Best Thom Rainer Podcasts (2025)

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Thom Rainer | Anxious At Church | Steve Brown, Etc. 44:50

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18d ago44:50

44:50

Ready for some GOOD news? This week, Steve and the gang chat with Thom Rainer about Gen Z’s (ages 13 – 28) surprising return to the church. Tom’s book is called The Anxious Generation Goes to Church: What the Research Says about What Younger Generations Need (and Want) from Your Church. The post Thom Rainer | Anxious At Church | Steve Brown, Etc. a…

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After the Christmas Chaos: The Lightest Work Week of the Year for Pastors 21:01

35m ago21:01

21:01

The week after Christmas—those quiet days between December 26 and New Year’s—is often the lightest week of the year for pastors. After weeks of preparing Advent services, coordinating Christmas Eve worship, managing volunteers, and caring for members in a season that’s both joyful and emotionally draining, pastors finally exhale. This week isn’t ab…

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The Quiet Power of the Church Introvert: Why the Most Influential People in Your Church May Be the Least Noticeable 23:21

1d ago23:21

23:21

Thom knows this person well, because he is one. He and Jess dive into how church leaders can best understand and utilize introverts in the church. Their spiritual impact often grows under the radar. Introverts influence through depth, not volume. Quiet leaders create stability in chaotic seasons. Listening is their primary leadership tool. They bui…

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How Churches Can Reach the Largest Unchurched Group in the United States 25:33

1d ago25:33

25:33

Thom and Jess continue to examine the largest unchurched group in America, the U3s. In this episode, the Rainers provide some highly practical ways to reach them. Create “Low-Commitment First Steps” Instead of Full Programs Develop a “Friendship First” Culture in the Church Offer Practical Help in Areas of Everyday Stress Strengthen Digital Front D…

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Religious People Are Happier (And the Data Proves It) 22:11

3d ago22:11

22:11

Thom and Sam dive into Ryan Burge’s latest analysis of the 2023–2024 Pew Religious Landscape Survey, which asked nearly 37,000 Americans a simple question: “How happy are you with your life these days?” The results reveal one of the clearest and most consistent findings in social science. Religious people report being happier than non-religious peo…

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Christmas 2025 | Steve Brown, Etc. 44:50

4d ago44:50

44:50

This SBE stocking is packed with memories, stories, and laughs. And do NOT miss Steve’s annual reading of Luke 2 paired with a special live musical performance! The post Christmas 2025 | Steve Brown, Etc. appeared first on Key Life.By Steve Brown Etc.

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Unbelievable: 72% of Churches Have No Marriage Ministry! 21:55

7d ago21:55

21:55

Churches help prepare couples for marriage and rescue them when things fall apart, but what happens in between? That middle space—the “fine zone”—is where most couples slowly drift while everyone assumes they’re okay. The truth is, fine isn’t faithfulness. It’s fatigue. And most churches don’t have a plan for discipling marriages before they reach …

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The Largest Unchurched Group in the U.S. (and You’ve Never Heard of Them) 25:53

8d ago25:53

25:53

There are 30 to 35 million unchurched people in the United States, whom we call “the U3s.” Thom and Jess describe this unreached field and examine its key traits. They Are Spiritually Apathetic, Not Spiritually Resistant They Live in a Life-First, Faith-Optional Rhythm They Carry No Strong Church Identity (Positive or Negative) They Respond Best to…

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The Rainer Scale of Unchurched Receptivity 28:21

8d ago28:21

28:21

The Rainer Scale helps churches understand how open an unchurched person is to the gospel, to spiritual conversation, and to attending church. It is not a judgment of spiritual worth, but a practical tool for identifying likely openness. U1 — Highly Receptive U2 — Moderately Receptive U3 — Neutral / Passive U4 — Resistant U5 — Highly Resistant Reso…

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NEW Research: What Really Matters in Theological Education? 25:42

