Rainer on Leadership

In this follow-up episode, we examine the other side of the conversation—the rise of big-box church architecture. Often found in converted retail spaces or new multipurpose campuses, these designs emphasize functionality, flexibility, and accessibility. They reflect a different theology of space, one that prioritizes mission, efficiency, and comfort over formality. Sam interviews Todd Brown and Isaac Brown of Brown Church Development Group. Function over Form. Big-box churches maximize every square foot, using open floor plans for worship, community events, and ministries throughout the week. Accessibility and Affordability. These buildings are cost-effective, quick to build or repurpose, and often located in high-traffic areas with ample parking, making them easy to find and attend. Welcoming and Familiar. The casual, “non-churchy” feel can help visitors relax and engage, especially those intimidated by traditional sanctuaries. Mission-Driven Flexibility. By prioritizing multipurpose use, big-box churches embody a missional posture, meeting people where they are and serving communities in practical ways. In the end, architecture isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about mission. Whether it’s a stained-glass cathedral or a repurposed warehouse, the real question is: Does this space help people encounter Christ and His church? Resources: Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Chaney & Associates Brown Church Development Group Should Churches Look Churchy? The Advantages of Traditional Architecture FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Church Answers Central The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: The Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to strengthen both you and your church. You’ll bring a real challenge from your ministry into the program—and through trusted faculty mentorship and applied theological study, you’ll develop a biblically grounded, practical plan that equips you to implement lasting change in your church. This is theological scholarship applied where it matters most: your local ministry. Study under faculty mentors who are both scholars and seasoned ministry leaders. Sharpen your thinking, deepen your theology, and lead with clarity. Build a network of peers who share your calling and understand your challenges. Learn how at sbts.edu/dmin.     Lead Your Church. We’ll Handle the Numbers.  We have decades of experience serving churches across the country.  We’re church accountants who speak your language and understand your mission. Gain clear financial insights to guide your ministry decisions with confidence.  Tailored solutions for churches of every size and stage.  Smart tools that save time and simplify finances so you can focus on ministry.  Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both.  Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers The post Non-Churchy Looking Churches: The Advantages of Big-Box Church Architecture appeared first on Church Answers.

In this episode, we explore why traditional church architecture still resonates deeply with people, even those who rarely attend church. A recent research project found that 90% of Americans want church buildings to be “easily identifiable.” Sam interviews Todd Brown and Isaac Brown of Brown Church Development Group to find out more. Architecture Communicates Theology. Traditional designs (soaring ceilings, stained glass, and symbolic layouts) visually proclaim the transcendence and holiness of God. Sacred Space Inspires Reverence. Beautiful, enduring architecture invites worshipers to look upward and inward, fostering awe and contemplative worship. Connection to History. Traditional spaces remind congregations they are part of a story stretching back centuries, anchoring believers in continuity and shared faith. Beauty as Outreach. Research suggests that even the unchurched and younger generations are drawn to “churchy” spaces. The timeless beauty of sacred architecture can serve as a quiet invitation to explore the gospel. Traditional architecture has always been more than just design; it’s a visual theology. It shapes how people encounter God and community. Resources: Upward Running Upward Sports The One Year Bible Tyndale House Publishers Brown Church Development Group Non-Churchy Looking Churches: The Advantages of Big-Box Church Architecture Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: Upward Running for Your Small Group Turn your small group into a community on the move! Upward Running helps adults go from the couch to completing a 5K together. You provide the run coach, and we’ll equip them with training plans, resources, and support to lead well. It’s a fun, healthy way to grow relationships, encourage one another, and experience fitness and fellowship together. Learn more at Upward.org/Runcoach.     There is something powerful about walking through the Bible at the same time. When everyone is reading the same Scripture each day, conversations change. Hearts open. People feel connected—not just to God, but to each other. One Year Bibles are designed to guide readers through the entire Bible in 365 days. It is one reading a day, and by the end of the year, you will have gone through the entire Bible together—one body, moving in one direction, through one story. It is more than a reading plan. It is a way to build unity, deepen discipleship, and create shared momentum to know God and each other more. Perfect for small groups, Bible studies, Sunday School classes, and other connection points. Find a One Year Bible for your community at TheOneYearBible.com. The post Should Churches Look Churchy? The Advantages of Traditional Architecture appeared first on Church Answers.

Losing a major donor can feel daunting, but staying calm is crucial. Understanding why a supporter leaves is key to responding effectively. They discuss the normal 15-30% churn rate in churches and advise pastors to act quickly without panic. Clear communication with the congregation is essential, as is addressing any valid concerns raised by departing givers. Adjusting budgets and understanding giving patterns can help manage cash flow. Ultimately, trusting in divine provision is essential amidst financial changes.

