Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 125

Some Common and Not-So-Common Facility Prohibitions in Replants & Revitalizing Churches – Revitalize & Replant #088

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Churches often have some strange prohibitions for what’s allowed in the facility. Some make more sense that others. Today, we discuss 11 of them.

Episode Highlights:

“The prohibition of food and drink in a church service is past its prime in today’s culture.”
It’s extremely helpful to have signs in your children’s ministry telling parents the snack for the day.
Pews are waning and chairs are becoming the seating of choice in churches.
Don’t put prohibitions on your church facility that make it more difficult to reach people for Christ.

The 11 prohibitions we discuss are:

Alcohol
Drinks and food
Yoga
Other churches using the worship center
Peanuts
Smoking
Animals
Hunting civil war relics with a metal detector
Dancing
Folding chairs
Allowing sex offenders on the campus

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.

5 Characteristics of Successful Change Leaders

5 Characteristics of Successful Change Leaders

They assume that change is taking place at an increasing pace
They put the organization they lead above themselves
They are willing to look in the mirror
They don’t think they have all the answers
They are courageous

Some highlights from today’s Rainer Report:

Change is happening in our culture at an ever-increasing pace.
True leaders put the organization’s interests above their own.
Change leaders understand that others have more perspective and more answers than they have on their own.
Neglecting the opinions an insights of others is often harmful for a leader.

Resources mentioned in today’s Rainer Report:

Church Answers
myEQscore.com

Six Risks I Took As a Pastor (Including Some That Failed Miserably) – Rainer on Leadership #526

Podcast Episode #526

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Taking risks is part of leadership. Today we discuss a few risks taken during my ministry and how some worked and how some didn’t.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

Even if an idea is good, if it’s an unfamiliar idea to a church it may not gain support because “we’ve never done it that way before.”
When the newness of something wears off, the challenge of “making it work” begins.
Don’t just fill staff vacancies like they’ve always been filled. Staff to the current and future needs of the church when an opening comes.
Sometimes risks are steps of faith. Sometimes they are acts of stupidity.

The six risks we discuss are:

Hiring a staff pastor without the funds
Attempting to buy an entire church facility from another church.
Going multi-site before multi-site was cool.
Having a combination meal and worship service.
Hiring a staff member with dual responsibilities of groups and evangelism.
Getting a new Christian to lead the welcome ministry.

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

Church Answers

Rainer on Leadership is a member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network

Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. They’ve helped thousands of churches just like yours find their church staff and are uniquely geared to help you discern who God is calling to lead your church.

For more information, visit WeStaffTheChurch.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.

The Nine Most Common Low Attendance Days in Churches

Church leaders have pretty clear perspectives about low attendance days.

They know when to expect them. Some are common across different regions and cultures. Others are unique to specific localities. Most of them are painful for pastors and other church leaders.

So, when I put the question out on social media, the responses were fast, funny and, sometimes, furious. I doubt there will be many surprises on this list. They are still good reminders we are all dealing with the challenges of commitment. Here are the nine most common low attendance days in order of frequency of response.

Spring break. “We get hit hard on both the weekend before Spring break and the weekend after. I’m ready to move to a church in a retirement community.”

Holiday weekends. “Labor Day. MLK Day. Memorial Day. You name it. As long as there is a long weekend ahead, our folks will find an excuse to miss church.”

Bad weather. “We don’t get much snow, so any accumulation above 1/1000 of an inch sends people to get milk and bread at the grocery store, and makes them stay away from church lest their lives are at risk with such dangerous precipitation. But they will be okay to go to work on Monday.”

Good weather. “We miss as many folks in really good weather as we do in lousy weather. They will stay away if there is a 5% chance of rain; but they will really stay away if there is a 20% chance of sunshine. The lake calls.”

Sports. “Travel teams. College football. NFL. Kids playing soccer and football. In the Old Testament they worshipped false gods. We still do today. They are called sports.”

Summer. “Our attendance always takes a hit in the summer time. Vacation. Staycation. Sleep-in. When schools out, any excuse works.”

Time change. “Let’s see how loud the businesses would scream if the time change took place on a weekday. It’s really convenient to hurt the churches.”

Pastor on vacation. “I’m almost to the point of not letting anyone know when I go on vacation. When the pastor’s away, the members will play.”

Christmas to New Year. “Whether that’s one or two Sundays, it’s always lousy for us. Bah humbug.”

What are the low attendance days in your church? Have you found an approach to countering these trends? Let me hear from you.

