Should churches count? Data, demographics, and ministry
- Should churches survey, count, and steer ministry by data?
The survey sparks a long reflection on whether churches should spend resources surveying, counting, and marketing. One host argues modern brains want more data for everything except God work — God counts hairs, so counting feels useless; another agrees resources are better spent locally, trusting God with the next street over. Dan (addressed by name on-air) recounts a demographic study his church did years ago that drove some felt-needs teaching but never moved the needle on attendance, and how music-style shifts in the late 80s and 90s were data-adjacent. The landing: react to what's in front of you, adapt where the gospel isn't connecting, and decide whether listening for the Holy Spirit or paid data should steer the preaching.
More on Church
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Church, emotions, and the self-focus of affluence
- How do you help people in an affluent, self-focused culture see that they need Jesus?
Ben revives a question from two or three shows back: are church services and worship tunes postured toward certain personality types — predominantly emotions and dealing with emotions?
From No. 603 · Found Out
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Leadership training for church leaders: get a business manager
- Do people who lead churches need leadership training?
Mike's real question: to what extent do people need leadership training to lead churches? Ben gives two distinct answers.
From No. 602 · Relationship Counseling
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The New Testament case for human shaping
- What does the New Testament actually say about spiritual authority and submission?
Ben walks the New Testament texts: Hebrews 13:17 ('obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls') presumes a soul-watching laborer, not a rule-maker;…
From No. 600 · Rage The Elephant
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Confetti and lasers: what should God's people be known for?
- Do we want to be known as the confetti and lasers people?
- What should God's people be known for?
Ben redirects to the docket's denomination question: when someone hears Silas's church described as 'the confetti and lasers people,' should that sting?
From No. 598 · Emphasis | Accountability, Worship and Praying with Strangers