Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 128

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. They are not viewed today as much as a separate congregation than as an entry point for people ultimately to connect to the physically-gathered church.

The new research is from Vanderbloemen, Pushpay, and Jay Kranda. All of the 176 churches participating in the study have an online church, so we are hearing from those who are presently very active in this ministry.

Definitions for the online church are evolving. Among those surveyed, the definition included an intentional effort to identify and minister to a group of people who are regularly viewing streaming services. The most common name for these digital gatherings were “online campuses” (36%) and “church online” (28%).

These churches typically had a person designated to lead these digital ministries, but the title of that person varied significantly. Only 16 percent of the churches surveyed had a full-time online ministry leader.

What are some of the key findings of this study? Here are nine insights:

The plurality of churches have a volunteer lead the online ministry. This ministry is led by a volunteer in about four of ten churches. Another 35 percent give the leadership to a full-time staff person who has other responsibilities.

The dominant broadcast method is live streaming. Among these churches, nine of ten congregations broadcast through live streaming. But over half also have the full service on demand.

The opportunity to reach local community members is significant. Over four of ten of those attending online are people within a reasonable driving distance of the church. Most of the churches view the online community as a first step to move them toward the in-person gathering.

Most of these churches do count online attendance. Of the churches surveyed, 72 percent report online attendance, but keep it separate from in-person attendance. Fewer than 10 percent include online attendance as part of the overall total weekly attendance.

There is little consistency on how churches count online attendance. The most frequent response, but only by 26 percent of the churches, is “concurrent streamers at a given time.”

There is anecdotal evidence that indicates the online church is actually a growth source for the in-person church. Some of the church leaders see the online church as part of a process that may progress from social media to online church to community groups to in-person worship services.

Over half of the churches are considering using the online church to launch future churches and sites. Already, 17 percent of the churches are embracing this strategy. In total, over 60 percent are considering this strategy, or they are already doing it.

More older churches are using an online church strategy than younger churches. For example, churches over 50 years old accounted for nearly 30 percent of the total, while churches under five years old accounted for less than 15 percent of the total.

Five ministries are offered online by a majority of the churches. They are: prayer (81%); giving opportunities (72%); pastoral care (58%); serving opportunities (54%); and online groups (52%).

I am thankful to Vanderbloemen, Pushpay, and Jay Kranda for providing this information. You can get the full study here.

We will continue to watch the changes and development of the online church. This study is fascinating. But we know there is more yet to come.

Pray for First Baptist Church of Argyle

Location: Argyle, Texas

Pastor: Bobby Cates

Weekly Worship: 10:45 AM, Central

Fast Facts: First Baptist Church of Argyle, though not always known by that name, was founded in 1876 and is the oldest congregation Argyle. After a 15 year decline, God is breathing new life into the fellowship with an influx of new members of all ages and various ethnicities. By God’s power, this once dying congregation has doubled in size in under two years. This Easter season will be busy for First Baptist. They are partnering with the town to plan the community Easter Egg hunt on April 13, and, on Easter Sunday, they are hosting two services—a first in the congregation’s history. Please pray for the wisdom of the leadership as they work to create a disciple-making culture. Also, pray for continued opportunities so that they may show their neighbors that they are loved by the church and by Christ.

Website: FBCArgyle.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 9, 2019

From Around the Web:

7 Unspoken, Unseen Leadership Traits That Make Leaders Great — Ron Edmondson

There are parts of leadership you won’t read on a job description when they are telling you about the place you will work. There are traits of a leader which are unseen – often unknown. These traits have to be tested and you won’t know the traits are there until the test is complete, but these traits are what prove a leader to be a great leader. I like to call the “backside of leadership.”

5 Women in History the Church Should Celebrate — Facts & Trends

March is National Women’s History Month, a time when Americans celebrate and reflect upon the contributions women have brought to our country’s history. As we honor the many women who have advanced our nation, it seems only fitting that we take time to recognize women who made a powerful impact through sharing the gospel of Christ and proclaiming faith throughout the past few centuries.

