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Sunday is coming. Do you know what you’re going to preach? Dale and Jeff Jenkins discuss the weekly pressure of sermon preparation—and how planning your preaching ahead of time can make a difference. A survey discussed in this episode found that 37% of preachers knew what they would preach only a week or less in advance. Jeff shares how a challenge from Dr. Billy Smith led him to begin planning a year of sermons at a time, a practice he has continued through annual preaching retreats since 1981. Together, they explore building a preaching calendar, collecting sermon material throughout the year, developing sermon series, and helping church leaders understand where your preaching is headed. They also explain why a good plan needs room to change when tragedy or unexpected needs affect your congregation. Whether you’re a young preacher wondering where the next sermon will come from or an experienced minister looking for a better rhythm, this conversation offers practical encouragement. You’ll also hear about spiritual renewal and sermon planning retreats through the Jenkins Institute. Recorded at Heritage Christian University. How far ahead do you plan your preaching? Share what works for you in the comments, and subscribe for more Trends with Truth conversations about ministry in Churches of Christ. CHAPTERS00:00 What should I preach next Sunday?00:52 Welcome with Dale and Jeff Jenkins03:39 The weekly pressure of finding sermon ideas05:27 Survey: How far ahead do preachers plan?07:34 How Jeff began planning a year of sermons09:39 Reducing the stress of sermon preparation10:20 Building a preaching calendar and collecting material11:34 Family sermon series and devotional resources13:15 Planning with church leadership and congregational needs14:35 Knowing when to change your sermon plan16:32 Start by planning three months ahead17:52 Spiritual renewal and sermon planning retreats #SermonPlanning #ChurchesOfChrist #TrendsWithTruth

Are we seeing a decline in future preachers? Join Dale Jenkins and Dr. Michael Jackson for a data-driven look at the pulpit.In this episode of Trends with Truth, we examine the current state of church leadership. By looking past assumptions and focusing on real numbers, we analyze how the age of preachers affects local congregations and the future of ministry.This discussion provides a perspective on the generational shifts currently impacting the body of Christ. Whether you are a church leader or a member interested in ministry research, this conversation offers a clear look at the challenges facing the next generation of preachers. We explore how these changing church trends influence the call to service and the growth of our local communities.Subscribe for more weekly ministry insights and let us know in the comments how your congregation is adapting to these changing times.0:00 The Pulpit Age Debate1:07 Why We Survey Preachers2:46 Surprising Survey Results5:34 The Ideal Preacher Profile10:45 Mentorship for Every Generation17:29 The Value of Time-Tested Ministry

Are you a textual preacher or a topical preacher? We asked preachers to describe their preaching in one phrase, and the answers split almost exactly down the middle: "Let's see what this text says" vs. "Let's explore this important topic." On this episode of Trends with Truth in Churches of Christ, Dale Jenkins (The Jenkins Institute) and Dr. Michael Jackson (President, Heritage Christian University) dig into preaching styles: where the survey came from, the generational trend behind the split (older preachers leaning topical, younger preachers leaning textual and expository), and why Fred Craddock said "the worst kind of preaching is the same kind of preaching." They also cover: How mentors and favorite preachers shape your style How topical preachers can keep every verse in context Why "creating content" can pull a sermon away from the text How to keep growing as a preacher, at any age The feedback that energizes preachers most, and the danger hiding in it Whether you preach every Sunday, teach a Bible class, or serve as an elder, this conversation will help you think about how you handle God's Word, and how your hearers receive it. 📧 Send us your feedback, questions, and topic ideas: [email protected] (and ask for your sticker!) 👍 Like, share, and subscribe for new episodes. CHAPTERS: 0:00 Textual or topical? 1:00 Welcome to Trends with Truth 1:44 Where the preaching survey came from 3:22 Finding your preaching voice 5:56 Describe your preaching in one phrase: a 50/50 split 6:46 The generational trend: topical vs. textual 9:41 "The worst kind of preaching is the same kind of preaching" 11:41 Balancing your style with the congregation's needs 13:21 How mentors shape your preaching style 15:01 Keeping context in topical sermons 16:39 Don't just "create content" 18:54 How preachers keep getting better 19:48 The feedback that energizes preachers 21:30 Closing thoughts Trends with Truth in Churches of Christ is a production of The Jenkins Institute and Heritage Christian University. #TrendsWithTruth #Preaching #churchesofchrist Tags / keywords expository preaching, topical preaching, textual preaching, textual vs topical preaching, expository vs topical preaching, preaching styles, how to preach, preaching, sermon preparation, how to prepare a sermon, preaching tips, homiletics, biblical preaching, biblical teaching, church of christ, churches of christ, church of christ preaching, trends with truth, dale jenkins, michael jackson heritage christian university, heritage christian university, the jenkins institute, fred craddock, nashville school of preaching, preacher podcast, ministry podcast, christian podcast Hashtags #TrendsWithTruth #Preaching #ChurchesOfChrist #ExpositoryPreaching #Sermon

