https://youtu.be/Es2BGQS2B74 Sometimes churches view interim pastors as "band-aids" to keep the church together, but a good interim will do much more. Thom and Sam discuss what defines a successful interim pastorate. Whether short-term or long-term in duration, these five key objectives can make or break an interim role. Objective 1: Teaching the church a new pastor will not be a silver bullet. Objective 2: Making tough staffing decisions before the new pastor arrives. Objective 3: Preparing the church for a season of change. Objective 4: Freeing the organizational culture as much as possible for a new vision. Objective 5: Leading the church to have fun, heal up, and get unified. Resources: * California Baptist University Pre-College Credit * Interim Pastor Certification * Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector * Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry. Episode Sponsor: Eligible high schoolers can earn college credit online, the first class is free (not including books and course materials), and they get a significant discount ($166 per credit vs. $613 per credit) for every subsequent class. They can choose from more than 30 available courses. Here are just a few additional details not included on the flier: This program is open to third-culture kids, homeschool students, private and public school students, etc. Students can start during any eight-week session – summer, fall, spring, each semester has two sessions as indicated on the flier The first-class free offer is limited. I do not yet know for how long, but we should market it as temporary for now. Many students have successfully completed courses during their normal school year. Classes are asynchronous, so they can access course materials at their convenience. Sometimes universities have similar programs and they make classes specific for high school students – HS students sitting with other HS students. In our program, participants sit in on real college courses, with actual college student peers. They get the real deal through our experience.

https://youtu.be/-b_ehLOR_ts One in four pastors say they have struggled with mental health issues, and 17% of pastors say it was diagnosed. Given the prevalence of the issue, churches cannot ignore the problem. Silence creates the perception that something is off-limits. Mental illness does not signal a lack of faith any more than contracting cancer signals a lack of faith. Thom and Sam discuss how churches can be helpful to pastors who struggle with mental health problems. Remove the "taboo" label. Deal with the problem candidly but with compassion. Do not discount warning signs as someone's personality or quirks. Offer a clear path for help and seek a professional opinion. Create a plan based on the severity of the problem. For example, dealing with a moral failure is much different than getting help for ongoing anxiety. Consider the long-term impact on the pastor and the church. Resources: * California Baptist University Pre-College Credit * Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector * Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry. Episode Sponsor: Eligible high schoolers can earn college credit online, the first class is free (not including books and course materials), and they get a significant discount ($166 per credit vs. $613 per credit) for every subsequent class. They can choose from more than 30 available courses. Here are just a few additional details not included on the flier: This program is open to third-culture kids, homeschool students, private and public school students, etc. Students can start during any eight-week session – summer, fall, spring, each semester has two sessions as indicated on the flier The first-class free offer is limited. I do not yet know for how long, but we should market it as temporary for now. Many students have successfully completed courses during their normal school year. Classes are asynchronous, so they can access course materials at their convenience. Sometimes universities have similar programs and they make classes specific for high school students – HS students sitting with other HS students. In our program, participants sit in on real college courses, with actual college student peers. They get the real deal through our experience.

https://youtu.be/lH-XScYt_go About 80% of your neighbors are receptive to an invitation to church. At best, most churchgoers invite someone once or twice a year. Almost a third of churchgoers never invite anyone. Inviting someone to a worship service or church event is not evangelism, but this invitation is a significant first step to cultural change in your church. What happened to the culture of invitation? Thom and Sam discuss their thoughts on this week's episode. 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. Resources: * One Year Bible * Tyndale House Publishers * California Baptist University Pre-College Credit Get your FREE eBook, 5 Generosity Megatrends Good News Neighbor Toolkit “The Surprising Return of the Neighborhood Church” by Sam Rainer Invite Your One * “Breakout Churches” by Thom S. Rainer * Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector * Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry. Episode Sponsors: What Path will your church take through the Bible this year? * One Year Bibles are designed to help readers engage with the entire Bible in 365 days. Whether you’re well versed in the Bible or just beginning your exploration, these Bibles help guide you through a year-long journey of exploration, reflection, and growth. * One Year Bibles are great resources to help pastors encourage their community to be in the Word every day, but they also can help you come together in God’s Word as a community of believers. If you are reading through the same passages you can interact with each other and grow relationships as you read Scripture. It creates a sense of unity, a common goal you are working toward together. * One Year Bibles are perfect for small groups, Bible studies, Sunday School classes, and other connection points

