Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 135

Six Reasons Your New Member Class Is Not Effective

An effective new member class is a gift. It provides front-end assimilation. It gets people involved in ministry. It moves them to groups and to wise stewardship.

I am a big proponent of new member classes. But not all new member classes are created equally. Some are effective; some are not. If you think your church’s new member class is not as effective as it could be, there are possibly some quick and helpful solutions. Let’s look at the six most common problems in new member classes so you can make those adjustments.

The class is not a priority. A membership class should be a regularly-scheduled event. It should be a priority of church leadership. Church members and guests alike should hear clearly the importance of the class in the life of the church.

The class is missing one or more of the three key ingredients. Every new member class should include three key elements: information about the church; expectations of members; and a clear assimilation process as soon as the class concludes. Failure to have all three ingredients significantly weakens the effectiveness of the class.

The class has information overload. New or prospective members will only retain a modest amount of information. Too many membership classes try to share almost everything about the church instead of hitting highlights and pointing the members to sources of information for future consumption.

The class lasts too long. While this issue is certainly related to the number of hours a class lasts, it is more tied to the number of days a class continues. Classes that go beyond a single day tend to lose people.

The class is boring. The leader of the class needs to be a good communicator. Different delivery approaches, such as adding video elements, help as well. Classes can also turn boring when there are not enough breaks.

The class has no follow-up process. The conclusion of the new member class should be the beginning of assimilation. Communication of information is not sufficient. The church must have a clear process to make certain new members get connected, get involved, and get committed.

New member classes are vital to the health of a church. But these classes are only effective if the commitment, priority, and effort of the church leadership is evident on an ongoing basis.

Let me hear from you. What do you do in your church’s new member classes?

10 Reasons for Optimism in 2019 – Rainer on Leadership #498

Podcast Episode #498

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We kick off 2019 with 10 reasons we are optimistic about churches. From an openness to consulting to church revitalization, we are seeing God move in churches in fresh ways.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

One of the worst postures a church leader can have is one of denial.
If a church is focused on evangelism and outreach, revitalization will likely result.
Church conflict and bullies will turn a church’s focus inwardly.
Pastor, the church down the street is your co-laborer, not your competition.

The 10 reasons for optimism that we discuss are:

More church leaders are admitting their churches are struggling.
Churches are increasingly connecting with their communities.
There is significant evidence of greater Great Commission obedience.
Toxic church behavior is less tolerated.
Church revitalization has become a major movement.
More young pastors feel called to lead a church revitalization.
More church leaders are seeking coaching and consultations.
Churches are working together toward fulfilling the Great Commission.
Church planting and church revitalization are not perceived to be either/or.
The multi-site and multi-venue movement is entering an era of growth and maturity.

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

Church Answers
Church Answers Consulting
Autopsy of a Deceased Church
Revitalize Network
Revitalize Bundle
ChurchConsultation.University

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.

The ministry landscape is changing, and the need for biblical training is more necessary than ever. It’s time to get your Master of Divinity degree. The M.Div —Midwestern Seminary’s flagship degree program — is the primary track for ministry preparation. At just 81 hours, the Midwestern M.Div offers a complete foundation for full-time ministry leaders, offering everything you need, and nothing you don’t. Join other students in vibrant Kansas City as you train in a unique collaborative environment focused on the local church or study online in your current ministry context. Midwestern Seminary is developing a discipleship culture devoted to the local church and committed to God’s unchanging Word. Why not start your training today?

Find out more at mbts.edu/mdiv.

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.

Twenty Church Member Heroes and Heroines for 2018

As we conclude this year, I want to recognize twenty church members who are incredible blessings to their churches. They were nominated by their pastors and church staff. My regret is limiting the list to twenty. I could have continued the list for many pages.

Below are each of the heroes and heroines, noted by their first names. The quote that follows is from the pastor or church staff member who made the nomination. These were my twenty finalists, but they are not in any particular order.

Lois, the example of hope and perseverance. “She lost her husband to a heart attack, lost two sons to cancer, and her daughter suffered brain damage due to a difficult delivery. In every testimony service, she would stand and say, ‘Pastor, God has been so good to me!’”

