Welcome to a brand-new series on The Church Answers Podcast called “The Future Church.” Over the next six episodes, we’ll explore how the landscape of ministry is changing—and how leaders can prepare with wisdom, courage, and hope.
In this first episode, Thom and Jess begin by looking at one of the most intriguing movements shaping the future: the rise of the microchurch. This small, mission-driven model is gaining traction across the United States and around the world. What exactly is a microchurch, how is it structured, and why is it so different from other forms of church? Let’s find out.
Future Church Series – Episode 2: The Economics of the Future Church
Welcome back to The Church Answers Podcast and to our ongoing series called “The Future Church.” In each episode, Thom and Jess Rainer unpack the shifts shaping tomorrow’s congregations—and how pastors and leaders can prepare today.
In this episode, we’re looking at a subject every church feels: money. The financial landscape of ministry is changing rapidly. Attendance patterns have shifted, giving habits have evolved, and the next generation is thinking about generosity in completely new ways.
So, what will funding look like for the future church? Thom and Jess explore four emerging models that are helping churches stay healthy and mission-focused in a changing economy.
The Power of Asking ‘What If?’
In 42 years of full-time ministry, I’ve witnessed countless pastors ask, “How much?” But in my experience, the better question is, “What if?”
“What if” is the language of possibility. It unlocks not only real estate but real opportunities for missional vibrancy and impact. It invites bold thinking and encourages leaders toward faithful risk.
Religious groups seek to prevent holiday immigration raids
A coalition of religious groups has asked a federal court to prevent federal immigration agents from raiding houses of worship during the holiday season.
Louisiana bishop issues statement on looming immigration enforcement operation in New Orleans
The Trump administration, after deploying troops to Los Angeles, Chicago and other major U.S. cities to assist in intensified immigration enforcement operations and deportations, is poised to turn its focus on New Orleans, Louisiana.
Study: Latino Christians disapprove of Trump, hit hard by mass deportation campaign
Those opinions are being shaped as a majority of Latino Christians are witnessing the impacts of Trump’s mass deportation campaign in their own neighborhoods.
Not classifying nurses as ‘professional’ will hurt faith-based schools
The Trump administration’s ruling that nurses no longer will be considered “professionals” by the U.S. Department of Education has a direct effect on the nation’s faith-based schools.
The Challenge and Opportunity of Metamodern Christianity
Metamodernism is what came after postmodernism, which is what came after modernism.
But metamodernism doesn’t simply want to replace modernism and postmodernism; it seeks a synthesis or integration of the two, with the metamodern mood constantly oscillating or toggling between modern and postmodern postures.
Once you understand metamodernism, you start to see it everywhere—in pop culture, in politics, in how we talk and think. Let’s consider some dynamics of metamodern Christianity that will be important for church leaders to understand and address. Specifically, we’ll drill down into one big challenge and one big opportunity I’m seeing.
How We Choose Songs
What we sing each Sunday really matters. Here’s how we choose what songs to sing at our church.
Church Tech Turn-offs: How Technology Can Offend Members
Technology in church can feel like a marvel—shiny tools, slick screens, streaming worship. Yet the very same church tech can become a turn-off when not handled thoughtfully. So let’s talk about church tech turn-offs: the ways that technology, meant to serve people, actually causes offense, friction or disconnect in your congregation.
10 Things That Make People Not Return to a Small Group
Ever you arranged snacks, crafted a beautiful study, and hoped people will show up—and stay? Yet your small group ends up with a handful of repeat faces and lots of one-time visitors. If you’re leading a small group, recognising the reasons people don’t return matters. These are genuine issues, not just “maybe they’re busy.”
Rediscovering childlike faith in a grown-up world
Do you remember what it felt like to be a child?
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