Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 117
June 29, 2019
Notable Voices and the Week in Review: June 29, 2019
From Around the Web:
Three Sources of Joy in Preaching Weekly — Trevin Wax
A few months ago—for reasons pertaining to my family, my work, and my writing—I sensed it was time to bring this season of weekly preaching to a close, and so I stepped aside. On my last Sunday as teaching pastor, the church gave me a leather-bound book filled with handwritten letters of appreciation from members of the congregation. The most meaningful letters mentioned specific sermons that intersected with crucial life moments. Again and again, I was amazed at the power of God’s Word to give us the medicine we need at the moment we need it! As I reflect on the great honor I had to serve as the primary preacher in our church, I keep coming back to three main sources of joy.
The 7 Most Dangerous Words in Evangelism — Facts & Trends
I’m eternally grateful for every person who shared the gospel with me growing up and believe the people who used this seven-word call-to-action with me did so with good intentions. But while the phrase, “Now, all you have to do is…” aims to highlight the vital truth that redemption is complete in Christ, I believe it actually serves as an unhelpful—and, at times, even dangerous—Christian catchphrase.
When a Secular Job Looks Inviting to a Pastor — Chuck Lawless
It happens. Church leaders get exasperated with church people, and they begin to long to do something else – something outside the church world, in fact, where they’re no longer under somebody else’s magnifying glass. When you get there, here are my suggestions—including one that might surprise you:
3 Common Misconceptions About Children’s Ministry — Jana Magruder
People often have some misconceptions about children’s ministry within the church. In this video, Jana Magruder breaks down some of those misconceptions and shares the value of children’s ministry.
This Week at ThomRainer.com:
Is the Multisite Church Movement Still Growing? Six Updates
This movement is not slowing down. To the contrary, it is a movement whose fastest growth is just about to breakout as it moves from the early adopter stage to the mid-adopter stage…READ MORE
Nine Traits of a Community-Focused Church
Reaches out to community leaders.
Intentionality about being where the people are.
The community of eating out and coffee houses.
Helping where the community says they need it.
Intentionally evangelistic
Intentionally invitational
In the key civic groups
In key political meetings
In the schools
Seven Ways to Be a Unifying Church Member
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/rainerpodcast/Rainer-on-Leadership/Episode548.mp3
Seven Ways Healthy Church Members Pray for Their Pastors
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/rainerpodcast/Rainer-on-Leadership/Episode549.mp3
Seven Ways an Unhealthy View of Church Membership Hinders Revitalization
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant
http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/rainerpodcast/Revitalize-and-Replant/RR-Episode099.mp3
June 28, 2019
Seven Ways Healthy Church Members Pray for Their Pastors – Rainer on Leadership #549
Podcast Episode #549
SUBSCRIBE:
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Church members who are unifying are church members who pray for their church. Today, we discuss seven areas that you can pray for your pastor and church staff.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
The number one way you can help your pastor and church staff is by praying for them.
Imagine if people spent as much time praying for the pastor’s sermon as they did critiquing it.
You will burn out in ministry if you rely on your own strength. You have to rely on the Spirit.
Don’t let your work for God take away from your walk with God.
The seven ways to pray that we discuss are:
They pray for their protection.
They pray for their families.
They pray for their preaching.
They pray for their physical stamina.
They pray for their emotional stamina.
They pray for their walk with God.
They pray for their clarity of vision.
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast
I Am a Church Member Video Study Guide
Echo Prayer
WooMarriage.com/freetrial – Use offer code LEADERSHIP at checkout
Rainer on Leadership is a member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network
Episode Sponsors
Today’s episode is sponsored by Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Midwestern offers more than 25 degrees at both undergraduate and masters level that are fully attainable online. From Business to Bible, Counseling to Christian education, prepare for your future at your own pace and in your own location.
Find out more at mbts.edu/online.
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.
June 27, 2019
Seven Ways an Unhealthy View of Church Membership Hinders Revitalization – Revitalize & Replant #099
SUBSCRIBE TODAY:
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A church’s attitude toward membership can hurt revitalization. Today, we expand on seven reasons why.
Episode Highlights:
“I give therefore I get” is the essence of the entitlement mentality in the church.
High expectation churches are highly functioning churches.
When you’re focused on doing things that actually matter, you don’t have time for things that don’t matter.
If you have an unhealthy view of church membership—one that’s inwardly focused—your church will likely neglect its community.
The seven reasons we discuss are:
It creates an entitlement mentality.
It lowers expectations.
It is a distraction from the mission.
It causes neglect of the community.
It creates frustration and discouragement among the pastor and other leaders.
It neglects evangelism.
It hurts unity.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
I Am a Church Member Video Study
RevitalizeBundle.com
ChurchAnswers.com
Find more resources at the Revitalize & Replant page at ThomRainer.com
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.
June 26, 2019
Nine Traits of a Community-Focused Church
Nine Traits of a Community-Focused Church
Reaches out to community leaders.
