EST. - For the Established Church with Sam Rainer and Josh King

The Critical First 90 Days at a New Church (Ep. 417) Nov 22, 2024

The first 90 days are critical when making a pastoral transition to a new church. Since he just transitioned to a new church, Josh shares some insight into what to do and what not to do. Slow down, ask questions, prioritize problems, emphasize learning, and listen to all sides.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Churchteams is offering a special 30-minute demo of its new user interface to Est.Church listeners on November 7th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. The first 15 registrants who attend will receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Everyone who attends and starts using Churchteams gets the first three months free. If you have thought about checking out new ChMS software, it doesn't get better than this! Go to Est. Church to register or use Text-to-Church and send DEMO to (817) 677-9750.

Staying Spiritually Healthy in the Grind of Ministry (Ep. 416) Nov 15, 2024

Leading a church is a grind. The job cycles endlessly, and the only endpoint is Christ's return. Josh and Sam discuss how to have healthy boundaries in the barrage of ministry. You can find a pace that includes rest and recreation. The cohosts discuss how.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Churchteams is offering a special 30-minute demo of its new user interface to Est.Church listeners on November 7th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. The first 15 registrants who attend will receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Everyone who attends and starts using Churchteams gets the first three months free. If you have thought about checking out new ChMS software, it doesn't get better than this! Go to Est. Church to register or use Text-to-Church and send DEMO to (817) 677-9750.

Necessary Goodbyes (and BIG Announcement) (Ep. 415) Nov 08, 2024

Josh and Sam discuss how to say goodbye when people leave the church on good terms. They also discuss the best ways to help church staff transition when called to another ministry. And they have a big announcement, too. Listen to the end!
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Churchteams is offering a special 30-minute demo of its new user interface to Est.Church listeners on November 7th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. The first 15 registrants who attend will receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Everyone who attends and starts using Churchteams gets the first three months free. If you have thought about checking out new ChMS software, it doesn't get better than this! Go to Est. Church to register or use Text-to-Church and send DEMO to (817) 677-9750.

Proper Prep Time When Preaching Multiple Sermons or Lessons a Week (Ep. 414) Nov 01, 2024

How can you avoid spending too much time preparing sermons and lessons when you have to prepare three or four different ones a week? Josh and Sam reflect on when they had to prepare Sunday morning sermons, Sunday night sermons, Wednesday night teaching sessions, and Sunday school lessons--every week!
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Churchteams is offering a special 30-minute demo of its new user interface to Est.Church listeners on November 7th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. The first 15 registrants who attend will receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Everyone who attends and starts using Churchteams gets the first three months free. If you have thought about checking out new ChMS software, it doesn't get better than this! Go to Est. Church to register or use Text-to-Church and send DEMO to (817) 677-9750.

Why Technology Can Be Intimidating for Churches and Pastors (And a Solution) (Ep. 413) Oct 25, 2024

Many people are intimidated by technology because they don't know how to use it. Churches and pastors are no exception. Boyd Pelley of Churchteams joins Josh and Sam to discuss ways to overcome this intimidation factor.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Churchteams is offering a special 30-minute demo of its new user interface to Est.Church listeners on November 7th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. The first 15 registrants who attend will receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Everyone who attends and starts using Churchteams gets the first three months free. If you have thought about checking out new ChMS software, it doesn't get better than this! Go to Est. Church to register or use Text-to-Church and send DEMO to (817) 677-9750.

When Pastors Need an Attitude Adjustment (Ep. 412) Oct 18, 2024

Most pastors struggle with insecurities, agitation, stress, and failure. How can you get out of a funk when these problems cause you to have a poor attitude? Josh and Sam discuss how they end up with a poor attitude and what they do to make an adjustment.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Churchteams is offering a special 30-minute demo of its new user interface to Est.Church listeners on November 7th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. The first 15 registrants who attend will receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Everyone who attends and starts using Churchteams gets the first three months free. If you have thought about checking out new ChMS software, it doesn't get better than this! Go to Est. Church to register or use Text-to-Church and send DEMO to (817) 677-9750.

What's On Your Big Board Of Problems? (Ep. 411) Oct 11, 2024

Every pastor has a list of problems to solve. Josh and Sam talk about what's on their big board of problems right now. The co-hosts discuss the topics of evangelism, facilities, staff, finances, and legacy.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Churchteams is offering a special 30-minute demo of its new user interface to Est.Church listeners on November 7th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. The first 15 registrants who attend will receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Everyone who attends and starts using Churchteams gets the first three months free. If you have thought about checking out new ChMS software, it doesn't get better than this! Go to Est. Church to register or use Text-to-Church and send DEMO to (817) 677-9750.

The Difference Between Pastoral Calling and Just Doing the Job (Ep. 410) Oct 04, 2024

Can you be called to a church but not like the job? How do you distinguish between God's calling and job responsibilities? Josh and Sam discuss how you can juggle the spiritual parts of shepherding with the business of managing church operations.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without paying more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

White Pastor, Black Neighborhood, and a Church Revitalization (Ep. 409) Sep 27, 2024

How can you lead a church revitalization when everything is a mismatch? Rob Paul joins Josh and Sam to discuss what it's like to shepherd a church when you're a white pastor in a black neighborhood. The story of Huffman Baptist will inspire and encourage you. God has worked a miracle through the congregation and made the church the hub of the community.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without paying more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Extending Your Leadership Mileage as a Pastor (Ep. 408) Sep 20, 2024

Both Josh and Sam have been in ministry for a combined 42 years. Along the way, they've learned a few things about extending your mileage as a pastor. What can you do to stay the course for the long term? The co-hosts have some thoughts.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Overrated and Popular Ministry Strategies You Really Don't Need (Ep. 407) Sep 13, 2024

Some ministry strategies are overrated, but everyone seems to be doing them. Josh and Sam discuss their thoughts on what's popular but you don't really need. The co-hosts cover vision statements, one-line sermon summaries, live streaming, and others.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

The Ideal Church Size to Pastor (Ep. 406) Sep 06, 2024

What is the ideal church size to pastor? Josh and Sam discuss the benefits of several different sizes of churches. They each have a favorite size, but the cohosts also cover why many pastors maximize their leadership ability at mid-size churches.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

The Top Five Reasons Pastors Should Get Out of the Church Office (Ep. 405) Aug 30, 2024

What gets you out of the church office? Josh and Sam talk about key reasons why pastors need to venture out more. It's good to connect with homebound people, other pastors, and community leaders. But pastors also need to recharge and share their faith.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

What Permanently Disqualifies a Pastor from Ministry? (Ep. 404) Aug 23, 2024

Are their offenses that permanently disqualify a pastor from ministry? Josh and Sam cover this controversial question. They discuss the recent rise in scandals and whether or not a fallen pastor should return to ministry. Some sins have deeper consequences than others.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Single Parents and the Future of Children's Ministry (Ep. 403) Aug 16, 2024

Most church leaders do not know how many single parents live in the community. Single moms and dads are often underestimated and off the radar. Sam and Josh talk about ways to engage single parents and their children. With some simple changes, your church can make a big difference with this group.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

When to Relocate or Sell Your Church Campus (Ep. 402) Aug 09, 2024

Should your church address be permanent? When is it appropriate to relocate an entire church or sell the church campus? Josh and Sam talk about what motivates a church to uproot. You must balance missiology with stewardship, and sometimes, these two objectives are at odds.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

How to Handle the Crazy People in Your Church (Ep. 401) Aug 02, 2024

Some people have strange views about things. Perhaps they are in your church. Josh and Sam discuss what pastors can do when church members approach them with conspiracy theories, fringe theological perspectives, and extreme political views.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

How Church Leaders Overcome Compassion Fatigue (Ep. 400) Jul 26, 2024

Compassion fatigue is excessive weariness caused by caring for, listening to, and helping people with emotional and spiritual problems. The issue is more pervasive than most realize because pastors are the first spiritual responders in moments of crisis. Josh and Sam discuss how pastors develop compassion fatigue and what they can do to remedy the problem.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Is the Denomination in Your Church Name a Liability? (Ep. 399) Jul 19, 2024

Most denominations are in decline, which means the churches within them are decreasing in size. Does the baggage of a name have anything to do with it? Josh and Sam discuss whether having the denomination in your church name is a liability.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

How Pastors Can Manage Committees to Change the Status Quo (Ep. 398) Jul 12, 2024

Committees can be an excellent vehicle for change in a church, but they can also put up roadblocks. Josh and Sam discuss how pastors can best utilize committees in change efforts. The cohosts also talk about why generational differences exist and how to build bridges with a committee structure.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

The Controversy over Displaying the American Flag in Church (Ep. 397) Jul 05, 2024

The decision to display the American Flag in church can be contentious. But why? Josh and Sam discuss some of the reasons why Christians have differing perspectives. The cohosts also give some practical tips for pastors on the best way to approach the issue.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

What's Wrong with Using an iPad to Preach? (Ep. 396) Jun 28, 2024

Do you use paper notes in the pulpit or digital technology? Which one is best? Josh and Sam discuss the advantages and disadvantages of technology and homiletics. Old school or new school, there are some important considerations before preaching.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

A Realistic Plan for Using Baby Boomers in Non-Paid Staff Roles (Ep. 395) Jun 21, 2024

You likely have an untapped source of volunteer power in your church. Don't miss this opportunity! The Baby Boomer generation is entering retirement and has a ton of job experience. Josh and Sam discuss how Boomers can help guide a church into the next season of growth.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Weekday Preschools at Churches: Good Idea or Bad Idea? (Ep. 394) Jun 14, 2024

One of the best ways to engage young families in your community is by starting a weekday preschool at your church. But the reward of this ministry does come with a level of risk. Josh and Sam discuss how to start a preschool or day school without it becoming a drain on the church.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

What Most Pastors Miss with Technology (Ep. 393) Jun 07, 2024

Pastors are known to be less tech-savvy. But is this perception true? And what might pastors not know about newer digital resources? Boyd Pelley of Churchteams joins Josh and Sam to discuss the latest technology news that can benefit local churches.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

What To Expect With The 2024 Southern Baptist Convention (Ep. 392) May 31, 2024

Every year, the SBC annual meeting seems to get more contentious. What will happen at this year's convention? Josh and Sam give their predictions on the upcoming meeting. They also provide insight into the various groups within the SBC and why so many are vying for power.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

How To Engage The Disengaged In Your Church (Ep. 391) May 24, 2024

Some people fade away from the church and stop coming without much thought. Others can feel hurt and believe they are justified in leaving. How should church leaders engage the disengaged? Josh and Sam answer this question and give some practical tips on how to reach out to people.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

The Hard Reality of Groups That Will Leave Your Church (Ep. 390) May 17, 2024

The typical church will lose about 7% of people each year to transfer. These losses are frustrating, but Sam and Josh discuss why you shouldn't be angry at people for leaving. On this episode, the cohosts reveal why people exit. Some don't understand the vision. Others don't like certain changes. Inevitably, some will have unmet expectations. And, for others, a new life stage prompts a change.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

How Senior Adult Churches Can Reach Young Families (Ep. 389) May 10, 2024

An older church is not a lost cause! Josh and Sam discuss how a church filled with senior adults can make the transition and reach young families. A church of predominantly senior adults has unique challenges but also opportunities. These congregations can get younger, and the cohosts discuss some ways this shift to occur.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Special Two-Part Series: The Secret Sauce For Creating A Thriving Church Culture — An Interview with Dr. Justin Irving May 03, 2024

Can you shape church culture for the better? Yes! Dr. Justin Irving, a professor of leadership at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, joins Josh and Sam for a special two-part episode and shares how churches can have a thriving culture. Learn more through these self-evaluation questions that demonstrate how people managing others are leading themselves: SBTS.edu/6questions.
Check out Dr. Irving's book, Healthy Leadership for Thriving Organizations.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without paying more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Special Two-Part Series: How To Be A Healthy Pastor In A Toxic Church — An Interview with Dr. Justin Irving May 03, 2024

What should you do if you inherit a toxic church situation? How can you remain healthy as a pastor? Dr. Justin Irving, a professor of leadership at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, joins Josh and Sam for a special two-part episode. Learn more through these self-evaluation questions, which demonstrate how people manage others and lead themselves: SBTS.edu/6questions.
Check out Dr. Irving's book, Healthy Leadership for Thriving Organizations.
Episode Sponsor:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to unite all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without paying more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

Established Church Lingo that Hinders Growth (Ep. 388) May 03, 2024

Words can help establish church culture. Be careful with your vocabulary! Josh and Sam discuss the impact of leadership lingo and how pastors can use language to guide the congregation. Language is an important way to set expectations in the church. Some established church lingo can even hinder growth.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Is the Traditional Church Campus a Hurdle for Guests? (Ep. 387) Apr 26, 2024

Many traditional churches have a "look" to the campus. Josh and Sam discuss whether or not it's a hindrance for guests. Do big columns and a steeple have any impact on the perceptions of people in the neighborhood? They do, but maybe not in the way you think.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Good Reasons Why Your Church Should Accept Transfer Growth (Ep. 386) Apr 19, 2024

Not all transfer growth is bad. Not every person is a church hopper, looking for the next best thing. In fact, there are good reasons to transfer to another church, even one right down the road. Josh and Sam unpack five reasons why your church should accept transfer growth. Check out the article mentioned in the episode at Church Answers.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Does Live Streaming Help or Hurt the Church? (Ep. 385) Apr 12, 2024

Just about every church started live streaming during the pandemic, but views have been down significantly since then. Is live streaming a relic of the pandemic? Is it still worth the time? Josh and Sam talk about their perspectives on the pros and cons of live streaming. There is another digital option that might be better for your church.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

What Do Pastors Really Tell Their Kids about the Church? (Ep. 384) Apr 05, 2024

Should pastors share the inner workings of the church with their children? Josh and Sam discuss what they do in their homes. As fathers, they want what is best for their children. What should pastors share with their children about sermon preparation, church politics, staff, and people issues? The co-hosts get quite personal on this episode.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

How to Lead a Whiteboard Session with Church Leadership (Ep. 383) Mar 29, 2024

What is a whiteboard session and how can you lead one with your church? Josh and Sam discuss some best practices. The term refers to a meeting in which a group of people collaborates with an open mind. The whiteboard reference implies starting fresh with nothing on the board—a “blank slate” if you’re referencing a chalkboard. The two keys to a whiteboard session are collaboration and creativity. How can you do one successfully at your church? Sam's article on the subject is found here.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

The Top Three Things NOT to Do as a New Pastor (Ep. 382) Mar 22, 2024

Josh and Sam share some of the lessons learned from being new pastors at a church. What are three things you don't want to do? Don't attempt to change everything. Don't start with a heavy or gimmicky sermon series. And don't "clean house" with the leadership structure. They share why these three items are off-limits early in a pastor's tenure.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

What Happened to All the Celebrity Preachers? (Ep. 381) Mar 15, 2024

For a season, it seemed like the Christian evangelical world was dominated by celebrity preachers. What happened to this movement? Josh and Sam discuss some reasons why there is less of an emphasis on big names with big platforms. The story is deeper than some of the notorious scandals. Leadership style has a lot to do with it.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

When You're a Younger Pastor of an Older Church (Ep. 380) Mar 08, 2024

You've likely heard the horror stories of what can happen when a younger pastor goes to an older church. But it doesn't have to be this way. On this episode, Josh and Sam discuss ways this arrangement can work well. The mix of a younger pastor and an older congregation can produce a positive situation in which both thrive.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

The Real Momentum Driving Comeback Churches (Ep. 379) Mar 01, 2024

What gets the process of revitalization started? Momentum has to be built somehow. Josh and Sam talk about comeback churches and what you can do to start making progress. While challenging, there are certain practical steps you can take to build some momentum in your church. And once it gets going, you're well on your way to a comeback.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Should Churches Offer Bonuses to Paid Staff? The Pros and Cons (Ep. 378) Feb 23, 2024

Bonuses can be a positive motivator for church staff. Done poorly, they can be detrimental. Whether you offer merit-based bonuses is a key decision. Josh and Sam discuss the good and bad of offering bonuses and best practices for churches. The cohosts cover the types of bonuses churches can offer, when to offer them, and how to set amounts.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Seven Styles of Preaching to Avoid (Ep. 377) Feb 16, 2024

Preachers have different personalities and should develop their own voices. However, some styles of preaching are not beneficial. Josh and Sam discuss seven styles of preaching to avoid. They discuss styles like the "look at me" preacher and the "aimless driver" preacher. Thanks go to @lukedsimmons on Twitter for the idea.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Seven Handwritten Cards Every Pastor Needs to Write (Ep. 376) Feb 09, 2024

Some old-school habits are worth keeping. Handwritten notes are a quick way to make a significant impact on your congregation. But when should you write these notes? And to whom? Josh and Sam discuss seven opportunities to handwrite a note. The hosts give some advice on what to include in these notes and how often to send them.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Are Wednesday Nights Dead or Your Biggest Opportunity? (Ep. 375) Feb 02, 2024

The midweek gathering was once a big part of the church calendar. Josh and Sam discuss what happened to Wednesday nights and whether churches should continue using the timeslot as part of the overall strategy. Perhaps it's dead in your church. Maybe it's one of your biggest opportunities. Listen to this week's episode to find out more.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Why Pastoring a Church Is One of the Weirdest Jobs (Ep. 374) Jan 26, 2024

We all have our quirks, but churches can be especially weird. Josh and Sam delve into these eccentricities with some humor. Sharing some of their most amusing anecdotes, they embrace and celebrate the unique, often awkward, aspects of ministry.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

How to Kill Programs and Events without Hurting Your Church (Ep. 373) Jan 19, 2024

Every season has its end, and this includes church programs and events. When the moment arrives for them to go, the question arises. How should a pastor gracefully navigate ending them? Terminating a program or event is not always straightforward and may often lead to tensions within the church. In this week's episode, Josh and Sam explore various pastoral strategies to address these challenges effectively.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

How to Leave a Church without Burning It Down (Ep. 372) Jan 12, 2024

When you leave a church, what should you say as you exit? There is a time to speak up. And there is a time to shut up. But how can you discern? Josh and Sam discuss the ways you can leave a church without burning it down on this week's episode.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

The Future of KidMin for Small and Mid-Size Churches (Ep. 371) Jan 05, 2024

Children's ministry has changed rapidly in the last few years, especially at small and mid-size churches. Curriculum choices are becoming more important. Volunteer needs are creating new stress points. Anxiety among children is on the rise. And hiring is shifting as churches select internal candidates. Jenny Smith, Awana's lead curriculum developer, joins the show with Josh and Sam to discuss these developments. See her work at BriteCurriculum.com.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

How Your Church Can Use Sports Outreach to Invite Families In (Ep. 370) Dec 29, 2023

Almost every church wants to focus more on outreach. Recreation ministry is a great way to connect with the neighborhood around your church. Unfortunately, many churches overlook the power of sports, even though the popularity of sports is overwhelming. Josh and Sam interview Kevin Drake, Executive Director of Upward Sports, to discuss how churches can use sports outreach to invite families in.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Who Should Know What about Top Church Givers? (Ep. 369) Dec 22, 2023

Most every church has expectations with giving records. Who can know what and when? Smaller churches can be even more challenging, especially if a couple of families are giving the majority of funds. What should you do if you are the pastor? What should you do if you are the key giver?
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

What We Expect to Happen in Churches in 2024 (Ep. 368) Dec 15, 2023

The upcoming year could prove pivotal for many churches. Josh and Sam discuss what they expect to happen in churches in 2024. Trends in giving are changing. The roles of women in leadership could reach a boiling point in some tribes. The megachurch movement will continue to fade. And seminary education will start to shift in favor of shorter programs.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Why Now Is the Time Every Church Should Consider Recreation Ministry (Ep. 367) Dec 08, 2023

Recreation ministry is one of the biggest opportunities for churches right now. It's a great way to connect spiritual health with physical health. Josh and Sam interview Drew Provence, the Director of Partner Engagement at Upward Sports. The three of them discuss how every church can utilize recreation ministry. Visit Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Why is now the right time for churches to consider recreation ministry?
What does a successful recreation ministry look like?
Is recreation ministry only for large suburban churches?
What about rural churches or smaller churches?

Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Making the Most of a Very Busy December (Ep. 366) Dec 01, 2023

The month of December is a chaotic mess of busyness for most pastors. Josh and Sam discuss why in this episode. The co-hosts give some practical tips on how to manage the stress of December and have a little fun.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Why Pastors Consider Leaving Churches for a Marketplace Job (Ep. 365) Nov 24, 2023

There is a growing trend of pastors seeking a marketplace job outside of ministry. What's happening? Eric Hoke joins Josh and Sam to discuss the implications. More pastors are finding it difficult to make ends meet financially, while at the same time, ministry is becoming more stressful. You can learn more about some of Eric's solutions at ihelppastorsgetjobs.com.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Should Pastors Care About Making More Money? (Ep. 364) Nov 17, 2023

Does a pastor's salary matter? If so, to what degree? Art Rainer, president of Christian Money Solutions, joins Sam on this week's episode. They discuss the sensitive subject of money. Ministry can be tough for a variety of reasons, but financial frustrations are often at the top of the list. You can learn more at ChristianMoneySolutions.com.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

The Best Technology to Encourage Church Communication (Ep. 363) Nov 10, 2023

What's the best way to use technology to communicate with your church? Boyd Pelley, co-founder of Churchteams, joins Sam on the show to discuss how churches use different system to communicate with people throughout the assimilation process. When should you use texting? And when should you use a church app? We have some specific and practical answers to these questions. You can learn more at Churchteams.com.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling?
Churchteams was built to bring together all your people and data under one umbrella with best-in-class quality features.
Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Should Every Church Staff Person Get a Computer, Cell Phone, and Other Tech Needs? (Ep. 362) Nov 03, 2023

Churches should provide basic tools for pastors and staff to accomplish their jobs. Josh and Sam discuss the best practices for providing church staff with technology needs. They share how to set up the budget and what accountability should be in place to avoid abuses of the system.
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Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

The Debate Over Ad Hoc Committees vs. Standing Committees (Ep. 361) Oct 27, 2023

On this episode, Josh proposes what he believes is a secret weapon for church leaders. Ad Hoc committees are used to make specific decisions within a determined timeframe. Sam counters with why he believes standing committees are also important. When should you use each one? The co-hosts debate the issue.
Episode Sponsors:
Churchteams:
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Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!
Upward Sports:
Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.
Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.
At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

Should Pastors Office Onsite or Offsite? (Ep. 360) Oct 20, 2023

Sam moved his office to the third floor of the church's education building. Josh moved his entire team to an offsite office building two miles from the church campus. Who made the best move and why? On this episode, the cohosts discuss the benefits and downsides of office arrangements. People can have an emotional connection to the church building, and there is a sociological benefit to office space. Josh and Sam go at it with two different perspectives.
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Is the Bulletin and Print Communication Finally Dead in Churches? (Ep. 359) Oct 13, 2023

Many churches killed their worship bulletins during the pandemic. Are they totally dead? No, and they are beginning to make a comeback. Josh and Sam discuss their perspective on how churches can use print media in strategic ways. What should the print bulletin contain now? And how should it differ from your digital communication?
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What's Really Happening Now at U.S. Megachurches? (Ep. 358) Oct 06, 2023

Current and accurate megachurch stats are hard to find. While there are still many megachurches in the United States, the movement is beginning to wane. What was a Baby Boomer movement is not energizing younger generations in the same way. What does the future hold? Josh and Sam take a deeper dive into the current impact of megachurches and speculate some about the future direction of these churches.
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How Encouragement from Lay People Helps Keep Pastors in a Safe Place (Ep. 357) Sep 29, 2023

Talk is cheap, but encouragement is worth its weight in gold. Why do pastors need encouragement? And how can lay people in the church help pastors by being more encouraging? Josh and Sam interview Joe Humphries of jhgroup.pro. Joe is a longtime executive leadership coach and believes encouragement is one of the greatest ways to fill up pastors and keep them in a safe place for ministry.
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Recovering from Ministry Trauma and Church Hurt (Ep. 356) Sep 22, 2023

Every church leader should work to minimize hurt and maximize unity among the congregation. Sometimes the church hurts the pastor. Sometimes the pastor hurts the church. Josh and Sam discuss the difference between trauma and church hurt. On this episode, they cover forms of church hurt and some practical ways to help others heal.
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Our A/C Blew Up and Now It Costs $2M to Fix It (Ep. 355) Sep 15, 2023

There is a looming deferred maintenance crisis coming for churches. Big facility costs can be challenging. Josh and Sam talk about the situation at West Bradenton with the failing air conditioning system. What can churches do to minimize the risk of surprising facility expenses? On this episode, the two co-hosts discuss some practical ways to lower the pain level of large capital expenses.
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Why Every Church's Demographics Are Shifting (And What You Must Do) (Ep. 354) Sep 08, 2023

Guess what? Your community is changing whether you realize it or not. Demographics are shifting just about everywhere in the United States. What should the church do? Josh and Sam get feisty in this episode with some differing views. They talk about strategies for today and some history involving the church growth movement.
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Taking a Big Risk When Making a Ministry Transition (Ep. 353) Sep 01, 2023

You will not lead a comfortable life when you do ministry with conviction. What constitutes a "big risk" in ministry? Josh and Sam interview Scott Pattison of the Global Methodist Church. Scott took a significant risk later in his ministry career, leaving behind a safety net. In this interview, Scott discusses how you can deal with the unknown.
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Why The Church Search Process Is Getting Weird (Ep. 352) Aug 25, 2023

Search committees can be strange creatures. Josh and Sam talk about the church search process from the perspective of the pastor. It seems there are few standards among search committees. They all act differently. Additionally, many churches are searching for unicorn candidates and silver-bullet solutions. What does this mean for the way churches conduct pastoral searches right now?
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What We're Hearing at Ground Level from 30-Something and 40-Something Pastors (Ep. 351) Aug 18, 2023

What are pastors in their 30s and 40s saying right now? Josh and Sam discuss a few items they are hearing at ground level. With the average age of a pastor being around 60 years old, there are far fewer younger pastors than in the past. Those who are in ministry, however, have a lot of hope for the church, especially smaller congregations. The co-hosts discuss why Millennial pastors have less of a desire to go to a megachurch and why they are more disenfranchised with networks and denominations.
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Why Bigger Is Not Better (Going to a Smaller Church) (Ep. 350) Aug 11, 2023

For decades, the pattern for most pastors was to "climb the ladder" from a small church to a mid-size church, then land at a large church. What if bigger is not better? Josh and Sam discuss why some pastors may decide to go to a smaller church. They cover issues of personal fit, season of ministry, financial considerations, geography, culture, and community.
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Corporate Prayer Has Left the Church Building (Ep. 349) Aug 04, 2023

Josh and Sam discuss a recent survey that reveals where people pray. Far fewer people pray in the church building than they thought. How can congregations teach corporate prayer and encourage people to pray more? This episode covers best practices for pastors and church leaders.
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What Does Leading by Example Really Look Like? (Ep. 348) Jul 28, 2023

The advice is almost cliche. Pastors should lead by example. But how? On this episode, Josh and Sam tackle several categories. They discuss spiritual health, physical health, emotional health, financial health, and relational health. Pastors can, and should, lead by example in these areas.
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The Surprise Optimism in American Churches (Ep. 347) Jul 21, 2023

Amazingly, 82% of congregants have an optimistic perspective about their churches, while only 16% have a pessimistic outlook. Josh and Sam break down the reasons why this optimism exists. The positive view of a specific local church can be detached from an overall negative view of churches. Additionally, many churches lost people on the periphery in the last three years, but those in the core who stayed are more likely to believe in the direction of their church. Sam mentioned this Bible in the show. And here is a link to an article about the study.
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Meeting Fatigue and Death by Committee (Ep. 346) Jul 14, 2023

Some pastors love meetings. Others hate them. Josh and Sam discuss why. Fatigue starts when meetings become unproductive. Listen to this episode to maximize the meetings you need and reduce the ones you do not need.
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Patriotism, Elections, and All the Controversial Political Stuff (Ep. 345) Jul 07, 2023

For the July 4th episode of Est.Church, Josh and Sam discuss patriotic services, whether or not pastors should tell their congregation how to vote, and how involved the church should be in local politics. Grab a hot dog, roast a marshmallow, and listen to this week's discussion on the church and politics.
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Why Churches Lag Behind with Technology (and How You Can Get Ahead) (Ep. 344) Jun 30, 2023

Churches are not typically early adopters of technology. Boyd Pelley from Church Teams joins Josh and Sam to discuss how your church can get ahead of the tech curve. The co-hosts also discuss privacy concerns with church management software and what your church can do for security.
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Best Practices for Holding Church Staff Accountable (Ep. 343) Jun 23, 2023

Accountability is the acceptance of responsibility for your actions. But what does this acceptance look like with paid church staff? In any work environment, including the church, you must codify expectations. These formal guidelines should be consistent, ethical, and reasonable. How should lead pastors hold staff accountable? Josh and Sam discuss some best practices, including five essential standards that will work for most churches.
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What Should Churches Do in the Dog Days of Summer? (Ep. 342) Jun 16, 2023

Summer is in full swing, which means VBS, church picnics, camps, and mission trips. Josh and Sam discuss some good strategies for keeping your church engaged during the summer months. You don't need to break your rhythms! Summer can be a good time to focus on equipping existing members, reaching new residents, and training volunteers.
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The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Ministry Sabbaticals for Pastors (Ep. 341) Jun 09, 2023

Are sabbaticals for pastors a solution in search of a problem? Or are they helpful tools to refresh your ministry? Josh and Sam have very different takes on this subject. They discuss the difference between sabbaticals and vacations, as well as the suggested length and purpose of sabbaticals.
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Humor in the Pulpit: How Much Is Too Much? (Ep. 340) Jun 02, 2023

Levity is a powerful tool. Using humor in your sermons can disarm people and help communicate difficult topics in a way that resonates with people. But how much is too much? And when should you use humor? Tim Boyd joins the show with Josh and Sam to discuss the use of humor in sermons. Tim is a comedian and a pastor. You can find him at TimBoydComedy.com.
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Counting Sheep and Why Church Attendance Is Stalling (Again) (Ep. 339) May 26, 2023

Worship attendance is still the metric of success in churches. Josh and Sam cover why churches count, and they offer practical advice on how to make the practice beneficial to the spiritual health of the congregation. Included in this episode is a discussion about the connection between small groups and congregants attending worship more often.
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How to Handle Increased Pastoral Counseling Requests (Ep. 338) May 19, 2023

Are church members requesting more counseling from their pastors? Yes! Josh and Sam talk about some of the reasons and how pastors can handle these requests. They cover the difference between spiritual shepherding and professional counseling. In addition, the co-hosts discuss some ways pastors can give people hard advice in a loving way.
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Did Covid Permanently Change Trust in Church Leadership? (Ep. 337) May 12, 2023

We're removed from the crisis moment of the pandemic, but some of the effects still linger. Has trust with pastors broken down? Josh and Sam discuss their perspectives on what's happening in the church. More reshuffling of pastors is likely to occur in the near future.
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An Example of a Church that Refused to Die (Ep. 336) May 05, 2023

Rob Paul from Huffman Baptist joins the show with Josh and Sam to discuss an amazing turnaround story. How do you lead an established church out of a death spiral? Rob shares how Huffman's campus shifted from albatross to asset while also becoming a multi-ethnic congregation. You can connect with him at RobPaul.net.
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Closing the Technology Gap with Your Older Church Members (Ep. 335) Apr 28, 2023

Boyd Pelley joins the show with Sam to discuss how churches can help older members adopt new technology. Churches should value generational diversity, and technology can actually build a bridge between generations. This show covers the difference between digital natives and digital immigrants. If you had to select one technology tool to help your older members adopt, what would it be? Boyd shares his perspective as a technology provider.
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The Decline of Job Satisfaction Among Pastors (Ep. 334) Apr 21, 2023

According to a recent Barna study, job satisfaction among pastors is down 20 percentage points. Why? Josh and Sam give their reasons why they think the drop is occurring.

Church growth is harder now than in the past.
People can be hyper-critical while at the same time being hyper-connected.
The pastoral job description has greatly expanded.
Networks and denominations are weaker than they used to be.

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What Do You Use Your Deacons For? (Ep. 333) Apr 14, 2023

Barnabas Piper joins Sam and Josh on the show. They discuss the different ways churches utilize deacons. Should you rotate deacons or not? What should smaller churches with one or two deacons do?
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The Best Way To Welcome Guests To Your Church (Ep. 332) Apr 07, 2023

Josh and Sam comment on a study from Lifeway Research. What are the best ways to make guests feel at home? The study revealed how churches welcome guests:

Meet the pastor (96%)
Greeters at entrances (95%)
Guest cards (83%)
Centrally located information desk (78%)
Meet and greet during the services (69%)
Info session about the church (65%)
Gifts for guests (42%)
Ask guests to stand in the service (17%)

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How Normal-Sized Churches Do Pastoral Transitions Correctly (Ep. 331) Mar 31, 2023

Nine out of ten churches in North America are 250 people and under. How can a normal-sized church do a pastoral transition in a healthy way? Josh and Sam talk about the role of search teams and personnel teams.

Move quickly, not slowly.
Communicate well with both the church and the candidates.
Don't hold a beauty contest!
You don't need to be unanimous to make a decision.

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The First Five Things to Do When a Child Accepts Christ (Ep 330) Mar 24, 2023

What steps can you take to cultivate your child’s spiritual growth and provide them with tools to develop a deep and meaningful relationship with God? In this episode, Josh and Sam discuss what needs to happen after your child accepts Christ. You can get free resources at salvation.churchanswers.com.
1. Purchase a Bible.
2. Record a video of your child's testimony.
3. Write a handwritten note to your child.
4. Seek pastoral counsel.
5. Pray every day with your child.
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Why We Love Gen X Church Members (Ep. 329) Mar 17, 2023

Born between 1965 and 1979, Gex X does not get the attention of the Boomers and Millennials. But this generation is important to the church. Josh and Sam talk about the reasons why they love Gen X church members. They don't complain, work hard, and tend to be laid back. They were also the first to embrace contemporary church models.
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The Top Seven Ways Churches Drive Away Guests (Ep. 328) Mar 10, 2023

Is your church guest-friendly? Josh and Sam get back to the basics with first impressions and talk about some ways churches might drive away guests.
1. Confusion in the parking lot
2. Unfriendliness in the foyer
3. Dirty kids' areas
4. Bad website
5. Boring, bad, or dated sermons
6. Sitting alone
7. Ineffective follow-up
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Do You Really Know the Community Around Your Church? Often-Missed Demographics (Ep. 327) Mar 03, 2023

You can't reach your community unless you know your community. Josh and Sam cover some key demographics most church leaders miss. Your church address is not an accident. God sovereignly placed your church in its location to reach the people around you. Do you know them?
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An Open and Frank Discussion About Pastor Succession Planning (Ep. 326) Feb 24, 2023

Succession planning in churches is not working well. While there are some good examples out there, many of these efforts fail. Josh and Sam give their thoughts on how succession planning can go better--from the perspectives of the exiting pastor, new pastor, and church.
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The Neglected Responsibility of Pastoral Hospitality (Ep. 325) Feb 17, 2023

Hospitality is one of the most underrated spiritual gifts. People learn God's Word better when they are in hospitable environments. Kendall Vanderslice joins the show with Josh and Sam to discuss how churches can utilize meals and times of fellowship to make better disciples. Check out her latest book, By Bread Alone, and additional resources at the Edible Theology Project.
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Funerals Are Better Today Than in the Past (Ep. 324) Feb 10, 2023

Established church pastors do a lot of funerals. Josh and Sam discuss how funerals are better now and why. They give some tips for scheduling, ministering to the family, and preaching the service. They also answer one of the top theological questions church members ask: Is cremation ok?
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The Digital Future of Church Communication (Ep. 323) Feb 03, 2023

How will technology change church communication? Boyd Pelley, the co-founder of Church Teams, joins the show with Josh and Sam. He was one of the first to create church solutions using cloud computing and has decades of experience with churches and technology.
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Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free at EST.church!

