Rainer on Leadership

Hosted by Thom Rainer

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Your online home for leadership lessons for both the church and the workplace.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 3, 202621 min

Why Don’t Churches Sing Old-School Hymns Anymore?

Josh and Sam discuss why many churches have moved away from old-school hymns, not always because they reject them, but because worship culture has changed. Modern worship music is often easier to lead with a band, more familiar to younger generations, and shaped by digital platforms, conferences, and major worship publishers. But the disappearance of hymns can also come at a cost. Hymns often carry theological depth, congregational memory, and a sense of continuity with the broader church. In this episode, we discuss why hymns have faded in many churches and how leaders can reintroduce them wisely without turning worship into a generational battle. The post Why Don’t Churches Sing Old-School Hymns Anymore? appeared first on Church Answers .

August 31, 202623 min

An Interview with Chris Brauns on “The Way of Repentance”

Thom and Sam welcome Chris Brauns, Lead Pastor at The Red Brick Church in Stillman Valley, IL, to discuss his book, "The Way of Repentance." The post An Interview with Chris Brauns on “The Way of Repentance” appeared first on Church Answers .

August 27, 202626 min

Should a Church Accept a Tithe from a Lottery Winner?

What should a church do if someone wins the lottery and wants to tithe from the proceeds? The question is more complicated than it first appears. On one hand, churches should teach biblical stewardship and encourage generosity. On the other hand, gambling raises serious concerns about wisdom, exploitation, addiction, and the source of financial gain. In this episode, we discuss how church leaders can think carefully, pastorally, and biblically about whether to accept a tithe from lottery winnings. The post Should a Church Accept a Tithe from a Lottery Winner? appeared first on Church Answers .

August 21, 202627 min

The Burge Report: Why Immigration Won’t Reverse America’s Secular Drift

A common argument says immigration could help reverse America’s secular drift because immigrants are assumed to be more religious than native-born Americans. Ryan Burge’s analysis challenges that assumption. Using Cooperative Election Study data, he finds that immigrants are only slightly more religious than Americans whose families have been in the United States for generations—and not nearly enough to shift the country’s overall religious trajectory. The larger story is assimilation: immigrants, like the broader American population, are becoming more secular over time. The post The Burge Report: Why Immigration Won’t Reverse America’s Secular Drift appeared first on Church Answers .

August 20, 202621 min

The Top Preaching Distractions (What Stops Pastors Mid-Sentence in the Pulpit)

Josh and Sam have a little fun and talk about the preaching distractions most likely to get the pastor's attention. The post The Top Preaching Distractions (What Stops Pastors Mid-Sentence in the Pulpit) appeared first on Church Answers .

August 17, 202621 min

Why the Pastorate Is One of the Highest Security Jobs in an AI World

Thom and Sam explore why the pastorate remains one of the most secure callings in an AI world. Artificial intelligence can help with research and administrative tasks, but it cannot replace the heart of pastoral ministry: presence, trust, discernment, and shepherding. The more ministry is rooted in real relationships rather than production alone, the more durable it becomes. In many ways, the rise of AI may actually clarify what people need most from pastors in the years ahead. The post Why the Pastorate Is One of the Highest Security Jobs in an AI World appeared first on Church Answers .

August 13, 202623 min

What Should a Pastor Do When One or Two Key Donors Keep the Church Doors Open

Josh and Sam discuss a scenario that is more common than most realize: when a key donor or two are the only ones keeping the church afloat. The post What Should a Pastor Do When One or Two Key Donors Keep the Church Doors Open appeared first on Church Answers .

August 10, 202622 min

The Four Domains of Successful Outreach to Families with Children

To help raise well-rounded young men and women who know they are loved by God, one church has created a focus on MASS: Mental, Athletic, Spiritual, and Social. Brian Kelly from Northside Church in Liverpool, NY joins Sam on the show to discuss how his church has used MASS to engage families in their community. The post The Four Domains of Successful Outreach to Families with Children appeared first on Church Answers .

August 6, 202622 min

Why We Still Believe in Short-Term Mission Trips for Churches

Josh and Sam discuss why churches should still believe in short-term mission trips when they are approached with the right biblical purpose and practical care. While these trips are sometimes criticized for being expensive, shallow, or more about the travelers than the mission field, they can still be powerful tools for gospel partnership, spiritual growth, and leadership development. When done well, short-term trips do not replace long-term missions. They support and strengthen missions, and help churches cultivate a deeper heart for the nations. The post Why We Still Believe in Short-Term Mission Trips for Churches appeared first on Church Answers .

August 3, 202623 min

Unique Church Leadership Lessons from the Book of Ezra You Haven’t Heard

Pastors often look to the book of Nehemiah for practical lessons on leadership. However, in times of rebuilding and revitalization, we should not overlook the book of Ezra, with its story of the rebuilding of the temple. Ken Roach, Vice President of Innovation at Wesley Biblical Seminary, joins Sam to share the three “royal decrees” found there and how they translate into leadership principles every rebuilder needs to consider. The post Unique Church Leadership Lessons from the Book of Ezra You Haven’t Heard appeared first on Church Answers .