What should a Christian post online—and when does a “personal” opinion start reflecting on the church? From politics and public disagreements to preachers, elders, and church Facebook pages, social media has created questions churches can’t afford to ignore. In this episode of Trends with Truth in Churches of Christ, Dr. Michael D. Jackson and Dale Jenkins look at new survey data surrounding social media use and policies in congregations. One statistic immediately stands out: 92% of responding churches said they have no social media policy at all. But does a church actually need one? Michael and Dale discuss the line between personal expression and Christian influence, why a preacher’s personal social media rarely feels completely “personal,” how political posts can affect relationships within a congregation, and what happens when online disagreements spill over into church life. They also tackle questions like: • Should preachers and elders be held to different standards online? • Does what a minister posts reflect on the congregation? • When should elders become involved in a member’s social media behavior? • Are political posts changing minds—or creating more division? • How should churches handle conflict that begins online? • Who should control and monitor an official church social media account? • Would simple guidelines prevent problems before they happen? The goal isn’t to police every Facebook post. It’s to ask a more important question: Is what we’re posting helping people see Christ—or getting in the way? CHAPTERS: 00:00 Should Churches Have Social Media Policies? 01:12 Celebrating Episode 16 02:22 Why Talk About Social Media Now? 03:24 92% of Churches Have No Policy 04:16 Should Churches Review a Preacher’s Social Media? 05:10 Is a Preacher’s Personal Page Really Personal? 05:48 Politics, Opinions & Online Division 06:40 Do Elders and Ministers Have Clear Expectations? 08:28 What Does “Use Good Judgment” Actually Mean? 09:30 Should Elders Be Held to a Higher Standard? 10:49 Has Social Media Caused Church Conflict? 11:54 Why Online Conflict Is Hard to Resolve 13:00 When Public Disagreements Get Bigger 14:14 What Should a Church Social Media Policy Include? 15:28 Clear Rules That Actually Worked 16:25 Harmful Posts vs. Unpopular Opinions 17:42 Rules for Official Church Social Media Accounts 18:50 Moderation, Messages & Missed Opportunities 19:19 Final Thoughts Trends with Truth looks beyond assumptions and opinions to examine the real trends affecting churches of Christ today. Like the video, subscribe, and share this episode with elders, ministers, deacons, and church leaders. Comment below: Should congregations have written social media guidelines? Want a Trends with Truth sticker? Email [email protected] KEYWORDS church social media, Christian social media, Christians and social media, church social media policy, churches of Christ, Church of Christ, Christian politics, Christians and politics, social media and the church, preacher social media, minister social media, elders and social media, church leadership, Christian online behavior, church conflict, social media conflict, church communications, Christian witness, Trends with Truth, Heritage Christian University, Dale Jenkins, Michael Jackson HCU #churchesofchrist #ChristianSocialMedia #ChurchLeadership #SocialMedia #ChristianLiving #Ministry #ChurchOfChrist #TrendsWithTruth #HeritageChristianUniversity

We’ve all heard it: “Preachers’ kids leave the church.” But does the data actually support that belief?In this episode of Trends with Truth in Churches of Christ, Dr. Michael Jackson, President of Heritage Christian University, and Dale Jenkins of The Jenkins Institute examine survey data about the adult children of preachers—and some of the results may surprise you.The survey included 119 ministry families representing 273 adult children, and the findings challenge several common assumptions about growing up in a preacher’s home.Among the questions Michael and Dale discuss:• How many preacher’s kids remain faithful as adults?• Does moving from congregation to congregation hurt a minister’s children?• Does working long ministry hours cause children to leave the church?• Why might staying at one congregation longer matter?• Are preacher’s kids in small churches at a disadvantage?• What can ministers and churches do to help ministry families thrive?• Are we raising children simply to attend church—or preparing them for lifelong faithfulness?One of the strongest trends in the survey was especially striking: the longer a preacher remained with a congregation, the more likely his adult children were to remain faithful.But the conversation goes deeper than statistics.Michael and Dale discuss stability, relationships with other Christians, ministry expectations, quality family time, small-church challenges, and what young ministers should consider when raising children while serving the church.The goal isn’t to create fear for ministry families. It’s to replace assumptions with truth—and to learn what churches and Christian families can do better.Trends with Truth examines the real trends affecting churches of Christ using surveys, research, experience, and honest conversation.Hosted by Dr. Michael Jackson and Dale Jenkins.Subscribe for more conversations about ministry, congregational life, evangelism, leadership, preaching, and the future of churches of Christ. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Do Preachers’ Kids Leave the Church? 02:03 Why Study Preachers’ Kids? 03:43 What the Survey Found 05:00 The Biggest Predictor of Adult Faithfulness 05:28 Does Staying at One Church Matter? 06:21 Why Congregational Stability May Matter 08:28 Does Moving Churches Hurt Your Kids? 09:59 Do Long Ministry Hours Damage Families? 