What's Going on with the Global Methodist Church?! (Ep. 322) Jan 27, 2023

A new denomination is forming, and the potential is enormous. Keith Boyette joins Josh and Sam to discuss the formation of the Global Methodist Church. As the senior executive, Keith provides a fascinating perspective on the inner workings of getting a denomination started. Why is a new denomination needed? Listen and find out.
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The Issue of Church Severance and What's Appropriate for Pastors (Ep. 321) Jan 20, 2023

Should a church pay severance to departing pastors and ministry staff? If so, how much? Josh and Sam tackle this subject. They share some pointed opinions on non-disclosure agreements and pastors who are disqualified for ministry.
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What Makes a Church Desirable to Potential Church Candidates? (Ep. 320) Jan 13, 2023

There is a looming supply and demand crisis with pastors. As Baby Boomers retire, there will be a lot of churches looking for a pastor. Just as many churches will hope to keep their pastors rather than lose them to other congregations. What makes a church desirable? Josh and Sam discuss four aspects of a desirable church: appreciation, flexibility, family, and polity.
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Pastors Are Much Older Now (Here's What You Need to Know) (Ep. 319) Jan 06, 2023

The median age of a pastor is up significantly. Three decades ago, the median age was 44. Today the median is 58. In some ways, this shift is positive. You would expect older pastors to be more mature. The problem is there are not enough younger pastors to replace the ones who are entering retirement age. Josh and Sam discuss this problem on today's episode.
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What We Are Doing Differently This Year (Ep. 318) Dec 30, 2022

Josh and Sam talk about a few things they will do differently in 2023--both in their personal lives and in their churches. Enjoy the moment more. Read more broadly. Preach through the book of Revelation verse-by-verse. And try not to take home church work as much. Listen to them discuss how they hope to accomplish these goals.
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Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free here: https://info.churchteams.com/church_answers

Ten Must-Do New Year's Resolutions for Every Pastor (Ep. 317) Dec 23, 2022

It’s that time of year when people partake in the annual ritual of making well-intended promises. Josh and Sam discuss these ten pastoral resolutions:
I will pray for church members daily.
I will share my faith at least once a week.
I will read my Bible devotionally.
I will listen more to my congregation.
I will have an attitude of gratefulness.
I will practice forgiveness.
I will be the chief encourager in my church.
I will be an example of discipline.
I will laugh more.
I will take injustice seriously.
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Get value without compromise. Pricing is simple and based on the number of people in the database. This includes all the essential features so that you can grow into using more without having to pay more. Plans start at $37 per month for churches under 200 people. Get two months free here: https://info.churchteams.com/church_answers

Revisiting Christmas Eve Services & Big Holiday Productions (Ep. 316) Dec 16, 2022

Surprise! Josh and Sam have differing views. On this episode, they go into their ministry philosophies about Christmas Eve services. There is a difference between Christmas productions and Christmas Eve services. Which is right for your church? And what kinds of gimmicks, if any, are appropriate to use during the holiday season?
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Surviving the Christmas Busy Season with Your Sanity (Ep. 315) Dec 09, 2022

Why does December feel so busy? Josh and Sam discuss some reasons why Christmas is more hectic in ministry and how you can get through it. They work through how to manage your vacation time, whether or not to attend parties, and what you can do to stay encouraged.
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When Hip-Hop Invades the Established Church (Ep. 314) Dec 02, 2022

Dee Black joins the show with Sam to talk about what happens when an established church starts incorporating hip-hop into the worship culture.
Check out his latest album, The Gospel According To here: https://ingrv.es/the-gospel-according-wra-j
You can also watch the Waymaker video mentioned in this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOnl7GYxSv8
Episode Sponsor:
Looking for education that is affordable, accessible, and attainable? Check out Church Answers University: https://churchanswers.university/

How Church Members Turn Against Pastors (And What You Can Do to Prevent It) (Ep. 313) Nov 25, 2022

You will disappoint people. You will have disagreements with church members. Sometimes people get confused and start making accusations. Josh and Sam discuss some ways church members end up turning against pastors. They use Jared Wilson's article as an outline. You can check out the article here: https://ftc.co/resource-library/blog-entries/3-ways-to-turn-against-your-pastor/
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Why Your Congregants Are Financially Stressed (Or Will Be Soon) (Ep. 312) Nov 18, 2022

Vehicles are more expensive. Homes are more expensive. Rent is insane right now. How is inflation impacting the lives of people in the church? Art Rainer joins Josh and Sam on the show to discuss financial stress and how pastors can respond.
Check out the Institute for Christian Financial Health: https://www.christianfinancialhealth.com/
Episode Sponsor:
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Our Biggest Ministry Mistakes (And What We Could Have Done Better) (Ep. 311) Nov 11, 2022

You will make mistakes in ministry. You will have regrets. Josh and Sam discuss some of their more memorable mistakes and what they learned from them.
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When You Have to Cancel Church (Ep. 310) Nov 04, 2022

Josh and Sam both agree. You should not cancel church unless absolutely necessary. Sometimes weather events mean making the call not to gather. How can you prepare for these storms? Who should make the decision? On this episode, the guys talk about communication strategies and processes when bad storms hit.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

Don't Call Baby Boomers "Seniors" (Ep. 309) Oct 28, 2022

Baby Boomers are likely one of the largest groups in your church. How are they different than seniors? Josh and Sam discuss several aspects of ministering to Baby Boomers.
1. Boomers are not seniors. They are two different generations.
2. Be on the lookout for opportunities to give Boomers more responsibility in the church.
3. You can relate to Boomers if you are younger.
4. Don't ignore the Boomer generation!
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

Overrated or Underrated: Bible Translations, Christmas Eve Services, & MORE (Ep. 308) Oct 21, 2022

Josh and Sam have a little fun discussing whether certain topics are overrated or underrated. Included in this episode are Bible translations, Christmas Eve services, sabbaticals, podcasts, preaching style, and more.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

Don't Sweat the Details, Except for These (Ep. 307) Oct 14, 2022

Most pastors can be guilty of obsessing over the wrong details. Josh and Sam discuss why you shouldn't sweat the details... except for these.
-Social media and anything the world can see
-Bylaw changes or personnel manual changes
-Monthly metrics
-Political tug-of-wars
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

The Top Search Team Lies and How to Root Them Out (Ep. 306) Oct 07, 2022

We did a Twitter poll, and over half of our audience believes the search team lied or may have lied to them. Josh and Sam discuss what might be going on with this perception.
What are some potential ways search teams can mislead?
-Downplaying or ignoring past controversies
-Not revealing current metrics and numbers
-Overstating church unity
-Underestimating the readiness for change
-Not being clear about the pay package
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

When Is It Predatory to Poach a Smaller Church to Become a Campus? (Ep. 305) Sep 30, 2022

Josh and Sam talk church mergers. If you are a struggling church, when is a merger a viable option? Do larger churches use manipulation to prey on smaller churches? The terms church adoption and church fostering are becoming more common. What might the future look like if church mergers were done in a more healthy way?
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

Celebrating Milestones and Anniversaries in a Way That Is Helpful to the Church (Ep. 304) Sep 23, 2022

Which milestones should you celebrate? Josh and Sam talk about the ways you can recognize church milestones and anniversaries. These celebrations can be about an individual or churchwide anniversary.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

The Future of Pay for Pastors and Church Leaders (Ep. 303) Sep 16, 2022

What will happen with pastoral compensation in the future? Josh and Sam prognosticate about the next few years.
1. Most pastors are currently underpaid.
2. More bivocational positions will open.
3. Pay will increase for lead pastors due to the lack of younger pastors available to take the place of retiring pastors.
4. Certain ministry positions will be in high demand, especially in the area of children's ministry and students.
5. Churches will benefit from offering more creative pay packages.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

Five Questions Christians Should Ask to Take Control of Their Digital Devices (Ep. 302) Sep 09, 2022

Are your digital devices hurtful or helpful for discipleship? Jeff Mingee joins Josh and Sam to discuss five questions Christians should ask to take control of their digital devices.
1. Am I in control?
2. How is this shaping me?
3. Does this help me flourish?
4. Can I discern wisdom and folly?
5. Am I being missional?
Check out Jeff's book, Digital Dominion: Five Questions Christians Should Ask to Take Control of Their Digital Devices | Buy it here: https://us.10ofthose.com/digital-dominion-five-questions-christians-should-ask-to-take-control-of-their-digital-devices-paperback/
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

How To Get Started On Sermon-Based Small Groups (Ep. 301) Sep 02, 2022

Both Josh and Sam have small groups in their churches that follow the text and topic of their sermons. But each of them approaches this concept differently. In this episode, they discuss how you can get started with sermon-based small groups.
-Decide on whether the sermon drives the curriculum or if the curriculum drives the sermon.
-Decide if all of the groups will take part or if you will move forward with some of the groups.
-Decide on your timeline. Will you have sermon-based small groups all the time or only part of the time?
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

Steps Preachers Might Skip In Sermon Prep But Shouldn't (Ep. 300) Aug 26, 2022

Preaching is a craft, and it takes time to refine your skills. Josh and Sam discuss some key steps they've learned over the years. Don't skip them!
-Praying through your sermon
-Cutting unnecessary parts of your sermon
-Writing out transitions in the sermon
-Landing the conclusion of the sermon
-Sharing the gospel in the sermon
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

Bad Reasons Preachers Go Long In Their Sermons (Ep. 299) Aug 19, 2022

Sometimes the sermon goes too long. What is the cause? Josh and Sam discuss five reasons why preachers have trouble landing the plane.
1. Underestimating the time to read the text
2. Announcements
3. Not planning transitions and conclusions
4. Winging your stories
5. Unnecessary details
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

The Connection Between Stewardship, Generosity & Discipleship (Ep. 298) Aug 12, 2022

The money struggles are real! Mike Stadelmayer joins Josh and Sam to discuss church finances and how pastors can lead their churches in the area of generosity. Mike is the president of Church Growth Services (churchgrowthservices.com) and helps churches understand the connection between stewardship, generosity, and discipleship.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

How To Discern The Top Of Your Priority List (Ep. 297) Aug 05, 2022

Defining your top priorities may seem like a simple task, but the tyranny of the urgent often takes over. Josh and Sam talk about the ways they stay focused on their most important ministry priorities. They cover how to be more proactive, how to schedule a to-do list, and how to determine the difference between a true crisis and a manufactured crisis.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

Our Ministry Nightmares & How We Deal With Them (Ep. 296) Jul 29, 2022

Most of us have unfounded fears--these irrational thoughts that cause us anxiety. Worst-case scenarios are rare. Why do we focus on them? Josh and Sam discuss some of their ministry nightmares and how they cope.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

Things We Don't Like About Ministry & How We Deal With It (Ep. 295) Jul 22, 2022

Ministry is a huge blessing! But not everything about ministry is enjoyable. Josh and Sam talk about some of their least favorite things as pastors. Many jobs are difficult, and ministry can be tough. What are some ways to deal with the more unenjoyable parts of the job? Listen all the way to the end. There is a big giveaway!
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

Getting Your Church Ready For A Recession (Ep. 294) Jul 15, 2022

Do you remember the Great Recession of 2008 and 2009? It was tough! On this episode, Josh and Sam talk about ways you can prepare your church for another potential recession. They discuss zero-based budgeting, cash flow projections, and managing expenses. Listen all the way to the end. There is a big giveaway!
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

When Polarization Means You Take Heat From Both Sides (Ep. 293) Jul 08, 2022

Pastors are often stuck in the middle of heated debates. They can take heat from both sides. How do you respond? Josh and Sam talk about how to be diplomatic. They cover the polarization of politics, theology, and local rivalries.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

Staying Humble While Keeping Your Hustle (Ep. 292) Jul 01, 2022

How can you be both ambitious and humble? Josh and Sam discuss how pastors can practice the spiritual discipline of humility. They cover the problems of wanting attention, weaponizing knowledge, and grabbing power.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

Have Vacation Bible Schools Run Their Course? (Ep. 291) Jun 24, 2022

Every summer, churches all over the world offer Vacation Bible Schools. Every program has a life cycle. Has VBS run its course? No! Josh and Sam discuss the importance of this ministry and why churches should continue to offer VBS to the community.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

Can Baptism Services Be a Gimmick? (Ep. 290) Jun 17, 2022

In most traditions, baptism is an important part of church life. Some churches have beach baptisms, spontaneous baptisms, and special baptism services. Other churches have celebrations attractive to children when young people are baptized. Where is the line? Josh and Sam discuss the ordinance of baptism and whether or not it can ever become gimmicky.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

Should You Promise Confidentiality to People in the Church? (Ep. 289) Jun 10, 2022

Pastors and church leaders must be careful when promising confidentiality. Josh and Sam discuss the particulars of clergy privilege. Breaking confidence is sometimes necessary, and they discuss some specific examples on this episode. Also, what should you tell your spouse regarding sensitive church matters? They offer two different perspectives.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

Leading Effective Meetings with Church Staff and Leaders (Ep. 288) Jun 03, 2022

Not every meeting is created equal. Josh and Sam discuss when standing meetings are appropriate and when you need to shake things up. They give some advice on the best principles and practices of leading effective meetings. You can change the culture of your church through some easy shifts in your meetings.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

Improving Your Relationships With Area Pastors (Ep. 287) May 27, 2022

Pastors are notoriously bad at nurturing relationships with each other, especially if you are in the same community. Jealousy, skepticism, and the transient nature of ministry contribute to these less-than-ideal relationships. Josh and Sam talk about how pastors can improve these relationships and why it is important. They share stories from personal experiences and some tips they have seen work.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

How Culture Changes At Different Size Churches (Ep. 286) May 20, 2022

Church culture changes with church size. How are smaller and larger churches different? Josh and Sam discuss a variety of issues concerning church culture and church size: expectations from the church, systems within the church, and management of the church.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

Over-The-Top Church Holidays: How Much Is Too Much Celebration? (Ep. 285) May 13, 2022

Christmas and Easter are two prominent church holidays. Should a church celebrate with a normal Sunday or with an over-the-top special service? Josh and Sam discuss their thoughts about going big for church holidays. They also talk about July 4th services and where to draw the line with patriotism in the church.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

You're Not So Different: Overplaying Cultural Nuance (Ep. 284) May 06, 2022

Is every place so different? Do approaches to ministry need to be radically different from each other across the nation? Josh and Sam give their hot take. Perhaps your context is not so different as you might think.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

"Good Christian Entertainment" & The Church (Ep. 283) Apr 29, 2022

Cliff Lea joins Sam and Josh on the show to discuss entertainment and media. Should the church engage in secular entertainment? If so, how? And is the "Christian" genre of movies and music a good idea? Check out the movie "No Vacancy," which releases on May 9th. You can learn more at NoVacancyMovie.com.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

The Biggest Ministry Opportunity You're Likely Missing (Ep. 282) Apr 22, 2022

Churches are often so busy they miss the biggest needs in front of them. Dr. Jerry Haag joins the show to discuss how the church can serve vulnerable children and families. Jerry and Sam discuss some practical ways your church can help. Check out onemorechild.org and shelovesoutloud.org for more information.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

Why You Still Should Do Baby Dedications (Ep. 281) Apr 15, 2022

Baby dedications are important markers in the spiritual journey of a family. What is the right way to do them? And how can you make the most of these dedications? Josh and Sam discuss how to use them to benefit the entire church.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

When You Have A Mid-Life Crisis As A Pastor (Ep. 280) Apr 08, 2022

What happens when a pastor has a mid-life crisis? Josh and Sam discuss their own journeys. Many people have a mid-life reckoning (not necessarily a crisis), pastors included. It's good to have a comprehensive check-up every few years. This episode covers how to be productive during these seasons.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

Should The Church Learn & Practice Business Principles? (Ep. 279) Apr 01, 2022

Leading the church is more than an exercise in being a good expositor of Scripture. Josh and Sam discuss the benefits and limitations of business principles in the church. They cover issues of communication, finance, marketing, management, hospitality, counseling, and politics.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

Being A Good Dad While Being A Good Pastor (Ep. 278) Mar 25, 2022

Pastors can struggle with harmonizing the ministry of the home with the work of the church. It is possible to be both a good dad and a good pastor. Shannon Eads joins the show with Josh and Sam to discuss some mistakes pastors make along with best practices. Check out Shannon's book, Winning the Fatherhood Game. It's an excellent resource for any dad.
Episode Sponsor:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary builds strong theological foundations for men and women to fulfill God’s calling. They have trained and commissioned more than 46,000 graduates to serve in local churches and global mission fields. Southwestern combines the highest standards of research and scholarship with vigorous training for real-world ministry — missions, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, and worship.

Keeping Your Cool With Problem Church Members (Ep. 277) Mar 18, 2022

Most of us have come to the moment of losing our cool. Often it is problem church members that get to us. On this episode, Josh and Sam talk about ways to keep your cool and deal with problem church members in a way that is helpful.
Episode Sponsor:
On March 22-24, experienced ministry leaders from around the country will gather on the campus of Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, to explore how God's church can thrive in this ever-changing ministry context. Founded on an unyielding commitment to biblical truth, built by expert practitioners, and designed to encourage and equip God's people in every area of ministry, this gathering is a place where you can be empowered to live your calling, wherever God has called you. So join us in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 22-24, and learn more at swbts.edu/ministrynow2022.

What's The Best Way To Spend One-On-One Time With Church Members? (Ep. 276) Mar 11, 2022

Pastor guilt can occur when you feel like you're not spending enough time with church members. On this episode, Josh and Sam discuss strategies for spending one-on-one time with church members without sacrificing other areas. They give practical tips for scheduling and how to take the initiative. With some simple steps, you can spend more time with church members and be a better shepherd.
Episode Sponsor:
On March 22-24, experienced ministry leaders from around the country will gather on the campus of Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, to explore how God's church can thrive in this ever-changing ministry context. Founded on an unyielding commitment to biblical truth, built by expert practitioners, and designed to encourage and equip God's people in every area of ministry, this gathering is a place where you can be empowered to live your calling, wherever God has called you. So join us in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 22-24, and learn more at swbts.edu/ministrynow2022.