Laura, the sacrificial servant. “She is nearly 90 years old and still sweeps the sidewalks of our church every week despite our encouragements to let someone else handle it! She’s currently in rehab from a fall, but I guarantee you she’ll pick up the broom as soon as she’s able.”

Ronnie, the gospel sharer. “He shares the gospel with people all the time and is my number one prayer warrior. He loves my family and has taught my son (and me) many things I know nothing about, such as hunting, fishing, gun safety, and carpentry. Incredible encourager.”

George, the inviter. “He’s 85 years old and asks me to go visit with him. He’s constantly inviting people to church. He never misses a service or Sunday school class, even though he uses a cane. I wish every church member was like George.”

Michelle, the consummate servant. “We are currently without a secretary, and she has stepped up to make the bulletins, slides, and the usher and nursery schedule. She is not yet 30 in a church with mostly older people. She also works with kids who come on the bus.”

Seth, the teenage evangelist. “He began praying for friends and sharing Jesus with them. Since then, five of them have followed Jesus. He is now doing a gap year in Ethiopia working with street kids.”

Randy, the man without limitations. “He is on dialysis three days a week. He has had both legs and several finger tips amputated. Yet, he works circles around just about everyone else in the church with the time he does have.”

Saul, the sacrificial servant. “He has such a servant’s heart. He and his wife have taken both of their vacations in past summers to chaperone at youth camp. His kind and humble spirit is a blessing to our church.”

David, the Sunday prayer warrior. “He comes in on Sundays at the same time I do to turn on lights and make coffee. What I love is that he gives me space to get ready, then we have some great talks about life, which leads him praying for me before anyone gets to church. Few know he does this.”

James, the one who puts others first. “He is 91 years old. When we introduced a blended service, he approached me after worship and said, ‘I really don’t like all that new music, but I don’t have to if we are reaching people.’”

Daisy, the person of joy. “She is the happiest person ever. I appreciate her, I and am always thankful for her presence and love for my family.”

Maggie, the encourager. “This 92-year-old lady taught me a life lesson. As a young pastor, I was struggling with members leaving our church. One day, she came into my office and cut the leaves off my plant. She said God does to churches as we do to plants: Cut off the dead foliage so the plant can live!”

Crystal, the forgiving grace-giver. “She started an evangelistic Bible study for girls who had harassed her daughter for her faith. Rather that shut these girls out, she engaged them with the gospel.”

Richard, the facility servant. “He is our go-to building and grounds persons. He cares for the church property as it truly were his own home. He does so quietly and always with a smile.”

Howard and Diane, the grieving victors. “They lost their son to a drowning and transformed their grief into a ministry to homeless, poor, lonely, and addicted people bent beneath the crushing of load of life. They love like Jesus loves.”

Chad, the attorney missionary. “He is a young man and a lawyer with a job offer. Instead of taking it, he is following God’s call to South America. That is the most important thing in his life.”

David, the super deacon. “He is in heaven now. The best deacon ever. A rock in any situation, but more importantly, he knew I was human and just needed to relax and have fun. Worked hard at making sure I had down time. Never had anyone like him. I miss him so much!

Linda, the divorced pastor’s wife. “He divorced her after the birth of their disabled son. She doesn’t complain. She cobbles together part-time jobs while still volunteering with the kid’s ministry. She only has Jesus and is happy to tell anyone that’s all they need.”

Kristi, the devoted children’s worker. “She has served in the church nursery for more than 15 years. Always faithful, early to get there, and a hard worker, she’s had to miss two Sundays in those 15 years and made sure they were covered. She serves the babies and families and shows them God’s love.”

Carol, the person of powerful prayer. “The best thing she does is pray. Her prayer life is vibrant. If she said she prayed for you, she did. Many people pray, but she is a person of prayer.”

So many more. So many I left out. So many heroes. So many heroines. You church members make our churches a wonderful and serving body.

Feel free to add to this list.

I salute all of you.

I thank all of you.

