Sam Rainer > Quotes

“Where Are You in Scripture? Though the Bible is first of all a story about God, the Bible is also a story of God’s holy and gracious effort to reconcile with his people—with you and me. Our names may not be written on the pages of the Bible, but we are nevertheless part of God’s epic story. When you read Scripture, don’t view God as the missing piece of your life. You will find no satisfaction in believing that a little bit of God will fill in the gaps. You don’t need God to complete your story. Rather, you are part of God’s story. As the history of the world unfolds, every person fits into God’s sovereign plan. When you realize that God is not the missing piece for you, but that you are a piece to his master work, you will begin to grasp the true meaning of Scripture. You will find God when you immerse yourself in his Word.”
― Sam Rainer, Understanding the Bible as a Whole: An Accessible Book-by-Book Guide through the Scriptures

“At the height of his ministry, Jesus drew thousands of people to hear his teaching. He fed thousands of people with five loaves and two fish. In John 6:1-15, 22-58, Jesus is so popular that people attempt to take him by force and make him king. It is an odd scene until you realize the context. In the minds of the people, anyone who can miraculously produce free food is a good candidate for a position of authority.”
― Sam Rainer, The Surprising Return of the Neighborhood Church: Discover How Your Church Is Primed to Reach Your Neighbors

“One of the continuing themes in this book is that patience is needed as God does His work through you in an established church. I remain convinced and convicted that God desires to breathe new life into stale and staid churches. Yet I am also convinced that He waits on pastors who are committed to stay with a church. He will send real revivals when leaders are in place to guide their churches through those revivals.”
― Sam Rainer, Obstacles in the Established Church: How Leaders Overcome Them

“We’ve never done it that way before” is often cited as the seven last words of a dying church.”
― Sam Rainer, Obstacles in the Established Church: How Leaders Overcome Them

“The difference between the “can-do” churches and the “can’t do” churches is how they respond to their present financial situation. “Can’t do” churches will literally stop doing many ministries because they have money fears. They certainly would not consider any new ventures. The “can-do” churches, on the other hand, will often go into new ministries without a clear indication of how the financial resources will be available for the venture. They do not act irresponsibly; they act on faith. The attitude of the “can-do” church is that God does and will provide everything needed to do His will. They do not compare themselves with other churches and, in pity, bemoan their lack of resources. “Can-do” churches simply trust God for their finances. And God honors their faith.”
― Sam Rainer, Obstacles in the Established Church: How Leaders Overcome Them