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

Latest Episodes:

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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.

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