11:37 Are Small Churches Harder for Preachers’ Kids? 12:48 Helping Kids Build Christian Connections 14:41 Gender, Birth Order & Other Factors 15:46 Parenting Doesn’t End at 18 17:02 Advice for Young Preachers 17:51 Family Time vs. Ministry Responsibility 19:01 Raising Faithful Adults, Not Just Church Kids 20:27 Hope for Ministry Families KEYWORDS:preachers kids, preacher's kids, PKs, preacher kids church, preachers kids leaving church, ministry families, preacher family, ministers families, churches of Christ, church of Christ, Trends with Truth, Trends with Truth podcast, Michael Jackson Heritage Christian University, Dr Michael Jackson HCU, Dale Jenkins, Jenkins Institute, preacher survey, church survey, ministry statistics, church statistics, Christian parenting, raising faithful children, raising Christian children, adult children faithfulness, children leaving church, why kids leave church, church attendance, Christian family, minister burnout, preacher burnout, ministry and family, ministry family balance, preacher tenure, church stability, small church ministry, small churches, youth ministry, Christian teenagers, ministry children, church leadership, congregational health, Heritage Christian University, HCU, churches of Christ podcast, church of Christ podcast, Christian podcast, preacher podcast, ministry podcast HASHTAGS#PreachersKids #ChurchesOfChrist #TrendsWithTruth #ChristianParenting #MinistryFamily #Preaching #ChurchLeadership #ChristianFaith #DaleJenkins #HeritageChristianUniversity

What truly defines a man of God? The Jenkins Institute asked men to rank the characteristics they believe matter most in the life of a godly man and minister—and the results reveal some encouraging priorities along with one significant concern. In this episode of Trends with Truth in Churches of Christ, Jeff Jenkins and Dale Jenkins are joined by Dr. Michael D. Jackson, President of Heritage Christian University, to examine the survey results and discuss what they mean for ministers, elders, ministry students, and congregations today. The results placed being a student of the Word of God at the top, followed closely by a strong personal spiritual life and biblical preaching and teaching. But then the numbers changed dramatically. While preaching ranked near the top, ministry to people fell significantly lower—raising an important question: Have we become better at preparing men to preach than preparing them to minister? The conversation explores: - Why Bible study must remain foundational to ministry - Why personal spiritual formation cannot simply be assumed - The relationship between preaching and actually loving people - Why congregations often remember ministry more than individual sermons - The growing need for relational and interpersonal ministry skills - How internships and supervised ministry can better prepare future ministers - Why every minister could benefit from an experienced mentor - How administration can quietly crowd out the most important parts of ministry If you preach, serve as an elder, train ministers, attend a Christian university, or simply want to become a stronger man of God, this conversation offers some important questions worth considering. What characteristic do you believe is most important in a man of God? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for more episodes of Trends with Truth, where we examine real data and trends affecting Churches of Christ and ministry today—seeking facts, not assumptions. Chapters: 00:00 What Defines a Man of God? 00:59 How Often Does “Man of God” Appear in the Bible? 02:19 The Jenkins Institute Survey 02:49 #1 — A Student of the Word of God 04:18 Everything Must Lead Back to Scripture 05:37 #2 — A Strong Personal Spiritual Life 07:05 Bible Knowledge vs. Spiritual Formation 08:42 #3 Biblical Preaching & #4 Ministry to People 10:47 The Surprising Drop in Ministry 12:09 What Congregations Actually Remember 12:57 Are We Training Preachers or Ministers? 14:51 The Growing Soft-Skills Challenge 17:34 How Christian Universities Can Better Train Ministers 19:17 Why Ministers Need Mentors 21:04 Administration Ranked Last 22:16 Seeking Facts, Not Assumptions Keywords Use these in the keyword/tag field rather than awkwardly stuffing them into the description: man of God, what is a man of God, characteristics of a man of God, godly man, biblical manhood, Christian manhood, qualities of a godly man, Christian ministry, ministry leadership, preacher training, preacher ministry, biblical preaching, Bible study, spiritual formation, personal spiritual life, ministry to people, church leadership, minister mentoring, preacher mentoring, ministry education, Heritage Christian University, Jenkins Institute, Jeff Jenkins, Dale Jenkins, Michael D Jackson, Churches of Christ, church of Christ, Trends with Truth, Trends with Truth Churches of Christ, Christian leadership, ministry survey Hashtags: #ManOfGod #ChristianMinistry #ChurchLeadership #ChurchesOfChrist #TrendsWithTruth

Vacation Bible School may still be one of the greatest outreach opportunities available to a local church. But what happens after families walk through the door? In this episode of Trends with Truth in Churches of Christ, Dr. Michael D. Jackson sits down in the studio with Dale Jenkins and Jeff Jenkins to examine the results of a survey of 97 congregations about Vacation Bible School, outreach, volunteers, visitors, follow-up, and the challenges churches face trying to make VBS work. The numbers reveal something encouraging: churches still believe deeply in VBS. They also raise some important questions. About two-thirds of surveyed congregations described their VBS as serving both outreach and edification. Churches reported significant participation from people outside their congregation, and some congregations making outreach a primary emphasis reported exceptionally high non-member participation. But another statistic deserves attention: When churches were asked about their greatest VBS challenges, 40 responses mentioned people, teachers, workers, or volunteers—while only 3 mentioned follow-up. If VBS is outreach, what should happen after VBS is over? Michael, Dale, and Jeff discuss: • Why VBS remains such a unique opportunity to reach families • Why visitors may come to VBS when they won't attend other church events • The challenge of recruiting enough teachers and volunteers • How churches