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…

The adverse effects of COVID on the world in general and the church in particular are without precedent. However, there are indications we have now reached a new normal. Thom and Jess review four of those indications. The rate of church decline is not as steep. Church leaders and members have adjusted to a new normal. The level of urgency is not as…

The “Bible Belt” is that mythical part of the United States with the highest per capita church attendees. Thom and Jess look at the major shifts in the region and predict whether there will still be a Bible Belt in ten years. A review of the 12 to 15 states most often included in the Bible Belt. How cultural Christianity affects the Bible Belt. Blu…

While most people would consider a church with an average worship attendance of 50 to be small, those churches are larger than 50% of churches in America. In this three-part series, Thom and Jess discuss the implications of these developments. In this third of three podcasts, they show how smaller churches have more opportunities than ever. Resourc…

While most people would consider a church with an average worship attendance of 50 to be small, those churches are larger than 50% of churches in America. In this three-part series, Thom and Jess discuss the implications of these developments. In this second of three podcasts, they discuss how we should consider structuring smaller churches today. …

While most people would consider a church with an average worship attendance of 50 to be small, those churches are larger than 50% of churches in America. In this three-part series, Thom and Jess discuss the implications of these developments. In this first of three podcasts, they discuss the reality of this new landscape. Resources: Chaney & Assoc…

All the data points to steep declines in conversions in churches in recent years. In this second of two parts, Thom and Jess examine why evangelism has become a lower priority in churches today. Spiritual warfare Fewer pastor role models The busy culture Resources: Chaney & Associates “Pray & Go” by Thom S. Rainer “When the People Pray” by Thom S. …