Find Answers to Your Church Questions with our Timely Webinars

Thom and Sam Rainer hosted a webinar on Thursday, July 16, 2026, titled The Unchurched Next Door: New Tools and Insights to Really Reach Them. In this webinar, participants discovered why the mission field around their churches was larger and more receptive than they realized. They learned about the five levels of unchurched receptivity (U1–U5)...

In this informative session, Ryan Burge and Sam Rainer delve into a decade that reshaped religious affiliation, church attendance, and generational identity in ways that continue to impact us today. Through insightful analysis of General Social Survey data, they highlight how the years 1991 to 1998 set the stage for current church trends, particularly among...

If you missed the insightful webinar featuring Thom Rainer and Sam Rainer on the future of the American church, there’s still a chance to benefit from their valuable analysis. They discussed important topics such as the impact of an aging membership, declining birth rates, and shifting leadership dynamics. Understanding these trends is crucial for anyone...

Many churches today are aging faster than the communities around them, with the median age of churchgoers now around 60. In a recent webinar, Sam Rainer and Matt McCraw explored why churches naturally drift toward becoming older congregations and discussed the reasons many common solutions fail. They also introduced the Simple Church process, a practical...

In the replay, you’ll learn about the resurgence of midweek discipleship, the benefits of integrating marriage, student, and children’s ministries for stronger faith transmission, and the importance of affordable theological training for every believer. We also explored the connection between stewardship and spiritual growth, and how ongoing groups can help reverse the decline in attendance....

Don’t miss out on the valuable insights shared during the recent Church Answers Live! webinar featuring Thom and Sam Rainer. They discussed the evolving landscape of church consulting and highlighted why many recommendations fall short. If you’re interested in learning about the five key consultation strategies that lead to genuine and lasting progress in churches,...

Church revitalization has existed since the New Testament era, but it has only recently emerged as a formal field of study. Historically, churches labeled as “comeback” or “turnaround” were often seen as entry-level assignments for young pastors or temporary stepping stones toward more prestigious ministry roles. Today, however, leaders are gaining a clearer understanding of...

If you missed the live event, don’t worry! You can still catch the insightful webinar featuring Thom Rainer and Sam Rainer, “Four Simple Things Churches Are Doing to Reach Their Communities for Christ.” This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from their decades of research and real-world ministry experience. They share practical strategies that effective...

Almost every church struggles to maintain a culture of outreach. As a result, less than 20% of churches in North America grow each year. This webinar replay will help your church get started with an outreach emphasis and detail how you can sustain momentum beyond special events. Watch Thom and Sam reveal proven, practical approaches...

If you missed the insightful webinar with Thom Rainer and Sam Rainer, “Autopsies of Deceased Churches in a Post-COVID World,” don’t worry—you can still catch the replay! In this important discussion, the Rainers explored the significant changes and continuities since the COVID-19 pandemic, examined the reasons behind the increasing number of church closures, and shared...

When churches face discouragement, their evangelism and outreach efforts often decline. This can lead to a loss of motivation and confidence, creating a sense of collective malaise throughout the congregation. Fortunately, there are effective ways to uplift even the most discouraged churches. In our recent webinar, the Church Answers team shared valuable, practical solutions to...

Tens of thousands of churches are experiencing significant decline, and many still need guidance on where to find support. You can make a meaningful impact by becoming a certified church consultant. With church health deteriorating, denominational support shrinking, and pastors feeling increasingly overwhelmed, the need for consultants is greater than ever. Although our recent webinar...

Thom Rainer and Sam Rainer hosted a live webinar titled “Six Amazing Discoveries About Churches That Are Growing Both Their Attendance and Income.” Drawing on over three decades of church consultations and qualitative research, the session revealed essential insights to drive post-pandemic church growth, covering practical strategies for giving, outreach, and revitalization. For those who couldn’t...

 An actuarial reality exists. A massive wave of pastors is about to retire. The problem is not older pastors. The problem is the small pipeline of younger pastors. How does the current age demographic of pastors affect ministry today? And what does it mean for the future? In the recent webinar, the Church Answers team...

