Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 127

Six Common Misperceptions about Revitalization – Revitalize & Replant #085

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There are some misperceptions and misconceptions about church revitalization that we hear often. Today, we tackle six of them.

Some highlights from today’s episode:

Revitalization isn’t only about dying churches, it’s about churches who may just need a shift in perspective and focus.
There are people around every church to be reached, but churches aren’t reaching them.
Every church should have demographics for their area of ministry.
A new pastor is not a silver bullet for church growth.

The six misperceptions that we discuss are:

It’s only about dying churches.
It’s totally related to demographics.
Churches that need revitalization have little or no money.
The primary need is a new pastor.
It is largely about music and worship style.
The denomination needs to provide a fix.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Revitalize Network
Pray and Go
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.

Seven Warnings about Memorials and Plaques in Your Church

A few years ago, I wrote a book about churches that have died, Autopsy of a Deceased Church. The methodology was simple but revealing. I interviewed several church members representing several different churches that had died.

One of the surprising issues consistent in all the interviews was the contentious issue of memorials and plaques in the church. Indeed, one interviewee put it bluntly, “We became obsessed about the plaques in the church. We had more fights about them than anything else.”

Wow.

And recently I watched the topic arise on Church Answers Central, our 24/7 question-and-answer forum. The impetus for the original post was a bequest of $10,000 left by a recently deceased church member. Some of the members in the church wanted to put a plaque on the wall in honor of her gift. The Church Answers’ community advised against it.

Here are the negative issues we have heard associated with memorials and plaques in the church:

They can take the focus off of giving God alone the glory. Of course, it doesn’t have to be that way, but we heard from too many leaders who told us the memorials got more attention than God.

They may be placed in places that are not permanent. You’ve heard the story. The church had pews for many years. Almost every pew had a plaque attached to it. Then the pews became old and worn, so the church decided to replace them with more efficient chairs. One church member told me his church lost about one-third of its members when the pews were replaced. The fight was brutal. The story can be even more intense when an entire building named for someone is replaced.

They may hold the church hostage from moving forward. Churches begin making decisions based upon what’s best for the plaques and memorials rather than what’s best for the church. One woman we interviewed said her church business meetings were often consumed with discussions and arguments about memorials. The church eventually closed its doors.

They may be tainted if the person has a significant character failure. “The stained-glass windows destroyed our church,” the man told me in one of our interviews. Most of the windows had family or individual names attached to them. In this particular church, it was discovered that one of the names on the window was a serial sex abuser during his lifetime. “We fought over that issue until no one was left,” he told us.

They can become the basis for bad financial decisions. I was talking to a pastor who had been offered a six-figure donation to the church. But the donation came with two stipulations. First, the donor wanted a new fellowship hall named for his late father who no one knew. Second, the funds could only be used toward a new fellowship hall even though the church voted a year earlier not to proceed with the project. It just did not seem it was needed. This member was attempting to use his funds to reverse the decision.

They are not understood by new members and guests. A few years ago, one of our “secret guests” used in a church consultation wrote these words about her experience in the worship service of the church: “There were plaques everywhere with names that meant nothing to me. I felt like I was in a museum rather than a sanctuary. It seemed like this church is living in the past.”

They are often mentioned in stories about the deaths of churches. As noted above, we first learned about the challenges of memorials and plaques in our interviews with members of deceased churches. In fact, the topic came up in all of our interviews. While correlation can’t prove causation, there is little doubt memorials and plaques can become a major distraction for a church.

Ironically, just last week I spoke with a pastor whose church wanted to convert an infrequently used parlor to a much-needed space for its life groups. But the family whose patriarch made a major donation to the church building fund years ago blocked the move.

After all, the parlor was named for him. The plaque above the door let everyone know whose room it was.

Understanding the Differences between Open Groups and Closed Groups (and the Benefits of Both) – Rainer on Leadership #520

Podcast Episode #520

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Groups are important to discipleship in the church. Today we discuss why both open and closed groups are needed and how they can benefit your church.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

As they grow larger in worship, churches should also be growing smaller in groups.
Small groups have to be flexible as the church grows.
Closed groups are great for deeper study of a topic in a church.
Groups are a great way to engender greater commitment within the church.

The details we discuss about groups are:

Defining open groups

Defining closed groups

Open groups can be very evangelistic

Open groups must have great flexibility

Open groups tend to benefit the overall growth of the church

Closed groups can be great for specific and specialized training

Closed groups tend to include classes that build on one another

Closed groups should have a definitive termination date

Summary: Both groups can be good. Both groups can be bad.

