In today’s episode we chat with Karl Vaters about the positive trends he is observing with churches across the country, a few challenging trends, and what leaders can do about those challenging trends.

You can listen to the podcast here. Here is the video version.

1. What are some good trends you’re noticing as you travel and speak across the country?
   • The strength of the body of Christ even in the middle of challenges.
   • The closer you get to the person in the pew and the small church in a small town, the more you still see a sincere, genuine faith in Jesus along with the desire to share that faith with others. The healthier the church looks.
   • Real hunger for the Lord exists.
   • The center of the focus of the church has shifted worldwide.
   • The “Great Resignation” has not taken place. Pastors are staying with it.
2. Challenging trends?
   • Everybody is exhausted – in churches both large and small.
   • Pastors need rest more than they need resources right now.
3. What can we do about the challenging trend of exhaustion?
   • Do Sabbath better.
   • Do discipleship better. Discipleship fixes everything.