What Makes You Happy & Unhappy As A Pastor? (Ep. 275) Mar 04, 2022

Joy is a better pursuit than happiness. The former is given by the Holy Spirit while the latter is often determined by external factors. But God does not desire for His children to be unhappy. Josh and Sam discuss things that make them happy, and unhappy, as pastors. Sometimes it's the little things that make the difference.
Episode Sponsor:
On March 22-24, experienced ministry leaders from around the country will gather on the campus of Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, to explore how God's church can thrive in this ever-changing ministry context. Founded on an unyielding commitment to biblical truth, built by expert practitioners, and designed to encourage and equip God's people in every area of ministry, this gathering is a place where you can be empowered to live your calling, wherever God has called you. So join us in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 22-24, and learn more at swbts.edu/ministrynow2022.

The Big Discipleship Question (Ep. 274) Feb 25, 2022

The command to make disciples is clear in Scripture. But who makes disciples? Do individuals make disciples or does the church make disciples? Josh and Sam discuss this philosophical question and the practical implications of how you answer.
Episode Sponsor:
On March 22-24, experienced ministry leaders from around the country will gather on the campus of Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, to explore how God's church can thrive in this ever-changing ministry context. Founded on an unyielding commitment to biblical truth, built by expert practitioners, and designed to encourage and equip God's people in every area of ministry, this gathering is a place where you can be empowered to live your calling, wherever God has called you. So join us in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 22-24, and learn more at swbts.edu/ministrynow2022.

What Does It Really Mean to Be Above Reproach? | Part 2 (Ep. 273) Feb 18, 2022

Pastors are held to higher standards. These standards are clearly defined in Scripture. Josh and Sam continue the discussion they began in the previous episode and talk about the practical implications of being above reproach. On this episode, they cover items like social media, bullying, power dynamics, and gluttony.
Episode Sponsor:
On March 22-24, experienced ministry leaders from around the country will gather on the campus of Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, to explore how God's church can thrive in this ever-changing ministry context. Founded on an unyielding commitment to biblical truth, built by expert practitioners, and designed to encourage and equip God's people in every area of ministry, this gathering is a place where you can be empowered to live your calling, wherever God has called you. So join us in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 22-24, and learn more at swbts.edu/ministrynow2022.

What Does It Really Mean to Be Above Reproach? | Part 1 (Ep. 272) Feb 11, 2022

Pastors are held to higher standards. These standards are clearly defined in Scripture. Josh and Sam discuss the practical implications of being above reproach. On this episode, they cover items like work ethic, finances, hospitality, and the Billy Graham rule.
Episode Sponsor:
On March 22-24, experienced ministry leaders from around the country will gather on the campus of Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, to explore how God's church can thrive in this ever-changing ministry context. Founded on an unyielding commitment to biblical truth, built by expert practitioners, and designed to encourage and equip God's people in every area of ministry, this gathering is a place where you can be empowered to live your calling, wherever God has called you. So join us in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 22-24, and learn more at swbts.edu/ministrynow2022.

Duke It Out: Our Take on Some Hot Topics (Ep. 271) Feb 04, 2022

Josh and Sam debate some controversial subjects--all in good fun, of course! The spirited banter in this episode includes the topics of blended worship, how pastors should dress, age-segmented worship services, and pastors with side gigs. Listen in and have a laugh with them.
Episode Sponsor:
On March 22-24, experienced ministry leaders from around the country will gather on the campus of Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, to explore how God's church can thrive in this ever-changing ministry context. Founded on an unyielding commitment to biblical truth, built by expert practitioners, and designed to encourage and equip God's people in every area of ministry, this gathering is a place where you can be empowered to live your calling, wherever God has called you. So join us in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 22-24, and learn more at swbts.edu/ministrynow2022.

Keeping Your Head Up When Attendance Is Down (Ep. 270) Jan 28, 2022

When you have a down day in worship it can bring you down as well. How do you respond? What can you do to stay encouraged? Sam and Josh discuss how low attendance affects pastors and how they can deal with an emptier room when preaching.
Episode Sponsor:
On March 22-24, experienced ministry leaders from around the country will gather on the campus of Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, to explore how God's church can thrive in this ever-changing ministry context. Founded on an unyielding commitment to biblical truth, built by expert practitioners, and designed to encourage and equip God's people in every area of ministry, this gathering is a place where you can be empowered to live your calling, wherever God has called you. So join us in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 22-24, and learn more at swbts.edu/ministrynow2022.

First Impressions & SWAG Bags (Ep. 269) Jan 21, 2022

Hospitality is one of the most underrated spiritual gifts. Unfortunately, churches tend to invest too little in the ministry of hospitality. Good first impressions are critical to church growth. Josh and Sam discuss how your church can have a good first impressions ministry. They also talk about SWAG bags and what's reasonable for churches to give to guests and members.
Episode Sponsor:
On March 22-24, experienced ministry leaders from around the country will gather on the campus of Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, to explore how God's church can thrive in this ever-changing ministry context. Founded on an unyielding commitment to biblical truth, built by expert practitioners, and designed to encourage and equip God's people in every area of ministry, this gathering is a place where you can be empowered to live your calling, wherever God has called you. So join us in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 22-24, and learn more at swbts.edu/ministrynow2022.

Leveraging Your Lunch Time (Ep. 268) Jan 14, 2022

Pastors can be busy. But you should not be too busy to make the most of your lunch hour. There is a better use of your time than eating a sandwich at your desk. Josh and Sam discuss three key ways to leverage your lunch to make the most of ministry.
Episode Sponsor:
On March 22-24, experienced ministry leaders from around the country will gather on the campus of Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, to explore how God's church can thrive in this ever-changing ministry context. Founded on an unyielding commitment to biblical truth, built by expert practitioners, and designed to encourage and equip God's people in every area of ministry, this gathering is a place where you can be empowered to live your calling, wherever God has called you. So join us in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 22-24, and learn more at swbts.edu/ministrynow2022.

The Good That's Coming for the Church in the Post-Pandemic World (Ep, 267) Jan 07, 2022

Most pastors and church leaders are still in recovery mode from a two-year whirlwind. Decision fatigue and burnout are real. But there is hope. On this episode, Josh and Sam discuss some good things that are coming for the church. God has a way of using difficult seasons to refine His people. Better days are on the horizon!
Episode Sponsor:
On March 22-24, experienced ministry leaders from around the country will gather on the campus of Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, to explore how God's church can thrive in this ever-changing ministry context. Founded on an unyielding commitment to biblical truth, built by expert practitioners, and designed to encourage and equip God's people in every area of ministry, this gathering is a place where you can be empowered to live your calling, wherever God has called you. So join us in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 22-24, and learn more at swbts.edu/ministrynow2022.

Keeping Your People During the Great Reshuffling (Ep. 266) Dec 31, 2021

Not only are church members shuffling during this season but so are church staff. Almost every church will lose some people and some staff, but you can minimize the impact. A new focus on retention is necessary. On this episode, Josh and Sam discuss how you can keep your people during the great reshuffling.
Episode Sponsor:
On March 22-24, experienced ministry leaders from around the country will gather on the campus of Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, to explore how God's church can thrive in this ever-changing ministry context. Founded on an unyielding commitment to biblical truth, built by expert practitioners, and designed to encourage and equip God's people in every area of ministry, this gathering is a place where you can be empowered to live your calling, wherever God has called you. So join us in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 22-24, and learn more at swbts.edu/ministrynow2022.

Technology In The Worship Service - When Is It Too Much? (Ep. 265) Dec 24, 2021

Every church uses technology. Air conditioners, heating units, or electricity are all forms of technology. But can you overdo it with lighting, screens, and sound amplification? The EST.church producer, Taylor Standridge, joins the show to discuss what is appropriate for worship and what might be too much.
Episode Sponsor:
On March 22-24, experienced ministry leaders from around the country will gather on the campus of Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, to explore how God's church can thrive in this ever-changing ministry context. Founded on an unyielding commitment to biblical truth, built by expert practitioners, and designed to encourage and equip God's people in every area of ministry, this gathering is a place where you can be empowered to live your calling, wherever God has called you. So join us in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 22-24, and learn more at swbts.edu/ministrynow2022.

The Emotional Toll of Revitalizing an Established Church (Ep. 264) Dec 17, 2021

A lot of church leaders have a lot of emotions right now. On this episode, Gary Moritz of City United Church joins the show to discuss the emotional impact of leading a church revitalization. Josh, Gary, and Sam discuss some personal stories of leading while also experiencing many emotions. Check out Gary's new book, "Carry On".
Episode Sponsor:
On March 22-24, experienced ministry leaders from around the country will gather on the campus of Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, to explore how God's church can thrive in this ever-changing ministry context. Founded on an unyielding commitment to biblical truth, built by expert practitioners, and designed to encourage and equip God's people in every area of ministry, this gathering is a place where you can be empowered to live your calling, wherever God has called you. So join us in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 22-24, and learn more at swbts.edu/ministrynow2022.

Good Questions To Consider When Being Hired By A Church: Part 2 (Ep. 263) Dec 10, 2021

A great reshuffling is occurring in ministry. Many pastors and church leaders are considering leaving. Many churches are looking to hire. On this episode, Josh and Sam discuss what you should consider before being hired. What is reasonable to expect from the church and what is unreasonable? We dive into preparing for the interview and how to research a potential church position.
Episode Sponsor:
On March 22-24, experienced ministry leaders from around the country will gather on the campus of Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, to explore how God's church can thrive in this ever-changing ministry context. Founded on an unyielding commitment to biblical truth, built by expert practitioners, and designed to encourage and equip God's people in every area of ministry, this gathering is a place where you can be empowered to live your calling, wherever God has called you. So join us in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 22-24, and learn more at swbts.edu/ministrynow2022.

Good Questions To Consider When Making A Church Hiring Decision: Part 1 (Ep. 262) Dec 03, 2021

A great reshuffling is occurring in ministry. Many pastors and church leaders are considering leaving. Many churches are looking to hire. On this episode, Josh and Sam discuss what you should consider when making a hire. We discuss some simple tactics that can make a big difference in discovering the right person.
Episode Sponsor:
On March 22-24, experienced ministry leaders from around the country will gather on the campus of Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, to explore how God's church can thrive in this ever-changing ministry context. Founded on an unyielding commitment to biblical truth, built by expert practitioners, and designed to encourage and equip God's people in every area of ministry, this gathering is a place where you can be empowered to live your calling, wherever God has called you. So join us in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 22-24, and learn more at swbts.edu/ministrynow2022.

The Hardest Part Of Preaching Sermons (Ep. 261) Nov 26, 2021

Preaching isn't easy. On this episode, Josh and Sam discuss what they believe to be the hardest parts of communicating God's Word through a sermon. All of the Bible is preachable, but not every part is easy to teach. We cover the delivery of sermons, the concepts in writing sermons, and the best way to apply sermons through illustrations.
Episode Sponsor:
This summer, Southwestern Seminary announced a new name and vision for their undergraduate college. Scarborough College is now Texas Baptist College! TBC exists to glorify God by providing trustworthy Christian higher education for more faithful Kingdom service. Wherever God calls you, you can get the Christ-centered, Scripture-driven, and student-focused education you need at Texas Baptist College. Visit texasbaptist.com to learn more.

Business Principles In The Church - Yes or No? (Ep. 260) Nov 19, 2021

The church is not a business, but business principles can help the church. How can you discern which aspects of business to incorporate into the life of the church? Mac Mayer from Life Church in Boise, ID joins the show with Josh and Sam to discuss. On this episode, we cover issues of pace, strategy, stewardship, and branding.
Episode Sponsor:
This summer, Southwestern Seminary announced a new name and vision for their undergraduate college. Scarborough College is now Texas Baptist College! TBC exists to glorify God by providing trustworthy Christian higher education for more faithful Kingdom service. Wherever God calls you, you can get the Christ-centered, Scripture-driven, and student-focused education you need at Texas Baptist College. Visit texasbaptist.com to learn more.

The Most Expensive Discipleship Tool & Why It's Neglected (Ep. 259) Nov 12, 2021

Your church facilities are the most expensive discipleship tool. Why are they often neglected? Josh and Sam discuss their top ten reasons why facilities are important and how not to overlook them.
Episode Sponsor:
This summer, Southwestern Seminary announced a new name and vision for their undergraduate college. Scarborough College is now Texas Baptist College! TBC exists to glorify God by providing trustworthy Christian higher education for more faithful Kingdom service. Wherever God calls you, you can get the Christ-centered, Scripture-driven, and student-focused education you need at Texas Baptist College. Visit texasbaptist.com to learn more.

Retreats & Getting Away With Leaders (Ep. 258) Nov 05, 2021

Whether you have paid staff or volunteer leaders, it's a good idea to have a retreat with your team. A change of pace and new scenery are good for creativity and thinking differently. On this episode, Josh and Sam discuss where you should go, how you can pay for the retreat, and designing the purpose of the retreat.
Episode Sponsor:
This summer, Southwestern Seminary announced a new name and vision for their undergraduate college. Scarborough College is now Texas Baptist College! TBC exists to glorify God by providing trustworthy Christian higher education for more faithful Kingdom service. Wherever God calls you, you can get the Christ-centered, Scripture-driven, and student-focused education you need at Texas Baptist College. Visit texasbaptist.com to learn more.

Receiving & Giving Criticism In The Church Without Losing The Relationship (Ep. 257) Oct 29, 2021

Don't avoid awkward conversations. Good leaders take the initiative with tough conversations. What are some ways to receive and give criticism in a way that is helpful and not hurtful? Jonathan Smith joins the show with Josh and Sam to discuss ways to have difficult conversations without losing a relationship with someone.
Episode Sponsor:
This summer, Southwestern Seminary announced a new name and vision for their undergraduate college. Scarborough College is now Texas Baptist College! TBC exists to glorify God by providing trustworthy Christian higher education for more faithful Kingdom service. Wherever God calls you, you can get the Christ-centered, Scripture-driven, and student-focused education you need at Texas Baptist College. Visit texasbaptist.com to learn more.

The Pastor's Vacation Survival Guide (Ep. 256) Oct 22, 2021

Do you plan your vacations months in advance? You should. On this episode, Josh and Sam discuss key ways to get the most out of your vacation. You can prepare for your vacation to minimize interruptions and maximize family time.
Episode Sponsor:
This summer, Southwestern Seminary announced a new name and vision for their undergraduate college. Scarborough College is now Texas Baptist College! TBC exists to glorify God by providing trustworthy Christian higher education for more faithful Kingdom service. Wherever God calls you, you can get the Christ-centered, Scripture-driven, and student-focused education you need at Texas Baptist College. Visit texasbaptist.com to learn more.

A Small Small Group Podcast (Ep. 255) Oct 15, 2021

David Raney, Executive Pastor with Second Baptist Conway, joins the show to discuss a simple tool that any pastor can use to help create culture, develop Small Group Leaders and communicate more clearly.
Episode Sponsor:
This summer, Southwestern Seminary announced a new name and vision for their undergraduate college. Scarborough College is now Texas Baptist College! TBC exists to glorify God by providing trustworthy Christian higher education for more faithful Kingdom service. Wherever God calls you, you can get the Christ-centered, Scripture-driven, and student-focused education you need at Texas Baptist College. Visit texasbaptist.com to learn more.

Issues of Integrity: How to Know Which Hill to Die On (Ep. 254) Oct 08, 2021

Churches and pastors can fight. Sometimes these battles are worth it. Many times they are not. How can you make sure you're fighting the right battles? On this episode, Josh and Sam discuss issues of integrity. They discuss how you can make sure you have the right information before making assumptions of others. They also get into how you can check your motives before making a stink out of an issue.
Episode Sponsor:
This summer, Southwestern Seminary announced a new name and vision for their undergraduate college. Scarborough College is now Texas Baptist College! TBC exists to glorify God by providing trustworthy Christian higher education for more faithful Kingdom service. Wherever God calls you, you can get the Christ-centered, Scripture-driven, and student-focused education you need at Texas Baptist College. Visit texasbaptist.com to learn more.

Budgeting Best Practices As You Prepare Your Church For The Next Financial Year (Ep. 253) Oct 01, 2021

It's that season! Time to prepare your church's annual budget. What are the best practices? What might you be missing in your budget? Josh and Sam discuss their recommendations for the process of determining next year's budget.
Episode Sponsor:
This summer, Southwestern Seminary announced a new name and vision for their undergraduate college. Scarborough College is now Texas Baptist College! TBC exists to glorify God by providing trustworthy Christian higher education for more faithful Kingdom service. Wherever God calls you, you can get the Christ-centered, Scripture-driven, and student-focused education you need at Texas Baptist College. Visit texasbaptist.com to learn more.

Seeking Out Adoption When Your Church Is In Trouble (Ep. 252) Sep 24, 2021

For some churches, the best pathway to better health is through adoption. When a church is adopted, a healthier and stronger congregation receives a more vulnerable congregation into the family. How can you start the process if you are trying to lead the struggling church? Josh and Sam offer their insight into this phenomenon. Don't wait until a crisis hits. Now is the time to build bridges with other churches and pastors.
Episode Sponsor:
This summer, Southwestern Seminary announced a new name and vision for their undergraduate college. Scarborough College is now Texas Baptist College! TBC exists to glorify God by providing trustworthy Christian higher education for more faithful Kingdom service. Wherever God calls you, you can get the Christ-centered, Scripture-driven, and student-focused education you need at Texas Baptist College. Visit texasbaptist.com to learn more.

