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

Latest Episodes:

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

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

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected