Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 104

Six Encouraging Statements for Church Revitalization Leaders – Episode #118

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Church Revitalization is hard. Pastors often feel like they are drowning. Thom and Mark take some time to encourage leaders in the thick of church revitalization.

You are not alone.
You are not to blame.
It will take a while, but you will make it.
Most criticisms are not meant to hurt you personally.
You are doing a great work for God.
Simple victories must be celebrated.

Other highlights:

Church revitalization and replanting are spiritual warfare.
Pastors in Church Revitalization and Replanting feel alone and the adversary wants you to feel alone.
Satan has no offense to penetrate the armor of God. 
You are not alone because God is with you. You are not alone because God’s people are with you.
You are not responsible for the mess you walked into.
Pastors! Preach, pray, and stay where God has called you.
If you are being obedient to Christ none of your time is wasted.

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

Join Church Answers
Revitalize Network









Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com.
Submit Your Question:

Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you’ll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.

Five Constants in Seasons of Transition

By Kevin Spratt

In the last two months, I have transitioned from one fast-paced organization to another. It’s been fast, busy, and a ton of fun. The only thing constant about life is change and transition. Every day we take one step closer to something new and one step away from something old.

Recently, I paused to reflect on what I am learning during this time of change. Here are 5 constants to keep in mind during a season of transition.

History – Every new place you are going to has a history. You should take the time to understand its history and honor the work others have done. As I transitioned into my new role, a good friend was transitioning out. Jonathan Howe did an incredible job helping Church Answers get to where it stands today. I am thankful for his hard work in the past which has given me a new opportunity today.

People – By saying “yes” to something new you are saying “no” to something else. We all need to keep in mind that nothing is ever “just business.” People are impacted at many levels during seasons of transition. I remember several years ago when I transferred departments at LifeWay. It was hard because I left one of my best friends and mentors to explore a new opportunity. Remember your decisions always impact people on a personal level.

Harmony – I don’t believe in life balance. It’s never achievable. I believe in the pursuit of harmony. Jeff Bezos introduced me to this concept recently. You can see his article HERE. My wife knows that my increased workload during times of transition is only for a season. Clear communication and keeping my commitments are very important in making this season easier for everyone involved.

Hustle – Extra work is going to be involved. It’s just a reality. Two tools that have helped me keep in line with the fast pace are (1) Asana for task management (2) Google Calendar for blocking chunks of time including time for focus work and downtime.

Integrity – Your integrity is a reflection of your character. The best way to ensure integrity during transition is, to be honest, gracious, and consistent in your communication. Although Church Answers is headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, our family is committed to living in Lexington, Kentucky in this season, and I will continue to serve part-time at Immanuel Baptist Church. I need to communicate clearly to the church guests and members that I am not leaving and there isn’t anything wrong.

I hope my observations during my transition are helpful to you. Who knows? Maybe we will cross paths soon!

I am extremely grateful for the chance to work at Church Answers. The possibilities to serve the church and advance the Kingdom for the Gospel are endless.

Four Things Your Church Should Know about Fostering a Church

Podcast Episode #586

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In today’s episode, Thom interviews Sam about four things your church should know about fostering another church. There are neighboring churches in your community struggling and need your church’s love. Listen in as the discussion covers leadership tips and boundaries for fostering churches.

The motive has to be pure.
Most fostering will not become adoptions.
The leadership factor still remains key.
Fostering beyond 18 to 24 months can create dependence.

Other highlights:

The goal of fostering a church is to help them return to a state of independence. 

Trust that breaks down will eventually be detrimental to any relationship.
Fostering is local churches helping local churches. 
God gave you a specific address for a specific reason. Loving your neighbor applies to people and churches.
If leadership is not aligned, then you should not move forward. 

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

Church Answers
Vanderbloemen Strategic Partnership
Vanderbloemen Expansion
Join Revitalize Network


Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen has been serving churches for nine years, but did you know that Vanderbloemen also serves Christian schools, nonprofits, and Christian businesses? So if you’re listening, and you know a Christian school, nonprofit, or values-based business that is hiring, contact our friends at Vanderbloemen for your staffing needs.