7 Reasons Some Young Pastors are Returning to Established Churches — Chuck Lawless

Some years ago, I posted on “Reasons Young Leaders Shy Away from Established Churches.” Since publishing that post, though, I’ve seen more and more young leaders actually seek out established churches to lead. Here’s what they tell me when I ask about their renewed interest:

10 Ways to Lead a Great Team Meeting — Mike Ayers

Few in ministry have actually been trained in leading meetings. Yet, it’s one of the essential, ongoing responsibilities we have as leaders. I’ve witnessed some terrible meetings that were terrible solely because of the poor oversight of the ones leading them. Your ability to lead efficient and effective meetings directly translates into your ability to get people to attend and enjoy them. Here are a few suggestions to guide your planning, preparation and implementation for good ministry team meetings:

This Week at ThomRainer.com:





















Where Have All the Student Pastors Gone?

I received yet another inquiry today: “Do you have any recommendations for a student minister? We just can’t seem to find one. We’ve been looking for over six months”…READ MORE

Major New Research on Declining, Plateaued, and Growing Churches from Exponential and LifeWay Research

I am grateful to Exponential for initiating this research. Their focus was to learn more about churches that are reproducing and churches that are multiplying…READ MORE

Five Findings about Gen Z That Will Impact Churches

by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership

http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/rainerpodcast/Rainer-on-Leadership/Episode516.mp3








Five Incredible Tools for Better Stewardship

by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership

http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/rainerpodcast/Rainer-on-Leadership/Episode517.mp3








When Do You Declare a Revitalization a Success?

by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant

http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/rainerpodcast/Revitalize-and-Replant/RR-Episode083.mp3

Five Incredible Tools for Better Stewardship – Rainer on Leadership #517

Podcast Episode #517

SUBSCRIBE:
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Stewardship is important for churches, and to increase stewardship, you have to be intentional about it and you have to resource it well. Today, we discuss some of the best stewardship resources we know of in response to listener questions.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

The power of the personal recommendation helps when it comes to knowing what resources to use in the church.
Text giving is convenient for those who want to give who don’t carry cash or checks—which is becoming more common.
Churches who make stewardship a priority are ones who resources their people well to help them in personal stewardship.
“The most expensive hire you will ever make is the wrong hire.”

The five ways we discuss are:

DIY Stewardship Campaign
Text giving
Budget analysis
Personal stewardship resources
Effective leadership for stewardship

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

Generis
Tithe.ly
Envelope3.com
The Money Challenge
Cool Solutions Group

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.

When Do You Declare a Revitalization a Success? – Revitalize & Replant #083

SUBSCRIBE TODAY: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play

As some point, successful revitalization turns into church growth when the turnaround is complete. Today we discuss markers you may see along your revitalization path.

Some highlights from today’s episode:

Knowing the health of your church when you “start” a revitalization is important to be able to measure progress.
Would your community miss your church if the church closed tomorrow?
Highly evangelistic churches are typically healthy churches.
Churches that are actually being revitalized will show signs of success in revitalization.

The seven signs that we discuss are:

When the DNA and attitude of the church has a definite and positive change
When the community embraces the church
When attendance declines have reversed or slowed
When the church begins to get new and positive members to replace malcontents who left the church
When at least one of ten of your active adults shares his or her faith on a regular basis
When prayer becomes a priority in the church
When there are fewer meetings for more ministry

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

ChurchHealthReport.com
Revitalize Bundle
Pray and Go
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.

Major New Research on Declining, Plateaued, and Growing Churches from Exponential and LifeWay Research

I love solid research. This new release is absolutely incredible.

I am grateful to Exponential for engaging LifeWay Research to discern current levels of church health according to a number of factors. While worship attendance trends over a three-year period were a primary indicator of health in this study, the Exponential research also included conversions, income, and staffing in the data.

In addition to the categorization of churches as declining/subtracting (Level 1), plateauing (Level 2), and growing/adding (Level 3), the study looked at two other supplemental categories. A Level 4 (reproducing) church places a high value and priority on starting new churches. A level 5 (multiplying) church takes church planting to multiple generations of congregations.

The accuracy of this research cannot be overstated. LifeWay Research phoned 1,000 Protestant pastors. Quotas were used to maintain the correct population of each church size. Responses were weighed by region to reflect more accurately the total U. S. population. The sample provides a 95% confidence that the sampling error does not exceed +/- 3.2%. This information from the statistical nerds assures us the study is very accurate.

