The Church Answers Podcast

What in the World Does Church Answers Really Do? Part 2: The Local Church Partner Grows

Jess interviews Thom in this fascinating behind-the-scenes look at Church Answers. They examine the evolution of resources from the company’s inception to the present day. Resources: Wesley Biblical Seminary Upward Running What in the World Does Church Answers Really Do? Part 1: The Consultation Foundation Church Answers Membership The Hope Initiative FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights Episode Sponsor: Wesley Biblical Seminary is focused on developing trusted leaders for faithful churches. They offer certificates, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. Since 1974 WBS has been faithfully fulfilling its mission. Fully committed to the inerrancy of Scripture and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Flexible online format that fits your schedule. Equipping men and women called by God. An array of programs to help you take the next step. You can do it! If you’d like to learn more, visit Wesley Biblical Seminary. Upward Running for Adults: Your Church’s Next Step in Outreach Offer a 5K Challenge for adults at your church (engage your adults in 2026): Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides: Tailored training plans to help your runner or walkers move from the couch to completing a 5k. Access to the new RunClub app for tracking progress and building community. A fully customizable program that fits your church’s timeline — all led by your run coach who will be fully equipped with the Upward Running materials to lead. Simple to Start: With just one passionate leader and no facility needed, your church parking lot can become the starting line for life transformation. Build Stronger Connections: Use running to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, and grow spiritually while expanding your church’s impact. Upward Sports is ready to help you start this at your church: Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today! The post What in the World Does Church Answers Really Do? Part 2: The Local Church Partner Grows appeared first on Church Answers.

What in the World Does Church Answers Really Do? Part 1: The Consultation Foundation

Jess interviews Thom in this fascinating behind-the-scenes look at Church Answers. How did Church Answers begin? What is its primary thrust? Who is a part of Church Answers? Resources: Wesley Biblical Seminary Upward Running What in the World Does Church Answers Really Do? Part 2: The Local Church Partner Grows Craft Book Publishing “Bridges of God: A Study in the Strategy of Missions” by Donald McGavran (affiliate link) Church Growth Services Brown Church Development Group Chaney & Associates Church Answers Membership The Hope Initiative FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights Episode Sponsor: Wesley Biblical Seminary is focused on developing trusted leaders for faithful churches. They offer certificates, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. Since 1974 WBS has been faithfully fulfilling its mission. Fully committed to the inerrancy of Scripture and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Flexible online format that fits your schedule. Equipping men and women called by God. An array of programs to help you take the next step. You can do it! If you’d like to learn more, visit Wesley Biblical Seminary. Upward Running for Adults: Your Church’s Next Step in Outreach Offer a 5K Challenge for adults at your church (engage your adults in 2026): Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides: Tailored training plans to help your runner or walkers move from the couch to completing a 5k. Access to the new RunClub app for tracking progress and building community. A fully customizable program that fits your church’s timeline — all led by your run coach who will be fully equipped with the Upward Running materials to lead. Simple to Start: With just one passionate leader and no facility needed, your church parking lot can become the starting line for life transformation. Build Stronger Connections: Use running to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, and grow spiritually while expanding your church’s impact. Upward Sports is ready to help you start this at your church: Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today! The post What in the World Does Church Answers Really Do? Part 1: The Consultation Foundation appeared first on Church Answers.

Financial Counseling for Your Church Members: An Interview with Art Rainer

It would not be a surprise if over one-half of your church members need personal financial counseling. Jess and Thom interview Art Rainer, president of Christian Money Solutions, to find out how you can help those church members. Resources: Wesley Biblical Seminary Upward Sports Christian Money Solutions 8 Money Milestones + The Money Challenge Bundle Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CERTCFC®) Program Christian Money Help The Hope Initiative Church Answers Membership FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights Episode Sponsor: Wesley Biblical Seminary is focused on developing trusted leaders for faithful churches. They offer certificates, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. Since 1974 WBS has been faithfully fulfilling its mission. Fully committed to the inerrancy of Scripture and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Flexible online format that fits your schedule. Equipping men and women called by God. An array of programs to help you take the next step. You can do it! If you’d like to learn more, visit Wesley Biblical Seminary. Start Preparing Now for 2026! Sports that Bring People Together. Start preparing now for 2026 with sports that bring people together! As you look ahead to what’s next in your ministry, consider creating an outreach strategy that offers a warm invitation to the whole family—using sports as that natural and powerful invite. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball, pickleball, or even running for adults, Upward Sports is ready to equip your church to reach families right in the heart of your community. All it takes is one passionate leader and a church ready to make an impact. Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers. The post Financial Counseling for Your Church Members: An Interview with Art Rainer appeared first on Church Answers.