Pray for Hungry Valley Christian Fellowship

Location: Hungry Valley, Nevada

Pastor: Augustin Jorquez

Weekly Worship: 10:30 AM, Pacific

Fast Facts: Hungry Valley Christian Fellowship is a Native American Missions church which serves three different tribes in the village: Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe Tribes. The church is 12 years old and facilitates a senior program, kids outreach, and prison ministry. Please pray for their upcoming New Year’s Day outreach and spring outreaches. Also, please be in prayer for their All Tribes Prison Ministry, and that they may provide Christian resources to the Native Americans to which they minister.

“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..

Top Posts and Podcast Episodes from 2018

2018 was another stellar year at ThomRainer.com. To all who have visited the site in 2018, thank you for reading, for listening, and for commenting. The community that has grown here in the comments section is unlike typical comments sections at websites. It’s encouraging, engaging, and inspiring. Thank you, readers.

Without any further delay, here are the top 5 posts of the year at ThomRainer.com:

Why I Am Retiring from LifeWay
Four Key Attitudes That Are Killing Church Attendance
Suicide, Depression, and Pastors: One Way Church Members Can Help
Five Reasons Many Pastors Struggle with Depression
15 Common Sacred Cows in Churches

Here are the top 5 podcast episodes of Rainer on Leadership in 2018:

Episode 413: How to Develop a Welcoming Worship Ministry
Episode 428: What Pastors and Church Staff Tell Us They Wished They Had Learned at Seminary
Episode 415: Eight Questions Welcoming Churches Ask
Episode 414: 9 Keys for Church Members to Be More Guest Friendly This Easter
Episode 430: Seven Time Eaters for Pastors and Staff

Here are the top 5 podcast episodes of Revitalize & Replant in 2018:

Episode 57: Why Declining Churches Often Run Off Pastors
Episode 42: Why Dying Churches Blame Everyone But Themselves
Episode 32: Understanding the Impact of Community Involvement on Church Health
Episode 29: Differences in Large Church vs. Small Church Revitalization
Episode 45: Is Our Denomination Dying?

Thanks again to all of you who made 2018 another wonderful year at ThomRainer.com

Seven Keys to Protecting Your Ministry During Your Building Program – Rainer on Leadership #497

Podcast Episode #497

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Tim Songster of Cosco & Associates joins us to discuss his new book on healthy church design and how churches can best navigate through a building program.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

Any problem that exists in a church is often magnified when a church enters a building program.
Successful, sustained change will not take place in a church without prayer.
Before deciding your church needs to build, you first need to truly understand what it needs to build.
Church building teams need to stay in constant communication with the congregation to keep momentum going throughout the process.

The seven keys we cover are:

Set your expectations correctly
Prepare spiritually
Prioritize your ministry needs
Prepare financially
Build excellent teams
Be a leader of hope and vision
Work hard to communicate with your church

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

ChurchDesign.com
Healthy Church by Design: The Synergy between Buildings and Church Health
Church Answers


Episode Sponsors

The ministry landscape is changing, and the need for biblical training is more necessary than ever. It’s time to get your Master of Divinity degree. The M.Div —Midwestern Seminary’s flagship degree program — is the primary track for ministry preparation. At just 81 hours, the Midwestern M.Div offers a complete foundation for full-time ministry leaders, offering everything you need, and nothing you don’t. Join other students in vibrant Kansas City as you train in a unique collaborative environment focused on the local church or study online in your current ministry context. Midwestern Seminary is developing a discipleship culture devoted to the local church and committed to God’s unchanging Word. Why not start your training today?

Find out more at mbts.edu/mdiv.

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 I Know I’ve Hit Rock Bottom in a Revitalization? – Revitalize & Replant #073

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

We end 2018 with a discussion of how churches that may seem “too far gone” are typically not and how God can still work in every church.

Today’s Listener Question from Harold:

I’m very discouraged in my current pastorate. We saw quite a drop in attendance this year (140 to 95) and we’re trying to revitalize, but nothing seems to be making a difference. I’m the only staff member left and I’m in year 3. We see small gains here and there but it seems that with every one comes another death in the church or family that moves away. Is there hope for churches like mine as we head into 2019?