Join Thom and Sam Rainer for a valuable discussion in their webinar, “7 Tests to Determine the Staffing Needs of Your Church.” They explored essential strategies for optimizing your church’s staffing structure and shared practical insights on budgeting, staffing decisions, and other key areas to help your church thrive. If you missed it, be sure to...

We’re excited to share the replay of our recent webinar that dives deep into the decline of denominations, specifically focusing on the Southern Baptist Convention. Join Thom and Sam as they analyze the reasons behind these trends and what they mean for Christianity in America. There’s still hope for a turnaround, but it requires churches...

Imagine never having to worry about buying small-group or Sunday school curriculum again. You’ve missed our live webinar, but you can still access the replay to learn how your church can access high-quality courses (with plans to expand to 20, and eventually to 50!) for just $14.97 per month. By watching the replay, you’ll still...

One of the biggest mistakes we can make is assuming that abuse won’t happen in our churches. The belief that “it can’t happen here” is dangerously naïve. Any organization that works with children and other vulnerable individuals can be a target for predators. Satan specifically aims to attack churches and seeks to harm children and...

You’re invited to watch the replay of our insightful webinar on church growth! While it’s rare for churches to experience exponential growth, those that do often see it only for a few years. In contrast, churches that thrive over the long term typically achieve steady growth over decades. In this session, Thom and Sam Rainer...

Your church’s welcome ministry acts as the physical front door, and how you respond to guests can make a significant, sometimes eternal, difference. This webinar is designed to provide a hands-on experience in developing a welcoming environment. Surprisingly, nearly three out of four churches lack a welcome ministry, but every church should have one. No...

Every church goes through a period of decline, and historically, no church has seen continuous growth week after week or year after year. If you’re interested in understanding the early warning signs of decline and the critical point at which it can turn into a death spiral, you’ll find valuable insights in this webinar. Thom...

Many churches today are rightly concerned about the age distribution of their active members. One of the most common requests we receive at Church Answers is, “Help my church attract a younger demographic.”  In this webinar, Thom and Sam discussed the reasons behind this concern and the steps you can take to address it.  ...

What is one of the greatest pain points we hear from pastors and church leaders? They want to know how to kickstart attendance growth. Church members are coming less frequently. Reaching and retaining guests feels harder now than in the past. Only a sliver of churches has an ongoing outreach emphasis. Watch the webinar replay...

The culture is at an inflection point, and so is the church. What’s happening? A large segment of churches in the United States have stalled. Pastors desire numerical and spiritual growth, but getting churches moving again can be a difficult task. What are the deficiencies, and what are real, workable solutions? Thom, Sam, and the...

Why do most church leaders consider worship attendance growth the top sign of success? Where did this metric originate? Is the focus on worship attendance growth healthy? Unfortunately, 70% to 80% of churches are plateauing or declining, but you can reverse this trend in your church. In this webinar, Thom and Sam discussed the history...

Does the number of paid staff affect your church’s attendance and growth? The answer is not as simple as it might seem. Similarly, the type of staff a church hires can affect both its growth and its culture. In this past webinar, Thom and Sam Rainer provided powerful new insights on church staffing, growth, and...

Are church scandals on the rise? The media seems to report more of them. Filmmakers are creating popular documentaries about fallen charismatic pastors. Megachurches get a lot of attention, but small churches are not immune. What can you do to protect your ministry?  Watch this past webinar where Thom and Sam Rainer shared five safeguards...

 Election seasons are usually contentious. Churches are not immune from the tension. In this webinar, we discovered how to navigate the complex relationship between church and politics. Thom and Sam took a deep dive and explained why understanding community politics is crucial for your church. The hosts discussed practical strategies to guide your congregation through...

Imagine retaining almost everyone who joins your church! There are many tried-and-true assimilation approaches in churches. In this webinar replay, Thom and Sam Rainer examine four enhancements or tweaks to each of these four approaches based on our feedback loop with churches.    Download slideshow here

In this webinar, Thom and Sam Rainer discussed the Simple Path of Discipleship in Your Church. One of the most effective ways to “do discipleship” in the local church includes four key components. Watch the replay to learn about these four elements.   Download slideshow here

Watch this previous webinar to learn proven approaches from churches reaching young families. Thom and Sam will walk through different approaches and discuss what you can do in your church.       Download slideshow here

How does a church grow without relying on people transferring from other congregations? In this webinar, the Church Answers team revealed seven action items that any size church can do to reach and keep people. A magic bullet to increase church attendance does not exist, but you can see results by focusing on these seven...