Jumpstart Your Stewardship: An Interview with Art Rainer

How can I lead my church toward greater generosity? We hear that question often. Thom and Jess interview Art Rainer, president of Christian Money Solutions, to get some highly practical advice. Resources: Wesley Biblical Seminary Upward Sports Christian Money Solutions 8 Money Milestones + The Money Challenge Bundle The Hope Initiative Church Answers Membership FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights Episode Sponsor: Wesley Biblical Seminary is focused on developing trusted leaders for faithful churches. They offer certificates, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. Since 1974 WBS has been faithfully fulfilling its mission. Fully committed to the inerrancy of Scripture and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Flexible online format that fits your schedule. Equipping men and women called by God. An array of programs to help you take the next step. You can do it! If you’d like to learn more, visit Wesley Biblical Seminary. Start Preparing Now for 2026! Sports that Bring People Together. Start preparing now for 2026 with sports that bring people together! As you look ahead to what’s next in your ministry, consider creating an outreach strategy that offers a warm invitation to the whole family—using sports as that natural and powerful invite. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball, pickleball, or even running for adults, Upward Sports is ready to equip your church to reach families right in the heart of your community. All it takes is one passionate leader and a church ready to make an impact. Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers. The post Jumpstart Your Stewardship: An Interview with Art Rainer appeared first on Church Answers.

When the Digital World Forgets You — Building Ministry That Outlasts the Algorithm

In this conversation, Jess and Thom discuss the fleeting nature of digital influence. Algorithms shift, platforms fade, and online visibility is temporary. What happens when your church—or your ministry—disappears from the feed? This episode explores how to build something lasting in a world designed to forget. Digital Decay: Why every online platform eventually buries even the best content. Presence Over Platform: How personal relationships still outlast digital reach. Legacy Leadership: Building ministries that endure beyond algorithms and branding trends. The Return to Analog: Why the most future-proof ministry may look a lot like the first-century church. Resources: Wesley Biblical Seminary Upward Running “The Revival of the Analog World” by Thom S. Rainer – coming soon! “The Millennials: How We Missed the Largest Living Generation — and Why It’s Not Late” by Thom S. Rainer and Jess W. Rainer – coming soon! The Hope Initiative Church Answers Membership FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights Episode Sponsor: Wesley Biblical Seminary is focused on developing trusted leaders for faithful churches. They offer certificates, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. Since 1974 WBS has been faithfully fulfilling its mission. Fully committed to the inerrancy of Scripture and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Flexible online format that fits your schedule. Equipping men and women called by God. An array of programs to help you take the next step. You can do it! If you’d like to learn more, visit Wesley Biblical Seminary. Upward Running for Adults: Your Church’s Next Step in Outreach Offer a 5K Challenge for adults at your church (engage your adults in 2026): Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides: Tailored training plans to help your runner or walkers move from the couch to completing a 5k. Access to the new RunClub app for tracking progress and building community. A fully customizable program that fits your church’s timeline — all led by your run coach who will be fully equipped with the Upward Running materials to lead. Simple to Start: With just one passionate leader and no facility needed, your church parking lot can become the starting line for life transformation. Build Stronger Connections: Use running to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, and grow spiritually while expanding your church’s impact. Upward Sports is ready to help you start this at your church: Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today! The post When the Digital World Forgets You — Building Ministry That Outlasts the Algorithm appeared first on Church Answers.