can avoid exhausting the same people every year • Why smaller churches shouldn't assume they can't have VBS • Simple ways to follow up with visiting families • Personal video invitations, phone calls, visits, and follow-up events • Why the person who invited a family may be the best person to reconnect with them • Churches experiencing the opposite problem—more children than they have room for • What church leaders and elders can do to encourage outreach • Why successful VBS programs should keep children at the center • Real stories of people whose first connection to the church came through Vacation Bible School One of the most important ideas from this conversation is simple: VBS shouldn't merely be an event families attend. It can become the beginning of a relationship. If your congregation hosts a Vacation Bible School, ask yourself: What happens to the visiting family after the decorations come down? That answer may matter more than almost anything you do during VBS week itself. 👍 Like this episode 💬 Tell us what your congregation is doing with VBS 🔔 Subscribe for future episodes of Trends with Truth in Churches of Christ 📤 Share this episode with your elders, ministers, children's ministry leaders, VBS directors, and church leadership teams. CHAPTERS: 00:00 What Does the VBS Survey Reveal? 00:57 Welcome to Trends with Truth 02:00 VBS and Gospel Meetings Still Matter 03:16 Why Talk About Vacation Bible School? 04:27 Is VBS Still One of Our Best Outreach Opportunities? 05:43 Outreach AND Edification 07:41 How Many VBS Visitors Aren't Members? 08:28 What Happens When Outreach Becomes the Priority? 09:11 The Biggest VBS Challenge: Volunteers 11:08 The Surprising History of VBS 11:30 The Follow-Up Problem 12:36 Practical Ways to Follow Up After VBS 14:14 Let the Person Who Invited Them Follow Up 14:40 A Simple 30-Second Video Could Make a Difference 15:02 How Do We Prevent Volunteer Burnout? 16:43 “We Don't Have Enough People” 17:43 When VBS Gets TOO Big 18:29 What Successful Churches Are Doing Right 19:33 Remember Who VBS Is For 20:29 When Church Leadership Becomes the Obstacle 22:46 Is It Really a Leadership Problem? 23:06 One Invitation That Changed a Life 24:15 More Lives Changed Through VBS 24:40 Final Thoughts KEYWORDS / SEARCH TERMS: Vacation Bible School, VBS, VBS outreach, church children's ministry, evangelism ideas, church outreach ideas, Churches of Christ, Heritage Christian University, Jenkins Institute, The Jenkins Institute, Trends with Truth, Trends with Truth in Churches of Christ,

Are Churches of Christ paying preachers and youth ministers fairly? In this special bonus episode of Trends with Truth in Churches of Christ, Dr. Michael Jackson and Dale Jenkins review the findings from the previous Churches of Christ salary survey—and explain what those numbers reveal about ministry compensation, church priorities, small congregations, bi-vocational preaching, and the future of youth ministry. The newest salary survey is now open, and your participation will help provide better information for churches, elders, ministers, and ministry families. 📊 TAKE THE NEW SALARY SURVEY: https://www.thejenkinsinstitute.com/salarysurvey The more ministers and churches participate, the more useful the data becomes. In this episode, we discuss: • What the previous salary survey revealed • How ministry compensation changed from 2019 to 2024 • Why preacher salaries have increased • The significant pay gap between small and large congregations • Whether smaller churches can realistically afford full-time ministers • The growing importance of bi-vocational ministry • Why youth ministry compensation has risen • The importance of retaining qualified youth ministers • What elders should learn from salary data • What ministers should consider when discussing compensation • Why church members should take ministry compensation seriously • How fair pay helps ministers support their families and serve effectively This episode does not present the results of the newest survey. Instead, it reviews the previous survey and invites you to participate in the new one now available through The Jenkins Institute. The survey is about more than money. It is about how churches value ministry, support ministers, care for their families, and prepare for the future. If you are an elder, preacher, youth minister, church member, or ministry student, this is a conversation you need to hear—and the new survey is one you should take. Subscribe to Trends with Truth in Churches of Christ for thoughtful conversations about ministry, church life, leadership, culture, and the future of the church. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Every number has a name 00:52 Welcome to Trends with Truth 01:28 Why the salary survey was created 03:26 This is about more than money 04:22 Dale’s first ministry salary 06:16 The newest salary survey is now open 07:20 How the ChurchPay tool works 08:00 What the previous survey revealed 10:02 Are churches supporting ministers better? 12:41 The pay gap between small and large churches 14:14 What small churches should consider 15:15 The future of bi-vocational ministry 16:37 Youth ministry compensation 18:40 The importance of retaining youth ministers 20:01 What elders should learn 20:51 What youth ministers should learn 21:48 What church members should understand 23:03 Supporting ministers and their families 23:25 Take the new survey KEYWORDS: Churches of Christ salary survey, new preacher salary survey, preacher salary, minister salary, youth minister salary, church salary survey, how much should a preacher make, preacher compensation, ministry compensation, church finances, church leadership, elders and ministers, bi-vocational preacher, small church ministry, youth ministry Churches of Christ, preacher pay, minister benefits, church staff compensation, Trends with Truth, The Jenkins Institute, Dale Jenkins, Michael Jackson, Churches of Christ ministry HASHTAGS: #ChurchesOfChrist #PreacherSalary #MinistryCompensation #YouthMinistry #TrendsWithTruth