https://youtu.be/7g5Enc9Wfz0 In part 2, Sam interviews Jim Davis and Michael Graham. They examine exactly how people are leaving and suggest how to "re-church" those who have exited. What is important for local churches or ministries as they think about dechurching? What categories do you think are most important for them to think about? What is the single piece of lowest hanging fruit for local churches? What words of exhortation or encouragement do you have for other ministry leaders in this national conversation on dechurching? Resources: * California Baptist University Pre-College Credit One Year Bible * Tyndale House Publishers “The Great Dechurching” by Jim Davis and Michael Graham Church audit that can be accessed for free * Ryan Burge * Outreach * Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector * Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry. Episode Sponsors: Eligible high schoolers can earn college credit online, the first class is free (not including books and course materials), and they get a significant discount ($166 per credit vs. $613 per credit) for every subsequent class. They can choose from more than 30 available courses. Here are just a few additional details not included on the flier: This program is open to third-culture kids, homeschool students, private and public school students, etc. Students can start during any eight-week session – summer, fall, spring, each semester has two sessions as indicated on the flier The first-class free offer is limited. I do not yet know for how long, but we should market it as temporary for now. Many students have successfully completed courses during their normal school year. Classes are asynchronous, so they can access course materials at their convenience. Sometimes universities have similar programs and they make classes specific for high school students – HS students sitting with other HS students. In our program, participants sit in on real college courses, with actual college student peers. They get the real deal through our experience. Why Use a <a href="https://www.tyndale.com/sites/oneyearbible/?utm_campaign=Bibles%20-%20NLT%20One%20Year%20Bible%20-%20Tyndale&amp;utm_source=Church%20Answers&amp;utm_medium=Podcast%20Banner%20Week%201%20and%202&amp;utm_term=Link%20to%20Microsite&amp;utm_content...

https://youtu.be/6722t7Be2Vw Sam welcomes Jim Davis and Michael Graham. In part 1, they share the highest altitude insights from their study and book, The Great Dechurching. In what ways were your findings consistent with some of the prevailing narratives surrounding people leaving the church and in what ways is your research telling a different story? How did two pastors come to conduct the most comprehensive study on dechurching conducted to date? Can you provide us with a high altitude snapshot of what is going on among the 15 million adult Americans who left evangelical churches? What were some of your most surprising findings? Resources: One Year Bible * Tyndale House Publishers * California Baptist University Pre-College Credit “The Great Dechurching” by Jim Davis and Michael Graham Church audit that can be accessed for free * Ryan Burge * Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector * Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry. Episode Sponsors: What Path will your church take through the Bible this year? One Year Bibles are designed to help readers engage with the entire Bible in 365 days. One Year Bibles are great resources to help pastors encourage their community to be in the Word every day, but they also can help you come together in God’s Word as a community of believers. One Year Bibles are perfect for small groups, Bible studies, Sunday School classes, and other connection points There are two different reading paths for One Year Bibles: On the Daily Reading Path, each day you will explore a passage from the Old Testament, the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. The Chronological Reading Path helps you explore the Bible in the order the events took place. Once you choose which path you want to take there’s even more options: There are men’s and women’s devotional editions that have short daily devotionals that correspond with the day’s reading. Perfect for couples, marriage groups, men’s or women’s small groups. The One Year Chronological Study Bible is perfect for Sunday school classes, small groups even full church study. The One Year Pray for series of Bibles help you as a community intercede on behalf of some of the greatest needs facing our world today.  There are even coloring and journaling versions for people who are looking for a more tactile way to engage with the B...