Preaching remains one of the top reasons people attend church. In this webinar, Thom and Sam dove into the impact of sermon content and how preaching affects attendance growth or decline in churches. The research reveals some unexpected outcomes that every church leader should know. Watch to learn about the impact of preaching on church...

We worked with a church in 2024 that had a quick jump in worship attendance from 231 to 329. That’s a 42% increase in attendance! Most of the increase came right after they made three powerful changes. Though we cannot promise results, we are confident these three changes can make an incredible difference in your...

While there is a lot of bad news about church decline, we at Church Answers see several reasons for hope. Among those reasons are the remarkable stories of churches reaching their communities and enjoying welcoming new guests every week. We shared some of the characteristics of these “inviting churches ” and introduced an approach to...

Many church leaders have a deep desire to reach their communities for Christ, but the challenge is getting started. In this past webinar, Thom and Sam provided a simple solution to the pervasive problem of an inward focus in churches. You can inspire your church members to reach outward, motivate them to invite their neighbors...

Did you read the fictional book “This Present Darkness” a few years ago? It depicted battles in the spiritual realm that many Christians had never considered before reading the book. If you were leading a church or a member of a church, Satan and his forces opposed you at every opportunity if you were striving...

We know you want your church to live. We know you don’t want your church to die. For over a decade, Thom Rainer and the Church Answers team have been performing “autopsies” of deceased churches and congregations that closed their doors. Now, with amazing new information, the team offers you both the hard realities and...

Changing the worship ministry in a church can be controversial. As a result, needed changes are often neglected. What are healthy churches doing to navigate the shifts occurring in worship ministry? This webinar featured five significant shifts occurring today in worship ministries. Likely, your church is affected by these changes, and you need to know...

God designed all our churches to reach people with the gospel. Over time, our churches get sidetracked. We often do good things at the expense of great things. During this webinar, Thom Rainer, Sam Rainer, and Chuck Lawless talked about a tested and proven opportunity to get your church refocused on reaching beyond its walls....

Unhealthy churches are everywhere. Likely, there are more unhealthy churches today than there are healthy ones. What makes them different? In this webinar, Thom and Sam discussed the dividing line of church health and gave practical ways to encourage and equip your congregation. Every church has the potential to be healthy because every member has...

Your church can kickstart a new season of attendance growth in 2024! While 70% to 80% of churches are plateauing or declining, you can reverse the trend. In this webinar, Thom and Sam gave practical and sustainable ideas your church can implement in the coming year.    Download slides here

Very few Christians have been taught to understand the Bible in its entirety. Biblical illiteracy among Christians is one of the greatest hurdles to better church health. We have a solution! Church Answers has two new courses that can be used as a curriculum for small groups and training for leaders. Watch the webinar replay...

The problem is simple. Many churchgoers do not invite their friends to church. We want to help you solve this problem in your church. In this webinar, Thom and Sam shared how you can begin creating a culture of invitation. This culture is the first step to the greater goal of evangelism. Church Answers has...

The church should be a place of safety and healing. When the church causes hurt, it pollutes God’s calling and creates a toxicity that works against the gospel. Something will happen in almost every church because ministry includes people. The goal is to minimize church hurt and maximize church unity. In this webinar, In the...

Most church members think their churches are praying churches. In surveys we have been doing since 1996, church members typically affirm the presence of regular prayer in their congregations. But the reality is that few members can attest to the power of prayer in their churches. In this webinar replay, Thom, Sam, and Chuck look...

Every church desires more guests. Where do you find them?  In this previous webinar, Thom and Sam discuss five foolproof ways to increase visitors to your church. Learn effective strategies for outreach in the community. Your neighbors are receptive to invitations to church. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your congregation and make a difference!...

Most church leaders and members acknowledge that Bible reading and study are critical for the spiritual health of a Christian. In this new and exciting webinar, Thom Rainer and Sam Rainer show how Bible study affects the health of the congregation as a whole. In fact, Bible study can actually move the church toward greater...