Why Is Church Hiring So Hard Right Now? (Ep. 251) Sep 17, 2021

There is a reshuffling of pastors and church members occurring right now. Many pastors are considering leaving, and many churches are looking to hire for a variety of positions. But it seems like potential candidates and congregations are not connecting. Why is church hiring difficult right now? Josh and Sam discuss some reasons why on this week's episode.
Episode Sponsor:
This summer, Southwestern Seminary announced a new name and vision for their undergraduate college. Scarborough College is now Texas Baptist College! TBC exists to glorify God by providing trustworthy Christian higher education for more faithful Kingdom service. Wherever God calls you, you can get the Christ-centered, Scripture-driven, and student-focused education you need at Texas Baptist College. Visit texasbaptist.com to learn more.

So You've Been Told You're the Next Lead Pastor... (Ep. 250) Sep 10, 2021

Your lead pastor has mentioned or hinted that you are next in line for the role. What should you do? And what are the pitfalls to consider? On this episode, Josh and Sam walk through several real-life case studies. In most scenarios, the pathway is not as clear as you might think. We discuss the realities of succession in the typical established church.
Episode Sponsor:
This summer, Southwestern Seminary announced a new name and vision for their undergraduate college. Scarborough College is now Texas Baptist College! TBC exists to glorify God by providing trustworthy Christian higher education for more faithful Kingdom service. Wherever God calls you, you can get the Christ-centered, Scripture-driven, and student-focused education you need at Texas Baptist College. Visit texasbaptist.com to learn more.

Inviting Guest Preachers: Who Do You Bring In & Why? (Ep. 249) Sep 03, 2021

Few preachers are in the pulpit all 52 weeks of the year. When you are not preaching, who do you invite to fill your place? On this episode, Josh and Sam talk about whether or not it is wise to bring someone in from the outside or to utilize current staff. Should you be gone on holidays or not? They also discuss how to train up others in the church to be ready to preach in your absence.
Episode Sponsor:
This summer, Southwestern Seminary announced a new name and vision for their undergraduate college. Scarborough College is now Texas Baptist College! TBC exists to glorify God by providing trustworthy Christian higher education for more faithful Kingdom service. Wherever God calls you, you can get the Christ-centered, Scripture-driven, and student-focused education you need at Texas Baptist College. Visit texasbaptist.com to learn more.

Home, Church Campus Or Offsite: Where Should The Pastor's Office Be? (Ep. 248) Aug 27, 2021

The work-from-home movement went into full swing during the pandemic. Many pastors and church staff changed the way they worked. But what is best? How should you manage others? Josh and Sam talk about the pros and cons of working in different settings. Consistency and accountability are key to productivity.
Episode Sponsor:
This summer, Southwestern Seminary announced a new name and vision for their undergraduate college. Scarborough College is now Texas Baptist College! TBC exists to glorify God by providing trustworthy Christian higher education for more faithful Kingdom service. Wherever God calls you, you can get the Christ-centered, Scripture-driven, and student-focused education you need at Texas Baptist College. Visit texasbaptist.com to learn more.

Learning from Influencers Without Becoming a Mini-Me (Ep. 247) Aug 20, 2021

You can learn from well-known influencers without trying to become just like the person influencing you. What is a healthy approach to learning from nationally-known church leaders? Josh and Sam make comments on their biggest influences and how they have been shaped. They also discuss the podcast phenomenon, The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill.
Episode Sponsor:
This summer, Southwestern Seminary announced a new name and vision for their undergraduate college. Scarborough College is now Texas Baptist College! TBC exists to glorify God by providing trustworthy Christian higher education for more faithful Kingdom service. Wherever God calls you, you can get the Christ-centered, Scripture-driven, and student-focused education you need at Texas Baptist College. Visit texasbaptist.com to learn more.

Dealing With Crazy & Dangerous People At Church (Ep. 246) Aug 13, 2021

At some point, every church will encounter a dangerous individual. What is the proper response? How elevated should you get? What is your role? Josh and Sam discuss their experience in dealing with protestors, potential acts of violence, and protecting children. Crazy and dangerous people may come to your church. You need to be ready.
Episode Sponsor:
This summer, Southwestern Seminary announced a new name and vision for their undergraduate college. Scarborough College is now Texas Baptist College! TBC exists to glorify God by providing trustworthy Christian higher education for more faithful Kingdom service. Wherever God calls you, you can get the Christ-centered, Scripture-driven, and student-focused education you need at Texas Baptist College. Visit texasbaptist.com to learn more.

A Needed Perspective About The Moms On Your Church Staff (Ep. 245) Aug 06, 2021

Many churches have women who serve on staff. A number of them have children. Beth Howe joins the show to discuss what "balance" really looks like and how churches can be sensitive to working moms. She gives some creative and practical solutions for pastors and churches.
Episode Sponsor:
This summer, Southwestern Seminary announced a new name and vision for their undergraduate college. Scarborough College is now Texas Baptist College! TBC exists to glorify God by providing trustworthy Christian higher education for more faithful Kingdom service. Wherever God calls you, you can get the Christ-centered, Scripture-driven, and student-focused education you need at Texas Baptist College. Visit texasbaptist.com to learn more.

A New Kind Of Pastoral Assistant (Ep. 244) Jul 30, 2021

Josh's Administrative Assistant joins the show to discuss what it looks like to be a Pastoral Assistant in 2021. We give helpful discussion points in defining the relationship as well as setting expectations and working well together. From calendaring and correspondence to providing helpful and timely information during a discussion and assistant can be incredibly helpful. This show will help you as you find the one who is going to help you.
Episode Sponsor:
This summer, Southwestern Seminary announced a new name and vision for their undergraduate college. Scarborough College is now Texas Baptist College! TBC exists to glorify God by providing trustworthy Christian higher education for more faithful Kingdom service. Wherever God calls you, you can get the Christ-centered, Scripture-driven, and student-focused education you need at Texas Baptist College. Visit texasbaptist.com to learn more.

Having "The Talk": Premarital Counseling Advice (Ep. 243) Jul 23, 2021

What are some best practices for leading premarital counseling sessions? On this episode, Josh and Sam discuss their approaches. What are some good questions to ask couples? How can you not make this counseling a waste of everyone's time? Two books to consider as resources are Right from the Start and The Meaning of Marriage.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Why Churchgoers Stay With Bad Pastors | A Follow-Up Conversation (Ep. 242) Jul 16, 2021

Most pastors love their churches and sacrifice much to serve the people they lead. Unfortunately, there are a few rotten examples out there. Why do some churchgoers stay with them? On this episode, Josh and Sam talk about the reasons why people tolerate and stick with bad pastors.
This episode is a follow-up conversation to a recent article at Church Answers here: https://churchanswers.com/blog/why-do-some-churchgoers-stick-with-bad-pastors/
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Leaving A Church Without Burning Bridges (Ep. 241) Jul 09, 2021

Almost every pastor will make a transition to another church at some point. On this episode, Josh and Sam discuss how you can leave without making a mess on your way out. There are some simple but edifying ways to shepherd your church as you transition. Burning bridges will inevitably haunt you, sometimes even years later. Learn how you can avoid the trouble of leaving poorly.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

How To Transition Church Staff Without Firing Them (Ep. 240) Jul 02, 2021

People make transitions, and sometimes you must help a person move from his or her current ministry position to a new one. There are good ways to transition church staff without firing them. On this episode, Josh and Sam talk about best practices and tips for showing grace when someone's time as a staff person closes.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Leading When There Is No Lead Pastor (Ep. 239) Jun 25, 2021

When a lead pastor transitions to another church, there is a void. If you are on staff or in a position of leadership, the interim period can be a difficult one to navigate. On this episode, Josh and Sam discuss what you should do and what you shouldn't do during the interim. You can manage the interim by building excitement while at the same time not building your own kingdom.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

How Involved Should The Pastor Be With Hiring Staff? (Ep. 238) Jun 18, 2021

The hiring process at churches can be frustrating. What level of the pastor's involvement is appropriate? Some churches have an elder board. Others have a personnel committee. In some cases, the lead pastor calls all the shots. Josh and Sam discuss best practices with the hiring process.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

An Episode On Things We Know Nothing About (Ep. 237) Jun 11, 2021

For a little fun, Josh and Sam make uninformed comments on hot button issues. Perhaps you've had questions from church members about cryptocurrency or aliens. Maybe a family has asked you if their dog is in heaven. We share our opinions. Don't listen to this episode if you don't have a sense of humor.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.
Cornerstone Research provides a free, 30-minute consultation to learn about your dissertation or DMin project, or other editing needs, and to help you determine if their services are a fit for you. To learn more, or to schedule your free consultation, visit cornerstoneresearch.org.

Protecting Your Church From The Toxicity In Your Tribe (Ep. 236) Jun 04, 2021

On this episode, Josh and Sam discuss how outside toxicity can affect the church internally. Negativity can come from your tribe--denominations, associations, and networks. Should you ignore or engage these issues? We talk about how you can stay in tune with what’s going on without losing your mind. Sometimes your church has no clue about outside toxicity. Other times it can be a major problem. There are ways to shepherd your people through it.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.
Cornerstone Research provides a free, 30-minute consultation to learn about your dissertation or DMin project, or other editing needs, and to help you determine if their services are a fit for you. To learn more, or to schedule your free consultation, visit cornerstoneresearch.org.

Three Ways To Gain Momentum In Your Church (Ep. 235) May 28, 2021

Building momentum can be a slow process. Jonathan Smith from Texas Baptists joins the show to explain how churches can pick up the pace. Even if you feel like the going is slow, anytime someone joins your church God is up to something. There is likely more happening than you realize. Jonathan discusses how celebration, assimilation, and mission are the keys to gaining momentum.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.
Cornerstone Research provides a free, 30-minute consultation to learn about your dissertation or DMin project, or other editing needs, and to help you determine if their services are a fit for you. To learn more, or to schedule your free consultation, visit cornerstoneresearch.org.

How COVID Has Affected The Stages Of A Pastor's Ministry (Ep. 234) May 21, 2021

Most pastors go through several stages of ministry with their churches.
-Year 1: Honeymoon
-Years 2 & 3: Conflict and Challenge
-Years 4 & 5: Crossroads (Part 1)
-Years 6-10: Harvest
-Years 11 and Forward: Crossroads (Part 2)
Josh and Sam discuss how COVID has impacted these stages and what to expect as the pandemic wanes. You may experience a pause effect, an exacerbation effect, or a reset effect. We also finally settle the debate about the king of country music. Is it George or Garth? Tune into this episode to find out.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.
Cornerstone Research provides a free, 30-minute consultation to learn about your dissertation or DMin project, or other editing needs, and to help you determine if their services are a fit for you. To learn more, or to schedule your free consultation, visit cornerstoneresearch.org.

Now Is The Time To Rethink Your Mission Trip Strategy (Ep. 233) May 14, 2021

Over the next several months, there will be more opportunities to go on a mission trip as countries open up. On this episode, Josh and Sam discuss some tips for creating a revised mission strategy for your church. We talk about getting boots on the ground, formatting partnerships, and ideas for trips. You can inspire your church to go! Now is a good time to start.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.
Cornerstone Research provides a free, 30-minute consultation to learn about your dissertation or DMin project, or other editing needs, and to help you determine if their services are a fit for you. To learn more, or to schedule your free consultation, visit cornerstoneresearch.org.

Ghostwriting & Preaching Your Own Words (Ep. 232) May 07, 2021

What is ghostwriting? Do some pastors actually use ghostwriters? In this episode, Josh and Sam discuss the ethics of using other people to help write books and sermons. They also discuss the validity of aspiring to broaden your audience beyond your church. Additionally, this episode covers services that help with sermon outlines and illustrations. Should you use sermon outlines from another source?
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.
Cornerstone Research provides a free, 30-minute consultation to learn about your dissertation or DMin project, or other editing needs, and to help you determine if their services are a fit for you. To learn more, or to schedule your free consultation, visit cornerstoneresearch.org.

Who Owns Your Sermons & Other Questions About Intellectual Property (Ep. 231) Apr 30, 2021

There is no clock with creativity. Writers, musicians, and other artists are often inspired in the moment. Who owns the intellectual property created by a staff person while on church time? Should pastors and other staff use church equipment for their creative endeavors? In this episode, Josh and Sam interview Dee Black and talk through these issues. Check out Dee Black's new album, The Blood, Vol. 1, and other great merchandise items at DeeBlack.com.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.
Cornerstone Research provides a free, 30-minute consultation to learn about your dissertation or DMin project, or other editing needs, and to help you determine if their services are a fit for you. To learn more, or to schedule your free consultation, visit cornerstoneresearch.org.

Old-School Church Reunions, Homecomings & Milestone Celebrations (Ep. 230) Apr 23, 2021

On this episode, Josh and Sam answer a listener question about inviting people back to the church for a milestone celebration. We cover some ideas for these kinds of events and how to have fun without spending a lot. Remember, you become what you celebrate. Church reunions and homecomings can be fun! Build milestone celebrations around your values and they are more likely to become part of your church culture.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Why Pastors Struggle with Friendship & How to Fix It (Ep. 229) Apr 16, 2021

Many pastors talk about friendship and the importance of community, but not enough live it. A lot of pastors are lonely and need friends just like anyone else. Josh Teis joins the show and discusses how pastors can be more intentional about making friends. Listen to the episode and check out his new book, A Quest for Friendship.
Get the book here: https://bit.ly/3dzKWVN
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Making the Most of Low Attendance Sundays (Ep. 228) Apr 09, 2021

Every church inevitably has Sundays with fewer people attending. Some Sundays stand out as the lowest. On this episode, Josh and Sam identify these Sundays and explain how you can make the most of them. The temptation is to do little with them. Some churches even cancel certain Sundays in the year. Don't cancel them! Low attendance Sundays are more of an opportunity than you might realize.
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Keeping Your Devotional Going Through the Frustrations of Leading a Church (Ep. 227) Apr 02, 2021

Leading a church is more than vision, strategy, and tactics. Pastors must lead churches devotionally. The problem is our own frustrations can get in the way of devotional leadership. On this episode, Josh and Sam discuss how pastors lead devotionals within the church and lead themselves with a personal devotional time.
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

A Basket of Ideas for Easter 2021 (Ep. 226) Mar 26, 2021

Many people are targeting Easter for their comeback to church. For a portion of your congregation, it will be their first Sunday back since the beginning of the pandemic. In this episode, Sam and Josh discuss what you can do to prepare for Easter services. We also give you a way to estimate how many are likely to attend this Easter.
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Developing A Feedback Culture (Ep. 225) Mar 19, 2021

This episode of EST features Michael Wood from First Baptist West Monroe LA. Josh and Michael talk through strategies for developing a culture wherein those being led not only have the opportunity to give constructive feedback but are actually empowered to do so. They will share some of the reason this culture is hard to build and why some church leaders will resist the concept in the first place.
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Don't Be Lazy (Ep. 224) Mar 12, 2021

Clint Pressley, Lead Pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte NC, joins EST in this episode to discuss how to develop an appropriate work ethic as a pastor and minister. We talk about the dangers of not working hard and why so many people in ministry seem to develop a lazy approach to their labor. We also share ways you can develop a tenacity in the field that will lead to church support and respect among community leaders. There are even some pointers about how to keep yourself from worshiping your work product and resting in the reality that ministry never stops.
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Making The Leap to a Different Size Church (Ep. 223) Mar 05, 2021

Most pastors will transition to a different size church. Many move to larger churches, but some move to smaller churches. On this episode, Sam and Josh discuss the heart issues and organizational expectations when making the leap to a church of a different size. We offer some tips on how to prioritize your first few months and connect with people in the church. Whether you move to a larger or smaller church, the transition will impact your mind and soul. We discuss how to prepare for the transition and what to do once you arrive.
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

When Your Family Needs You More than Your Church (Ep. 222) Feb 26, 2021

Ed Litton joins the show again to talk about the importance of ministering to your family, especially during a time of acute crisis. He shares his personal story of losing his first wife to a car accident. On this episode, Ed gives some of the best advice we've ever had on the podcast. We ask him pointed questions about what to do when your family is going through a horrible tragedy.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Name and Location Changes with the Established Church (Ep. 221) Feb 19, 2021

When the community changes around a church, should the congregation change the name? Ed Litton of Redemption Church joins the show today. He shares the story of the name change at his church. The New Testament word for church is ekklesia, which implies a mobile group of people. The church must be flexible to accomplish the vision. On this episode, we cover good motivations for a name or location change, as well as bad motivations.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

What to Do Right Now to Recruit More KidMin Volunteers Post-COVID (Ep. 220) Feb 12, 2021

Almost every church is smaller right now, which means the pool of potential volunteers is even smaller. Nowhere does a church feel this impact like in children's ministry. Jenny Smith joins the show and shares what churches can do right now to recruit more people. She talks about what it means to have a reset mindset and how to stabilize a volunteer base when people are not able to commit weekly. On the show, we talk about a few "wake up calls" for the future of children's ministry.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Getting the Whole Family Involved in Church (Ep. 219) Feb 05, 2021

Many established churches struggle to incorporate the whole family into the ministry of the church. While the need for age-segmented ministries will always exist, silos can form with age groups. Jenny Smith joins the show today to discuss how a church can equip the entire family together. Her ideas include a new way of doing a children's sermon, how to write your own curriculum that matches the sermon, and how to integrate children and students into the ministry of the church.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Best Practices with Pastors and Their Credit Cards (Ep. 218) Jan 29, 2021

Credit cards can be helpful, but pastors need to be careful using them. On this episode, Josh King and Sam Rainer discuss best practices for pastors and church leaders when using credit cards. What limits should be on the card? How do you track receipts? Have a clear process with your church credit cards because it's something most church members don't see. Accountability and transparency are a must.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Training & Straining Your Preacher Voice (Ep. 217) Jan 22, 2021

Your voice is one of the most used tools in the pastor toolbox. If you preach regularly, then you must have a strategy for training your voice and a recovery method for your voice. On this episode, Josh and Sam talk about their voice strategies. We discuss whether or not pastors should sing in the service and how to engage people on Sunday morning without straining the voice. Credit for this episode goes to one of our listeners, Dan Glenn, who suggested we cover the topic.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Planning Your Best Year Now (Ep. 216) Jan 15, 2021

The opportunity in 2021 is bigger than the crisis of 2020. In this week's episode, Josh and Sam talk about how they are planning for the upcoming year. They share some personal goals and goals they are setting for their churches. Your ability to pivot is just as important as the quality of your planning.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

