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On this podcast of The Exchange, Ed Stetzer spoke with Psychologist and Author of Safe House, Dr. Joshua Straub, to discuss how emotional safety is the key to raising kids who live, love and lead well.

On this podcast of The Exchange with Ed Stetzer: Lead Pastor of National Community Church and bestselling author Mark Batterson met with Ed to discuss leading a church in the nation’s capitol, setting God-sized goals, and living for the applause of the One with nail-scarred hands.

On this podcast of The Exchange, Steve Douglass, President of Cru (formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ), spoke with Ed Stetzer about the ministry’s incredible impact on the Kingdom.

On this podcast of The Exchange with Ed Stetzer: Dr. Jason Peters, Associate Vice President for The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM). As a global voice for the persecuted church, Dr. Peters travels frequently to meet face-to-face with persecuted believers around the world and equips VOM to tell their stories. He leads VOM’s outreach initiatives, including media development, special events, public relations, and oversees hundreds of speakers and representatives.

On this podcast of The Exchange with Ed Stetzer, Cary Summers, President of the Museum of the Bible, spoke with Ed about the 430,000-square-foot nonprofit museum currently under construction in Washington, D.C. In 2017. Also on the program Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile talks to us about what it means to be a disciplined disciple, and Dr. Clint Arnold discusses the history of the Bible as we have come to know it today.

On this podcast of The Exchange, Dr. John Sorensen, President of Evangelism Explosion International, a ministry that has trained millions of Christians around the world to share Christ, discusses the state of evangelism, research on evangelism trends, as well as myths and methods of evangelism. Also, Derwin Gray teaches on transformational churches and Clint Arnold shares 3 leadership tips from the Apostle Paul.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • Spotify We are talking about hope today. There are many pastors who are concerned about what the church will look like in the post-pandemic era. Mark and Thom share five reasons pastors should have hope in this new chapter of ministry.  It is still Christ's church Your community is likely to know you better after the pandemic due to the live-streaming exposure Prayer ministries grew during the pandemic The community likely recognizes more today the importance of the local church God sustained during the pandemic, and He is not going away Resources mentioned in today's podcast: * Church Answers Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com. Submit Your Question: Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you'll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.

Podcast Episode #642 SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio • Spotify From making phone calls and writing letters to online giving and virtual discipleship, as we return to in-person services, there are many strategies your church should keep doing. Thom and Sam discuss many of these strategies and their benefits on today’s episode of Rainer on Leadership.  * Keep making phone calls and writing letters. * Keep building your church email list.  * Keep moving people towards online giving. * Keep an option for groups via video calls. Resources * Church Future Indicator Episode Sponsors The mission at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. The school offers more than 40 different degree programs, including the new Master of Arts in Church Revitalization in partnership with Church Answers and the Revitalization Network. This 37-hour degree is designed to help students move established churches from flatlining to flourishing. Learn about this program and more by visiting sebts.edu. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there. Feedback If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you'll receive a free copy of Scrappy Church.

Podcast Episode #641 SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio • Spotify Today we welcome Jordan Richmond, worship pastor at West Bradenton Baptist Church. We discuss practical ways leaders can make worship services better right now. Jordan has been married to Heather for 14 years and they've led worship together for all of it. They have 4 children.  How to Make Worship Services BETTER Right Now Check-in with your people personally. Dig into technical areas where you need to improve Think intimate. Not big.  Go shorter. Not longer. Resources * Church Future Indicator * Jordan Richmond's YouTube channel * Pro Tools Episode Sponsors The mission at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. The school offers more than 40 different degree programs, including the new Master of Arts in Church Revitalization in partnership with Church Answers and the Revitalization Network. This 37-hour degree is designed to help students move established churches from flatlining to flourishing. Learn about this program and more by visiting sebts.edu. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there. Feedback If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you'll receive a free copy of Scrappy Church.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • Spotify What makes a good leader in the post-pandemic era? Thom and Kevin discuss five characteristics of church leaders who will lead well during the days ahead.  Courageous Willing to lead and think outside the box Prayerful Willing to understand the times Willing to count the cost Resources mentioned in today's podcast: * Church Answers Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com. Submit Your Question: Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you'll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.