10d ago25:42

25:42

For decades, seminaries have promoted the ideal—full-time, on-campus study in a traditional academic setting. But for most adults pursuing ministry training, that ideal simply isn’t practical. New research reveals a clear tension between what people would love to do and what they can realistically manage. Theological education thrives when schools …

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Joe Bouch | The Bible Storybook | Steve Brown, Etc. 44:50

11d ago44:50

44:50

You’ve seen children’s story Bibles, but what about a storybook SURVEY of the Bible? This week, Steve and the gang chat with the book’s author, Joe Bouch. Joe’s book is called The Bible Storybook: For Little Hearts and Big Dreams. The post Joe Bouch | The Bible Storybook | Steve Brown, Etc. appeared first on Key Life.…

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Non-Churchy Looking Churches: The Advantages of Big-Box Church Architecture 22:15

14d ago22:15

22:15

In this follow-up episode, we examine the other side of the conversation—the rise of big-box church architecture. Often found in converted retail spaces or new multipurpose campuses, these designs emphasize functionality, flexibility, and accessibility. They reflect a different theology of space, one that prioritizes mission, efficiency, and comfor…

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Future Church Series – Episode 6: What Is the Size of the Typical Church in the Future? 26:18

15d ago26:18

26:18

Thom and Jess conclude the “Future Church” series with an episode that puts church size into perspective. In an age when many pastors feel pressure to grow larger, the reality is that most congregations are small—and that’s not a problem. This episode explores what the data actually reveals about church attendance, why most churches are smaller tha…

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Future Church Series – Episode 5: The Rise of Four New Co-Vocational Church Staff 28:58

15d ago28:58

28:58

Thom and Jess continue the “Future Church” series with an episode on how church staffing is changing in this new era of ministry. Churches are smaller, leaner, and more focused than ever. Budgets are tighter, but opportunities for mission are wider. The result is a new kind of church staff—leaders who serve both inside and outside the church, combi…

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Should Churches Look Churchy? The Advantages of Traditional Architecture 21:03

18d ago21:03

21:03

In this episode, we explore why traditional church architecture still resonates deeply with people, even those who rarely attend church. A recent research project found that 90% of Americans want church buildings to be “easily identifiable.” Sam interviews Todd Brown and Isaac Brown of Brown Church Development Group to find out more. Architecture C…

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How to Handle Losing Your Church’s Biggest Financial Supporter 23:31

21d ago23:31

23:31

When a major donor or key financial supporter leaves a church, it can feel personal, unsettling, and even threatening to the ministry’s stability. But pastoral leadership during this moment matters immensely. On this episode, Josh and Sam walk through the practical steps pastors should take when the church’s largest giver steps away. There is a 15%…

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Future Church Series – Episode 4: Making Evangelism Visible 21:34

23d ago21:34

21:34

The Rainers continue the 6-part series called “The Future Church.” Over the next episodes, we’ll explore how the landscape of ministry is changing—and how leaders can prepare with wisdom, courage, and hope. Thom and Jess discuss how churches are making evangelism more than a slogan or a sermon topic—how to make it visible, tangible, and celebrated …

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Future Church Series – Episode 3: Trends in Evangelism in the Local Church 26:47

22d ago26:47

26:47

Thom and Jess continue the “Future Church” series with an episode focused on one of the most important—and most misunderstood—topics in today’s congregations: evangelism. The way people come to faith is changing, and so are the methods churches use to share the gospel. Attendance patterns are different. Communities are more skeptical of institution…

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Small-Church Breakout Growth: The Incredible Story of First Baptist Caldwell, NJ 22:04

25d ago22:04

22:04

God has done something remarkable at First Baptist Church in Caldwell, NJ. They have limited space and limited parking. However, through Upward Sports, the church has developed a large outreach ministry within the community. Hundreds of children participate, and the church is reaching people from diverse backgrounds. Sam interviews Pastor Travis Cl…