Pray for Stonington Baptist Church

Location: Paxinos, Pennsylvania

Pastor: Brad Gray

Weekly Worship: 10:00 AM, Eastern

Fast Facts: Stonington Baptist Church is a rural Baptist church located in the village of Stonington, just off PA Route 61, between Shamokin and Sunbury, PA. The church has a rich heritage dating back to 1794 when it was founded as the Shamokin Baptist Church by Rev. John Patton under the direction of the Philadelphia Baptist Convention. The church became known as the “Mother church” because it was the first Baptist Church in Central Pennsylvania. From its membership or through its influence, many other Baptist churches were founded throughout the region. Today the members and friends of the Stonington Baptist Church endeavor to maintain and expand the impact of the ministry begun long ago, prioritizing the gospel message, and striving to provide a friendly welcome for sinners by pointing them to the Friend of sinners. Please pray for their upcoming Easter services and festivities, that God would continue work in and through the lives of the church to reach the community with the message of the risen Christ.

Website: StoningtonBaptist.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..

Notable Voices and the Week in Review: April 6, 2019

From Around the Web:

8 Things That Happened the Last Time You Gave to Your Church — Art Rainer

Sometimes, giving to a church can feel like you are placing money in a black hole—clueless as to how it is being used. As a former church staffer and current church volunteer, I can pretty much assure you—God is using your generosity in amazing, eternity-changing ways. Whatever you give, God is multiplying it like he multiplied the bread and fish on earth.

6 Strategies for Moving Worship Service Attendees to Small Groups — Facts & Trends

Forget what you call your Bible study ministry—Sunday school, small groups, community groups, connect groups, or something else—it is the place your church has chosen as a primary means of making disciples. Growth happens in groups, so we must be intentional about creating a pathway for people to become involved in the church’s most important ministry.

5 Mistakes to Avoid in Ministering to the Sexually Abused — Diane Langberg

When individuals tell you that they were sexually abused or raped, often those victims are terrified, full of shame, and sure that you are going to think less of them. However, they have also given you great honor and privilege because they have decided that you may be a safe person in their most unsafe place. But ministering to men and women who are victims of sexual abuse can be tricky; there are several common mistakes that people in the Church make. By being aware of these pitfalls, you can be better prepared the next time an incident arises within your church.

4 Reasons Why What You Wear when You Preach Does Matter — Chuck Lawless

I may be wrong, but I suspect that some of my readers won’t like today’s post. It’s about pulpit attire—a topic that many of us have had to face as churches try to reach younger generations. Here are some of my thoughts on why clothing matters when we’re preaching.

This Week at ThomRainer.com:





















Six Challenges New Pastors Did Not See Coming

To be clear, not all of the experiences of new pastors are negatives. Not all expectations are unmet. But a number are. These are six of the most common…READ MORE

Ten Reasons the Formerly Churched Left Their Churches

Why did you leave the church? Why did you decide not to go back to a church, any church? These and other questions are among those we have been asking for many years through a variety of research projects…READ MORE

When to Discontinue a Ministry

by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership

http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/rainerpodcast/Rainer-on-Leadership/Episode524.mp3








Nine Thoughts on Church Splits

by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership

http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/rainerpodcast/Rainer-on-Leadership/Episode525.mp3








Six of the Most Common Frustrations of Revitalization Leaders

by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant

http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/rainerpodcast/Revitalize-and-Replant/RR-Episode087.mp3

Nine Thoughts on Church Splits – Rainer on Leadership #525

Podcast Episode #525

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Church splits aren’t quite as prominent as they used to be, but they can still be a problem for some churches. Today, we discuss nine reasons for them.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

Churches that split are more likely to die than those who don’t because of the negativity that comes along with the split.
If someone has been part of several church splits, it’s likely they could be part of the problem.
“Inactive church member” is an oxymoron.
An entitlement mentality is almost always found in churches that split.

The nine points we discuss are:

A church that has split is likely to die.
The negative community impact of a church split is great and enduring.
The majority of church splits focus on the pastor.
Church splits typically originate from power groups in the church.
Some church members have actually been a part of several church splits.
Church splits are typically preceded by inactive church members becoming active members.
Church splits are more likely to occur in “country club” churches.
Some churches still split over doctrinal issues.
Some churches still split over financial issues.

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

Church Answers
A Call for Theological Triage and Christian Maturity

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 Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. They’ve helped thousands of churches just like yours find their church staff and are uniquely geared to help you discern who God is calling to lead your church.

For more information, visit WeStaffTheChurch.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.

Six of the Most Common Frustrations of Revitalization Leaders – Revitalize & Replant #087

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Frustrations are to be expected in any pastorate. Today we discuss six of the most common frustrations pastors face when revitalizing or replanting.