God has done something remarkable at First Baptist Church in Caldwell, NJ. They have limited space and limited parking. However, through Upward Sports, the church has developed a large outreach ministry within the community. Hundreds of children participate, and the church is reaching people from diverse backgrounds. Sam interviews Pastor Travis Clark to reveal exactly what happened. Resources: The One Year Bible Tyndale House Publishers Upward Sports First Baptist Church (Caldwell, NJ) Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: There is something powerful about walking through the Bible at the same time. When everyone is reading the same Scripture each day, conversations change. Hearts open. People feel connected—not just to God, but to each other. One Year Bibles are designed to guide readers through the entire Bible in 365 days. It is one reading a day, and by the end of the year, you will have gone through the entire Bible together—one body, moving in one direction, through one story. It is more than a reading plan. It is a way to build unity, deepen discipleship, and create shared momentum to know God and each other more. Perfect for small groups, Bible studies, Sunday School classes, and other connection points. Find a One Year Bible for your community at TheOneYearBible.com.     2026 – New Year, Greater Family Impact A new year is the perfect time to dream bigger, reach farther, and make an even greater impact in your community. Upward Sports isn’t just about the game—it’s about bringing the whole family together. As you plan for 2026, imagine creating experiences that connect kids, parents, and grandparents in a fun, welcoming environment. From cheering on the sidelines to hitting the court or field, every sport is an opportunity to build relationships, strengthen community, and share your church’s message of care and connection. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball, pickleball, or even adult running, Upward Sports equips your church to reach families right in the heart of your neighborhood. All it takes is one passionate leader and a church ready to turn this new year into greater impact. Start today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers The post Small-Church Breakout Growth: The Incredible Story of First Baptist Caldwell, NJ appeared first on Church Answers.

The discussion dives into the deeper reasons behind church transitions, moving beyond mere convenience. Geographic shifts, theological alignment, and family dynamics are unveiled as valid motivations for finding a new congregation. They highlight the importance of not remaining in toxic environments and emphasize that leaving a church can be a faithful decision, not just a casual choice. Life stages and personal growth can also play significant roles in determining where one worships, aiming for a place where spiritual growth flourishes.

Ryan Burge, a political scientist and researcher, delves into the winding journeys many pastors take before entering ministry. Using data from the National Survey of Religious Leaders, he reveals that two-thirds had previous careers and a significant number balance multiple roles, often working over 50 hours weekly. The insights on bi-vocational challenges, financial pressures, and the beauty of their calling highlight the complexities of pastoral life. It's a captivating discussion about commitment, calling, and the diverse paths to church leadership.

One of the more painful aspects of ministry is losing church members. Sometimes these departures are for good reasons, like moving to another town or planting a church. More often than not, pastors struggle with the reasons why people leave. Josh and Sam discuss why pastors experience pain with the loss of members, and they explore some ways to cope with the accompanying sadness. When people leave the church, it feels personal because it often is. Most pastors genuinely love their church members, even the difficult ones. The time invested in people can feel like a waste when they leave for petty reasons. Morale often drops when well-known people exit. Pastors fear others will follow the lead of those who left. Resources: “Leadership in a Chaotic World” by Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Join Platinum for 1-on-1 and group coaching with Sam. Email sam@churchanswers.com FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Church Answers Central The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: If you’re feeling the weight of leadership in today’s unstable world, you’re not alone. Southern Seminary is offering a free ebook called Leadership in a Chaotic World—written by trusted faculty to equip pastors with biblical clarity, character, and conviction. It’s a short, practical guide from Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre to help you lead well in the midst of cultural pressure, spiritual fatigue, and ministry complexity. Download it for free. The post The Top Reasons Why It’s Painful for Pastors to Lose Church Members appeared first on Church Answers.

Tim Byer, the pastor of FAITH in Glen Burnie, Maryland, brings a unique IT background that shapes his innovative approach to church outreach. He discusses how his congregation employs VisitorReach to foster connections with first-time guests and local community members. By combining tech with traditional ministry, they manage to welcome new families and build lasting relationships. Tim also emphasizes the importance of gentle change in established churches while keeping the gospel at the core of their efforts.

Michael Kelley, a leader with the Rooted Network, shares invaluable insights for small group leaders. He emphasizes the importance of guiding discussions rather than lecturing to foster engagement. Kelley advocates for sharing responsibilities among group members to promote ownership and growth. He also highlights the power of leveraging the before-and-after moments of meetings for deeper relational connections. These practices can transform any group into a vibrant community of spiritual growth.

Mike Stadelmayer, a generosity and church funding specialist from Church Growth Services, joins to unveil the simplicity behind fostering generosity in churches. He emphasizes the power of communication—expressing gratitude to givers and sharing impactful ministry stories to inspire ongoing support. Personal testimonies of life change are highlighted as vital tools for connecting generosity with spiritual outcomes. Stadelmayer also advocates for grounding messages in Scripture, reminding listeners that a culture of generosity can thrive without complexity.