Here are some of the fascinating findings:

70% of churches are subtracting/declining or plateauing. Only 30% are adding/growing based on Exponential’s categorization of churches which is defined above. This data is largely consistent with other research we have done. The period covered is three years.

There are relatively few reproducing churches. The research categorized only 7% of the churches as reproducing (Level 4). The numbers of churches considered multiplying (Level 5: multiple generations of church plants) was 0% in the sample, indicating a negligible number in the total U. S. church population.

The majority of Protestant churches had less than 10 people commit to Jesus Christ as Savior in the past 12 months. That’s fewer than one person per month. That’s not good. That’s not good at all.

Smaller churches are at severe risk. Among those churches with an average worship attendance under 50, only 20% are growing. That is the lowest of any of the categories of churches and is an indicator that these churches are at the greatest risk of dying.

Larger churches have a much lower risk of dying. Among the churches with an average worship attendance of 250 and more, 42% are growing. That is, by far, the largest number of growing churches in any category.

I am grateful to Exponential for initiating this research. Their focus was to discover congregations exhibiting Level 4 and 5 behaviors. In other words, they want to learn more about churches that are reproducing and churches that are multiplying.

But the study also gave us more insights into the challenges before us to see churches revitalized. Seven of ten churches in America are declining. That is the challenge. The opportunity is a renewed interest in both church planting and church revitalization.

Thank you, Exponential and LifeWay Research. I encourage you readers to look at the totality of the Exponential research here.

One final note: Exponential’s FREE online assessment to discover your church’s Level 1 through 5 behavior is available here.

Five Findings about Gen Z That Will Impact Churches – Rainer on Leadership #516

Podcast Episode #516

SUBSCRIBE:
iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio • Spotify

The oldest members of Gen Z are just entering college and the work force. Today, we discuss a recent Wall Street Journal article on Gen Z and the generation’s implications on the church.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

Instagram is generally the social media network of choice for Millennials and Gen Z.
Gen Z gets its news from social media, not from traditional media.
The next generation of people are on social networks. If churches want to reach them well, they must be on social networks as well.
Even with an increased digital presence, younger generations still need in-person community.

The five Gen Z traits we discuss are:

Gen Z does not distinguish between digital and IRL.

Facebook is out; Instagram is in.

Gen Z gets its news from social media.

Gen Z’s appetite for reading is surprising.

This generation worries about tech addiction.

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

Church Answers
Gen Z’s 7 Lesson for Surviving in Our Tech Obsessed World
Reaching Millennials and Gen Z

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.

Where Have All the Student Pastors Gone?

I received yet another inquiry today: “Do you have any recommendations for a student minister? We just can’t seem to find one. We’ve been looking for over six months.”

For several years, I would get similar inquiries about worship leaders or worship pastors. Today, there seems to be a dearth of both worship pastors and student pastors. So, where have all the student pastors gone? I asked some key leaders I trust on this issue. Here are their and my perspectives:

A number of young leaders decided to plant a church rather than enter into or continue in youth ministry. Youth ministry traditionally has been a field dominated by young males. Many of these young males began narrowing their vocational choices to student ministry or church planting. A large number decided to plant churches. On the one hand, that’s a really good development. We definitely need more church planters. On the other hand, many churches are now pleading for student pastors.

Fewer schools are offering training in student ministry. It’s a chicken or egg question. Are fewer schools offering this training and, as a consequence, fewer young people are becoming student pastors? Or, are fewer young people seeking the training and, thus, the schools are closing the programs because of diminished demand? Either way, there are fewer trained youth ministers.

It is becoming increasingly common for many churches to call a student pastor from their own congregations. These youth ministers then do not always seek training from a college or seminary and, thus, the schools often close their programs. Smaller churches typically do not have the pool of internal candidates the larger churches do. And these churches are among the most frustrated in their search for student pastors.

Some churches have eliminated the position of student pastor and replaced it with a family pastor position. Family pastors often have much broader roles than ministering to middle school and/or high school students. Thus, these churches have lost a specific focus on student ministry for adolescents.

Fewer middle school and high school students attend church. The Gen Z generation has fewer in church than previous generations. This development is not new. It began with both Gen X and the Millennials. But the trend continues unabated. Fewer students means a diminished need for student pastors.