Some highlights from today’s episode:

In almost every church, there is some need for revitalization.
“We will do whatever it takes to turn around our church” usually means “we will do whatever it takes as long as we don’t have to change.”
If your focus is on what you don’t have in your church, you’ll fail to appreciate what you do have.
Strangely, your biggest early supporters in a pastors often turn into your biggest critics later on.

The six common frustrations we discuss are:

Unrealistic expectations
Perceived lack of resources
Lack of peer support
Supporters who become critics
Members who leave
Family challenges

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Revitalize Network
ChurchReplanters.com
Replanter Assessment
Find more resources at the Revitalize & Replant page at ThomRainer.com


Biblical Worship is the foundation for church revitalization. Biblical worship leads us to listen to Jesus and in listening to Him he will reveal His plan is for his church. The North American mission board is pleased to present a revitalization worship summit August 26 and 27 at the North American Mission Board in Alpharetta Georgia. Leading the Summit will be Thom Rainer , Mike Harland the director LifeWay worship, Jared Wilson from Midwestern Baptist seminary Along with guest musical artist Andrew Peterson. This summit will feature main conference sessions and specialized breakouts focused on the needs of  churches in need of revitalization and those with limited resources for worship. Registration is limited to 300 so register early the entire cost for this conference is only $35 To register, 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 Scrappy Church and Reclaiming Glory.

Ten Reasons the Formerly Churched Left Their Churches

Why did you leave the church?

Why did you decide not to go back to a church, any church?

These and other questions are among those we have been asking for many years through a variety of research projects. Why do people leave the church and not return? We have specifically asked those questions of the formerly churched who were active in a church for at least two consecutive years, but did not return for at least two more years.

Here are the ten most common responses:

“I got out of the habit.” They had no major impetus that prompted them to leave. They became less and less active in the church until they were inactive.

“I left after I graduated from high school.” Many of them went to college and did not attend church during those years. Others simply left church after getting out of their parents’ home.

“I decided I didn’t like the institutional church.” We are hearing that reason a lot. But we can’t get a consistent answer on why they are anti-institutional. And we hear a number of different definitions of “institutions.”

“I was hurt at the church.” For certain, there are a lot of wounded former church members out there. The local church can be pretty mean. It can be painful for a church member who gets on the wrong side of a church bully or a petty argument.

“I just couldn’t find a church to meet my needs.” This person is the classic church hopper and shopper. They practice consumer and preferential Christianity with vigor. But, alas, when none of the 28 churches they visited met their needs, they decided to stop trying altogether.

“I had a need and the church didn’t meet it.” This reason is related to number five with some specificity. The former church member is referring to a specific incident where the church was not there for him or her. Just two weeks ago, I spoke to someone who did not feel the church was there sufficiently after the death of her mother.

“I never felt connected in the church.” Almost every church member who offers this reason did not get involved with a group in the church. Such is the reason I am obnoxiously redundant about connecting members to groups.

“I did not give to the church.” Of course, we really didn’t hear that statement from a former church member. But I have encouraged pastors to ask the person who has visibility to giving records to find out if the now inactive church member was a giver. Most of the time, the answer is no. One pastor asked the question about four families who left the church in a specific year. The total giving of the four families was zero.

“I left when Pastor John left.” A number of the formerly churched were loyal primarily to a specific pastor. So, when that pastor left the church, they became inactive.

“We moved and never went back to church.” This issue is worthy of a future study. How many of the formerly churched relocated and never connected with a church? Why did they take this path?

These are ten of the most common reasons the churched became the formerly churched. I would love to hear your thoughts.

When to Discontinue a Ministry – Rainer on Leadership #524

Podcast Episode #524

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Churches and church leaders often struggle to know when to discontinue a ministry or to pivot to something else. Today, we discuss how to process the decision to discontinue a ministry in your church.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

The culture of a church shifts when you don’t have an outward focus.
Sometimes things in a church would actually be better if a certain ministry or two were to end.
Churches have three big resources for ministry: time, money, and people. And you have to steward in the best possible way.
Sometimes ministries in a church absolutely need to be discontinued.

The nine considerations we discuss are:

Proceed carefully
Consider natural death
The problem of detoured resources
The issue of the tail wagging the dog
The challenge of divisiveness
When pet projects become pet peeves
The simple church conundrum
Discontinuation often requires courage
Follow change leadership principles

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

Simple Church
Pray and Go
Who Moved My Pulpit?

Rainer on Leadership is a member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network

Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. They’ve helped thousands of churches just like yours find their church staff and are uniquely geared to help you discern who God is calling to lead your church.

For more information, visit WeStaffTheChurch.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.