This webinar explored the intersection of the church and artificial intelligence (AI). What does the future hold for pastors and church leaders? Watch the replay as Thom and Sam discussed the top seven practicalities of how AI will shape the future of ministry.    Download Slides here

God designed all our churches to reach people with the gospel. Over time, our churches get sidetracked. We often do good things at the expense of great things. Here is a tested and proven opportunity to get your church refocused on reaching beyond its walls. In just 30 days, your church can have an exciting...

There are so many good resources on church revitalization today. The abundance of resources has given many options. But what are the best options available? We think we can help you and your church choose the best path for true revitalization. Thom Rainer and Sam Rainer shared some exciting trends seen within successfully revitalizing churches!...

Church leaders would love to see their church members become disciples who make a difference for their churches and for the Kingdom. Thom and Sam present amazing research that encourages leaders to take key steps toward that Kingdom goal. Watch the replay,  How to Equip Your Church Members to Become Difference-making Disciples.     Download...

There are hidden opportunities to reach people in every community. In this webinar, Thom and Sam discussed ten major ways any church can discover unseen growth opportunities. They are right in front of you but easily missed. We revealed them and gave practical ways to implement outreach in your church. Watch the replay today.  ...

Are you finding it challenging to grow your church, especially post-pandemic? You are not alone. At Church Answers, we have connected with thousands of churches and pastors. We have discovered keys to growth happening right now in typical-sized churches. We recently shared these all-new findings in our webinar, What We’re Learning from Typical-Sized Growing Churches...

Watch as Thom Rainer, and Sam Rainer shared new insights from the past decade about dying churches. They shared these insights but also shared hope for the future.    Download slideshow here

Culture is challenging. There is little doubt that the culture is moving from neutral to negative on Christianity. Conversions are down. Attendance is down. But the first-century church had even more challenges, and it did okay! Watch as Thom Rainer and Sam Rainer present opportunities to overcome these barriers.   Download slides here

Churches are in denial more than ever, and there is an increasing need for a fresh set of eyes.  There is hope.  100% of churches can move to greater health.  Watch this on-demand webinar where Thom, Sam, and Jess share how you can lead your church to the next level of health.   Download the...

Many churches are dealing with a lot of bad news.  Is ANYTHING Working in Churches? Watch as Thom and Sam share good news and practices working in churches today.   Download slides here   RESOURCES: I Am A Christian by Thom Rainer Know Your Community report Church Answers University Ministry Training Centers

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Watch the first Church Answers webinar in partnership with Logos. Thom and Sam host Jon Haley from Logos, who gives a presentation of the Logos software. You don’t want to miss this informative webinar.

During one of our recent webinars, Thom and Sam talked about eight essential steps to move a drifting church back to God’s mission.  Watch to find out how you can help your church to move back to God’s mission.  Also, check out our Gold membership and the benefits included if you join.  Click here to...

One of the significant needs in church life today is for the key staff and ministry leaders to be equipped in ways they have never been equipped before. What do your leaders want and need? Watch as Thom and Sam discuss, Take Your Key Leaders to the Next Level: Make Your Church Healthier Through Stronger...

More than ever before, churches are exploring new models of ministry. Where do you fit in this movement? Watch as Thom and Sam explored new models and discussed how leaders are preparing for the staffing needs of churches in a changing world.   Download slideshow here

Your church has regathered.  Your regular programming has resumed. You even hosted a special outreach event to reach your community and invite them to attend your church. But the people in your community are not coming to your church. What is the problem, and what can you do about it?  Watch as Thom and Sam Rainer discuss ...

Why is everyone so tired?  People are quitting and fewer people are left to do the work.  Transitions are tiring.  How do you start filling the energy tank?  Watch pastors Sam Rainer and Matt McCraw discuss Getting the Best Out of Your Church Members without Burning Them Out, and learn how to start a cycle...

Hundreds of churches close every year because of their inability to see problematic health issues within their own church. They overlook the problems. They don’t act. And the church dies. You can help them. However, some churches are starting to realize how big of a problem this can be, and they are seeking help. Churches...

