Here we go—the last episode of Est.Church. Micah Fries is back for the final one! But the conversation continues...Josh and Sam are migrating the Est.Church conversation to the Rainer on Leadership podcast in January. If you are not subscribed to Rainer on Leadership, you can do so in your favorite podcasting app. Episode Sponsor: Churchteams: Are …

Josh and Sam welcome Micah Fries back to the show and reminisce about the early days of this podcast. Micah gives an update on his current ministry. Remember, the Est.Church conversation will move to the Rainer on Leadership podcast in January. If you are not subscribed to Rainer on Leadership, you can do so in your favorite podcasting app. Episode…

How will preachers study differently in the next few years? Josh and Sam talk about the changes in sermon preparation and delivery. The use of artificial intelligence is a major ethical consideration, but there are other issues at play. The coming shifts are more positive than negative. Episode Sponsor: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applic…

What changes after leading a church once you hit the nine-year mark? Sam shares his insight about shepherding the same congregation for several years. The issue of trust is settled. The sheep shuffling slows down or stops. Casting a vision becomes more challenging, not easier, because it's easy to start cruising when a church is stabilized. Episode…

The first 90 days are critical when making a pastoral transition to a new church. Since he just transitioned to a new church, Josh shares some insight into what to do and what not to do. Slow down, ask questions, prioritize problems, emphasize learning, and listen to all sides. Episode Sponsor: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications fo…

Leading a church is a grind. The job cycles endlessly, and the only endpoint is Christ's return. Josh and Sam discuss how to have healthy boundaries in the barrage of ministry. You can find a pace that includes rest and recreation. The cohosts discuss how. Episode Sponsor: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giv…

Josh and Sam discuss how to say goodbye when people leave the church on good terms. They also discuss the best ways to help church staff transition when called to another ministry. And they have a big announcement, too. Listen to the end! Episode Sponsor: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, a…

How can you avoid spending too much time preparing sermons and lessons when you have to prepare three or four different ones a week? Josh and Sam reflect on when they had to prepare Sunday morning sermons, Sunday night sermons, Wednesday night teaching sessions, and Sunday school lessons--every week! Episode Sponsor: Churchteams: Are you tired of m…

Many people are intimidated by technology because they don't know how to use it. Churches and pastors are no exception. Boyd Pelley of Churchteams joins Josh and Sam to discuss ways to overcome this intimidation factor. Episode Sponsor: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Chur…

Most pastors struggle with insecurities, agitation, stress, and failure. How can you get out of a funk when these problems cause you to have a poor attitude? Josh and Sam discuss how they end up with a poor attitude and what they do to make an adjustment. Episode Sponsor: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, givi…

Every pastor has a list of problems to solve. Josh and Sam talk about what's on their big board of problems right now. The co-hosts discuss the topics of evangelism, facilities, staff, finances, and legacy. Episode Sponsor: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, and scheduling? Churchteams was b…

Can you be called to a church but not like the job? How do you distinguish between God's calling and job responsibilities? Josh and Sam discuss how you can juggle the spiritual parts of shepherding with the business of managing church operations. Episode Sponsor: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membe…

How can you lead a church revitalization when everything is a mismatch? Rob Paul joins Josh and Sam to discuss what it's like to shepherd a church when you're a white pastor in a black neighborhood. The story of Huffman Baptist will inspire and encourage you. God has worked a miracle through the congregation and made the church the hub of the commu…

Both Josh and Sam have been in ministry for a combined 42 years. Along the way, they've learned a few things about extending your mileage as a pastor. What can you do to stay the course for the long term? The co-hosts have some thoughts. Episode Sponsor: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership, an…

Some ministry strategies are overrated, but everyone seems to be doing them. Josh and Sam discuss their thoughts on what's popular but you don't really need. The co-hosts cover vision statements, one-line sermon summaries, live streaming, and others. Episode Sponsor: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, m…

What is the ideal church size to pastor? Josh and Sam discuss the benefits of several different sizes of churches. They each have a favorite size, but the cohosts also cover why many pastors maximize their leadership ability at mid-size churches. Episode Sponsor: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membe…

What gets you out of the church office? Josh and Sam talk about key reasons why pastors need to venture out more. It's good to connect with homebound people, other pastors, and community leaders. But pastors also need to recharge and share their faith. Episode Sponsor: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving,…

Are their offenses that permanently disqualify a pastor from ministry? Josh and Sam cover this controversial question. They discuss the recent rise in scandals and whether or not a fallen pastor should return to ministry. Some sins have deeper consequences than others. Episode Sponsor: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church …

Most church leaders do not know how many single parents live in the community. Single moms and dads are often underestimated and off the radar. Sam and Josh talk about ways to engage single parents and their children. With some simple changes, your church can make a big difference with this group. Episode Sponsor: Churchteams: Are you tired of mult…

Should your church address be permanent? When is it appropriate to relocate an entire church or sell the church campus? Josh and Sam talk about what motivates a church to uproot. You must balance missiology with stewardship, and sometimes, these two objectives are at odds. Episode Sponsor: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for chu…

Some people have strange views about things. Perhaps they are in your church. Josh and Sam discuss what pastors can do when church members approach them with conspiracy theories, fringe theological perspectives, and extreme political views. Episode Sponsor: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership,…

Compassion fatigue is excessive weariness caused by caring for, listening to, and helping people with emotional and spiritual problems. The issue is more pervasive than most realize because pastors are the first spiritual responders in moments of crisis. Josh and Sam discuss how pastors develop compassion fatigue and what they can do to remedy the …

Most denominations are in decline, which means the churches within them are decreasing in size. Does the baggage of a name have anything to do with it? Josh and Sam discuss whether having the denomination in your church name is a liability. Episode Sponsor: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, giving, membership,…

Committees can be an excellent vehicle for change in a church, but they can also put up roadblocks. Josh and Sam discuss how pastors can best utilize committees in change efforts. The cohosts also talk about why generational differences exist and how to build bridges with a committee structure. Episode Sponsor: Churchteams: Are you tired of multipl…

The decision to display the American Flag in church can be contentious. But why? Josh and Sam discuss some of the reasons why Christians have differing perspectives. The cohosts also give some practical tips for pastors on the best way to approach the issue. Episode Sponsor: Churchteams: Are you tired of multiple applications for church check-in, g…