When Do You Change Your Sermon Based on Breaking News? (Ep. 215) Jan 08, 2021

Everything is breaking news now, and it's hard to discern what is important. Not everything being reported is newsworthy, and most media outlets sensationalize their stories. Josh and Sam discuss the ways they discern when to change a sermon based on a national or global event. Two key questions help. First, is it a biblical issue? Second, is it a culture-shaping event? Much of what is reported is forgotten in twenty-four hours. Shepherd your people through current events, but do not follow the media with your sermons.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Raw Honesty About Racial Diversity & The Church (Ep. 214) Jan 01, 2021

Every pastor and church leader needs to have an appreciation and understanding of race, ethnicity, and culture. Chip Luter of Idlewild at the Springs joins Sam and Josh on today's episode. Chip shares his experience in transitioning from a predominantly black church in New Orleans to a diverse church in Tampa. Don't be afraid to talk with people of different ethnicities, hear their stories, and ask questions. Engage with people in your community Instead of getting your talking points from the talking heads of media.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

How To Handle Gifts From Church Members (Ep. 213) Dec 25, 2020

Pastors often receive gifts from church members. Sometimes these gifts can be substantial. What should you do with cash gifts? What is your process for receiving gifts as a pastor? Chip Luter of Idlewild at the Springs joins Sam and Josh on today's episode. We share stories about some good gifts we have received and some odd gifts we have received. As a pastor, be willing to receive gifts but don't encourage a culture of people giving you gifts. Don't abuse your position of power.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

The Best Christmas Gift Pastors Can Give: Encouragement (Ep. 212) Dec 18, 2020

Both introverted and extroverted pastors can be encouragers. Matt Carter of Sagemont Church joins Josh and Sam on the show. They discuss how any pastor--no matter what their leadership style--can be intentional about encouraging others. Some churches are notorious for piling discouragement on pastors, and the cumulative effect of constant discouragement can be more than most realize. But pastors should take the initiative with encouragement and lead the way even if a church is not encouraging. On this episode, we offer several ideas for how pastors can encourage church members.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Church For The Rest Of Us (Ep. 211) Dec 11, 2020

What is a "normal" church? On this episode, Josh and Sam join Jimmy Scroggins of Family Church to discuss why every church is at least a little weird. All churches are messy! It's normal to be messy, but good shepherds will lead their people through the mess. The church you are in now is your "normal." It is not helpful to be obsessed with being like someone else or some other church. Josh, Sam, and Jimmy share their normal struggles and also some pieces of encouragement. Also, check out churchfortherestofus.com to sign up for a conference for "normal" church pastors and leaders.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

COVID Christmas & Your Church (Ep. 210) Dec 04, 2020

With rising COVID case counts, many churches are wondering what to do about the Christmas season. On this episode, Josh and Sam discuss some ideas for Christmas Eve services and other events. You should not cancel Christmas at your church, but you may have to get creative. Don't be reckless for the sake of tradition but think of ways to serve your church and community.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Common Mistakes Younger Pastors Make (Ep. 209) Nov 27, 2020

Every pastor makes mistakes. On this episode, Josh and Sam discuss some of the more common mistakes younger pastors make. Do not underestimate the power of symbols like the remembrance table, pulpits, and altars. Misdirected ministry ambition can lead to bitterness and jealousy. A lack of accountability can take you to a dark place. You don't have to know everything, so stop pretending like you do.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Using Sermon Illustrations, Videos, Props & Other Preaching Helps (Ep. 208) Nov 20, 2020

Jesus used sermon props like coins and sheep. He also used illustrations like parables. Sermon props and illustrations can be useful, but there is a point at which too much can become a distraction. Don't start your sermon preparation with the prop or illustration; always start your sermon preparation with the text. Josh Teis of Idea Network and Southern Hills Church joins us for this episode. Josh, Josh, and Sam share their preferred ways of using sermon illustrations, videos, and bumpers.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

2021 Will Be The New Baseline For Your Church (Ep. 207) Nov 13, 2020

Pastors and church leaders are preparing for a lot of uncertainty with the next year. You should expect 2021 to become the new baseline for your church. Almost all of your metrics will reset. The first step in preparing for 2021 is to accept reality and don't get caught in the comparison trap with other churches. Now is the time to implement needed change... but graciously and carefully. Pastor Marcus Hayes of Crossroads Baptist Church joins us on this episode.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Do Bible Reading Plans Actually Work? (Ep. 206) Nov 06, 2020

The number one indicator of spiritual maturity is daily Bible reading. On this episode, we discuss how to get your congregation reading their Bibles and share our favorite Bible reading plans. Steve Bezner of Houston Northwest Church joins us. Accountability and encouragement are key with Bible reading plans. When people read the Bible together, they are more likely to stick with it than doing a Bible reading plan alone.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Feeling Appreciated As A Pastor (Ep. 205) Oct 30, 2020

As pastor appreciation month closes out, Sam and Josh share some honest feelings about how we show appreciation to each other. Churches should honor the entire staff, not just lead pastors. And unfortunately, not enough pastors and staff are as appreciated as they should be. The best thing church members can do to encourage their pastors is to invite someone to church and do God's work. Pastors should not expect appreciation but be willing to receive encouragement when people give it. On this episode, we announce the winner of our giveaway and surprise a local pastor with a $250 gift card.
Episode Sponsors:
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Just this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you don’t have to wait until the next full semester to begin. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

The Benefit Of Mid-Week Services (Ep. 204) Oct 23, 2020

Mid-week services are making a comeback as churches reopen. In fact, some churches are experiencing faster growth on Wednesday nights than on Sunday mornings. In the past churches could count on people attending three timeslots a week: Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday evening. Today, the most you will get is two timeslots. Wednesday evenings are a good option for the second timeslot. If you align your ministries on Wednesday evenings with the same schedules, then you can expect more people to attend.
Episode Sponsors:
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.
At Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, ministry begins now. The church needs leaders with deep theological knowledge and hands-on ministry experience. Here, you’ll get both. If you’re called to take the next step, there’s no better place to start.

The Church Recovery Process Out Of COVID (Ep. 203) Oct 16, 2020

Pastors are burning out at a record pace, but there is a way towards recovery. Karl Vaters joins Sam and Josh on this week's episode. The post-COVID recovery will take years, not months, in many small churches. Karl Vaters shares some key ways churches can begin the recovery process. Church unity is more important than church uniformity. Saving money is not a lack of faith; it's stewardship. Check out Karl's new book, The Church Recovery Guide. It's full of wisdom taken from the perspective of smaller churches.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

When Churches Search For New Pastors (Ep. 202) Oct 09, 2020

In the coming months, a larger-than-usual shuffling will take place. Many pastors will transition to new ministry positions as others transition out. William Vanderbloemen joins Josh and Sam to discuss how you can prepare for your next ministry position. He also shares the fascinating inside story of how he started his company and his new venture, Christian Teams. We discuss several tips for pastors in transition and what to expect in the weeks leading up to the new position.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

The Pastor's Phone (Ep. 201) Oct 02, 2020

There are real dangers with constant notifications on your phone. Pastors must manage how and when to connect with people. Social media can be especially toxic. Mark Satterfield, Senior Pastor of the Glade Church, joins us on the show. How do we keep the phone from keeping us? It takes work to break the confirmation bias of social media algorithms. It's good to establish deep work patterns away from the constant distraction of email. We discuss how to set your phone to minimize distractions without disconnecting completely.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

The Future of Worship Venues After COVID-19 (Ep. 200) Sep 25, 2020

Preaching and worship venues are getting smaller. The average size of a new worship space or new sanctuary is down significantly. Churches with large spaces are asking the question about downsizing. What does this mean for the future of the church? Michael Wood, the lead pastor of First West, joins Sam and Josh on this week's episode. While COVID-19 has temporarily changed how people feel about the fullness of a space, these expectations will not last long term. We talk about different models of multisite churches and how smaller venues will become more popular in the future.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

The Future Of Preaching After COVID-19 (Ep. 199) Sep 18, 2020

Preaching has changed with COVID-19, but it's anything but dead. More pastors are in front of a camera than ever before. The preaching audience is broad digitally but also smaller in size in live venues. Clay Smith joins us on the show. He is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in the Atlanta area. We discuss what the next eighteen months of preaching will look like. A renewed appreciation for live preaching will occur, but pastors should not neglect the power of a digital footprint.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Congregational Singing & Leading As A Worshiper (Ep. 198) Sep 11, 2020

The church will worship only to the level of the lead pastor. If a lead pastor is not a worshiper, then the church will struggle to worship. First Baptist Concord Pastor, John Mark Harrison, joins us on the show. The relationship between worship pastor and lead pastor is critical for the health of the church. John Mark, Josh, and Sam share their perspectives on how to lead a church towards healthy congregational singing. How involved should the lead pastor be in the selection of songs? Do you ever change the lyrics of a song? We share our answers and more.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Keeping A Long-Term Perspective In A Broken Church (Ep. 197) Sep 04, 2020

Many pastors inherit broken churches. The prospect of shepherding there for the long-haul can be mentally draining. In this episode, Sam and Josh interview Clint Pressley, Senior Pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C. Preparing for a long-term pastorate means maintaining the discipline of balance, especially at the beginning and end of your day. Give yourself time to breathe and unwind in the morning and evening because the middle of the day can be chaotic. Pastors who survive long-term are the ones who work hard but also keep a maintainable structure to each day. In a broken church, two kinds of leaders are typically needed. One that is a catalyst for change and another that can shepherd for the long haul. Sometimes these two leaders are two different pastors. Other times these two leaders are the same pastor that wears two different hats.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Managing Your Schedule When You Don't Have An Assistant (Ep. 196) Aug 28, 2020

We're all busy. Pastors especially have full calendars, but not every pastor has an assistant. How can you manage your schedule when you don't have an assistant? Josh and Sam share some everyday tools they use. As a pastor, you should be accessible to your congregation but always being available will crush you. In this episode, we share how to prioritize God and family with some practical scheduling techniques. What should you put in your calendar every week? How can prayer reminders help you shepherd the people you serve? What are the snooze and scheduling features in your email? There are some valuable technological solutions that will save you hours of work each week.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Measuring Up Your Church Right Now (Ep. 195) Aug 21, 2020

How do you measure church health in a pandemic? What do the numbers even mean right now? With church attendance at 25% to 50% for most churches, it's more difficult to get a feel for the room. Ronnie Parrott joins Sam and Josh on this episode to discuss how they are tracking church health. Focus on four key areas of church health: Stewardship, leadership, membership, and discipleship. The best way to measure church health is to track what you should be. Evangelism is as important as ever. Giving to missions should be emphasized. Care opportunities are abundant. Phone calls and letters are good ways to connect to members and people in the community.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

When Pastors and Deacons Do Ministry Together (Ep. 194) Aug 14, 2020

When pastors and deacons work together, the ministry of the church thrives. When they are at odds, ministry struggles. Deacons are called to be unifiers in the church. Pastors should treat deacons positively and with respect. When hostility exists between pastors and deacons, the church will drift away from the mission. Too often deacons are forced into roles they are not passionate about. You can breathe life into the deacon body by giving them responsibilities in the areas they love. In this episode, Josh gives a great tip about how to equip deacons. It involves a pocket knife.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Pastors & Their Personality Types (Ep. 193) Aug 07, 2020

On this episode, we discuss our personality types and how they influence our leadership. We discuss different tests like the Myers-Briggs, Enneagram, and the DiSC. Your personality will play into how you lead, and portions of your personality will rise up depending on the situation. Are these kinds of tests helpful? Or are they a bunch of bunk? Personality tests are helpful when having a discussion with someone you know well.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Should A Pastor Have Friends In The Church? (Ep. 192) Jul 28, 2020

As a pastor, you are part of the body of Christ. Within the body, friendship is important, even for pastors. Pastors should have friends in the church and model friendship for the church. Friendship takes time, and the expectation of instant friendship in the church is not healthy. The lead pastor should be friendly with staff, but being a friend to subordinates is challenging. The staff needs you to be a great boss first and a friend second. If you want friends in the church as a pastor, you have to take the initiative. The more mature and older you get as a pastor, the easier it becomes to make friends in the church.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Fall Failure to Relaunch (Ep. 191) Jul 21, 2020

Micah and Josh hosted a discussion about the factors to consider when relaunching in the fall. Heavy consideration is given to not only the decisions being enforced by the school districts and public officials but also the mentality and politics behind those decisions. The encouragement is for church leaders to accept that the church schedule will not be going back to normal by Christmas and certainly not by the start of school and to plan accordingly. As Micah pointed out, it is far better to plan that we will not return than to constantly wait for something to change. There was one rabbit trail about the inadequacies of SEC Football and how they may affect church planning decisions.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Getting Too Deep Into Social Media (Ep. 190) Jul 14, 2020

How deep is too deep for pastoral involvement in social media? In this episode, we discuss how pastors can lead through social media. Twitter and other places can be a cesspool, so dive in with caution. Do not use your children as a platform builder online. Be a kingdom builder online. Focus more on encouragement than anything else. Watch out for things that get on your nerves but are not sin issues. A good rule of thumb for shepherding online is to be 99% encouraging and only 1% corrective. Don't feel the pressure to comment on every social issue online. Balance is key. Let the whole of your ministry speak more than your social media statements.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

I Am So Tired (Ep. 189) Jul 07, 2020

Every pastor experiences a season of weariness and being tired. On this episode, we discuss how pastors can lead while tired. When you're tired as a church leader, it is important to know what to share with your spouse. When you're tired as a pastor, you must lead from a place of optimism and not negativity. Isolation is never good when you're tired as a church leader. Develop friends who can help you filter and discern what's next. When you're tired one key to a less stressful week is getting your sermon done early.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

What's So Funny? (Ep. 188) Jun 23, 2020

Humor is an underrated leadership tool. Pastors can diffuse tension with winsomeness and wit. Preaching should include humor but be careful with how you use jokes in the pulpit. Practical jokes are one way to build camaraderie with church staff. In this episode, Sam and Micah discuss the ways in which pastors can lead through humor.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

The Clothes Pastors Wear (Ep. 187) Jun 16, 2020

You are what you wear. Sorta. What should you wear when preaching? Culture, geographic region, and church tradition all influence the decision. In this episode, Micah, Josh, and Sam talk about what they wear and why.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Transitioning from Preaching to Pastoring (Ep. 186) Jun 09, 2020

Preaching is not the same as shepherding. The transition from preaching to pastoring involves building credibility through relationships. Pastors should be accessible to their congregation.
Create a "GIP" list to start building relationships. The GIP list includes the top givers, influencers, and problem makers. When you meet with church members, ask them two questions. How did you come to know Jesus? How did you come to our church?
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

The Pastor Before You (Ep. 185) Jun 02, 2020

We feel there is an ever looming shuffle of lead pastoral positions. With that in mind many of our listeners will find themselves interacting with the "former pastor". It is an inevitable reality of leading an already established church. In this episode Josh and Sam tackle some of the hardships that come from interacting with your predecessor and some of the ways in which you can make that relationship something of value and joy.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

How to Read a Church (Ep. 184) May 26, 2020

The question new candidates and new pastors need to ask is "who is this church?" The guys spend this episode talking through the details and issues you need to think through when considering the particulars of your church.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

What We Have Lost (Ep. 183) May 19, 2020

Micah and Sam share some thoughts about what has been lost during this time of quarantine.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Thinking Through Coming Back (Ep. 182) May 12, 2020

Josh, Micah and Sam discuss the factors we should consider as we lead our churches back to in person meetings.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Bylaws During Pandemic (Ep. 181) May 05, 2020

What should a church do about their bylaws during a COVID like situation? The guys weigh in and share what their churches are doing and what you may need to do in the future.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

The Ordinances When We Can't Meet (Ep. 180) Apr 28, 2020

One of the big questions today is whether or not the church should partake in the Lord's Supper and Baptism while we are unable to gather. In this episode, Micah, Sam, and Josh all weigh in and offer some level headed and respectful perspective.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

2020's Horrible Start and Where We Are Headed (Ep. 179) Apr 21, 2020

Sam and Josh discuss just how 2020 started despite any of our previous predictions and what they think may lay in store for Established Churches.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Destressing During the Pandemic (Ep. 178) Apr 14, 2020

The guys share the ways they and others are keeping their sanity during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

I Like Big Pulpits And I Can Not Lie (Ep. 177) Apr 07, 2020

Sam and Josh are talking about church furniture and what that might (or might not) mean about church ministry.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare by visiting churchinitiative.org/est

Shepherding in Crisis (Ep. 176) Mar 31, 2020

Micah and Sam (Josh was sick) share insights to shepherding the established church during a time of crisis and turmoil.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare by visiting churchinitiative.org/est

Ministering In An Online World Pt. 2 (Ep. 175) Mar 24, 2020

This is the second part of a two-part series looking at the challenges ministering in an online world. In this episode the EST Host share insights concerning online giving, keeping the children engaged and more.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare by visiting churchinitiative.org/est

Ministering In An Online World Pt. 1 (Ep. 174) Mar 20, 2020

In this special release episode, the EST Hosts share some helpful thoughts regarding online services, pastoral care, and other choices we are making as we learn to minister in an online world.
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare by visiting churchinitiative.org/est

Funerals and the EST Church (Ep. 173) Mar 17, 2020

You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare at churchinitiative.org/est

Personal Development (Ep. 172) Mar 10, 2020

Josh and Micah discuss the ways they keep themselves from growings stagnant. Hopefully a few helpful ideas you can use to develop as a church leader.
Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Initiative!
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

Pastor Plagiarism (Ep. 171) Mar 03, 2020

What is the line between borrowing and stealing when it comes to pastoral ministry? The guys talk it through and try to give some guidance.
Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Initiative!
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.

In Not Of (Ep. 170) Feb 25, 2020

Josh Ties of Idea Network (https://www.ideanetwork.church/) joins Josh King to discuss the feelings many church leaders feel in which they are part of a tribe and yet do not feel as though they fit into it.
Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Initiative!
You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.
Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.
And visit https://www.ideanetwork.church/freebook for a free digital resource from The Idea Network.