Hospitality is one of the most underrated ministries in the church, and it is expected of everyone! On this webinar, Thom and Sam talk about Hospitality: The Invisible Opportunity for Every Church and How to Capture It Right Now

The church is different than it was two years ago. While many in our congregations long for the “good ol’ days” of 2019, many of the strategies that worked before the pandemic are not working now. Our congregations look different. Conflict is frequent. Churches are weary of constant changes. What does it take for churches...

It is no secret that churches have experienced tremendous change in the last two years. The changes in attendance frequency, giving, and outreach alone have been overwhelming. At Church Answers, we have identified seven major changes in church revitalization. How are these changes impacting your church, and how can you get ahead? In this webinar,...

Church Answers estimates that 8 of 10 churches are going nowhere because church members are on different pages with each other and with the church’s leadership. How can you lead your church this season if you don’t know what your members are thinking? Watch this previous webinar with Chuck Lawless and Thom Rainer leading this...

Over 90% of church leaders are uncertain how to move forward in this new year with the incredible disruption COVID brought. What will 2022 hold? What ministry challenges and changes will you face in your church this year? What is your strategy for moving forward? Sam Rainer and I addressed these questions during our free...

The past eighteen months have been stressful for church leaders. Many people are changing jobs or leaving the ministry altogether. Thom and Sam Rainer discuss Why Church Leaders Are Ready to Quit: Rediscovering Joy in Your Ministry.  Click below to download the presentation slides.       Download Notes HERE  

Do you feel like your members and leaders have a bad case of apathy in this post-COVID era? You are not alone. Would you like some practical and God-given steps to move beyond apathy? Watch the replay of Thom Rainer and Sam Rainer discuss why apathy exists and what to do about it in  “Moving...

More than ever before, churches are employing bi-vocational or co-vocational pastors and staff. This trend has accelerated since the pandemic. Join us for an informative discussion about what these staffing models entail. Watch our latest webinar, Bi-vocational and Co-vocational Ministry Models: The Future for Churches.   Download the slides from the webinar below.

It is no secret that the COVID pandemic has impacted churches. We identified nine factors from this season that have accelerated the need for revitalization. We want to share with you what we are hearing from pastors all over the country and why we believe the time is now for revitalizing churches. Watch this recorded...

The pandemic resulted in pastors and staff members stepping down from their roles in great numbers. Could God be calling you to help fill the gap? Watch Thom Rainer and Sam Rainer for this important discussion. Download the notes below.

How can you grow your church if you don’t know the people in your community?  Church Answers is looking for patterns of how churches are growing in the post-quarantine era.  One of the most common things they are doing differently is rediscovering their communities.  Watch this webinar as Sam and I discuss How Stalled Churches...

In March of 2020, the pandemic forced churches to move weekly gatherings online. I believe it was the responsible thing for churches to do in view of the health and safety of everyone. Now the world is beginning to open up. Even some of the strictest local governments will be back to “normal” by the...

There are literally churches all around you who need a fresh set of eyes, and they are looking for consultants. The need for consultant training has never been greater. Gone are the days of homogeneous church culture. Church consultants in 2021 will deal with a variety of problems, issues, and cultural dynamics, so well-rounded training...

The Church Answers team is working with Chaney & Associates to help your church get additional financial assistance in 2021. During the live webinar, we were beyond thrilled to share how churches may be able to receive assistance without incurring debt or additional taxes. If your church employs one employee, you could be eligible for...

You need an effective new member class because it increases retention in your church. People are looking for community. If people weren’t looking, then guests would not be attending your weekly service. Have you connected your guests to your church community? The time has come to re-initiate the importance of the new member class. For...

Before COVID its estimated 8,000 churches closed every year. It is possible that in 2020 and 2021 that number could climb to 16,000. That equates to roughly 40 churches every day. The dying church needs trained, qualified, vetted, and certified consultants who have invested the time and effort to be equipped for the work of...

I have been preaching or communicating to pastors and worship attenders for over three decades. I have learned there is always room for improvement. What would happen if every time you preached someone took their next step? A next step could be accepting Christ, joining your church, getting baptized, or volunteering. Join me for this...

