The REACHRIGHT Podcast is dedicated to helping your church reach people the right way. We want to help you see more visitors and grow.
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TikTok is stable, it has 1.5 billion monthly active users, and it is now functioning as a real search engine where people are looking for churches and spiritual content every single day. The question for most churches in 2026 is no longer whether TikTok is worth paying attention to. It is whether their specific church should be on it, what a realistic strategy actually looks like, and how to use…
Sixty percent of Protestant churches are plateaued or declining and most of the conversations about fixing that focus on what churches should add. This episode flips that conversation entirely. Thomas and Shiloh walk through five specific things that growing churches have intentionally stopped doing and the shifts they made instead that actually moved the needle on growth, discipleship, and…
Most churches invest significant time and energy into creating a great Sunday experience for first-time visitors and then do almost nothing with that investment after Monday morning. Only 10 to 20 percent of first-time guests return without intentional follow-up. Churches that reach out within 24 to 48 hours see three times higher return rates than those who wait a week or more. And 29 percent of…
If someone searched "church near me" in your city right now would your church show up? For most churches the honest answer is no and this episode is the practical fix for that. Thomas and Shiloh break down every new rule of church SEO in 2026 including why your Google Business Profile is now more important than your website for local search, how AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity are directly…
Most churches treat social media like a task to check off and hand it to whoever has a little free time. A volunteer, an intern, the pastor's kid who knows how to use Instagram. But seventy percent of people engage with a church online before they ever visit in person, which means this is not a side task. It is a ministry role that directly shapes whether new people ever walk through your doors.…
Most churches have a social media presence. Very few have a social media strategy and that gap is exactly what this episode closes. Thomas and Shiloh break down the complete playbook that high-performing churches are running on social media right now in 2026, including why consistency always beats polish, how to turn one Sunday sermon into a full week of content, why Instagram should be the…
The AI tool landscape for churches in 2026 is overwhelming and most church staff do not have the time to figure out what is actually worth using. In this episode Thomas and Shiloh go category by category and give an honest and practical breakdown of where AI is genuinely delivering time savings for ministry teams and where it is still more hype than results. From sermon prep and church…
Every year a new wave of social media trends hits the church world and most ministry teams do not have the time, budget, or bandwidth to chase all of them. In this episode Thomas and Shiloh go trend by trend and rank every major social media move for churches in 2026 using a simple and honest three-tier system. Hot means do it now. Worth Trying means good if the bandwidth exists. Skip It means…
Gen Z is already showing up to church more than any other living generation and most churches are repelling them with the exact strategies designed to attract them. In this episode Thomas and Shiloh unpack the Barna data that completely reframes the young adult conversation, name what chasing looks like and why it consistently backfires, and give pastors a clear and practical picture of what Gen Z…
AI is already inside your church and the staffing questions it raises are not coming in the future. They are here right now. In this episode Thomas and Shiloh get specific and honest about which church staff roles are most exposed to AI compression, which roles are safest, where pastors are already crossing lines they have not thought through, and a practical three-question framework any church…
Seven fresh data points from 2026 just landed and most of them challenge what pastors think they know about who is coming, who is giving, and where their marketing time should actually be going. In this episode Thomas and Shiloh walk through every data point one by one, name the real-world implication for your church, and give one specific action per point that any church can implement this week.…
Most church marketing teams are working hard and getting almost nothing back for it. In this episode Thomas and Shiloh apply the 80/20 principle directly to church marketing and get specific about what to stop, what to keep, and what the handful of high-leverage moves actually look like for churches in 2026. From the death of organic social reach to the untapped power of Google Business Profiles,…
We have been having the pastoral burnout conversation for years and it keeps getting worse. That is because we have been talking about the wrong thing. This episode is not about workload, time management, or self-care tips for tired pastors. It is about the loneliness and isolation crisis that is actually driving the burnout numbers to levels the church has never seen before. Pastoral loneliness…
A third of practicing Christians now trust spiritual advice from AI just as much as advice from their pastor. For Gen Z and millennials that number is closer to 40%. Four in ten Christians say AI has already helped them with prayer, Bible study, or spiritual growth. This is not a future trend to prepare for. It is a present reality happening inside your congregation right now. In this episode…
There is a lot of noise about what churches should be doing digitally and most of it is just distraction dressed up as strategy. In this episode Thomas and Shiloh cut through the noise and focus on the trends that are actually moving the needle for churches right now, starting with one that almost nobody in the church world is paying attention to yet. AI search tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity…
Most churches are spread across every social media platform imaginable and doing none of them well. In this episode Thomas and Shiloh go platform by platform and have the honest conversation most church leaders have never had about where churches should actually be spending their time and energy online. From Facebook and Instagram to YouTube, TikTok, X, and even LinkedIn, every major platform gets…
Your church website is open around the clock and right now it is either welcoming first-time visitors or sending them somewhere else without you even knowing it. In this episode we get practical and specific about what a great church website actually needs in 2026. The conversation covers everything from homepage design and hero sections to mobile experience, Plan Your Visit pages, photography…
Ten years ago someone found a new church because a friend invited them. Today they Google it, watch a sermon clip, check the Instagram page, and make a decision before Sunday ever comes. The way people discover and evaluate churches has changed completely and most churches are still operating on an outdated playbook. In this episode we also welcome a new co-host to the show and get two fresh…
This is not your typical episode and it is not your typical guest lineup. For episode 301 we brought two of the sharpest minds at the intersection of church, research, and technology into one conversation. Ed Stetzer, Dean of Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, Editor-in-Chief of Outreach Magazine, and one of the most cited church researchers in America, sits down with Corey Alderin,…
AI is here and it is not going anywhere, but the way many churches are using it right now is doing more harm than good. In this episode we are getting honest about the most common mistakes church leaders are making with artificial intelligence and what it is actually costing their ministry in trust, authenticity, and effectiveness. We are strong believers in the power of AI as a ministry tool, but…
Every year a fresh wave of technology trends hits the church world and pastors are left asking the same question: is this actually worth our time and money? In this episode we are cutting through the noise and giving church leaders a clear, honest breakdown of what is actually moving the ministry needle right now and what is just hype dressed up in a good sales pitch. Technology is not the enemy…
If your church outreach feels like a lot of effort producing very little fruit, you are not alone and you are not without hope. In this episode, we are unpacking the real difference between churches that are growing and churches that are stuck when it comes to outreach. The gap is not about budget, building size, or staff. It is about strategy, and the churches winning at outreach right now have…
Most pastors assume burnout is a staffing problem or a workload problem. But in this episode, we are pulling back the curtain on what is actually driving burnout inside church teams today. It is deeper than a calendar issue, and it is more serious than most leaders want to admit. If you care about the health of your team and the longevity of your ministry, this conversation is one you cannot…
✅ - Get your FREE Church Marketing Review Here: https://reachrightstudios.com/analyze... ) Many churches pour time, money, and energy into marketing tactics that look impressive but deliver very little real impact. Flashy graphics, trendy platforms, and expensive campaigns can feel productive, yet they often fail to reach the people who are actually searching for faith and community. In 2026,…
Is your church's social media strategy stuck in a rut? You're not alone. In this episode, Thomas and Ian break down 7 reasons why so many churches hit a wall with social media — and what to do about it. https://youtu.be/82CLWbxyi_k?si=ZgSPZTmsVRZq5Zbf We're talking about who you're actually creating content for (hint: it's probably not who you think), why you should stop trying to be everywhere at…
Most churches work hard to create a welcoming Sunday experience. The lights are on, the coffee is hot, the volunteers are smiling. And when new guests walk through the door, everyone hopes they feel like they’ve found a home. But far too often, those same visitors never show up again. They attend once, maybe twice, then vanish. No explanation. No warning. Just gone. So what’s happening? Why do…
Every year, churches ask the same question in a hundred different ways: “How do we grow?” And in 2026, the answer might look different from what it did just a few years ago. The pandemic forced churches to adapt. New technologies have emerged. Generational shifts have changed the way people think about community and faith. But some principles have not changed at all. The local church still exists…
The way people find a new church is changing fast. It used to be all about word of mouth, road signs, or searching “church near me” on Google. But in 2026, the landscape looks different. Artificial intelligence is playing a major role in how people search for spiritual communities. Whether someone is relocating to a new city or simply feeling the tug to reconnect with their faith, they are likely…
In this ReachRight Mailbag, we’re unpacking some of the most relevant (and sometimes overlooked) questions churches are asking right now. From how to get started on YouTube, to whether AI poses a spiritual risk, to what prayer software churches are using in 2026, we’re diving into it all. Plus, we tackle a simple but surprisingly common question: If you cut down your church announcements on Sunday…
Church websites are not just digital bulletin boards anymore. They are front doors to your church, spiritual hubs, and key tools for outreach and discipleship. Yet even in 2026, too many church websites still feel stuck in the past. An outdated site can make your church look disconnected or disorganized. It can confuse first-time visitors, frustrate members looking for basic info, and fail to…
Every year, we kick off the season with one of our favorite traditions: the stats episode. We go through dozens of recent church statistics, pick the ones that made our jaws drop, and share our top six on the podcast. These stats help church leaders understand the cultural shifts happening right now and how to respond with purpose and strategy. Some are encouraging. Some are convicting. All of…
Most churches know they should be measuring something. But knowing what to measure and why is an entirely different conversation. It is easy to get caught up in vanity metrics or track data that has little to do with your church’s mission. The truth is, churches that consistently measure the right things are the ones that grow in health, not just size. And in 2026, with better tools and more…
Most churches are still focused on Gen Z. And while that matters, they may be missing the generation that is already sitting in their kids’ ministry, their middle schools, and their youth groups. Gen Alpha is no longer the “next” generation. They are the now generation . And churches that want to stay connected to the future must learn how to reach, disciple, and empower them today. Estimated…
