Podcast Episodes
Back to SearchNEW Research: What Really Matters in Theological Education?
For decades, seminaries have promoted the ideal—full-time, on-campus study in a traditional academic setting. But for most adults pursuing ministry training, that ideal simply isn’t practical. New r…
Published on 17 hours ago
Non-Churchy Looking Churches: The Advantages of Big-Box Church Architecture
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 e…
Published on 4 days, 17 hours ago
Should Churches Look Churchy? The Advantages of Traditional Architecture
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 ch…
Published on 1 week ago
How to Handle Losing Your Church’s Biggest Financial Supporter
When a major donor or key financial supporter leaves a church, it can feel personal, unsettling, and even threatening to the ministry’s stability. But pastoral leadership during this moment matters …
Published on 1 week, 4 days ago
Small-Church Breakout Growth: The Incredible Story of First Baptist Caldwell, NJ
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 mini…
Published on 2 weeks ago
Why You Should Leave Your Church (A Pastor’s Perspective)
Most of the time, church hopping for convenience (better music, cooler programs, or a coffee bar) reveals more about our consumer culture than about spiritual growth. But Sam and Josh explain that t…
Published on 2 weeks, 4 days ago
The Burge Report: How Do Pastors Actually End Up in Ministry?
In this episode, Sam and Ryan Burge discuss how pastors become pastors. Using data from the National Survey of Religious Leaders, the cohosts reveal that clergy often come to ministry through windin…
Published on 3 weeks ago
The Top Reasons Why It’s Painful for Pastors to Lose Church Members
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 …
Published on 3 weeks, 4 days ago
An Entrepreneurial-Minded Pastor in an Established Church: The Unique Story of a Baltimore Congregation
In this episode, Sam interviews Tim Byer, pastor of FAITH in Glen Burnie, MD, to hear how his congregation is making a real impact in their community. Pastor Tim shares the story of how his church b…
Published on 4 weeks ago
Three Things Every Church Small Group Leader Should Be Doing
In this episode, Sam interviews Michael Kelley of the Rooted Network. They discuss three essentials that every great small group leader should consistently practice. These simple but powerful habits…
Published on 1 month ago