Intentionality about being where the people are.
The community of eating out and coffee houses.
Helping where the community says they need it.
Intentionally evangelistic
Intentionally invitational
In the key civic groups
In key political meetings
In the schools
Some highlights from today’s Rainer Report:
If you want your church to connect with the community, you have to be where the people are.
Pastors and church staff shouldn’t be expected to be in the office at all times. They need to be in the community with people.
Your church should identify and help its community where it needs help most and use this to share the gospel.
Pastors should be known by local political leaders—not in a partisan way, but to show that your church cares for its community.
June 25, 2019
Seven Ways to Be a Unifying Church Member – Rainer on Leadership #548
Podcast Episode #548
SUBSCRIBE:
iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio • Spotify
Church members who are determined to be unifying can change the entire ethos of a church, and a church with unifying church members is a blessing to a pastor.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
Be intentional about prayer and about what you’re praying for.
Words of encouragement for your pastor really mean a lot because pastors hear more criticism than you can imagine.
Giving abundantly has more to do with the attitude of the giver than the amount of the gift.
Gossip in the church is unhealthy and can hurt the ministry and witness of a church.
The seven ways to be a unifying church member that we discuss are:
Pray for the church
Encourage the pastor and staff
Encourage other church members
Give abundantly
Don’t gossip
Forgive others
Serve joyfully
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast
I Am a Church Member Video Study Guide
She Reads Truth with Raechel Myers and Amanda Bible Williams
Echo Prayer App
Church Answers
Generis.com
ArtRainer.com
WooMarriage.com/freetrial – Use offer code LEADERSHIP at checkout
Rainer on Leadership is a member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast 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.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Be sure to check out Midwestern’s Doctorate of Ministry Degree. The D.Min. is an advanced degree preparing students for leadership in local churches and denominational service. It is also fully attainable in hybrid format which means you don’t have to move to pursue the degree.
Find out more at mbts.edu/dmin.
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.
June 24, 2019
Is the Multisite Church Movement Still Growing? Six Updates
The multisite movement is, by historical standards, a recent phenomenon. The 2005 research by Todd Rhoades found 10 such churches in 1990, a number that grew to about 100 by 1998. I am a part of that history since I led the church I served as pastor to go multisite in 1992.
Leadership Network research noted the number of multisite churches increased to more than 5,000 by 2012. I have coined this strategic approach “horizontal growth.” The church is expanding beyond a single site (vertical growth) to more than one site.
The multisite movement is not a fad. It is indeed a movement in many ways. There have been thousands and thousands of churches move in this direction around the world. Not everyone likes or embraces the multisite movement; but it is hard for anyone to deny its growth and paradigmatic impact.
I will add to this conversation with six updates about the movement. Some are obvious; some may not be quite as evident.
All indicators point to continued growth of the multisite movement. I do not have firm updates on the number of these churches, but I would not be surprised if it is close to 10,000 in North America.
The movement is moving from the early adopter stage to the mid-adopter stage. I estimate the percentage of American congregations moving to multisite is close to three percent. This number is a significant level pointing toward a breakout of many more churches.
Recent decisions by some churches to revert back to a single site are not indications the movement is slowing. Recent decisions by a few churches to revert from multisite to single site are not indicators of a reversal of the trends. The Village Church in Texas and Mecklenburg Community Church in Charlotte are two well-known churches making news with their decisions. The leadership of both churches have stated good reasons for their decisions. With the sheer numbers of multisite churches today, you can expect occasional decisions to move back to single site.
The internet church and the multisite church are moving toward some type of convergence. We are watching both trends carefully. Though I am not certain exactly what shape it will take, there is definitely something moving in this direction.
The church replanting movement will continue to be a powerful fuel for the multisite movement. Most church replants are led by another congregation. When the acquiring congregation adopts another church, replanting and multisite take place simultaneously.
Multisite churches will continue to develop specialized focuses. Family Church in West Palm Beach and other locations, for example, focuses on neighborhood churches led largely by marketplace pastors and staff.
This movement is not slowing down. To the contrary, it is a movement whose fastest growth is just about to breakout as it moves from the early adopter stage to the mid-adopter stage.
Stay tuned . . .
June 23, 2019
Pray for Belvedere First Baptist Church
Location: North Augusta, South Carolina
Pastor: John Meyer
Weekly Worship: 10:30AM, Eastern
Fast Facts: Belvedere First Baptist Church is 97 years old and is primarily a senior adult congregation and is seeking to revitalize the church and reach its community with the gospel. Belvedere loves ministering to children and host several outreach activities that focus on children including a Good News Club after school every Tuesday from October 1 – March 31 on school property. They also have volunteers working in the local elementary school as tutors throughout the school year and are attempting to begin a Parents’ Night Out this month. Please pray for the church to experience revival and renewal. Also pray for the Parents’ Night Out events on June 29 and in July and August.