COVID has changed how outreach is conducted. The importance of outreach has never been more critical than it is today. The excuses that I am hearing stem from understandable concerns created by the pandemic. Yet, outreach can be conducted while respecting social distancing. Churches that are breaking the new attendance barriers caused by the pandemic...

Sponsored by:   The meaning of the word discipleship varies from church to church. Most leaders don’t have a clear definition of discipleship. Additionally, COVID has made discipleship hard. I believe there is a way forward.   To download the notes click the link below

Many churches are not taking the time to diagnose the current reality. As a consequence, churches are not compelled to act. The issues facing the church today are far-reaching, impacting all areas of ministry including (but not limited to) discipleship, worship, small groups, and ministry involvement. Church Answers wants to help you diagnose the current...

Over the past several years, many pastors and church leaders have started hiring consultants to help them wade through a variety of issues. Church Answers is seeing the trend increase exponentially because of COVID. The problem hundreds of churches close every year because of their inability to self-diagnose health issues within their own church. They...

Before the pandemic, nearly 20 churches closed their doors every day. Early signals show that the number of churches closing could increase rapidly. But what if there was a way that you could help save churches before they close the doors for good? And in this season of church closing, it is difficult for a...

Churches that are growing in the post-quarantine era are looking outward to grow. The common denominator for every growing church is an emphasis on the Great Commission. They are increasing their evangelistic efforts. In our 3rd installment of X.Church, we discuss churches with numerical growth since they began regathering.     To download the notes...

COVID-19 has changed the standard for everything. Trend lines indicate that it is likely new baselines for discipleship, children’s ministry, and in-person gatherings won’t be established for another 12 to18 months. So, what do pastors and church leaders do in the meantime to measure health?     To download the notes click the link below

Current trends are showing that between 30% and 40% of weekly worship attenders have returned. COVID-19 is redefining the categories of the unreached in North America and around the world. The pandemic is forcing us to adjust and I believe there are new groups of people out there waiting to be reached.   To download...

The church has been rocked with the rest of the world. It is unclear the full list of consequences caused by the pandemic. The methods that worked before quarantine aren’t viable options anymore. Churches across the country are trying to re-configure everything.   To download the notes click the link below

The pandemic has forced everyone to re-think ministry. Few churches have cracked the code of getting individuals to rejoin the in-person gathering. It’s no wonder only 6% of churches are back at their pre-pandemic attendance. The dynamics of the mission field have changed drastically. The people are the same but how we connect to them...

More than 10,000 people become eligible for retirement every day. Many of them are pastors or work in ministry. Pastors fail at retirement because they don’t have a plan. Retirement doesn’t mean the end of your ministry. It just means the beginning of a new one.   To download the notes click the link below

The number one thing pastors and church leaders are doing wrong right now is failing to prepare for the return of church members from quarantine. Pastor or church leaders, you have a unique opportunity to reach more of your community with the gospel than ever before. The churches that will be leading the way after...

In the last decade church planting, church adoption, and church revitalization have been increasingly popular movements among pastors and church leaders. There are new opportunities on the horizon that could be a game-changer in every community across the world – church fostering. The goal of church fostering is to help churches in distress by sharing...

Hundreds of churches close every year because of their inability to see problematic health issues within their own church. They overlook the problems. They don’t act. And the church dies. You can help them. However, some churches are starting to realize how big of a problem this can be and they are seeking help. Churches...

The Final COVID-19 Check Up. God’s people were designed to gather together. The desire for the church to gather will become stronger and more important as restrictions decrease and households become more confident to leave quarantine. Pastors and church leaders must address critical questions as members return. Do your church members feel confident in the...

The Next COVID 19 Challenge The pandemic has created opportunities for the church to advance the gospel like never before. Many of churches have rallied to lead positive change during this challenging season. The next big challenge pastors face is making the positive change last. There are no silver bullets and no cookie cutter answers,...

You must first ”see” a person and seek to understand them before you are able to respond. So much has changed in the world around us, and everyone has a unique perspective based on their current circumstances.

Returning to your church facility won’t happen as fast as it took to stop meeting. Pastor’s should be leading their teams to take the time to “catch up” on facilities maintenance and cleanliness before you return to in-person services. But, there is more to consider than just a clean and well-maintained building.