https://youtu.be/BgJ-Ixfh3yY Criticism is not necessarily toxic, even when it is misguided. And no one likes to field complaints. Sometimes they are warranted, and sometimes they can be toxic. How can a pastor tell the difference? Thom covers the best ways pastors can discern toxic conflict from healthy conflict. It's not always easy, but he offers a few practical tips through six questions.  1. What is the motivation of the one complaining? 2. What is the goal of the conflict? 3. Are people talking about others or to others? 4. Is friction combative or respectful? 5. Are people leading with questions or exclamations? 6. Are you able to hang out afterward? Resources: * California Baptist University Pre-College Credit One Year Bible * Tyndale House Publishers * “When the People Pray” by Thom S. Rainer * Brown Church Development Group * Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector * Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry. Episode Sponsors: Eligible high schoolers can earn college credit online, the first class is free (not including books and course materials), and they get a significant discount ($166 per credit vs. $613 per credit) for every subsequent class. They can choose from more than 30 available courses. Here are just a few additional details not included on the flier: This program is open to third-culture kids, homeschool students, private and public school students, etc. Students can start during any eight-week session – summer, fall, spring, each semester has two sessions as indicated on the flier The first-class free offer is limited. I do not yet know for how long, but we should market it as temporary for now. Many students have successfully completed courses during their normal school year. Classes are asynchronous, so they can access course materials at their convenience. Sometimes universities have similar programs and they make classes specific for high school students – HS students sitting with other HS students. In our program, participants sit in on real college courses, with actual college student peers. They get the real deal through our experience. What Path will your church take through the Bible this year? One Year Bibles are designed to help readers engage with the entire Bible in 365 days. One Year Bibles are great resources to help pastors encourage their community to be in the Word every day, but they also can help you come together in God’s Word as a community of believers. One Year Bibles are perfect for small groups, Bible studies, Sunday School classes, and other connection points

https://youtu.be/bgEY8Fr2pAw For years, we have dismissed the potential for a significant move of God in neighborhood churches. At Church Answers, we believe they are primed for a comeback. They are numerous, and they are located in the heart of places with lots of people. Sam discusses the return of neighborhood churches and how this movement is just beginning.  The history of decline in neighborhood churches The emerging opportunity with the decline of the megachurch Myths of the neighborhood church Why the historical stigma can become the future advantage Fostering and adoption will be a key part of this movement What must change before a movement becomes mainstream: Expectations of growth and an outward focus The potential scale of the neighborhood church comeback Resources: * California Baptist University Pre-College Credit “The Surprising Return of the Neighborhood Church” by Sam Rainer * “When the People Pray” by Thom S. Rainer * Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector * Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry. Episode Sponsor: Eligible high schoolers can earn college credit online, the first class is free (not including books and course materials), and they get a significant discount ($166 per credit vs. $613 per credit) for every subsequent class. They can choose from more than 30 available courses. Here are just a few additional details not included on the flier: This program is open to third-culture kids, homeschool students, private and public school students, etc. Students can start during any eight-week session – summer, fall, spring, each semester has two sessions as indicated on the flier The first-class free offer is limited. I do not yet know for how long, but we should market it as temporary for now. Many students have successfully completed courses during their normal school year. Classes are asynchronous, so they can access course materials at their convenience. Sometimes universities have similar programs and they make classes specific for high school students – HS students sitting with other HS students. In our program, participants sit in on real college courses, with actual college student peers. They get the real deal through our experience. &nbsp;

https://youtu.be/yU8t8lw3qPQ Thom welcomes Susan Perlman, Chief Partnership Officer and one of the founders of Jews for Jesus. In this episode, they discuss how The Chronological Life Application Study Bible, created in partnership with Jews for Jesus, helps connect our Christian faith to its Jewish roots. The Chronological Life Application Study Bible has been out for a few years. How is this one different? How did your team get involved in the update of this Bible? Why do you feel it's important for people who are reading the Bible to better understand the Jewish roots? What are some of the most common misconceptions about the Bible’s relationship to Jewish culture? Why do you think it's important for pastors and church leaders to have an understanding of the Jewish heritage of the Bible? Sometimes the church can seem anti-Jewish or readings of the Bible in churches can be anti-Jewish. Can you describe what this might look like and how can churches avoid it? Resources: * California Baptist University Pre-College Credit “The Chronological Life Application Study Bible” Tyndale House Publishers Brown Church Development Group * Get your FREE eBook, 5 Generosity Megatrends * Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector * Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry. Episode Sponsor: Eligible high schoolers can earn college credit online, the first class is free (not including books and course materials), and they get a significant discount ($166 per credit vs. $613 per credit) for every subsequent class. They can choose from more than 30 available courses. Here are just a few additional details not included on the flier: This program is open to third-culture kids, homeschool students, private and public school students, etc. Students can start during any eight-week session – summer, fall, spring, each semester has two sessions as indicated on the flier The first-class free offer is limited. I do not yet know for how long, but we should market it as temporary for now. Many students have successfully completed courses during their normal school year. Classes are asynchronous, so they can access course materials at their convenience. Sometimes universities have similar programs and they make classes specific for high school students – HS students sitting with other HS students. In our program, participants sit in on real college courses, with actual college student peers. They get the real deal through our experience. &nbsp;