Website: BelvedereFBC.org
“Pray for . . .” is the Sunday blog series at ThomRainer.com. We encourage you to pray for these churches noted every Sunday. Please feel free to comment that you are praying as well.
If you would like to have your church featured in the “Pray for…” series, fill out this information form..
June 22, 2019
Notable Voices and the Week in Review: June 22, 2019
From Around the Web:
Three Habits That Make You A Better Decision Maker — Shawn Lovejoy
Our life is largely guided by the decisions we make. The small decisions we make every day have a bigger impact on our success than a few big ones. We are all one or two bad decisions away from destroying our life and one or two good decisions away from turning our life around. So, how do we become a person that makes good decisions on a normal basis?
Colorado Pastor Announced as LifeWay President and CEO Candidate — Facts & Trends
The presidential search committee of LifeWay Christian Resources’ trustees has unanimously recommended Dr. Ben Mandrell become the entity’s next president and CEO. LifeWay’s board of trustees will vote on the recommendation during a special-called session Friday, June 28, in Atlanta. If elected, Mandrell will become the 10th president of the 128-year-old organization.
12 Characteristics of the Best Church Staff Members — Chuck Lawless
Over the years, I’ve met some great church staff members. I’ve also met some problematic ones, but they’ve hardly been numerous. Here are some of the characteristics I’ve seen in the best staff members I’ve known:
How to Greet Visitors to Your Church on Sunday — David McLemore
Some of us are more outgoing than others. Some of us can talk in groups better than one-on-one. But all of us have a responsibility to welcome others into the church God has called us to. There are countless ways to do this, but for those who find it hard to know where to start, here are six ways to greet new people on Sunday.
This Week at ThomRainer.com:
Revitalize Network Convention 2020: A History Begins
In the midst of the gloomy stats and conflicted churches, something amazing has been taking place. In the midst of pessimism and frustration, something hopeful has been arising…READ MORE
Just How Bad Is the Summer Slump? Six Discoveries
We are now full into the summer season. I am thankful for these insights on the summer slump from many pastors…READ MORE
Seven Updated Strategies for the Pastor’s First 90 Days
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/rainerpodcast/Rainer-on-Leadership/Episode546.mp3
Eight Updates on Sunday Evening Services
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/rainerpodcast/Rainer-on-Leadership/Episode547.mp3
When Does a Church Need a Modest Revitalization?
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant
http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/rainerpodcast/Revitalize-and-Replant/RR-Episode098.mp3
June 21, 2019
Eight Updates on Sunday Evening Services – Rainer on Leadership #547
Podcast Episode #547
SUBSCRIBE:
iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio • Spotify
We’ve discussed Sunday evening services before on the blog and podcast, but things haven’t changed much in local churches. The services are still declining on the whole. Today, we update you as to why that is.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
The number of churches offering Sunday evening services is still declining and the number of people coming is still declining.
Churches with off-site groups are turning to Sunday night groups and finding more success.
Sunday night worship services that are duplicates of Sunday morning services are likely to be the most well-attended types of Sunday evening services.
Much of the traditional support for Sunday evening services is waning because many in the generation who has pushed for it for so long are dying off.
The eight updates we discuss are:
Still declining
Most recent poll: 36% of churches have unique Sunday evening services
Typical return rate from Sunday morning is one-third
More churches moving groups to Sunday evening
More common in older and smaller churches
Sunday evening often used for special occasions
Sometimes used as an alternative to Sunday morning services
Opposition to discontinuing is waning
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast
Whatever Happened to Sunday Evening Services?
WooMarriage.com/freetrial – Use offer code LEADERSHIP at checkout
Rainer on Leadership is a member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network
Episode Sponsors
Today’s episode is sponsored by Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Midwestern offers more than 25 degrees at both undergraduate and masters level that are fully attainable online. From Business to Bible, Counseling to Christian education, prepare for your future at your own pace and in your own location.
Find out more at mbts.edu/online.
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.
June 20, 2019
When Does a Church Need a Modest Revitalization? – Revitalize & Replant #098
SUBSCRIBE TODAY:
iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • Spotify
Sometimes a wholesale revitalization isn’t what’s needed in a church. More often than not, small changes can make a big difference. Today, we discuss eight of those times.
Episode Highlights:
It’s entirely possible for a church to be growing numerically yet still be in dire need of revitalization.
Apathy is dangerous for a pastor or church staff member.
One of the biggest dangers for pastors is ignoring conflict and not addressing it.
The size and impact of your ministry footprint is more important than the numbers in the pews.
The eight times we discuss are:
Almost every year
When attendance stagnates or declines
When leaders become apathetic
When conflicts increase
When the community is neglected
When the facilities are neglected
When the welcome team/greeters gather in holy huddles
When there are few conversions
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
ChurchAnswers.com
ChurchReplanters.com
Replanter Assessment
Find more resources at the Revitalize & Replant page at ThomRainer.com
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.