The Pastor's Voice (Ep. 169) Feb 18, 2020

We tackle the concept of authenticity in and out of the pulpit in regards to the preachers' voice and style.
Thank you to our fantastic sponsors - Church Initiative - who provide amazing resources for churches to deal with grief and divorce. Find out more information at churchinitiative.org

Church Discipline (Ep. 168) Feb 11, 2020

The guys break down Church Discipline and how to avoid it in a healthy way.
Check out our episode sponsors Church Initiatives at https://www.churchinitiative.org/

Structuring Ministry Teams (Ep. 167) Feb 03, 2020

Matt Svoboda rejoins EST to talk through the structure and building of ministry volunteer teams.
Matt is the founder and leader of Church Ops Groups. Get more information or connect with Matt at churchopsgroup.com

Thinking Through Evangelism (Ep 166) Jan 28, 2020

Representatives of the Luis Palau Organization (Kevin Palau, President of the LPA - Dr. Desmond Henry, Director of the Global Network of Evangelists) join the show to think through Evangelism in the local church.
Find out more information about the Luis Palau Organization at https://www.palau.org/

Pastoral Perks (Ep. 165) Jan 21, 2020

Pretty much an entire episode about baked goods.

Being on the B Team (Ep. 164) Jan 14, 2020

Many of us struggle with feelings of inferiority as it relates to the size of our ministry. In this episode, Josh and Sam discuss how to navigate those feelings and work with those who are perceived to be better at what we do.

Insider Culture (Ep. 163) Jan 07, 2020

How do you lead your church to focus outside of itself and combat the bend toward insider culture? This episode explores that topic with helps and experiences that may work where you are.

In View Of A Call (Ep. 162) Dec 31, 2019

For many ESTablished Church leaders the first time to preach at a church is at a In View of A Call Weekend. EST discusses the various ways to plan for that sermon as well as the impact it may have on one's family.

Surprise Topic - The Rural Church (Ep. 161) Dec 24, 2019

What are some of the issues facing the Rural Churches in America and how should a Rural ESTablished Church Leader think through those challenges.

Surprise Topic - Church Websites (Ep. 160) Dec 17, 2019

Sam and Josh share some helpful insights about online church marketing especially as it relates to Google and the church website.

Turning the Yearly Corner (Ep. 159) Dec 10, 2019

Josh Irmler, Fresno Church, jumps on the show to talk about maximizing the end of the year calendar and maximizing the EOY momentum going into the next year.
Check out Josh's free resource at freeministryresources.com

Surprise Topic - 2020 Speculations (Ep. 158) Dec 03, 2019

Sam surprises Josh with the topic as they both predict what will affect the Established churches in 2020. Join the conversation on Twitter.

Holiday Special (Ep. 157) Nov 26, 2019

All three hosts give their opinions on the joys and challenges of the Holiday season and ways to navigate the emotional toll it can create.
EST apologizes for the echo. This problem will soon be remedied.

Ministry When You Are Sad (Ep. 156) Nov 19, 2019

Josh and Sam discussing ministering when you are down and sad about ministry, how to fight through it and ways you can prevent sadness in your ministry.
EST apologizes for the echo. This problem will soon be remedied.

International Missionary Interview (Ep. 155) Nov 12, 2019

We had a great time speaking with Eric, who serves the church in Central Asia. Listen in on ways the EST church can connect with international missionaries in a healthy way.

Extroverted Shortcomings (Ep. 154) Oct 29, 2019

We are discussing the weaknesses of extroverted leaders and how to overcome them.

Transitioning Culture (Ep. 153) Oct 22, 2019

Baptism Sunday (Ep. 152) Oct 15, 2019

In this episode, we discuss planning and executing an effective and yet doctrinally faithful Baptism Sunday.

Competing as a Church Leader (Ep. 151) Oct 08, 2019

We discuss the idea of competition and ministry. Is it healthy for us to compete with one another.

Preaching Levity (Ep. 150) Oct 01, 2019

When is it acceptable and how should we use levity in sermons and leading. In this episode Micah, Sam, and Josh share their experiences with joking around and a few tips on how to use it effectively while leading an Established Church.

Complaining About Pastoring (Ep. 149) Sep 24, 2019

Josh Reavis and Josh King talk through the idea of complaining about the ministry and why that may not be the most helpful thing for us to do.

A Revi Story, Wellsprings Church Georgia (Ep. 148) Sep 17, 2019

In this episode we hear from Chuck Lewis of Wellspring Church in Macon GA and the revitalization story he led them through.

Preaching Pregame Routine (Ep 147) Sep 11, 2019

Seems as though every preaching pastor has a routine they walk through the week before they preach. The guys walk through some of their routines and share a few insights for how to get ready.

Movin On Up (Ep. 146) Sep 03, 2019

When should you consider moving to a larger church? The guys share some of the reasons they moved and when you probably shouldn't.

Budget Shortfall (Ep. 145) Aug 27, 2019

A few tips and ways to approach a budget shortfall for established churches.

Reactive vs Proactive (Ep. 144) Aug 20, 2019

Matt Svoboda of ChurchOps Groups jumps back on this show to break down the issue of being reactive and proactive.

Poor Prioritization (Ep. 143) Aug 13, 2019

Matt Svoboda and Josh talk through some of the common challenges and issues young staff members face. This episode breaks down how to identify and deal with poor prioritization, time management, and execution.

Speed of Change (Ep. 142) Aug 06, 2019

How fast is too fast when leading an established church through change?

Buildings As A Resource To The Community (Ep. 141) Jul 30, 2019

Some ideas on how and when to leverage the established church buildings toward community service and outreach.

Petty Pastors (Ep. 140) Jul 23, 2019

We share some of the habits and characteristics of leaders who tend to be petty.

Petty Churches (Ep. 139) Jul 16, 2019

The guys break down some of the most petty characteristics you might find leading people in established churches.

Vacation Bible School 2019 (Ep. 138) Jul 02, 2019

Micah and Sam talk about some of the ways to rethink and redeem VBS in the Established church.

Revi Story from Canada (Ep. 137) Jun 25, 2019

Steve Schaufele from the Foothills Community Church in Okotos Canada share the ups and downs of leading a revitalization. There is a heavy dose of Canadian jokes and culture involved. Join in the conversation on Twitter.

Church Consulting Pt 2 (Ep 136) Jun 18, 2019

Matt Svoboda of ChurchOps Group , https://www.churchopsgroup.com/ , shares the top three areas an EST church leader needs consulting on and some free advice when dealing with those issues.

Church Consulting Part 1 (Ep 135) Jun 11, 2019

Matt Svoboda of ChurchOps (https://www.churchopsgroup.com/) discusses the need for church consulting at any stage of church growth. He also gives some advice on how a church with any sized budget can take advantage of consulting.

Ministering Through a Funeral (Ep. 134) Jun 04, 2019

Some pro-tips doing what many Church Leaders do not necessarily look forward to doing - funerals. Truth is, funerals can be an excellent way to minister to people.

Finding and Hiring Staff (Ep. 133) May 28, 2019

Micah and Josh give some advice and share the lessons they have learned in hiring staff for an established church.

New England Revitalization Story (Ep. 132) May 21, 2019

Gary Moritz of City United Church (https://cityunited.church/) joins the show to share a story of revitalization in New England.

Leading After A Disaster (Ep. 131) May 14, 2019

Dr. Jamie Aten, author of A Walking Disaster, joins the show to speak about the idea of pastors leading after a disaster.
He is founder and executive director of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute (HDI) at Wheaton College. HDI is first faith-based academic research center in the country. Dr. Aten also holds the Blanchard Chair of Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and helps train humanitarian, disaster, and ministry graduate students.
One of the greatest predictors of a disciple’s spiritual growth is regular Bible reading. That’s why LifeWay created the Daily Discipleship Guide. To download four free sessions of the Daily Discipleship Guide, visit BibleStudiesforLife.com/DDG.

What We Are Excited About (Ep. 130) May 07, 2019

Sam, Micah and Josh share a little about what they are excited about going on in their home churches - West Bradenton Baptist, Brainerd Baptist and Second Baptist.
One of the greatest predictors of a disciple’s spiritual growth is regular Bible reading. That’s why LifeWay created the Daily Discipleship Guide. To download four free sessions of the Daily Discipleship Guide, visit BibleStudiesforLife.com/DDG.

Pastor's Off Time (Ep. 129) Apr 30, 2019

We talk through the ways we protect our off time and what we do in our time away from work.
With Ministry Grid’s library of over 3,000 training videos, it's now simpler than ever to train every volunteer and leader in your church. And this is training you can trust. Each Ministry Grid video features an experienced ministry leader who has been where you are now. Learn how to get unlimited access for you and your church at MinistryGrid.com.

The Summer Slump (Ep 128) Apr 23, 2019

How to prepare for and maximize the Summer Slump.
This Episode's Sponsor: With Ministry Grid’s library of over 3,000 training videos, it's now simpler than ever to train every volunteer and leader in your church. And this is training you can trust. Each Ministry Grid video features an experienced ministry leader who has been where you are now. Learn how to get unlimited access for you and your church at MinistryGrid.com.

Women's Ministry (Ep. 127) Apr 16, 2019

A look at effective women's ministry in the established church and developing a mind set that encourages ministry to women.
This Episode's Sponsor: With Ministry Grid’s library of over 3,000 training videos, it's now simpler than ever to train every volunteer and leader in your church. And this is training you can trust. Each Ministry Grid video features an experienced ministry leader who has been where you are now. Learn how to get unlimited access for you and your church at MinistryGrid.com.

Negative Personalities (Ep. 126) Apr 09, 2019

We are breaking down the way we think through and react to people who are negative all the time.
This Episode's Sponsor: With Ministry Grid’s library of over 3,000 training videos, it's now simpler than ever to train every volunteer and leader in your church. And this is training you can trust. Each Ministry Grid video features an experienced ministry leader who has been where you are now. Learn how to get unlimited access for you and your church at MinistryGrid.com.

Working with Parachurch Organizations (Ep. 125) Apr 02, 2019

How do you effectively work with the para-church ministries while maintaining the mission and ministry of the local established church.
This Episode's Sponsor: With Ministry Grid’s library of over 3,000 training videos, it's now simpler than ever to train every volunteer and leader in your church. And this is training you can trust. Each Ministry Grid video features an experienced ministry leader who has been where you are now. Learn how to get unlimited access for you and your church at MinistryGrid.com.

Ageism and Church Leadership (Ep. 124) Mar 26, 2019

In this episode we discuss the affects of ageism on hiring in the local church from both sides of the topic.

Revitalization in the Northeast (Ep. 123) Mar 19, 2019

Mike Rubino (Cornerstone Bible Church, Port Jefferson Station NY) jumps on this episode to speak directly and frankly about revitalization in a Northeastern setting. He also has a thing or two to say about food and sports in the Northeast.
Revitalize Conference - https://www.revitalizeconference.org/
EST is a proud member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network.

Leading a Multi-Generational Church (Ep. 122) Mar 12, 2019

How can you lead your church to minister to people of every generation? In this episode, Josh King and Sam Rainer talk through the methods they employ to attempt just that.
EST is a proud member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network.

Former and Current Pastor Friends (Ep. 121) Mar 05, 2019

Mark Dance, LifeWay Pastors, joins the show to talk through the ups and downs of the former and current pastors of a church having a friendship.
EST is a proud member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcasts Network.

Big Church, Small Church, Team Church (Ep. 120) Feb 26, 2019

A couple of guest hosts and Josh discuss how large and small churches can work together in real and practical ways.

Church Supplement (Ep 119) Feb 19, 2019

What do you do about people who take from several churches to create a franken-church? Micah, Josh and Sam talk through their thoughts and various ways to confront an attitude of using several churches to create a multi-church experience.

Small Groups (Ep 118) Feb 12, 2019

Micah and Josh talk through Groups ministry and share a few tips on thinking through a Groups strategy.

Pastor Approachability (Ep. 117) Feb 05, 2019

We love Canadians!
In this episode we discuss the approachability of Pastors. How can you keep up with your busy schedule and still communicate your care for each person.
EST is a proud member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network - leadership.lifeway.com/podcasts

Holy Sexuality (Ep. 116) Jan 29, 2019

Dr. Christopher Yuan, DMin, from Moody Bible Institute drops into the show to discuss his newest book, "Holy Sexuality and the Gospel" and how ESTAblished church leaders can speak with those dealing with same-sex attraction.

Christian Celebrity (Ep. 115) Jan 22, 2019

Let's talk about the impact of Christian Celebrity on the pastorate and the people of the established churches. We also share our favorite Christian celebrities.

In House Preaching Farm Team (Ep. 114) Jan 15, 2019

In this episode we share a few of the ways we've developed an in house preaching team.

Giving Campaigns (Ep. 113) Jan 08, 2019

A lot of questions surround the topic of giving campaigns. For example - when should you launch one and for how much? Also, what sort of effect do they have on the mission of the church? And, when is it a bad time to launch a giving campaign? We talk about all of this and the usual in this episode of EST.
EST is a proud member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network - leadership.lifeway.com/podcasts

Best Of - Pastor's Kids (Ep. 112) Jan 01, 2019

In this "best of" episode we talk about the impact of pastoral ministry on children.
EST is a proud member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network. leadership.lifeway.com/podcasts

Best Of - Pastoral Counseling (Ep. 111) Dec 25, 2018

Merry Christmas from EST. In this "best of" episode we revisit the topic of Pastoral Counseling.
EST is a proud member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network - leadership.lifeway.com/podcasts

Responding to Numeric Growth (Ep. 110) Dec 18, 2018

A listener asked, we chimed in. How do you handle the growth of a church in a healthy sustainable way?
Tim Keller's Article - http://seniorpastorcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Tim-Keller-Size-Dynamics.pdf

Working outside of our Tribe (Ep. 109) Dec 11, 2018

Every church has a tribe, even non-denominational ones. The challenge comes in working outside of our tribe while staying consistent with what we believe are valid distinctions. In this episode Josh, Micah and Sam share some of their convictions when it comes to be working with those outside of our tribe.
Check out the new podcasts from Christianity Today and the Christian Standard Bible - Living and Effective on iTunes, Google Play or wherever you get your podcasts.
EST is a proud member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcasts Network. leadership.lifeway.com/podcasts

The Minister's Wife (Ep. 108) Dec 04, 2018

We share a little from our perspective regarding the minister's wife, her role, how to protect her and when she should and shouldn't be treated like staff.
EST is a proud member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcasts Network. leadership.lifeway.com/podcasts

Small Groups (Ep. 107) Nov 27, 2018

There are a number of ways to think through the Small Groups in a local church. In this episode Josh and Sam share some of the stories and lessons they have gathered along the way.
EST is a proud member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcasts Network. leadership.lifeway.com/podcasts

Personal and Corporate Prayer (Ep. 106) Nov 20, 2018

In this episode we cover topics such as denominational mascots, personal prayer habits and leading a prayer gathering.
EST is a proud member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network, find more information at leadership.lifeway.com/podcast.
Check out The One Thing Podact - Co-hosts Scott Sanders and Derek Hanna will explore different crucial ministry topics that are relevant to your context. In each episode, you will hear one solid, practical tip for Gospel-centered ministry. So if you're a ministry worker or ministry minded and want to learn from the Australian context, this podcast is for you.

Christmas in the EST (Ep. 105) Nov 13, 2018

The guys walk through what each church does for the Christmas season and discusses topics such as canceling services, candlelight and community outreach.
EST is a proud member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network. leadership.lifeway.com/podcasts

Leading Team Meetings (Ep. 104) Nov 06, 2018

Some great advice on leading meetings such as deacons or finance teams.

Serving in a Post-Christian Context (Ep. 103) Oct 30, 2018

Micah and Sam unpack the challenges and opportunities to serving in a post-Christian context.

Ministry on Call (Ep. 102) Oct 23, 2018

Micah and Sam share a little about the way Brainerd Baptist and Second Conway are providing ministry to those in the hospital or other similar needs.
We are excited to join the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network. The Mission of the LLPN is: To serve the church in her mission of making disciples by providing and promoting podcasts that help grow believers and the local church.

Side Hustle (Ep. 101) Oct 16, 2018

Josh and Sam talk through some of the pit falls and benefits of the pastoral side hustle.

Number 100 Oct 09, 2018

Micah, Sam and Josh share some of the highs and lows of ESTablished church ministry.

Guest Preachers (Ep. 99) Oct 02, 2018

Should you use outside preachers when you are out of the pulpit? How much should you pay and how often should you use them? That's the idea behind this week's episode.

Pastor Search Teams (Ep 98) Sep 25, 2018

Talking with a Pastor Search Team can be one of the most exciting and confusing times in the career of an established church pastor. The guys outline a few of their tips and red flags to help you in that stage.

Fall Festival (Ep. 97) Sep 18, 2018

One of the biggest events of the year is the Fall Festival. Are there new and innovative ways you could approach this Autumn staple?

Sermon Prep in Community (Ep. 96) Sep 11, 2018

Josh and Micah give some insights into the a truly collaborative practice of writing and delivering sermons.

Campusing From Both Sides (Ep. 95) Sep 04, 2018

Micah shares a bit about the launch of Brainerd's North Georgia Campus and why churches on both sides of the discussion could benefit from this topic.

Developing Next Gen Leaders (Ep. 94) Aug 28, 2018

How can churches of any size invest in the leaders of the next generation now.

Business Meetings (Ep. 93) Aug 21, 2018

Josh and Micah talk through the strategic impact of the church wide conferences and how they can be leveraged for momentum in the established church.

Heroin Church (Ep. 92) Aug 14, 2018

Sam lays out how his church has walked into the opportunity to deal with and minister to those affected by the opioid crisis in America. In this episode we talk about finding the need in your community and leading the church to do something about it.

Church Facilities with Guest John Muzyka (Ep. 91) Aug 07, 2018

John Muzyka, of Service Realty the Church Realty Experts joins the show to talk through some of the real estate decisions and mistakes Established churches make.