For more information, visit Vanderbloemen.com.

The mission at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. The school offers more than 40 different degree programs, including the new Master of Arts in Church Revitalization in partnership with Church Answers and the Revitalization Network. This 37-hour degree is designed to help students move established churches from flatlining to flourishing.

Learn about this program and more by visiting sebts.edu. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there.

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you’ll receive a free copy of Scrappy Church.

Five Reasons Your Church’s Giving May Have Dropped Significantly This Year

By Thom S. Rainer

“It was like the bottom fell out.”

The comment came from a pastor in a micro consultation I hosted. He was both concerned and perplexed. He could not understand why the decline was taking place, and why it was so sudden.

In a great discussion at Church Answers, a number of pastors were discussing this same phenomenon. Their insights were varied and helpful.

What are some possible reasons church giving can take a seemingly dramatic turn downward? As we work with churches, we often see these five reasons.

The church’s membership and attendance mix changed during the year. The common scenario is the loss of a few high-giving families replaced by newer lower-giving families. In these cases, leadership is often caught off guard because there was no corresponding attendance decline.


The movement to digital giving has been too slow. If church leaders are not emphasizing digital giving options, there will likely come a day where giving begins to drop precipitously. Non-digital givers tend to give when they are physically present at a worship service. They often skip giving when they are not present. Digital givers are more likely to schedule their gifts on a regular schedule.


There is a quiet protest movement in the church. I don’t like it when church members hold back giving when something does not go their way. Frankly, I would rather they go to another church they can support regularly. But financial protests are sadly common. I recently spoke to one pastor who discovered this ugly reality when the church introduced projection screens in the worship center. I am not kidding.


There is not sufficient emphasis on encouraging people to be a part of a group. I am always amazed when I learn the giving habits of church members who are in a group versus those who are not. Those in groups often give three to five times more per capita. If the church loses its emphasis on groups even for a short season, giving can begin to suffer quickly.


There is no clear vision. As a rule, Gen Xers and Millennials give to a mission and a vision rather than an institution. If a compelling vision is not clear, or if there are many competing visions and emphases, these younger adults may shift their giving elsewhere.

 If your church has seen a significant drop in giving this year, I encourage you to have a conversation with the person who sees the giving records. While he or she may not provide names and giving amounts, that person usually knows what is taking place. But they often don’t tell unless they are asked.

Declining giving is not always a gradual phenomenon. It can often be sudden and dramatic.

You need to learn what is taking place sooner rather than later.

Pray for Friendship Baptist Church

Location: Montalba, Texas

Pastor: Jerry Horine

Weekly Worship: Sunday at 10:45 AM and 6:00 PM Central

Fast Facts:

Friendship Baptist Church is an established church that started in 1860. The church is located in an extremely rural area with more cattle in the town than people. However, God is doing some amazing things at Friendship right now. The church stepped out in faith by hiring a 23-year-old pastor, and God has been blessing faithfully. The church has grown from averaging 88 in attendance to 150 in the last two years. It has been absolutely amazing to watch God work big time in this small town place!

The members of Friendship are praying fervently for the 90 days leading into 2020. The church is calling this emphasis VISION 2020 with the purpose of “seeing” Christ more in their lives, their homes, their communities, and abroad. The church is planning some big initiatives that will be launched as they move into 2020. Please pray for unity and discernment from the Lord as these efforts will challenge and stretch the church.

Website: www.FriendshipBChurch.weebly.com

Four Often Neglected Practices of Most Leaders

Podcast Episode #585

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Today Thom and Sam welcome Joel Wayne, lead pastor for Chapel Pointe in Hudsonville, Michigan, and author of Steer: Eight Practices to Drive Leadership. In this episode, Joel discusses four neglected practices of leaders trying to shape culture. Key learning is to address splinters before they become infectious. 