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

Church Answers
SmallGroup.com
Gospel Foundations

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.

Why I Attend Church

In a culture that minimizes commitment and maximizes self-indulgence, I have learned the precious gift of church attendance or, more specifically, the church gathered. I do not see church attendance as a burden or legalistic commitment. I view it as joy—a place where I can give and serve, a place where I can focus more on others rather than myself.

I could name many, but here are ten reasons I attend church.

I attend church to serve others. There is so much greater joy in serving than seeking to be served. I have many opportunities to serve when the church is gathered. Those opportunities are my gifts from God.

I attend church to encourage others. We live in a world of incredible digital communication. But there is still something irreplaceable about gathering together. When I encounter someone in person at church, I have an opportunity to encourage him or her in person as well.

I attend church to encourage my pastor. I doubt many of us know how much our pastors serve us and love us seven days a week. The least I can do for my pastor is to be there in person when we gather as a church. I know it encourages my pastor, and I want our pastors to have that gift of encouragement every week.

I attend church to state my priorities. If I am able to go to work, to go to school, to go on vacation, or to watch or be involved in a sport, I can attend church. I desire to have a “no excuse” clause in my life for attending church.

I attend church to participate in worship. There is something special and Spirit-filled about worshipping together with other Christians. It is both an opportunity and gift I do not take lightly.

I attend church even if it doesn’t meet all my needs. If I say, “I am not getting fed spiritually,” it likely means I am not hungry spiritually. If my church does some things a bit differently than my preferences, I realize I am there, not as a consumer, but as a giver and one who has been called to put others’ needs before my own. No church is perfect. No worship style is perfect. No pastor is perfect. And neither am I.

I attend church with frequency, not on occasion. It is my prayer to be in my church every Sunday. When I am out of town, I can find another church to attend. I pray I will never say, “I need a break from church.” I certainly don’t want God to take a break from me.

I attend church to set an example for my family. Couples have healthier marriages when they attend church. Children grow up with countless benefits because their parents took them to church. I need to show the importance and priority of church attendance to those I love.

I attend church because the Bible tells me to do so. Two-thirds of the New Testament is about churches, specifically gathered churches. The words of the writer of Hebrews in 10:24-25 are powerful: “And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and more as you see the day approaching.”

I attend church because I love my church. I love my church. I love my pastor. I love the members of my church. I love the community my church serves. If I love someone, I will be there for them. I truly love my church.

It is becoming increasingly common to see church attendance as just another activity, an option among many, a place to get consumer preferences met, or an occasional gathering to hide in anonymity.

It has become increasingly popular for some to argue that church attendance is not a high priority because the building is not a church, the people are. But those people are supposed to gather. Indeed, they are commanded to gather.

I love to attend church. I attend church for these reasons and many more.

I thank God for my church.

Pray for Northwest Hills Community Church

Location: Torrington, Connecticut

Pastor: Pastors Michael Burgos and Michael Ambrose

Weekly Worship: 9:30, Eastern

Fast Facts: Northwest Hills Church is located in downtown Torrington and originally began as a church plant. In 2015, the church merged with Calvary Baptist Church, a historic but aging congregation. The merger has resulted in a multi-generational congregation that is thriving. NHCC values expository preaching and is intentionally theological. One of its biggest ministries is Grace Place, which serves women and families who might be considering abortion with resources and biblical counseling not to do so. Please pray for an upcoming event on March 23 in which they are hosting the Living Your Faith youth conference. This conference is designed to equip teenage youth to be apologetically- and evangelistically-minded within the context of a mostly secular New England. Also, please pray for reformation and revival in New England. Pray that Torrington is filled with the teaching of Christ.

Website: NorthwestHillsChurch.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: March 16, 2019

From Around the Web:

12 Traits of a Humble Leader — Dan Reiland

Humble leadership can be difficult to define. It’s subjective, and then there’s that pesky old saying that goes something like, “if you think you’re humble, you’re not.” Well, that might be true, but it’s not very helpful if humility is something we should embrace. I mean, then how do you know?

4 Ways to Support Your Pastor’s Spouse — Facts & Trends

March is Pastor’s Spouse Appreciation Month. This provides churches with an opportunity to show how thankful they are to a person who may sacrifice more for the well-being of the church than any other. LifeWay Research spoke with 720 pastors’ spouses about their experiences and found their lives are complicated, filled with particularly blessings and stresses. In recognizing some of the more significant challenges facing pastors’ spouses, churches can help them feel more at home in their congregation and their calling with their spouse.

