaller Church) (Ep. 350)

August 11, 2023 08:00 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MB

For decades, the pattern for most pastors was to "climb the ladder" from a small church to a mid-size church, then land at a large church. What if bigger is not better? Josh and Sam discuss why some pastors may decide to go to a smaller church. They cover issues of personal fit, season of ministry, financial considerations, geography, culture, and community. Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was bu...

Corporate Prayer Has Left the Church Building (Ep. 349)

August 04, 2023 16:00 - 24 minutes - 33.5 MB

Josh and Sam discuss a recent survey that reveals where people pray. Far fewer people pray in the church building than they thought. How can congregations teach corporate prayer and encourage people to pray more? This episode covers best practices for pastors and church leaders. Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-cla...

What Does Leading by Example Really Look Like? (Ep. 348)

July 28, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 42 MB

The advice is almost cliche. Pastors should lead by example. But how? On this episode, Josh and Sam tackle several categories. They discuss spiritual health, physical health, emotional health, financial health, and relational health. Pastors can, and should, lead by example in these areas. Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with ...

The Surprise Optimism in American Churches (Ep. 347)

July 21, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 37.9 MB

Amazingly, 82% of congregants have an optimistic perspective about their churches, while only 16% have a pessimistic outlook. Josh and Sam break down the reasons why this optimism exists. The positive view of a specific local church can be detached from an overall negative view of churches. Additionally, many churches lost people on the periphery in the last three years, but those in the core who stayed are more likely to believe in the direction of their church. Sam mentioned this Bible in t...

Meeting Fatigue and Death by Committee (Ep. 346)

July 14, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 41.9 MB

Some pastors love meetings. Others hate them. Josh and Sam discuss why. Fatigue starts when meetings become unproductive. Listen to this episode to maximize the meetings you need and reduce the ones you do not need. Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features. Get value without compromise. Pricing is ...

Patriotism, Elections, and All the Controversial Political Stuff (Ep. 345)

July 07, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 38.2 MB

For the July 4th episode of Est.Church, Josh and Sam discuss patriotic services, whether or not pastors should tell their congregation how to vote, and how involved the church should be in local politics. Grab a hot dog, roast a marshmallow, and listen to this week's discussion on the church and politics. Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under on...

Why Churches Lag Behind with Technology (and How You Can Get Ahead) (Ep. 344)

June 30, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 42 MB

Churches are not typically early adopters of technology. Boyd Pelley from Church Teams joins Josh and Sam to discuss how your church can get ahead of the tech curve. The co-hosts also discuss privacy concerns with church management software and what your church can do for security. Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-...

Best Practices for Holding Church Staff Accountable (Ep. 343)

June 23, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 42.3 MB

Accountability is the acceptance of responsibility for your actions. But what does this acceptance look like with paid church staff? In any work environment, including the church, you must codify expectations. These formal guidelines should be consistent, ethical, and reasonable. How should lead pastors hold staff accountable? Josh and Sam discuss some best practices, including five essential standards that will work for most churches. Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of multiple applicatio...

What Should Churches Do in the Dog Days of Summer? (Ep. 342)

June 16, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 40.2 MB

Summer is in full swing, which means VBS, church picnics, camps, and mission trips. Josh and Sam discuss some good strategies for keeping your church engaged during the summer months. You don't need to break your rhythms! Summer can be a good time to focus on equipping existing members, reaching new residents, and training volunteers. Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring together al...

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Ministry Sabbaticals for Pastors (Ep. 341)

June 09, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 42.2 MB

Are sabbaticals for pastors a solution in search of a problem? Or are they helpful tools to refresh your ministry? Josh and Sam have very different takes on this subject. They discuss the difference between sabbaticals and vacations, as well as the suggested length and purpose of sabbaticals. Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella w...

Humor in the Pulpit: How Much Is Too Much? (Ep. 340)

June 02, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 44 MB

Levity is a powerful tool. Using humor in your sermons can disarm people and help communicate difficult topics in a way that resonates with people. But how much is too much? And when should you use humor? Tim Boyd joins the show with Josh and Sam to discuss the use of humor in sermons. Tim is a comedian and a pastor. You can find him at TimBoydComedy.com. Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built...

Counting Sheep and Why Church Attendance Is Stalling (Again) (Ep. 339)

May 26, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 40.4 MB

Worship attendance is still the metric of success in churches. Josh and Sam cover why churches count, and they offer practical advice on how to make the practice beneficial to the spiritual health of the congregation. Included in this episode is a discussion about the connection between small groups and congregants attending worship more often. Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring t...

How to Handle Increased Pastoral Counseling Requests (Ep. 338)

May 19, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 41.3 MB

Are church members requesting more counseling from their pastors? Yes! Josh and Sam talk about some of the reasons and how pastors can handle these requests. They cover the difference between spiritual shepherding and professional counseling. In addition, the co-hosts discuss some ways pastors can give people hard advice in a loving way. Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring together...

Did Covid Permanently Change Trust in Church Leadership? (Ep. 337)

May 12, 2023 08:00 - 35 minutes - 48.1 MB

We're removed from the crisis moment of the pandemic, but some of the effects still linger. Has trust with pastors broken down? Josh and Sam discuss their perspectives on what's happening in the church. More reshuffling of pastors is likely to occur in the near future. Episode Sponsor: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class qualit...

Twitter Mentions

@kswhitfield 1 Episode