Podcast Episode #640 SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio • Spotify What does it mean to repurpose your church? What would it look like to repurpose during this time of change within the church. Guest Pastor Mike Glenn visits with Thom and Sam to discuss this new opportunity for your church.  * Let's begin with definitions. What does it mean to repurpose a church? * How has this issue become more obvious and important during the pandemic? * How would you distinguish repurposing from revitalization? * What are some practical steps churches can take right now? Resources * Church Future Indicator * Mike Glenn * Know Your Community Episode Sponsors The mission at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. The school offers more than 40 different degree programs, including the new Master of Arts in Church Revitalization in partnership with Church Answers and the Revitalization Network. This 37-hour degree is designed to help students move established churches from flatlining to flourishing. Learn about this program and more by visiting sebts.edu. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there. Feedback If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you'll receive a free copy of Scrappy Church.

Podcast Episode #639 SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio • Spotify We are incredibly thankful for the mothers in all our lives and are excited to celebrate the mothers in our lives. This very special episode of Rainer on Leadership features the wisdom and grace of the Rainer wives. Resources mentioned in today's podcast: * Church Future Indicator Episode Sponsors The mission at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. The school offers more than 40 different degree programs, including the new Master of Arts in Church Revitalization in partnership with Church Answers and the Revitalization Network. This 37-hour degree is designed to help students move established churches from flatlining to flourishing. Learn about this program and more by visiting sebts.edu. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there. Feedback If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you'll receive a free copy of Scrappy Church.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • Spotify During this time as we look toward the post-pandemic era, an interesting development has occurred in the life of our friend, Mark Clifton. He is currently being considered as pastor of a 3-member church. Listen in as he shares his unique strategy as he steps into this new opportunity. * Mark's story * Understanding the hope every church has * Why the church facility is important * The abundance of adoption/replanting opportunities today Resources mentioned in today's podcast: * North American Mission Board Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com. Submit Your Question: Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you'll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.

Podcast Episode #638 SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio • Spotify Today’s leadership lesson handles the common topic of servant leadership but with a different perspective. These seven ways to be a better servant leader for your church will hit home for many listeners. * Take the initiative with hurting people. * Offer genuine apologies. * Do not speak ill of others publicly. * Seek out real accountability. * Give sacrificially to your church. * Be the first to give up your personal preferences. * Volunteer for menial tasks. Resources mentioned in today's podcast: * Church Future Indicator Episode Sponsors The mission at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. The school offers more than 40 different degree programs, including the new Master of Arts in Church Revitalization in partnership with Church Answers and the Revitalization Network. This 37-hour degree is designed to help students move established churches from flatlining to flourishing. Learn about this program and more by visiting sebts.edu. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there. Feedback If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you'll receive a free copy of Scrappy Church.

Podcast Episode #637 SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio • Spotify Let’s talk finance and having a plan. Creating a financial plan for your church during this season raises many questions for pastors. Church leaders need to embrace this critical step as they lead during uncertain times. * Do best-case, expected-case, and worst-case scenario planning * Use any current-year cash surpluses first * Consider receiving funding from the CARES Act * Cut every unneeded budget line item to zero * Avoid dipping into a line of credit if at all possible * Expect and plan for a recession after the pandemic ends * Being a good steward and neighbor may mean keeping as many employed as possible Resources mentioned in today's podcast: * Church Future Indicator * Leading Virtually Site-Wide Sale Episode Sponsors The mission at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. The school offers more than 40 different degree programs, including the new Master of Arts in Church Revitalization in partnership with Church Answers and the Revitalization Network. This 37-hour degree is designed to help students move established churches from flatlining to flourishing. Learn about this program and more by visiting sebts.edu. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there. Feedback If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you'll receive a free copy of Scrappy Church.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • Spotify In the midst of everything we are going through you will be encouraged by the developments taking place within what was once seen as “impossible” turnaround churches. * Many impossible rural turnaround churches are surprising people. * There are many turnaround churches in New England, other northeast locations, and northwest churches. * Neighborhood churches are in turnaround mode. * Hope is becoming a recurring theme. * "We have never done it that way" is not the excuse it once was. * Many church leaders and church members understand reaching the community has to be done differently. Resources mentioned in today's podcast: * North American Mission Board Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com. Submit Your Question: Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you'll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.