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Chad Bird | Untamed Prayers | Steve Brown, Etc. 44:50

25d ago44:50

44:50

Think prayer has to be pretty and proper? Think again. This week, Steve and the gang chat with Chad Bird about a surprising perspective on the Psalms. Chad’s latest book is called “Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions On Christ In the Book Of Psalms.” The post Chad Bird | Untamed Prayers | Steve Brown, Etc. appeared first on Key Life.…

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Why You Should Leave Your Church (A Pastor’s Perspective) 23:48

29d ago23:48

23:48

Most of the time, church hopping for convenience (better music, cooler programs, or a coffee bar) reveals more about our consumer culture than about spiritual growth. But Sam and Josh explain that there are also good, biblical, and even necessary reasons to leave one church for another. Geography – When you move to a new city or neighborhood, find …

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Future Church Series – Episode 2: The Economics of the Future Church 28:17

29d ago28:17

28:17

Welcome back to The Church Answers Podcast and to our ongoing series called “The Future Church.” In each episode, Thom and Jess unpack the shifts shaping tomorrow’s congregations—and how pastors and leaders can prepare today. In this episode, we’re looking at a subject every church feels: money. The financial landscape of ministry is changing rapid…

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Future Church Series – Episode 1: The Microchurch 24:22

30d ago24:22

24:22

Welcome to a brand-new series on The Church Answers Podcast called “The Future Church.” Over the next six episodes, we’ll explore how the landscape of ministry is changing—and how leaders can prepare with wisdom, courage, and hope. In this first episode, Thom and Jess begin by looking at one of the most intriguing movements shaping the future: the …

Thom Rainer Podcasts

1
Rainer on Leadership

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1
The Church Answers Podcast

The Church Answers Podcast

1
Romans 8: From Broken To Belonging - Noe Garcia

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1
Steve Brown Etc.

Steve Brown Etc.

1
The Art of Leadership Daily

The Art of Leadership Network

1
Thom Rainer | Anxious At Church | Steve Brown, Etc. 44:50

1
After the Christmas Chaos: The Lightest Work Week of the Year for Pastors 21:01

1
The Quiet Power of the Church Introvert: Why the Most Influential People in Your Church May Be the Least Noticeable 23:21

1
How Churches Can Reach the Largest Unchurched Group in the United States 25:33

1
Religious People Are Happier (And the Data Proves It) 22:11

1
Christmas 2025 | Steve Brown, Etc. 44:50

1
Unbelievable: 72% of Churches Have No Marriage Ministry! 21:55

1
The Largest Unchurched Group in the U.S. (and You’ve Never Heard of Them) 25:53

1
The Rainer Scale of Unchurched Receptivity 28:21

1
NEW Research: What Really Matters in Theological Education? 25:42

1
Joe Bouch | The Bible Storybook | Steve Brown, Etc. 44:50

1
Non-Churchy Looking Churches: The Advantages of Big-Box Church Architecture 22:15

1
Future Church Series – Episode 6: What Is the Size of the Typical Church in the Future? 26:18

1
Future Church Series – Episode 5: The Rise of Four New Co-Vocational Church Staff 28:58

1
Should Churches Look Churchy? The Advantages of Traditional Architecture 21:03

1
How to Handle Losing Your Church’s Biggest Financial Supporter 23:31

1
Future Church Series – Episode 4: Making Evangelism Visible 21:34

1
Future Church Series – Episode 3: Trends in Evangelism in the Local Church 26:47

1
Small-Church Breakout Growth: The Incredible Story of First Baptist Caldwell, NJ 22:04

1
Chad Bird | Untamed Prayers | Steve Brown, Etc. 44:50

1
Why You Should Leave Your Church (A Pastor’s Perspective) 23:48

1
Future Church Series – Episode 2: The Economics of the Future Church 28:17

1
Future Church Series – Episode 1: The Microchurch 24:22