For years, a troubling claim has circulated in Churches of Christ: “We’re losing hundreds of preachers every year.” But is it actually true? In this bonus episode of Trends with Truth in Churches of Christ, Dale Jenkins and Dr. Michael D. Jackson dig beneath the alarming statistics and ask a much bigger question: Do Churches of Christ really have a preacher shortage—or has the ministry landscape simply changed? They discuss why congregations are taking longer to hire ministers, why fewer ministry graduates are choosing traditional pulpit roles, how increased church staffing may actually be creating greater demand, and why better compensation and longer minister tenures could be contributing to the appearance of a shortage. The conversation also turns toward the future: Where will the next generation of gospel preachers come from? Dale and Michael argue that developing ministers cannot simply be left to universities and preaching schools. It begins in local congregations—with parents, elders, preachers, and churches encouraging young men to see ministry as meaningful, joyful, and worth pursuing. This episode challenges assumptions, questions statistics, and offers a more hopeful picture of what may actually be happening in ministry today. 00:00 The claim that Churches of Christ are losing 600 preachers a year00:56 Welcome to Trends with Truth01:38 Where did the preacher-shortage statistic come from?03:10 How statistics become accepted church narratives04:21 Are churches actually struggling to find preachers?06:20 Why churches are taking longer to hire ministers08:19 Finding the right personality and congregational fit09:15 Better preacher salaries may be changing the market10:45 How the pandemic affected churches and minister compensation11:22 More ministry positions means greater demand12:08 Why fewer ministry graduates enter pulpit ministry13:00 The growth of youth and associate ministry positions13:58 Are more preachers retiring?14:22 Why this may actually be an optimistic problem15:19 Are we training more ministers than ever before?16:06 Why younger ministers are changing careers17:21 Who is responsible for training future preachers?18:02 Why ministry recruitment should begin in middle school19:24 Give young men opportunities to preach and lead19:44 Make ministry look worth pursuing20:17 Final thoughts preacher shortage, preacher shortage Churches of Christ, Churches of Christ preachers, church of Christ preacher shortage, ministry shortage, minister shortage, Churches of Christ ministry, gospel preacher, preaching ministry, pulpit minister, Christian ministry, ministry recruitment, preacher training, Heritage Christian University, Dale Jenkins, Michael D Jackson, Dr Michael Jackson, Jenkins Institute, Trends with Truth, Trends with Truth Churches of Christ, church statistics, church trends, ministry statistics, preacher jobs, church of Christ jobs, ministers leaving ministry, future of ministry, training young preachers, pulpit ministry, church leadership, youth ministry, ministry graduates #ChurchesOfChrist #Preaching #Ministry #ChurchLeadership #GospelPreaching #ChristianMinistry #TrendsWithTruth CHAPTERSKEYWORDS

How will AI in ministry change the landscape of our churches? Dale Jenkins and Dr. Michael Jackson analyze emerging trends. In this episode of Trends with Truth in Churches of Christ, Dale Jenkins and Dr. Michael Jackson dig into survey results of church technology revealing how ministers are incorporating AI into their work. The #1 answer may surprise you: sermon preparation and research. But where is the line between using AI as a tool and allowing it to replace the preacher’s own study, thinking, creativity, and ministry? Dale and Michael discuss the opportunities, the dangers, and what AI can—and cannot—do for those preaching and serving in the local church. They also explore: • Why sermon preparation is currently the leading use of AI among ministers • How AI is changing Bible research and sermon development • The danger of letting AI become a substitute for personal study • Why AI-generated sermons still struggle to sound truly human • How ministers are using AI for graphics and social media • Why ministry relationships can never be automated • What churches should understand about ministers using AI • How dramatically ministry technology could change over the next few years AI may help a preacher become more efficient, creative, and prepared—but can it ever replace the human element of ministry? That may be the most important question of all. If you enjoy honest conversations about the trends shaping churches of Christ, subscribe, like, and share Trends with Truth. CHAPTERS: 00:00 — AI Has Taken Over the Conversation 00:57 — Welcome to Trends with Truth 02:42 — When Did We First Start Using AI? 05:19 — Is AI Just Another Tool? 06:19 — Churches Have Been Here Before 08:15 — How Are Ministers Actually Using AI? 09:51 — The #1 Use of AI by Preachers 12:17 — Using AI for Bible Study and Research 14:15 — AI Assistance vs. AI-Written Sermons 15:43 — When Does the Tool Become the Boss? 17:29 — Why AI Sermons Still Feel Different 18:28 — The Human Element AI Cannot Replace 19:31 — Graphics and Social Media 20:17 — Where Ministry AI Is Headed Next 21:49 — Should Church Members Be Concerned? 23:01 — AI Adoption Has Happened Fast 24:01 — What Would Past Preachers Have Done With AI? KEYWORDS: AI in ministry, artificial intelligence in ministry, AI and preaching, AI sermon preparation, preachers using AI, ministers using AI, ChatGPT for pastors, ChatGPT for preachers, ChatGPT sermon preparation, AI Bible study, AI Bible research, artificial intelligence church, church technology, churches of Christ, Church of Christ preaching, Church of Christ ministry, sermon preparation, preacher resources, ministry technology, Christian artificial intelligence, AI generated sermons, AI sermon writing, ethics of AI in ministry, technology and the church, trends in churches of Christ, Trends with Truth, Dale Jenkins, Michael Jackson, Heritage Christian University, Ministry League #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Preaching #SermonPreparation #Ministry #ChurchTechnology #ChurchesOfChrist #BibleStudy #ChristianMinistry #ChatGPT #TrendsWithTruth