Some highlights from today’s episode:

Year three may be the toughest year for a pastor.
We serve a God of hope, and we need to realize and remember how He is working in our churches.
We could use more hope in our churches.
Pastors need to be proactive about building peer groups to help encourage one another.

The five keys that we discuss are:

Understand that effective change typically begins in years 3 to 5
Get an objective outside view
Celebrate more than worrying about the bottom
Get peer perspectives
Understand that negatives are often multiplied from the perspective of the pastor

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Revitalize Bundle
ChurchAnswers.com
Revitalize Network
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 Scrappy Church and Reclaiming Glory.

When Do I Know I’ve Hit Rock Bottom in a Revitalization? – Rainer on Leadership #073

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

We end 2018 with a discussion of how churches that may seem “too far gone” are typically not and how God can still work in every church.

Today’s Listener Question from Harold:

I’m very discouraged in my current pastorate. We saw quite a drop in attendance this year (140 to 95) and we’re trying to revitalize, but nothing seems to be making a difference. I’m the only staff member left and I’m in year 3. We see small gains here and there but it seems that with every one comes another death in the church or family that moves away. Is there hope for churches like mine as we head into 2019?

Some highlights from today’s episode:

Year three may be the toughest year for a pastor.
We serve a God of hope, and we need to realize and remember how He is working in our churches.
We could use more hope in our churches.
Pastors need to be proactive about building peer groups to help encourage one another.

The five keys that we discuss are:

Understand that effective change typically begins in years 3 to 5
Get an objective outside view
Celebrate more than worrying about the bottom
Get peer perspectives
Understand that negatives are often multiplied from the perspective of the pastor

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Revitalize Bundle
ChurchAnswers.com
Revitalize Network
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 Scrappy Church and Reclaiming Glory.

Rainer Report – Best of 2018

On Saturday, I’ll be sharing the top posts and podcasts of the year at ThomRainer.com. But before I get to the top posts, I want to share the top video content from the Rainer Report this year.

2018 marked the start of video content on the website and the launch of a YouTube channel. In each Rainer Report, I take about 10 minutes to share content related to church leadership. These videos are not too dissimilar from those I share in the monthly Church Answers staff meetings, though I go much more in depth and have Q&A in the live staff meetings. So if you like these, you should check out Church Answers as well.

Without any further delay, here are the top three Rainer Report videos of 2018 as well as our popular series on Seven Deadly Church Sicknesses.

#1 – Why Church Members Are Attending Less Frequently

#2 – How Do You Respond to a Member Who Thinks You Should Resign?

#3 – The Relationship between Inviting and Church Health

Seven Deadly Church Sicknesses

The Six Most Common Regrets of Pastors and How to Overcome Them – Rainer on Leadership #496

Podcast Episode #496

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

On this Christmas day, we discuss some common regrets by pastors as well as how to avoid and overcome them.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

Years 5-7 are often the most fruitful of a pastor’s tenure.
Your family should be your first line of ministry.
Moving from one church to another often means similar problems with different people.

The six regrets we discuss are:

“I wish I had stayed longer.”
“I wish I had not lost my temper.”
“I wish I had put my family first.”
“I wish I had accepted a raise.”
“I wish I had said ‘no’ more often.”
“I wish I had sought help for me personally.”

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.

The ministry landscape is changing, and the need for biblical training is more necessary than ever. It’s time to get your Master of Divinity degree. The M.Div —Midwestern Seminary’s flagship degree program — is the primary track for ministry preparation. At just 81 hours, the Midwestern M.Div offers a complete foundation for full-time ministry leaders, offering everything you need, and nothing you don’t. Join other students in vibrant Kansas City as you train in a unique collaborative environment focused on the local church or study online in your current ministry context. Midwestern Seminary is developing a discipleship culture devoted to the local church and committed to God’s unchanging Word. Why not start your training today?

Find out more at mbts.edu/mdiv.

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.