https://youtu.be/kBjDBo-FsTM In this week's episode, Sam asks Thom about some of the biggest shifts in the American church in the last thirty years. They discuss what has changed and why the shifts occurred. Some things changed for the better, and others changed for the worse. Cultural Christianity died. Transfer growth increased rapidly. Evangelism programs disappeared. Modern worship became predominant. Megachurches peaked and declined. Multisite churches proliferated. Median church size dropped by half. Denominational decline increased. Institutional loyalty and trust eroded. Resources: * Upward Sports * Filament Bible Collection Tyndale House Publishers “The Surprising Return of the Neighborhood Church” by Sam Rainer * Get your FREE eBook, Deferred Maintenance The Everything Church Resource Directory * The Hope Initiative * Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector Episode Sponsors: Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities.  Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.  Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings. At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel. By the way, it's not too early to start thinking about winter sports leagues at your church. Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers. **As a partner of Rainer on Leadership, Upward Sports is offering a $500 sports start up grant to listeners. Head over to Upward.org/ChurchAnswers and schedule a call… tell them we sent you! Your sports grant will assist you in a 2024 LEAGUE! Discover more ways to interact with God’s Word with the Filament Bible Collection The Filament Bible app is your gateway to a deeper, more enriching Bible-study experience. Seamlessly connect every page of your Bible to a treasure trove of resources, including: 25,000+ study notes for understanding 350+ videos for insight 40+ maps and infographics for context 400+ profiles and articles for enrichment 1,500+ devotions for daily inspiration audio Bibles for immersion a library of worship music for personal reflection Start your enhanced Bible journey today! Find your Filament Bible at FilamentBibles.com.