Four Often Neglected Practices of Most Leaders

Shaping (Shifting) Culture
Maintaining Motivation
Establishing Default Settings
Pulling Splinters

Other highlights:

In order to shape a culture, you have to know what you are shaping towards.
Every culture grows toward what feeds it.
We often begin meetings by critiquing things that are going bad. In order to change culture begin meetings by celebrating what is going well.
Remind your staff on a regular basis what God is doing in your midst.
Continual small nuggets of positive encouragement prevent you from having to come up with one big celebration.
Don’t wait to address problems that are blistering underneath the skin.
Splinters are potential infections. If you don’t address the splinter it will become a bigger problem later.

About Joel Wayne: 

Joel Wayne has spent twenty years improving leadership and cultivating a healthy culture within organizations and churches in Connecticut, Kentucky, and Michigan. He currently serves as lead pastor for Chapel Pointe in Michigan and is the founder of VSI Leadership, a business and leadership consulting group. Joel’s dynamic communication style conveys his enthusiasm for developing strong leaders focusing on VISION, STRATEGY, and IMPLEMENTATION to create an overall organizational reset. He currently lives in Michigan with his wife and four children.

Resources:

Steer: Eight Practices to Drive Leadership
Joel Wayne
2020 Micro Consultations
Church Vision Statement


Episode Sponsors

The mission at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. The school offers more than 40 different degree programs, including the new Master of Arts in Church Revitalization in partnership with Church Answers and the Revitalization Network. This 37-hour degree is designed to help students move established churches from flatlining to flourishing.

Learn about this program and more by visiting sebts.edu. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there.

Vanderbloemen has 12 Vanderbloemen Differences that allow them to serve their clients better than anyone else. One of those is Theology Matters. Vanderbloemen’s staff has more seminary and theological experience than any other search firm with 250+ collective years of church leadership experience.

To learn more about all 12 of Vanderbloemen’s Differences, visit VanderDifference.com.

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you’ll receive a free copy of Becoming a Welcoming Church.

How to Stay Focused on Revitalizing a Church When the Critics Are Killing You – Episode #117

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Every leader faces criticism. In this episode Kevin and Thom talk about facing criticism and ways leaders can respond to criticism. Leaders will never be able to avoid criticism but they can overcome criticism.

Highlights:

Recognize the commonality of criticism
“Hurting people hurt people”
Love unconditionally
Spend time with positive people
Find members who will have your back
On some occasions, your critic is right




Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com.
Submit Your Question:

Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you’ll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.

Eight Reasons Long-term Pastors Still Fall

By Chuck Lawless

We all know stories of long-term pastors – leaders who’ve been in the ministry for years – who still fall morally. We grieve when we hear the stories, and we wonder how it can happen to ministry veterans. Based on my studies of how Satan attacks leaders, here are some reasons even long-term pastors fall.

“Success” leads them to let their guard down. The more “successful” pastors are, the easier it is to assume, “That will never happen to me.” Their thinking sounds like this: “After all, God has always blessed my ministry, hasn’t He? He won’t let this happen to me.”

Longer ministry = more opportunities to fall. This reason is really simple. The more time pastors spend with more people, the more opportunity they have to get wrongly connected with someone. Longer ministries demand more awareness of falling—not less.

They’ve learned to hide in the ministry. Busyness and excellent speaking skills can cover a lot of private sin. Public ministry does not always include private accountability. What looks great on the outside isn’t always so pure on the inside.

They never really developed spiritual disciplines. I speak to a lot of pastors who candidly admit that Bible study and prayer have always been struggles. They’ve searched for a deep relationship with God and have never really found it.

Ministry has worn down their defenses. I’ve not met any pastors who started ministry defeated and discouraged. I’ve met many, though, who are now in that state. Sometimes emotional and spiritual fatigue drives them to wrong solutions.

Their own marriages have been strained. Sometimes their spouses feel second (or worse) in the line of the pastor’s priorities, and they’ve felt that way for a long time. Marital neglect has led to long-term emotional and physical separation – and the pastor wrongly looks elsewhere for comfort.