10 Reasons Some Pastors are Mean — Chuck Lawless

I recently published a post on “Why Some Church Members are Mean.” If you read this blog often, you know I love and respect pastors – but I must admit that a few pastors are mean, too. Here are some of the reasons behind their “meanness”:

Why You Will Join the Wrong Church — Sam Emadi

I’ve found that Christians most often push eject on their membership not because they’re upset at the church’s budget or because they disagree on matters of polity. Instead, Christians leave their churches for the same reason people leave their marriages: a lack of relational depth and affection. In other words, many Christians leave their churches because they just don’t seem compatible with the church or because the relationships leave them feeling a little dry.

This Week at ThomRainer.com:





















New Research and Insights on the Online Church

I see a pattern developing in online churches. Perhaps it is a trend. The overall pattern is that online ministries of churches are becoming a strategic part of the overall church ministry…READ MORE

7 Characteristics of Highly Effective Pastors

They have genuine enthusiasm.
They are great listeners.
Their identity is not their vocation.
They are intentional about personal witnessing.
They have unconditional love of their critics.
They have a gentle spirit.
They persevere.
















Seven Ways Churches Make Prayer Central to Their Worship Services

by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership

http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/rainerpodcast/Rainer-on-Leadership/Episode518.mp3








Top Seven Major Facility Mistakes of the Past 20 Years

by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership

http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/rainerpodcast/Rainer-on-Leadership/Episode519.mp3








Why Revitalizing Pastors Need Coaching

by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant

http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/rainerpodcast/Revitalize-and-Replant/RR-Episode084.mp3

Top Seven Major Facility Mistakes of the Past 20 Years – Rainer on Leadership #519

Podcast Episode #519

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Churches can sometimes make unwise decisions when it comes to building facilities. Today we cover seven of them and how to avoid them.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

If your church is running short on worship space, consider adding another service before adding millions of dollars of debt.
Churches should plan on maintenance because deferred maintenance will alway cost you more and your facilities will suffer.
A church gym is not a silver bullet to reach young families.
One of the biggest hidden deterrents to church growth is inadequate parking.

The seven facility mistakes we discuss are:

If we build it, they will come
Too big worship centers
Lack of master planning
Not planning on maintenance
Gyms will be our youth group
Too small gathering place
Inadequate parking

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

Cool Solutions Group
Envelope3
Cosco & Associates
Generis

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.

Why Revitalizing Pastors Need Coaching – Revitalize & Replant #084

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Having someone walking along with you in ministry is important. Today we discuss how a coach can specifically help you as you look to lead a revitalization.

Episode Highlights:

Outside perspective helps you see your ministry impact from a different vantage point.
It’s important for you to have someone in your life who has been through more than you to help you process decisions.
If you’re coaching someone in ministry, your number one job is to encourage them.
Too many pastors are starving for encouragement.

The eight reasons we cover are:

For an outsider perspective
For wisdom and counsel
For encouragement
For venting
For resources
For a break and breather
For the family
For dealing with the complexity of culture

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.

7 Characteristics of Highly Effective Pastors

7 Characteristics of Highly Effective Pastors

They have genuine enthusiasm.
They are great listeners.
Their identity is not their vocation.
They are intentional about personal witnessing.
They have unconditional love of their critics.
They have a gentle spirit.
They persevere.

Some highlights from today’s Rainer Report:

Effective pastors are truly excited about what God is doing in their ministry.
People will follow leaders who are excited about what God is doing in their lives.
Your vocation is not your identity.
The most effective pastors are intentional about and accountable for personal evangelism.

Seven Ways Churches Make Prayer Central to Their Worship Services – Rainer on Leadership #518

Podcast Episode #518

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We constantly hear from pastors wanting to see prayer increase in their churches. The secret to becoming a praying church is to…pray.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

There is a great desire to pray more in churches, but a lack of consistent application in corporate worship settings.
Anything you want to increase in your church will take intentionality.
Prayer is visible and active in praying churches. People are encouraged by seeing others pray.
Sometimes liturgy and routine can lead to rigidity and a lack of flexibility in a corporate worship service.

The seven ways churches make prayer a focus are:

They stress the priority of prayer
They have a designated time of corporate prayer with clear guidelines
They share stories of answered prayers
They provide prayer guides in the worship folder/bulletin
They have visible manifestations of prayer
They pray to send people out from the worship services
They have people pray during and before the worship services

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

Pray and Go
Church Answers
High Expectations
Pro-Nounce Video Services
“Pray for…” form

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.