https://youtu.be/EtmdjYvXqcM Thom welcomes William Vanderbloemen, CEO and Founder of top executive search firm Vanderbloemen Search Group. In this episode, Thom interviews William about his book, “Be The Unicorn,” in which he reveals the 12 teachable traits and explains why hiring managers embrace each trait. He provides actionable takeaways for how readers can incorporate each trait into their personal and professional lives. How can someone make themselves indispensable? What inspired your mission to figure out what makes the top talent, or “unicorns,” stand out? What did your previous career as a pastor teach you about the importance of soft skills? From your 15 years of research, what did you find is the most important of the 12 traits you outline, and why? You talk about how the standouts have a strong sense of purpose and find an organization whose purpose aligns with their own. How do the standouts discover their professional purpose? What is the first step listeners should take to stand out from their peers and become irreplaceable, building the careers they’ve always wanted? Resources: * California Baptist University Pre-College Credit “Be The Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits That Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest” by William Vanderbloemen VanderIndex - Email info@vanderbloemen.com for a code to take this assessment for FREE. (Please use “VanderIndex” as the subject line.) * Vanderbloemen Search Group * Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector * Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry. Episode Sponsor: Eligible high schoolers can earn college credit online, the first class is free (not including books and course materials), and they get a significant discount ($166 per credit vs. $613 per credit) for every subsequent class. They can choose from more than 30 available courses. Here are just a few additional details not included on the flier: This program is open to third-culture kids, homeschool students, private and public school students, etc. Students can start during any eight-week session – summer, fall, spring, each semester has two sessions as indicated on the flier The first-class free offer is limited. I do not yet know for how long, but we should market it as temporary for now. Many students have successfully completed courses during their normal school year. Classes are asynchronous, so they can access course materials at their convenience. Sometimes universities have similar programs and they make classes specific for high school students – HS students sitting with other HS students. In our program, participants sit in on real college courses, with actual college student peers. They get the real deal through our experience. &nbsp;

https://youtu.be/6sPYwNZSWvQ Every believer is called to Christlikeness. Pastors, however, have a calling to be above reproach. What does this calling mean? On this episode, Sam interviews Matt McCraw. Together, they cover the universal standards for all pastors and what special burdens they carry. What does "above reproach" mean in a practical sense? How can pastors lead "the Jesus way"? How should a church hold pastors accountable to biblical standards? Does every pastor have the same standards? Should a pastor be restored after failing? How do you remain above reproach? And what tips would you give other pastors? Resources: * California Baptist University Pre-College Credit Tyndale Find a Bible (NLT Filament) “Leading the Jesus Way: Learning to Lead from the Master” by Matt McCraw * Matt McCraw * Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector * Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry. Episode Sponsor: Eligible high schoolers can earn college credit online, the first class is free (not including books and course materials), and they get a significant discount ($166 per credit vs. $613 per credit) for every subsequent class. They can choose from more than 30 available courses. Here are just a few additional details not included on the flier: This program is open to third-culture kids, homeschool students, private and public school students, etc. Students can start during any eight-week session – summer, fall, spring, each semester has two sessions as indicated on the flier The first-class free offer is limited. I do not yet know for how long, but we should market it as temporary for now. Many students have successfully completed courses during their normal school year. Classes are asynchronous, so they can access course materials at their convenience. Sometimes universities have similar programs and they make classes specific for high school students – HS students sitting with other HS students. In our program, participants sit in on real college courses, with actual college student peers. They get the real deal through our experience.