Best Thom Rainer Podcasts (2025)

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What Really Scares People Away from Church 29:04

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6h ago29:04

29:04

Doctrine, expectations, and high standards do not scare people away from church. Confusion is the main enemy. According to Church Answers Research, over 60% of unchurched people agree or strongly agree that churches are confusing for outsiders—and shockingly, 60% of churchgoers say the same. Higher confusion and lower trust levels mean the unchurch…

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The Church Number: 79% The Number of Church Attenders Who Say Church Is “Very Important” to Their Lives 18:53

5h ago18:53

18:53

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. …

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The Church Number: 62% The Percentage of Churchgoers Who Attend Weekly 20:29

3h ago20:29

20:29

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…

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The Big Front Door for Guests Just About Every Church Misses 26:33

3d ago26:33

26:33

Most churches miss this front door, not because of a lack of awareness but because of a lack of effort. Over half of the unchurched believe church could be a great place to make friends, but nearly 60% say it’s too intimidating to visit alone. That’s a huge opportunity. Today’s episode highlights how friendship, follow-up, and one key ingredient—an…

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Building a Worship Ministry that Excels On and Off the Stage 31:56

6d ago31:56

31:56

Sam talks with worship leaders Tara Banks and Nate Davis about building thriving, long-lasting worship ministries. Together, they unpack how to develop leaders who excel both on stage and in organization, create healthy pipelines for team recruitment and onboarding, and refine systems that support excellence in worship. With decades of ministry ins…

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How the Pandemic Changed Church Attendance 20:52

7d ago20:52

20:52

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…

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Why Gen Z Views Church Differently 22:19

7d ago22:19

22:19

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…

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The Top 6 Gripes About Church Curriculum (and What to Do About Them) 26:49

11d ago26:49

26:49

If you’ve ever heard someone say, “I just don’t get anything out of that study,” you’re not alone. In today’s episode, Sam interviews Michael Kelley, Executive Director of the Rooted Network, and they dive into the top six frustrations people have with church curriculum. It’s too shallow. It’s not relatable. It’s poorly written. It’s not our church…

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The Trust Gap: Why Outsiders Won’t Step Inside Your Church 29:02

16d ago29:02

29:02

Here’s a shocker: The unchurched think the church is more relevant than many regular attenders do. But they don’t trust it. While 81% of churchgoers trust their church, only 30% of the unchurched say the same. The dichotomy is fascinating: Churched people: I trust the church, but believe it’s irrelevant today. Unchurched people: The church is still…

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The Smartphone Problem in Your Church 22:12

14d ago22:12

22:12

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…

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Why Conflict in the Church Is Often About Something Else 22:29

16d ago22:29

22:29

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…

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Five Reasons Churches Should Still Try to Reach Boomers 23:10

18d ago23:10

23:10

In this episode, Thom and Sam dive into five compelling reasons churches should still prioritize reaching Baby Boomers. Despite cultural shifts, Boomers remain a vital part of many communities—and churches. They’re often more open to spiritual conversations, have time and resources to invest in ministry, and bring deep life experience that can bene…

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Realistic One-to-Two-Year Objectives for Small-Church Revitalization 30:56

21d ago30:56

30:56

In this episode, we explore realistic 1–2 year objectives for small-church revitalization—practical steps that can create lasting momentum without overwhelming your congregation. We unpack three key priorities: Presence, by launching a quarterly outreach emphasis to build visibility in your community. Power, by uniting your church through an intent…

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A Comprehensive Examination of Why the Top 10 Bible Translations Are Popular – Part 4: NASB, NRSV, RSV, LSB 15:34

22d ago15:34

15:34

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…

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A Comprehensive Examination of Why the Top 10 Bible Translations Are Popular – Part 3: ESV, CSB, NJKV 14:56

23d ago14:56

14:56

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 …

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Millennials Move LESS than Gen X and Boomers (New Implications for Your Church) 22:03

27d ago22:03

22:03

In this episode, we re-examine a major demographic shift reshaping communities and churches: the decline in mobility across the United States. Americans are moving far less than they did in previous generations, especially millennials. While older generations often relocated for work opportunities or family, today’s younger adults are more likely t…

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Which “Higher Standard” Measures Actually Make Sense for Pastors 23:50

29d ago23:50

23:50

Pastors are often held to a “higher standard,” but not every expectation placed on them is biblical or even wise. In this episode, Josh and Sam explore which higher standards actually make sense for pastors and why. They cut through unrealistic pressures and focus on the standards that truly align with Scripture and healthy leadership. Decorum in p…

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A Comprehensive Examination of Why the Top 10 Bible Translations Are Popular – Part 2: NIV, KJV, NLT 15:48

1M ago15:48

15:48

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…

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A Comprehensive Examination of Why the Top 10 Bible Translations Are Popular – Part 1 16:37

30d ago16:37

16:37

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…

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How Your Building Shapes Your Ministry: Five Ways the Baptist T Still Shapes (and Limits) Your Ministry 24:40

1M ago24:40

24:40

Sam is joined by Todd Brown and Isaac Brown of Brown Church Development Group, who are “The Church Facility Experts.” In this second episode, they discuss how the Baptist T design still affects churches decades later–often in ways leaders don’t realize. Here are five ways this design limits ministry today and what can be done to use your facility a…

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1
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1
What Really Scares People Away from Church 29:04

1
The Church Number: 79% The Number of Church Attenders Who Say Church Is “Very Important” to Their Lives 18:53

1
The Church Number: 62% The Percentage of Churchgoers Who Attend Weekly 20:29

1
The Big Front Door for Guests Just About Every Church Misses 26:33

1
Building a Worship Ministry that Excels On and Off the Stage 31:56

1
How the Pandemic Changed Church Attendance 20:52

1
Why Gen Z Views Church Differently 22:19

1
The Top 6 Gripes About Church Curriculum (and What to Do About Them) 26:49

1
The Trust Gap: Why Outsiders Won’t Step Inside Your Church 29:02

1
The Smartphone Problem in Your Church 22:12

1
Why Conflict in the Church Is Often About Something Else 22:29

1
Five Reasons Churches Should Still Try to Reach Boomers 23:10

1
Realistic One-to-Two-Year Objectives for Small-Church Revitalization 30:56

1
A Comprehensive Examination of Why the Top 10 Bible Translations Are Popular – Part 4: NASB, NRSV, RSV, LSB 15:34

1
A Comprehensive Examination of Why the Top 10 Bible Translations Are Popular – Part 3: ESV, CSB, NJKV 14:56

1
Millennials Move LESS than Gen X and Boomers (New Implications for Your Church) 22:03

1
Which “Higher Standard” Measures Actually Make Sense for Pastors 23:50

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A Comprehensive Examination of Why the Top 10 Bible Translations Are Popular – Part 2: NIV, KJV, NLT 15:48

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A Comprehensive Examination of Why the Top 10 Bible Translations Are Popular – Part 1 16:37

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How Your Building Shapes Your Ministry: Five Ways the Baptist T Still Shapes (and Limits) Your Ministry 24:40