AI is not just coming for the future of the church. It is already here, bringing with it the promise of transformative potential for ministry and outreach. From sermon prep tools to automated follow-up, artificial intelligence is changing how churches communicate, create, and care for their people. Still, not every trend is worth following blindly. Church leaders need to understand what is useful,…
Church newsletters used to be one of the most reliable ways to communicate with your congregation. Whether it was a printed handout in the Sunday bulletin or an email sent out once a month, it kept people informed, inspired, and involved. But something has changed. Now, church leaders are starting to realize that their monthly newsletter is getting ignored. People do not open it. They do not read…
AI tools are changing the way people work, think, and communicate. And now they are showing up in the last place many expected: the pulpit. Some pastors are using tools like ChatGPT to help with their sermon writing process. Others are warning that this is the beginning of the end for biblical preaching. So what should church leaders do? Is using AI sermon prep tools a smart way to save time or a…
Big budgets and full-time tech teams may work for megachurches, but most small churches have to get creative. The good news? Some of the most effective church digital tools out there are affordable, simple to use, and often overlooked. These tools are not about replacing ministry. They are about multiplying it. In this article, we are highlighting ten tools that many churches miss. They may not…
You’ve uploaded sermons. You’ve got a decent logo. You tell people to subscribe at the end of your videos. But for some reason, your church’s YouTube channel just isn’t growing. No views. No comments. And no momentum. And you’re not alone. Most churches on YouTube are stuck in neutral, wondering what they’re doing wrong, while other channels seem to take off overnight. But the truth is, your…
As church leaders, it can be tempting to strive for the newest, hippest Christmas series ideas. But while a fresh approach is always welcome, let’s not forget that people crave comfort and familiarity during the holiday season. When it comes to your Christmas sermon, people expect and want to focus on the “reason for the season” which is the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Don’t forget that…
Artificial intelligence has entered every area of modern life. From your phone to your fridge, from your inbox to your Sunday sermon slides, AI is now part of the way we live, communicate, and lead. But for many churches, AI adoption still feels like something to avoid. It seems too complicated. Too worldly. Too risky. So instead of experimenting or exploring, many church leaders simply ignore it.…
Gen Z isn’t the future of the church. They’re the present. If your strategy for reaching younger generations still relies on methods that worked for millennials or Gen X, it’s time for a serious update. This generation is different. Not just digitally native, but deeply discerning. Not just screen-obsessed, but searching for something real. The good news is that many Gen Z men and women are hungry…
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all of the blessings in our lives. We all have many things to be grateful for, and these seven Thanksgiving service ideas will help your church members celebrate and find ways to give back to others. In a world that can be divisive, critical, and argumentative, this Thanksgiving season is a time for coming together and remembering all that we have in common and…
If your church is struggling to show up on Google, you’re not alone. Every week, people in your city are searching for answers, community, and faith. But if your church isn’t visible online, they might never find you. The internet is often the first step someone takes toward discovering a church. And while your church may have powerful preaching, warm community, and great programs, none of that…
In this edition of ReachRight Mailbag, we’re tackling one of the boldest questions in church circles today: Are we heading toward a future where the church exists entirely online and physical gatherings disappear? As digital tools reshape how we connect, teach, and worship, this is a question church leaders can’t ignore. Some see the rise of online ministry as a natural next step. Others are…
Most churches have some kind of digital presence. A Facebook page. A website. Maybe even a YouTube channel or email newsletter. But while nearly every church is online, very few are actually using digital marketing to drive real church growth . Then there’s the top 1 percent . These are the churches that are consistently reaching new people, connecting with first-time guests, and staying visible…
AI tools are everywhere. Whether you’re using platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or another generative AI system, you’ve probably seen firsthand how powerful these tools can be. They can write articles, generate captions, outline emails, analyze data, and even brainstorm ideas faster than most people can open a blank Google Doc. But here’s the problem. Most people are not getting the results…
October is Pastor Appreciation Month , and many churches are already brainstorming ways to honor their leaders. Maybe your team has a few gift ideas floating around, or you’re planning to recognize your pastor during a Sunday service with a bouquet and a few nice words. That’s a great start. But let’s be honest. Most pastors have received their fair share of mugs, bookstore gift cards, and framed…
Artificial intelligence is everywhere right now. In homes, in offices, and increasingly, in ministry. From generating graphics to writing devotionals, AI tools have made their way into the daily life of many churches. Adopting technology like AI should be a strategic process that aligns with the church’s mission and values. For some, this shift is exciting. For others, it raises concerns. Church…
When it comes to preaching, many pastors feel at a loss for what to talk about week after week. It can be tough to come up with sermon topic ideas that are both interesting and applicable to modern-day life. But if you’re feeling burnout or lost, never fear! In this article and podcast, we’ll talk about the do’s and don’ts to help you develop sermon topic ideas to take you 52 weeks and beyond.…
You’ve spent hours designing flyers, running Facebook ads, posting sermon clips, and tweaking your church website. But here’s the honest truth: for many, a church’s marketing is a key area where churches struggle to see real results. Your church marketing still isn’t working the way you hoped. You’re not alone. Across the country, church leaders are investing time, energy, and budget into…