Youth ministry doesn’t fit neatly into a 40-hour workweek. Camps. Retreats. Mission trips. Conferences. Late nights. Weekends away. Constant responsibility for other people’s children. So what happens when a youth minister works four straight days away from home—or loses 10, 12, even more weekends in a year? In this episode of Trends with Truth in Churches of Christ, Dale Jenkins and Dr. Michael Jackson examine a qualitative survey on comp time for youth ministers. But the conversation quickly reveals that this issue is about much more than days off. It’s about trust between elders and ministers, communication, family, expectations, burnout, and whether ministry is sustainable for the long haul. The survey revealed that nearly two-thirds of respondents reported having no clear policy regarding compensatory time. Many simply take time when they need it. Others rarely take it at all—and some admitted feeling guilty when they do. Dale and Michael discuss: Why youth ministry schedules are fundamentally different from traditional work schedules Why written policies can help—but cannot replace trust How flexibility can become confusion when communication breaks down Why elders should initiate difficult conversations before frustration builds How one critical church member can damage trust between leadership and a minister Why young ministers need clear expectations from the beginning Why ministers should discuss comp time before accepting a position The long-term danger of sacrificing your spouse and children for ministry Why rest is not simply about the minister—it may be something his family desperately needs One of the most important observations in the episode: You may know trust is beginning to break down when you keep putting off a conversation that needs to happen. This conversation should be heard by elders, youth ministers, preachers, ministry leaders, and anyone involved in hiring or supervising church staff. If churches want ministers who remain healthy, effective, and faithful for decades, then conversations about workload, expectations, rest, and family cannot be ignored. Subscribe to Heritage Christian University and follow Trends with Truth for honest conversations about what is actually happening in Churches of Christ. Chapters: 00:00 Why This Survey Is Different 01:46 What Is a Qualitative Survey? 02:09 Asking Youth Ministers About Comp Time 04:14 When Ministry Becomes Unsustainable 06:12 Why Rest Matters in Ministry 06:50 Why Youth Ministry Is Different 07:21 How Youth Ministry Has Changed 08:06 A Four-Day Trip Isn’t a 9-to-5 Job 09:04 How Should Churches Handle Comp Time? 09:32 Nearly Two-Thirds Have No Clear Policy 10:06 Why Churches Often Have No Policy 10:26 Comp Time Comes Down to Trust 11:23 Policy vs. Flexibility 12:32 When Flexibility Becomes a Problem 13:40 When Policy Becomes Control 14:18 Why Elders Should Start the Conversation 15:03 Building Trust Between Elders and Ministers 16:26 Don’t Let One Member Destroy the Relationship 17:30 The Sign That Trust Is Breaking Down 18:21 Why Elders and Ministers See Things Differently 19:34 Ministry Is a Calling—but It Is Also a Job 20:49 A Smart Habit for Young Ministers 21:51 Discuss Comp Time Before Taking the Job 23:02 Why Ministers Feel Guilty Taking Time Off 23:22 Your Family May Need the Time More Than You Do

Only 17 out of 240 ministers surveyed said their congregation provides their health insurance. That number stopped us in our tracks. In this episode of Trends with Truth in Churches of Christ, Dale Jenkins, Dr. Michael Jackson, and Jeff Jenkins tackle an issue that rarely gets discussed openly: health insurance for ministers—and what happens when churches don’t provide it. This conversation goes far beyond insurance premiums. When a minister has to rely on a spouse’s job for coverage, take a second job, accept an enormous deductible, or go without insurance altogether, the consequences can affect his family, stress level, effectiveness, and even whether he stays in ministry. The question for church leaders is bigger than, “Do we provide insurance?” It is: Are we creating a situation where our ministers can realistically afford to stay in ministry? In this episode, we discuss: • Why only about 7% of surveyed ministers reported receiving church-provided insurance• Why so many ministry families depend on a spouse’s employer for coverage• Ministers taking second jobs simply to afford healthcare• Why insurance should be viewed as ministry support, not just compensation• The financial pressure that can drive good ministers out of ministry• Why elders should regularly reevaluate salary, insurance, deductibles, and benefits• The difficulty churches face trying to establish health insurance plans• Why ministers should never be made to feel guilty for trying to protect their families This is an especially important conversation for elders, church leaders, ministers, search committees, and anyone involved in determining minister compensation. A church may say it wants to keep a good minister for twenty years—but the way it structures compensation and benefits may make that impossible. Every number has a name.Every church has a story. Trends with Truth in Churches of Christ looks beneath the statistics to understand what is actually happening in ministry and congregational life. 00:00 — Trends with Truth00:39 — Welcome & Introduction01:23 — One of the Biggest Questions Ministers Ask03:05 — Why Insurance Affects Staying in Ministry04:22 — Should Churches Be Providing Insurance?05:26 — Only 17 of 240 Ministers Receive Church-Provided Insurance06:24 — When a Spouse Has to Provide the Insurance07:23 — Ministers Taking Second Jobs for Benefits08:47 — Do Churches