Podcast Episode #636 SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio • Spotify In this edition of Rainer on Leadership, Thom and Sam interview Tim Cool, founder and chief solutions officer of Smart Church Solutions. Tim shares his checklist for reopening your facilities in the post-coronavirus world. * What do you see remaining the same when churches return to in-person services? * What are some of the major changes you expect? * Why should a church even worry about getting ready to return to its facilities? * Tell us about the checklist you are providing? * What else do church leaders need to know? Resources mentioned in today's podcast: * Church Future Indicator * Post-Coronavirus Facility Reopening Checklist * Smart Church Solutions * 9 Ways the Digital World Is Transforming Teaching and Preaching Webinar Episode Sponsors The mission at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. The school offers more than 40 different degree programs, including the new Master of Arts in Church Revitalization in partnership with Church Answers and the Revitalization Network. This 37-hour degree is designed to help students move established churches from flatlining to flourishing. Learn about this program and more by visiting sebts.edu. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there. Feedback If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you'll receive a free copy of Scrappy Church.

Podcast Episode #635 SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio • Spotify This season of isolation and social distancing has forced churches around the country to make hard decisions without an idea of what the other side holds. Listen in as Thom and Sam discuss the questions and best practices pastors are talking about right now on Church Answers and the five hard things churches must do right now. * Hit the reset button, not the pause button. * Keep as many employed as possible. * Experiment creatively * Stop complaining… now and forever.  * Comply with the government’s request not to gather Resources mentioned in today's podcast: * Church Future Indicator * Church Answers Membership 60-Day Free Trial * 40% off - 16 Quick Adjustments resource Episode Sponsors The mission at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. The school offers more than 40 different degree programs, including the new Master of Arts in Church Revitalization in partnership with Church Answers and the Revitalization Network. This 37-hour degree is designed to help students move established churches from flatlining to flourishing. Learn about this program and more by visiting sebts.edu. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there. Feedback If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you'll receive a free copy of Scrappy Church.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • Spotify Today, Thom and Kevin pick up with part two in a great discussion for churches as they reimagine themselves after the Coronavirus. Upon re-entry, churches will be able to redefine what is new. Many churches have been challenged to reach demographic groups which do not hold to a belief in Christ. New research from PEW Research Center provides the Church with helpful religious typology in order to learn how to reach your community more effectively for the Kingdom. Part 2: Most U.S. adults identify with a particular religious denomination or group. They describe themselves as Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Jewish, Mormon or Muslim– to name just a few of the hundreds of identities or affiliations that people give in surveys. Others describe themselves as atheist, agnostic or say they have no particular religious affiliation. These are the conventional categories into which Americans sort themselves. But a new Pew Research Center analysis looks at beliefs and behaviors that cut across many denominations – important traits that unite people of different faiths, or that divide people who have the same religious affiliation – producing a new and revealing classification, or typology, of religion in America. The new typology sorts Americans into seven groups based on the religious and spiritual beliefs they share, how actively they practice their faith, the value they place on their religion, and the other sources of meaning and fulfillment in their lives. Resources mentioned in today's podcast: * The Religious Typology - Pew Research Center * SEND Relief Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com. Submit Your Question: Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you'll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.

Podcast Episode #634 SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio • Spotify In a time when most churches are holding virtual services, Thom and Sam speak with Jess Rainer regarding best practices and benefits in moving to both digital and automated giving immediately. * What are the definitions of automated giving and digital giving? * Talk about how these methods of giving have been a blessing for your church. * Help us to understand why these methods of giving are important not only for the pandemic. but for the future. * How would you recommend a church leader encourage a senior adult to automated giving? Why might this path be easier than the typical digital giving channels? Resources mentioned in today's podcast: * Church Future Indicator * Leading Virtually Sale * The Millennials - Thom S. Rainer and Jess Rainer Episode Sponsors The mission at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. The school offers more than 40 different degree programs, including the new Master of Arts in Church Revitalization in partnership with Church Answers and the Revitalization Network. This 37-hour degree is designed to help students move established churches from flatlining to flourishing. Learn about this program and more by visiting sebts.edu. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there. Feedback If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you'll receive a free copy of Scrappy Church.