Mid-life crises happen. They really do. Leaders who figure out they haven’t reached their dreams battle their own emotions. Some feel hurt, alone, disrespected, and tired. Others have had success, but they thought they’d see more by now. Weakness leads to disaster.

They’ve seen others restored. I tread softly here, recognizing views differ on whether fallen pastors can be restored. I also affirm ministries that walk alongside fallen leaders to bring them through the defeat. My point is simply this: the enemy is so evil he convinces some folks to go astray with these words: “Well, you can be restored, too. This action won’t cost you much.”

Take time now to pray for some long-term pastors you know.

What other reasons would you add?

Six Seismic Shifts in Church Health

Podcast Episode #584

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Thom and Sam are joined by Dr. Chuck Lawless from Southeastern Seminary. Today’s discussion is on six shifts in church health and revitalization.

The six shifts:

The institutional emphasis in church revitalization
The micro-movement
The return to resource-led revitalization 
The neighborhood church movement
The facility adjustment issue 

Other highlights:

We are finally catching up on providing resources and training for church revitalization
In order for a big movement to happen, it is going to have to happen through the smaller neighborhood churches.
Pastors and other leaders often need a starting point for revitalization.
It is very common to find a large worship center and a small congregation.

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

SEBTS MA in Church Revitalization
SEBTS MDIV in Church Revitalization
SEBTS DMIN Church Growth and Revitalization
Revitalize Network
Revitalize Network Annual Meeting
Church Answers
Cornerstone Bible Church
2020 Micro Sign Up
Pray and Go
Church Answers Consulting
Cosco & Associates


Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen has been serving churches for nine years, but did you know that Vanderbloemen also serves Christian schools, nonprofits, and Christian businesses? So if you’re listening, and you know a Christian school, nonprofit, or values-based business that is hiring, contact our friends at Vanderbloemen for your staffing needs.

For more information, visit Vanderbloemen.com.

The mission at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. The school offers more than 40 different degree programs, including the new Master of Arts in Church Revitalization in partnership with Church Answers and the Revitalization Network. This 37-hour degree is designed to help students move established churches from flatlining to flourishing.

Learn about this program and more by visiting sebts.edu. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there.

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you’ll receive a free copy of Scrappy Church.

Three Sentences Pastors Hate to Hear

By Thom S. Rainer

The most common place pastors hear one of these three sentences is right before they preach or right after they preach. Of course, the prayerful focus on their message is detoured and distracted immediately.

Frankly, I don’t see how most pastors make it to their sermons when they have been blasted by one of these bombs right before they preach. While three sentences are certainly not an exhaustive list, these are the three I hear most often. To this day, I cringe when pastors tell me they have been hit yet again with one of these three sentences:

“People are saying . . .” This one is the coward’s special. Rather than speak for themselves, the critic hides behind the deceitful anonymity of other people. If you challenge the verbal sniper with the identity of the “people,” he or she typically responds smugly that they cannot say. They are not at liberty to reveal the identities of the dissidents. Anonymous criticism is not valid criticism. It should be dismissed along with the messenger.

“I love you, but . . .” The only thing the critic wants the pastor to hear is the verbiage after “but.” The only thing the pastor hears is the verbiage after “but.” The critic tries to couch his or her concerns from a posture of love and concern. Baloney! This sentence is similar to the secular phrase from one person dating to the other: “I want to be friends.” There is no love in the statement to the pastor. There is no desire for friendship in the statement to the person in the dating relationship.

“I’m just not getting fed here.” This infamous sentence has multiple possible translations. “You aren’t preaching the way I want you to preach.” “Your sermons are too long.” “You don’t preach from the book of Revelation enough.” “The podcast pastor is so much better.” “The church down the road is cooler.” Sometimes, the sentence is just a cover because the church member has a consumer mentality, and he or she has not received her preferences or has not gotten preferential treatment.

Most church members are good church members. Most church members really love their pastors. The few exceptions, though, are incredibly painful exceptions for pastors. Please prayerfully protect pastors from these verbal bombs, particularly right before they preach.

You will be demonstrating true love for your pastor when you do.