Simply Not Realize the Problem?09:52 — Why Providing Insurance Can Be Complicated11:13 — The Impact on Ministers’ Wives and Families12:11 — Churches Can Figure Out Hard Problems14:14 — Could There Be an Insurance Program for Ministers?15:00 — Don’t Make Ministers Feel Guilty for Asking15:59 — Why Ministry Gets Treated Differently Than Other Jobs17:25 — Taking Care of Ministers Makes Churches Stronger17:46 — One Medical Crisis Can Change Everything18:59 — Insurance Is a Major Financial Concern19:41 — Have Ministers Simply Learned to Live With It?20:04 — Insurance as Ministry Support, Not Just Compensation20:56 — Elders: Revisit Your Minister’s Benefits22:06 — Rising Deductibles and Hidden Costs22:54 — The Bottom Line churches of Christ, Church of Christ, churches of Christ ministers, preacher health insurance, minister health insurance, preacher salary, minister compensation, church employee benefits, church leadership, elders Church of Christ, preacher compensation, preacher benefits, ministry burnout, ministers leaving ministry, ministry retention, preacher family, church staffing, church finances, church budget, elder leadership, congregational leadership, Jenkins Institute, Heritage Christian University, Trends with Truth, Dale Jenkins, Jeff Jenkins, Michael Jackson Heritage Christian University, #ChurchesOfChrist #ChurchLeadership #Ministry #Preachers #ChurchOfChrist #Elders #MinistryLeadership #ChurchGrowth #PreacherLife #MinistryMatters #TrendsWithTruth #JenkinsInstitute #HeritageChristianUniversity

Are Churches of Christ losing confidence in the Bible? You may hear that Christianity is declining, younger ministers are abandoning biblical authority, or churches no longer believe Scripture is truly inspired. But what does the data actually say? In this episode of Trends with Truth, Dr. Michael Jackson, Dale Jenkins, and Jeff Jenkins examine new survey results from ministers and preachers in Churches of Christ—and the findings challenge some of the loudest narratives being repeated today. Among survey respondents: • 94.4% affirmed the Bible as the inspired, inerrant Word of God and fully authoritative.• Among preachers, that number rose to 95.7%.• 93% affirmed that Scripture is without error in all that it affirms.• Nearly 95% said they are very confident in their belief in biblical inspiration. Even more encouraging: these convictions remain strong across generations, including younger ministers. The conversation goes beyond the numbers to ask a much bigger question: What happens to the church when confidence in Scripture begins to erode? Because our beliefs about baptism, worship, church leadership, doctrine, and Christian living ultimately come back to one foundational issue: What do we believe about the authority of the Bible? This episode offers a hopeful—and data-driven—look at the state of biblical conviction among Churches of Christ today. If you value thoughtful conversations about the church grounded in real data rather than anecdotes, subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. CHAPTERS 00:00 — Welcome to Trends with Truth02:13 — Is Christianity Really Dying?03:42 — What Do Ministers Believe About Scripture?04:33 — Why This Survey Matters05:16 — Biblical Authority in American Christianity07:00 — What Churches of Christ Ministers Said07:22 — 94.4% Affirm Biblical Inspiration08:12 — 95.7% of Preachers Affirm Biblical Authority08:39 — Are Negative Narratives Misleading Us?10:33 — Is the Bible Without Error?10:59 — Original Manuscripts vs. Translations11:42 — Confidence in Biblical Inspiration13:18 — Do Preachers Address Challenges to Scripture?14:21 — Doctrine and the Authority of Scripture15:41 — Why These Results Give Hope16:39 — The Danger of Losing Confidence in Scripture17:03 — What Younger Preachers Believe18:30 — Some Convictions Should Not Change19:06 — Teaching Biblical Authority to the Next Generation20:08 — Will Preachers Still Believe This 100 Years From Now?20:56 — Closing Thoughts KEYWORDS Churches of Christ, Church of Christ, Churches of Christ today, Trends with Truth, biblical inspiration, inspiration of Scripture, authority of Scripture, biblical authority, inerrancy of Scripture, Bible inerrancy, is the Bible inspired, is the Bible the Word of God, Churches of Christ beliefs, Church of Christ beliefs, Church of Christ doctrine, Bible authority, Christian worldview, state of Christianity, Christianity decline, Christianity in America, church decline, American Christianity, Christian statistics, church statistics, religious surveys, preacher survey, ministers survey, Church of Christ preachers, young preachers, next generation church, biblical truth, doctrine, baptism, worship, church leadership, Michael Jackson Heritage Christian University, Dale Jenkins, Jeff Jenkins, Jenkins Institute, Heritage Christian University, Churches of Christ podcast HASHTAGS #ChurchesOfChrist #ChurchOfChrist #Bible #BiblicalAuthority #Scripture #Christianity #ChristianPodcast #ChurchTrends #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #TrendsWithTruth #HeritageChristianUniversity #JenkinsInstitute

