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 platf…

Thom and Jess tackle the growing challenge of polarization inside and outside the church. As cultural extremes grow louder, pastors often find themselves without a safe “middle ground.” How can church leaders stay faithful, gracious, and clear in such an environment? The Vanishing Middle: Why neutrality no longer works in today’s polarized culture.…

Keith and Kristyn Getty recently released The Sing! Hymnal. This publication is a major development in worship music and hymnody. Jess and Thom speak with Keith Getty about its creation and importance. Here are some of the questions they asked him. The hymnal includes hundreds of liturgical readings and psalm pairings. Why was it important for you …

Keith and Kristyn Getty recently released The Sing! Hymnal. This publication is a major development in worship music and hymnody. Jess and Thom speak with Keith Getty about its creation and importance. Here are some of the questions they asked him. What has been happening with the Gettys other than the new hymnal? Why did you and Kristyn decide to …

Jess and Thom explore how the humble farmers market might hold surprising lessons for church life. In a world drawn to authenticity and community, what if the local church functioned more like a neighborhood market — relational, participatory, and grounded in place? Resources: Wesley Biblical Seminary Upward Sports Upward Sports: Pickleball The Hop…

In this episode, Thom and Jess examine one of the more unusual findings from the 2023 Faith Communities Today (FACT) study. The survey reveals a noticeable gap in pastors aged 46 to 50. We’ll explore why this age bracket is underrepresented, what factors may have shaped this trend, and what it means for the future of pastoral leadership. Resources:…

In this episode, Thom discusses an encouraging statistic from the 2023 Faith Communities Today (FACT) study. Despite the challenges of shrinking attendance, financial strain, and cultural headwinds, nearly three out of four congregations still report a positive outlook on their future. What fuels this optimism, and what does it mean for church lead…

Thom talks with Mike Stadelmayer at Church Growth Services who offers some fascinating insights about churches and debt. There are definitely some surprises in this interview. Resources: Wesley Biblical Seminary Upward Sports Church Growth Services Check out this free eBook, “Church Debt, Striking a Balance Between Risk & Reward,” and learn more! S…

Thom and Jess open a conversation from their revised book, “The Millennials: How We Missed the Largest Living Generation — and Why It’s Not Late.” This episode unpacks what happens when churches neglect reaching the Millennials. Resources: Wesley Biblical Seminary Upward Sports Upward Sports: Pickleball “The Millennials: How We Missed the Largest L…

Thom and Jess draw from the introduction of their revised book, “The Millennials: How We Missed the Largest Living Generation — and Why It’s Not Late,” to set the stage for why Millennials matter. They highlight how this generation compares in size to others and why pastors must pay attention now. Resources: Wesley Biblical Seminary Upward Sports U…

In this episode, Thom looks at one of the surprising findings from the 2023 FACT (Faith Communities Today) study. The research shows that more than seven out of ten churches share their facilities with other organizations. Thom explores why so many churches are opening their doors, what kinds of groups they are hosting, and how this trend impacts b…

In this episode, Thom looks at new data from the 2023 FACT (Faith Communities Today) study. The research shows that churches with extensive online giving receive 34% more per attender than those with none. Thom unpacks what that number means for church leaders, why it matters, and how congregations can take practical steps to strengthen generosity …

In this episode, Thom dives into a surprising and encouraging statistic from the 2023 FACT study—79% of church attenders say that church is “very important” in their lives. With so many articles and headlines announcing the decline of religion in America, this number offers a different perspective—one filled with hope, mission, and responsibility. …

In this episode, Thom discusses a striking figure from the 2023 FACT (Faith Communities Today) study: 62% of churchgoers report attending weekly worship services. What does this number really tell us? Is it reliable? And how should pastors respond in a culture where attendance patterns are shifting? Resources: Church Answers University Redemption S…

It has been several years since the pandemic, but its effects are still lasting. Thom and Jess explore how COVID-19 didn’t just disrupt church attendance for a season — it changed patterns for the long term. They discuss the lasting shifts and how churches can adapt. Fewer people attend weekly — even among the committed. Many attenders are rotating…

Thom and Jess explore why Gen Z’s view of the church differs significantly from that of past generations. They unpack the values, expectations, and skepticism of this connected-yet-cautious generation. They value authenticity over polished performance. They want participation, not passive observation. They’re community conscious and expect the chur…

Thom and Jess discuss how smartphones have reshaped connection — and disconnection — in the church. From constant distraction to reduced attention spans, they explore how devices affect worship, community, and discipleship. Attention spans are shorter than ever in church gatherings. Social media during sermons creates a split focus. Online relation…

Thom and Jess discuss how church conflict is often not about the issue on the surface. Many disputes mask deeper spiritual, relational, or personal struggles — and wise leaders learn to look beyond the obvious. Surface issues are often just the “presenting problem.” Personal frustrations can spill over into church life. Historical grievances someti…

In the final part of the series, Thom and Jess examine four additional translations that remain popular within more specific theological, academic, or expositional contexts: New American Standard Bible (NASB), New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), Revised Standard Version (RSV), and Legacy Standard Bible (LSB). Resources: Chaney & Associates The Chu…

The series continues as Thom and Jess explore the next three popular translations: English Standard Version (ESV), Christian Standard Bible (CSB), and New King James Version (NKJV). Resources: Chaney & Associates The Church Advisory Podcast Upward Sports Upward Sports: Pickleball A Comprehensive Examination of Why the Top 10 Bible Translations Are …

Thom and Jess begin ranking the most widely used Bible translations in the U.S., starting with the top three: New International Version (NIV), King James Version (KJV), and New Living Translation (NLT). Resources: Chaney & Associates The Church Advisory Podcast Upward Running A Comprehensive Examination of Why the Top 10 Bible Translations Are Popu…

Thom and Jess Rainer introduce a four-part series on the top 10 English Bible translations in America. In this episode, they offer a broad overview of how these translations emerged, the philosophies behind them, and how cultural, theological, and practical factors affect their popularity. History of English Bible translation in America Translation…

In the conclusion of this two-part series, Thom and Jess Rainer share four more reasons churches are dying in 2025. The challenges are real—but so are the opportunities to respond with courage and clarity. 5. Failure to move from a denominational paradigm 6. Failure to see the promising world of co-vocational 7. Deferred maintenance comes due 8. Th…

Thom and Jess Rainer revisit the insights from Thom’s 2016 bestseller “Autopsy of a Deceased Church” and provide a sobering update for today’s church landscape. In this episode, they begin unpacking the eight new signs that a church is nearing its end in 2025. 1. Loss of hope 2. Looking for transfer growth 3. No evangelistic outreach 4. Thinking th…

Thom and Jess Rainer continue their honest conversation about why outreach has dropped off the radar in many churches. The second half of the list offers insight into theological drift and misplaced priorities. 5. Heavy inward focus 6. Weak theology of evangelism 7. Failure to understand “seed planting time” 8. Failure to emphasize outreach as a pr…