A number of churches that contact me believe a good student pastor is the magic bullet solution to help grow their churches and make them younger. If a church is in decline and growing older, it is unlikely that one person can reverse those trends. The church as a whole must change first and follow in greater obedience to the Great Commission.

I am curious. Are you seeing this same dearth of student pastors? Have you been looking for one for your church unsuccessfully? I would love to hear your story on this topic. Let me hear from you.

Pray for New Trinity Community Church

Location: Oxnard, California

Pastor: Carlos D. Speights

Weekly Worship: 9:00 AM, Pacific

Fast Facts: Trinity Missionary Baptist Church was organized by a group of baptized believers in 1945. In 1946 the church was able to purchase land in Oxnard, CA and built a permanent structure which was completed in 1962. In 2010 under the leadership of Pastor Speights, the church membership agreed to change its name to New Trinity Community Baptist Church, and later adopted the name New Trinity Community Church. At New Trinity, they are “Focused Forward in Faith.” In July 2019 NTCC will celebrate its 74th church anniversary. Then in August, their Kingdom Connection outreach will host its 2nd health and education fair. The church is also beginning a monthly ministry to aid in legal assistance, financial literacy, social economic retention, and healthy living. Please keep New Trinity Community Church in your prayers as they continue to reach the Oxnard community.

“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 2, 2019

From Around the Web:

5 Confessions of a Preacher — Noe Garcia

I truly thought that North Phoenix Baptist Church called because they needed me. I thought they needed my talent, my charisma, my preaching, and my experience. They needed me to lead them and grow them. There was an ugliness that rooted deep within my soul that I was blind to. I had no idea how much it was I who needed the church and how much God would use them to grow and sanctify me. I want to offer five confessions, five spiritual pitfalls to avoid, that I desperately wish someone would have given me as a new Senior Pastor.

Poll Finds “Dramatic and Sudden” Shift in America Toward Pro-Life Label — Facts & Trends

Americans are now evenly split between the pro-life and pro-choice labels, after a 9-percentage-point jump in those calling themselves pro-life. The latest Marist poll finds 47 percent of Americans identify as pro-life and 47 percent identify as pro-choice. Just one month ago, however, Americans were more likely to identify as pro-choice than pro-life by 17 percentage points—55 to 38 percent.

10 Ways to be a Godly Example to Your Church — Chuck Lawless

Charles Spurgeon is one of my favorite writers, even though his writings often challenge me deep in my heart. These words (first directed to preachers, though applicable to all Christian leaders) are especially gripping: “It is a shocking state of things when good people say, ‘Our minister undoes in the parlor what he has done in the pulpit; he preaches very well, but his life does not agree with his sermons.’ . . . God help us so to live that we may be safe examples to our flocks!” If you’re a Christian leader, think about these ways to be a “safe example” to the flock:

Moses and the Mutual Benefit of Delegating Responsibility — Kelly Minter

The concept of delegating isn’t a new one. Anyone who’s been a leader in any capacity knows that at some point you have to let go of certain pieces of your work. You realize that you can’t get to everything and you’re not good at everything. You see the idea of raising up new leaders and delegating to others as a strategy that will drastically help you. You realize that letting go and trusting others will relieve stress, keep you focused on all the things you’re especially good at, and more effectively grow whatever it is that you’re trying to grow. And all of this is true. It really will help you.

This Week at ThomRainer.com:





















“We Can’t Add Another Service! We Won’t Know Everyone.”

While there are a few people who have theological concerns about multiple services and sites, most objections grow from the foundation of self-centeredness and preferences…READ MORE

Six Reasons Relaunching Is More Difficult Than Revitalizing or Replanting

Relaunching. Revitalizing. Replanting. Of the three, relaunching is both the rarest and most difficult…READ MORE

Six Issues Regarding Mega Vacancies in Megachurches

by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership

http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/rainerpodcast/Rainer-on-Leadership/Episode514.mp3








Five Highly Effective Ways to Enhance Corporate Prayer in Your Church

by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership

http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/rainerpodcast/Rainer-on-Leadership/Episode515.mp3








Seven Reasons Why Church Revitalization Is an Honorable Calling

by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant

http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/rainerpodcast/Revitalize-and-Replant/RR-Episode082.mp3