Are Churches of Christ abandoning the belief that baptism is essential for salvation? The perception may be widespread—but the actual data tells a very different story.In this episode of Trends with Truth, Dr. Michael D. Jackson joins Dale Jenkins and Jeff Jenkins to examine survey results showing that 93% of respondents believe baptism is absolutely essential for salvation.The conversation goes beyond the headline number to explore an important distinction: Has the theology really changed, or have congregations simply changed the way they communicate the gospel and invite people to respond?Michael, Dale, and Jeff discuss:• Why the loudest voices do not always represent the majority• Whether Churches of Christ are truly becoming divided over baptism• Why some congregations no longer extend a traditional invitation at every service• The difference between changing the gospel and changing our methods• Creative ways churches are giving people opportunities to respond• Why many baptisms now happen outside regular worship assemblies• The growth of personal Bible studies, friendship evangelism, camps, and small groups• What elders should consider when discussing invitations with their ministers• Why baptism must continue to be emphasized even when methods changeThe numbers reveal remarkable agreement across Churches of Christ—but they also raise a serious warning: what congregations fail to emphasize today may no longer be practiced tomorrow.Trends with Truth examines the real beliefs, challenges, and ministry practices found throughout Churches of Christ. Rather than relying on assumptions, anecdotes, or the loudest voices online, the program follows the evidence and asks what the findings mean for congregations, ministers, elders, and Christians.Hosted by Dr. Michael D. Jackson with Dale Jenkins and Jeff Jenkins.Subscribe, share this episode, and join the conversation:Do you believe Churches of Christ are preaching and teaching enough about baptism today? Has the message changed—or only the method?CHAPTERS:00:00 – Trends with Truth Opening00:29 – Welcome with Michael Jackson, Dale Jenkins, and Jeff Jenkins00:57 – How the Jenkins Institute Surveys Began02:34 – Why the Surveys Remain Open03:15 – Survey Data Versus False Narratives04:59 – Are Churches of Christ Moving Away from Baptism?05:59 – 93% Say Baptism Is Absolutely Essential06:26 – Why the Perception Is Different from the Reality08:41 – What the Results Reveal About Unity09:48 – Has the Theology Changed—or Just the Language?10:58 – Is an Invitation Offered at Every Worship Service?12:42 – Changing the Method Without Changing the Message15:16 – When a Gospel Invitation Is Especially Important16:26 – Creative Ways to Invite People to Respond17:23 – What Elders Should Consider18:47 – Text Responses and Alternative Invitation Methods19:21 – Why Baptisms Are Happening Outside Worship Services20:40 – Personal Bible Studies and Friendship Evangelism21:43 – What We Emphasize Will Be Practiced22:41 – Gen Z, Privacy, and Future Conversations23:16 – Closing ThoughtsKEYWORDS:Churches of Christ baptism, Church of Christ baptism, baptism essential for salvation, is baptism necessary for salvation, baptism and salvation, Christian baptism, plan of salvation, gospel invitation, invitation song, Churches of Christ beliefs, Church of Christ doctrine, baptism survey, church trends, Christian research, religious survey, baptism in the Bible, biblical baptism, Acts 2 38, Mark 16 16, elders and ministers, personal evangelism, one on one Bible study, friendship evangelism, church leadership, Jenkins Institute, Heritage Christian University, Michael Jackson HCU, Dale Jenkins, Jeff Jenkins, Trends with Truth podcastHASHTAGS:#ChurchesOfChrist #Baptism #ChristianPodcast #ChurchLeadership #BiblicalTruth #TrendsWithTruth

Do preachers really only work one or two days a week?In Episode 5 of Trends with Truth in Churches of Christ, Dr. Michael D. Jackson and Dale Jenkins welcome Jeff Jenkins to examine what the numbers reveal about the real workload of ministers.Based on survey responses from approximately 250 ministers, the results challenge several common assumptions about preaching and ministry.About one in five full-time ministers reported working a second job. Many said they work more than 40 hours each week in ministry, while others reported working 50 hours or more—before considering hospital visits, emergencies, counseling, funerals, family crises, and the reality of always being on call.The conversation also explores an important tension: ministry can be demanding and deeply fulfilling, but busyness is not the same thing as faithfulness.The hosts discuss:• How many hours ministers actually work• Why some full-time preachers need second jobs• The growing burden of health insurance• Why ministry rarely follows a predictable schedule• The difference between hard work and unhealthy overwork• Minister burnout and emotional exhaustion• The importance of protecting marriage and family• How elders can better understand and support ministers• Why ministers must continually reevaluate their responsibilitiesWhether you are a preacher, elder, ministry student, church leader, or member of a local congregation, this episode offers an honest look behind the sermon and into the daily realities of ministry.Every number has a name.Every church has a story.This is Trends with Truth in Churches of Christ.Subscribe for new episodes examining the trends, challenges, and realities shaping Churches of Christ today.Chapters:00:00 – Every Number Has a Name00:33 – Welcome to Episode 500:59 – A Special Guinness World Records Gift01:21 – Introducing Jeff Jenkins02:09 – What the Minister Survey Revealed02:41 – “Preachers Only Work Two Days a Week”04:10 – Misconceptions About a Minister’s Schedule04:36 – Why Preachers Need Vacations Too04:52 – Ministers Working Second Jobs05:24 – Working 20–50 Additional Hours06:22 – Why Some Preachers Are Bivocational06:53 – Insurance and Financial Pressure07:25 – How Many Hours Do Ministers Work?08:21 – The Reality of Being Always on Call09:31 – Are Ministers Happy in Their Work?10:23 – The Missing Data Behind the Happiness Statistic11:26 – Most Ministers Are Hardworking11:58 – What Does “Full-Time Minister” Mean?12:41 – Ministry Is a Job of Interruptions13:18 – Why Every Day in Ministry Is Different14:13 – Unexpected Responsibilities of Preachers15:16 – When the Preacher Also Cuts the Grass15:58 – Learning to Be Flexible in Ministry16:48 – When Emergencies Interrupt Sermon Preparation17:24 – The Senator and the Toilet Paper Delivery18:18 – Busyness Is Not Faithfulness18:54 – Should We Be Concerned About Burnout?19:46 – When Ministry Hurts Marriage and Family20:17 – A Minister’s First Responsibility20:47 – Loving the Work Without Worshiping Work21:28 – What Ministers Should Stop and Start Doing22:14 – How Elders Can Better Support Preachers22:57 – Final Thoughts