Short Term Missions (Ep. 90) Aug 01, 2018

How should the church think through mission intentionality? Are short-term mission projects really bad for the kingdom and if so, what might we do about it?

Rethinking through Vacation Bible School (Ep. 89) Jul 24, 2018

One of the greatest mission opportunities of nearly every church is Vacation Bible School. Josh sits down with Sharity to think through some of the distractions and opportunities related this week long outreach event.

Cool Solutions (Ep. 88) Jul 17, 2018

Tim Cool of Cool Solutions is on the show talking about some of the common facility issues that churches face and a few tips on dealing with those.
Register your team for the EST Conference at ESTCONF.com

The South African Established Church with Dr. Desmond Henry (Ep. 87) Jul 10, 2018

Micah sits down with Dr. Desmond Henry from South Africa and some of the distinctions and similarities to the established church in the United States.
Dr. Henry's article - http://desmond-henry.com/the-future-of-ministry-in-established-south-african-baptist-churches/

Influencing after Transitioning Out (Ep. 86) Jul 03, 2018

How much influence should pastors have on churches they have left? Sam Rainer and Josh King work through the potential topics and temptations of pastors influencing pastorates they have left.
Register for the Oct 4th EST Conference at estconf.com

Pastor Kids (Ep. 85) Jun 26, 2018

The guys discuss some of the issues and challenges with raising children in the pastor's home. We think through why it goes bad and potential ways to prevent the negative affects. Bonus - we share a few reasons we think being a PK is pretty great.
Register you and your team for the first ever EST Conference at estconf.com

An Interview With Noe Garcia (Ep 84) Jun 19, 2018

Noe Garcia sits down with Josh to talk about some of the highs and lows of leading North Phoenix Church back to vibrancy.

Pastoral Housing (Ep. 83) Jun 12, 2018

We talk through some of the various issues facing established church pastors about housing allowances, parsonages and the other variables to think through.

Short or Long Text (Ep. 82) Jun 05, 2018

Micah and Josh talk through some of the strengths and weaknesses when preaching certain lengths of text. Are longer text better? Is a shorter line by line or verse by verse a more faithful approach? What about word for word preaching?

Go and Tell vs Come and See (Ep. 81) May 29, 2018

Where should the leaders of established churches focus the time and resources of the church - toward outreach of inreach? The guys talk through ways to balance the two and how both can be beneficial at the right time and place.

Sermon Illustrations (Ep. 80) May 22, 2018

Sermons illustrations can be the so helpful but many preachers feel inadequate in the area of selecting and delivering the best. Sam, Micah and Josh share a few of the best resources for finding sermon illustrations, as well as some "do nots" on the topic.
Thanks to our sponsors Ministry Grid (https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/ministry-grid) and the topic submitted from a listener via Twitter.

Kids in Worship (Ep. 79) May 15, 2018

Some believe all church activities should include the entire family without separating out the age groups, others lead ministries that divide out the generations at every step of the game. We weigh in on the inclusion of children during the worship hour and share some of the things you may want to think through when tackling this topic.

Online Attendance (Ep. 78) May 08, 2018

Should churches count the online viewers of services like Facebook live to their worship numbers? We discuss this modern trend and the temptations behind it.

Benevolence (Ep. 77) May 01, 2018

We share a few helps in strategically thinking through how your church can help those in need without being taken advantage of.

Pastoral Counseling (Ep. 76) Apr 24, 2018

The guys share some of their experiences and insights with this often heavy load of the pastorate.

The Beauty of the Short Sermon (Ep. 75) Apr 17, 2018

Are longer sermons better than shorter ones? How can you preach shorter sermons?

Post Big Event Hangover (Ep. 74) Apr 10, 2018

Many pastors feel an intense darkness right after some of the mountain top experiences of the year like Easter or Christmas Eve. Are there any ways we can prevent that or make it through without resigning the church?

Encouraging Missional Engagement (Ep. 73) Apr 03, 2018

How can a pastor encourage the people to get plugged into missions both here and there.

Installing Leadership Post Change (Ep. 72) Mar 26, 2018

Leadership will make or break a movement. The question for many pastors is how and when do you install a new leader after a transition or a change? This episode breaks down that important step and the considerations that need to be made.

Continuing Education and Pastoring the EST Church (Ep. 71) Mar 20, 2018

Do pastors need an MDiv or a DMin? What should be weighed when making that decision?

Pastor Friends (Ep. 70) Mar 13, 2018

Why are pastors so lonely and how should they navigate the struggle of making relationships with other pastors.

Next Steps and Assimilation (Ep. 69) Mar 06, 2018

Josh Gatewood from Stonegate Fellowship in Odessa TX joins the show to talk about assimilation and next steps in the established church.

Restoring Wayward Members (Ep. 68) Feb 27, 2018

Micah and Josh talk about how and when to bring in members that show some caution flags.

The Small Church with Karl Vaters (Ep. 67) Feb 20, 2018

Author, Pastor and Speaker Karl Vaters jumps on EST to talk innovation from a small church perspective.
Enter to win a copy of Karl's new book, Small Church Essentials, by posting a picture on Twitter or Facebook with your Small Church Pastor Nametag. Make sure to tag ESTchurch. Get your nametag here - http://newsmallchurch.com/the-wall/get-on-the-wall/

Lies Pastors Believe (Ep. 66) Feb 13, 2018

Dayton Hartman joins the show to discuss his new book with the tag line of seven ways to elevate yourself, subvert the Gospel and undermine the church.

Theological Education (Ep. 65) Feb 06, 2018

Keith Whitfield joins EST to talk about the established church pastor and theological education. Follow Keith on twitter at https://twitter.com/kswhitfield.

Developing Church Members Theologically (Ep. 64) Jan 30, 2018

Keith Whitfield of @SEBTS is a guest on EST to talk about developing members with a theological mindset.

Book Publishing (Ep. 63) Jan 23, 2018

What are a few things a pastor should consider before starting the journey of writing a book? Sam Rainer unpacks this tricky endevour and the thoughts behind the pastor and his book.

Pastors and Social Media (Ep. 62) Jan 16, 2018

We share some opinions and insight about how pastors should handle themselves on social media like the humble brag and dealing with conflict.

Prayer Meetings (Ep. 61) Jan 09, 2018

Sam and Josh talk about the ever present prayer meeting and how to maximize them as well as work with them in an established church.

Engaging the Established Church Evangelistically (Ep. 60) Jan 02, 2018

Micah interviews Professor Alvin Reid and uncovers some of his insights into evangelism and local missional work.

Bible Engagement (Ep. 59) Dec 19, 2017

How do established church pastors encourage and prioritize Biblical engagement in the life of their people?

Santa at Church (Ep. 58) Dec 12, 2017

What do you do with Santa? Micah and Josh talk through the issues pastors face as it comes to the non-biblical extras that come along with the Holidays.

Church Safety and Security (Ep. 57) Dec 05, 2017

Where should pastors start as they seek to secure the campus? This interview will help you with that. Warning, some of the discussion points are graphic and a bit intense.

No Silver Bullets (Ep. 56) Nov 28, 2017

Author Daniel Im joins the EST to discuss discipleship in the Established church and the impacts small changes can have on the church's overall discipleship strategy.

Dealing with your Debt (Ep. 55) Nov 21, 2017

Josh speaks with guests Peter and John Muzyka about dealing with debt, refinancing a church loan and how to move forward with mission and ministry with that sort of burden.

Scheduling During The Holidays (Ep 54) Nov 14, 2017

Sam and Micah share tips and tricks for keeping a schedule in the busiest season of the year.

Continuing Education for the EST Pastor (Ep. 53) Nov 07, 2017

Sam and Micah discuss the need and benefits of continuing to learn as a pastor.

Control Of The Decision Making Process (Ep. 52) Oct 31, 2017

The guys compare and contrast the more prevalent forms of church polity in their churches. They talk about elder led, committee driven and staff ran church government.

Adding Another Service (Ep. 51) Oct 24, 2017

Micah and Josh unpack the ins and outs of why and when to add an additional worship service as well as some strategies that may help before you need to add one.

Putting the Sermon Together (Ep. 50) Oct 17, 2017

The three hosts share the exact way they piece together the weekly sermon.

Budgeting (Ep. 49) Oct 10, 2017

The guys talk through budget planning and how to think through a budget strategy for churches of all sizes.

Planning Ahead and the Church's Schedule (Ep. 48) Oct 03, 2017

How do you plan out the calender of the church and keep it in line with your values and mission.

Emphasis on Evangelism (Ep. 47) Sep 26, 2017

How can the EST pastor emphasize evangelism in the church?

Unengaged Members (Ep. 46) Sep 19, 2017

How should you follow up with members who are no longer engaged in the church? What's the strategy your church employs to reach out to the sheep who have wandered off.

Northern EST Pastoring (Ep. 45) Sep 12, 2017

We talk with a southern transplant to New Hampshire about pastoring established churches in the North.

Sermons A Year In Advance (Ep. 44) Sep 05, 2017

How can smal church pastos schedule sermon series out a year in advance? What do you do with really long sections of scripture?

Preparing and Responding to Natural Disasters Ep. 43 Aug 29, 2017

Steve Bezner (@Bezner) joins the show to talk about the recent devestation left by Hurricane Harvey and how an established church can prepare and respond to natural disasters.

Primacy of the Pulpit Ep. 42 Aug 22, 2017

We talk about the importance and impact of the pulpit ministry. There are a number of things to think through as we consider the role and power of the person who preaches regularly in an established church.

Vision Casting Ep. 41 Aug 15, 2017

We talk about forming a vision, leaking a vision and leading the chruch to grasp the visions God has for it. After listening to show jump on social media and let us know what your church's vision statement is.

Systems of a Healthy Church Ep. 40 Aug 08, 2017

We interview Pastor Russ Barksdale about the major and minor systems needed in a healthy growing church. We also touch on how to get started and what to do when you want to quit.

How Loud is too Loud? Ep. 39 Aug 01, 2017

Sam interviews Jordan Richmond, a worship pastor at Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, FL. They discuss the ideal volume for music in worship services. Jordan talks about why people are so hypercritical about church music. He also answers the question, How should we define worship?

Cultural Anthropology (Ep. 38) Jul 25, 2017

Every pastor and minister needs to understand the culture in which they serve. In this episode the guys talk a little about how to see the needs in your neighborhood and meet those needs with the Gospel.

Vacations and Sabbaticals (Ep. 37) Jul 18, 2017

Pastor, have you taken a break? In this episode, the guys talk about how to take a vacation and actually unplug. Sabbaticals are also brought up. If you are getting worn out, this is a show for you.

Backward Step (Ep. 36) Jul 11, 2017

What's it look like for a pastor to leave a large church to take a much smaller church?
We talk with Pastor Andrew Werley (Steamboat Springs CO) about that and ministry in a resort community.

Dealing with Disagreeing Leadership (Ep. 35) Jul 04, 2017

What should you do if you have a leader who disagrees with your direction? What if they are disrespectful in how they disagree? When should you include other people in the conflict?
This episode is brought to you in part by Southeastern Seminary sebts.edu and Pastor Talk by LifeWay lifeway.com/pastortalk

Evangelize the Church Membership (Ep. 34) Jun 27, 2017

Should we consider the church rolls as a list of people who need to become believers? How should you approach 'cleaning up the church list'?
Brought to you in part by Southeastern Seminary and Pastor Talk by LifeWay

Tough Text, Tough Topics (Ep. 33) Jun 20, 2017

What should you do if you come across a tough text to preach? How do the hosts navigate those topics that we know will be controversial?
This episdoe is brought to you in part by Southeastern Baptist Theo Seminary and PastorTalk by LifeWay

Networks and Associations (Ep. 32) Jun 13, 2017

What role if any do networks, associations and denominations play in the life of the local Established church? Do they have any benefit for the lead pastors? We break it down and share our strugles with these ever present collectives.
This episode is brought to you by PastorTalk by LifeWay and Southeastern Seminary.

How to Leave Jun 06, 2017

You are as responsible for how you leave a church as you are for how you lead it.
In this episode Sam, Micah and Josh discuss the complexities involved in the decision to leave a church. They cover when you should announce, what you should od in the interim and what your first priority at the new post should be.
This episode is brought you by both - Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors.
With Southeastern learn how you can GO to reach your community, your nation and your world. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there.
Connect with other pastoral resources from proven practitioners at LifeWay.com/Pastors!

Giving Records (Ep. 30) May 30, 2017

How much should the pastor know about the giving of the membership? Is there ever a time when the specific amounts should be known by the elders?
Micah, Sam and Josh talk through this topic and explore ideas on how a pastor can encourage accounability when it comes to the financial giving of the church.
This episode is brought to you by our friends at the Christian Standard Bible. This translation is both faithful and true, find out more information at CSBible.com.

Bible Translation featuring the CSB May 23, 2017

Trevin Wax from LifeWay guest host the show and discusses the philosphy behind the new Christian Standard Bible. They also discuss the implications of a church having an offical bible version and why that can be helpful.

The Pastor's Friends (Ep. 28) May 16, 2017

How do you know who to trust within the church and what about other pastor friends? The guys break down this sometimes emotional but necessary topic for local church pastors.
Thanks in part to SimpleChurchTool.com and CSBible.com for making this episode possible.

The Act of Preaching May 09, 2017

The hosts break down how they think through the actual delivery of a sermon. They touch on topics such as safety blankets, pre-preaching thoughts and your morning eating.
Thanks in part to CSBible.com and SimpleChurchTools.com for making this episode possible.

Holiday Shake Up (Ep 26) Apr 25, 2017

How much should you change up your worship services for the holiday's such as Christmas and Easter?
This episode brought to you by the Christian Standard Bible. https://csbible.com/

United Airlines and Church Policies (Ep 25) Apr 18, 2017

The guys break down the United Airlines scnadal and look at the ways we as pastors can learn from the situation.

Church Based Leadership Development (Ep. 24) Apr 11, 2017

In what ways can an established church pastor invest in other people and help to develop them as a learned and skilled minister? The guys discuss this and how it relates to seminary training.

Changing Polity (Ep. 23) Apr 04, 2017

Which church polity choice do the guys lead and which do they feal you should? Also, we discuss how to shift your church toward a healthy church gonvernment and some of the obstacles you may want to be aware of.

Hire and Fire (Ep. 22) Mar 28, 2017

How do you hire staff or volunteers? What should you do with them and what happens when the relationship needs to end?
On this episode the guys talk over the important decisions of hiring and firing staff.

Staff Meetings Mar 21, 2017

Andrew Hebert jumps back on this week's episode to talk about the ins and outs of church staff meetings. We share some ideas on how to improve your meetings and get the most out of them for both you and the staff.

Baby Dedication Mar 14, 2017

Andrew Hebert (@andrewhebert86) joins the show today to discuss baby dedications. We talk about some of the dangers and how you can institute and effective and helpful family dedication.

Eric Thomas Interview Mar 07, 2017

Listen in as Pastor Eric Thomas (First Baptist Norfolk VA) speaks about tenure, following legacy pastors and checking his ego in the Established Church.

The Public Invitation Mar 01, 2017

Sam, Micah and Josh discuss some of the abuses of the public call and why you may still want to keep it around.

Building a Church Brand Feb 21, 2017

We break down the issues involving church signs, the pastor's twitter and how to hand your Google listing.
"For those of you who don't like the idea of marketing, understand this - you can't not market."

Hospital Visits Feb 14, 2017

We break down the joys and difficulties with visiting members in the hospital.

New Member Classes Feb 07, 2017

Sam and Josh explore the idea of requiring a New Members class in the etsablished church.

Worship Pastors in the ESTchurch Jan 31, 2017

Jordan Richmond from Idelwild in Florida joins us to talk about the relationship between worship pastors and the lead pastors.

KidMin in the EST Church Jan 24, 2017

The Kid Ministers from Sachse's Church and West Bradenton join the show to talk about how pastors can help or hinder the children's ministry.

Setting Goals Jan 17, 2017

Sam and Josh talk through setting goals and some of the ways to think through that with your staff or ministry leaders.

A Healthy Church In 10 Years Jan 10, 2017

Dr. Thom Rainer, President of LifeWay Resources, joins the show to discuss what he sees coming for the future of healthy churches.

Interview with Ron Edmondson Dec 20, 2016

Micah Fries sets down with #EST Pastor Ron Edmondson (@RonEdmondson) to talk pastoring the established church.

Investing In The New Pastor Dec 13, 2016

We all have the obligation to invest in others. It is our privilege to spend time and energy on other new or younger pastors. In today's episode the guys talk through what that looks like, how they have benefited and what they are doing to help others along the way.

Benchmarks Dec 06, 2016

What do the guys think you should focus on at the 6 month, 2-3 year, 3-5 year marks? We cover topics like by laws, leadership, big changes and when to tackle those.

Mean People Nov 29, 2016

Micah, Sam and Josh talk through how to handle difficult people or groups within your church. Particularly we explore the idea of dealing with mean communication.

War and Worship Nov 22, 2016

What's behind the conflicts that involve worship, preaching and style in the established church? We talk through what may be causing those conflicts and how you might think better about it.

The Mega Church Down The Road Nov 15, 2016

We talk through our relationship with the mega church down the road or across the street.
Is the mega church hurting the smaller local church? Is this a problem with the pastors or leadership? What can the normative size church do in this paradigm?

Lessons Learned Nov 08, 2016

What have we learned pastoring established churches.

Young Pastor; Old Church Nov 01, 2016

How does a young guy lead a church in which most of the members have been there longer than he's been alive?
Listener submitted topic, thank you Joel Bucklin (@pastorbucklin).

Worth It? Oct 25, 2016

Is the established church worth it?
What are some of the problems that exist within the established church?
Follow us on Twitter @ESTChurch and subscribe on iTunes.

Welcome to EST. Oct 19, 2016

Micah, Sam and Josh welcome you to the show with a brief introduction. Make sure to follow us on Twitter - @estchurch, @micahfries, @samrainer and @jowiki. Don't forget to subscribe o iTunes and give us a fantastic rating.

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