Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 140

November 14, 2018

Revisiting the Billy Graham Rule for Pastors

Revisiting the Billy Graham Rule for Pastors

Understanding the dangers of being alone with opposite gender
Never travel together alone
Be very cautious when counseling the opposite gender
Build in a system of accountability
Better over-cautious than regretful

Some highlights from today’s Rainer Report:



The Billy Graham Rule is a proactive approach to preventing temptation.
The emotional connection made in counseling can make men and women more vulnerable than normal.
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 14, 2018 00:00

November 13, 2018

Seven Reasons the 10+ Year Pastorate Is Becoming More Common – Rainer on Leadership #484

Podcast Episode #484

SUBSCRIBE:
iTunesRSSStitcherTuneIn RadioGoogle Play • iHeart Radio • Spotify


Data shows pastoral tenure is increasing. Today we examine why more pastorates are reaching double digit tenure.


Some highlights from today’s episode include:



Bigger isn’t always better. It’s usually the same problems just with more people.
There seems to be less of a desire for ladder climbing from Millennial pastors than from previous generations of pastors.
God works in both the big burst of rapid growth as well as in the slow, incremental growth.
The greatest fruit in ministry often does not begin to manifest itself until after year five of a pastorate.

The seven reasons we discuss are:



“Ladder climbing” is not a priority.
The philosophy of “big is better” is waning.
Greater concern for family stability.
Greater awareness of incremental progress.
A desire to be a presence in the community.
A desire to get to year five.
The growth of mentoring.

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast



Revitalize Bundle
Church Answers
Scrappy Church


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.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 13, 2018 00:00

November 12, 2018

Seven Sentences That Make Pastors Cringe

I love the fact that the community of this blog is growing with pastors, church staff, and laity. The latter category, laity or church members, has been very receptive to many of my posts and suggestions. A church member from Virginia recently told me at conference where I was speaking, “I read your posts because I learn things I would have never known from the perspective of the pastor.” The lady who said that is now the leader of the intercessory prayer ministry of the church, a ministry that includes specific intercession for her pastor.


It is in that spirit that I offer these seven sentences. My purpose is simply to convey information you might not have considered otherwise. Many pastors hear these sentences frequently, even though the church member may think his or her comment is both novel and helpful.




“I heard a podcast pastor preach on the same text. Let me tell you how he dealt with it.” The pastor often receives this statement as, “Let me tell you how good preaching actually sounds.”

“We believe we should pay the pastor as low as possible to keep him humble.” Of course, that church member rarely wants to practice the same humility.

“Our church is big enough. We don’t need any more new members.” Perhaps the church should place a sign outside saying. “Closed for business. No longer practicing the Great Commission.”

“I wish I had your schedule.” Translation: “It must be nice to work only one day a week.” Sigh.

“I love you pastor but . . .” The pastor knows the purpose of that statement is not one of love, but everything that follows the “but.”

“People are saying . . .” This sentence is the ultimate cop-out statement. It is a cowardly statement. The church member attempts to hide behind the anonymity of “people” when the member usually is the real source of the statement.

“I was here before you came here. I will still be here after you leave.” This statement is ultimately a threat. “Don’t make any changes that I don’t approve. I am in charge. Don’t even try to lead.”

Sometimes these statements are said with malice. Other times they are said out of ignorance. But almost all times they are painful to the pastor.


Be a source of love and encouragement for your pastor. Please avoid these seven and similar sentences.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 12, 2018 00:00

November 11, 2018

Pray for Crossroads Baptist Church

Location: Hemet, California


Pastor: Kirk Beard


Weekly Worship: 10:20 AM, Pacific


Fast Facts: Crossroads Baptist Church was formed in January 2017 by the merging of two churches together into one congregation. Living Hope Baptist Church (established in 1955) was a church in decline numerically and financially. LHBC owned property with 6 buildings that were in much need of repair and remodeling. Parkway Baptist Church (established in 1998) had no building and was renting space from LHBC. PBC was growing, seeing people trust Christ, had many baptisms every year, and hundreds of thousands of dollars saved in the bank.


Since the merger, the church has seen increasing growth—both numerically and spiritually. God has truly blessed the ministry of Crossroads Baptist Church. Please pray for the church’s “Round-Up Sunday” today, November 11. Traditionally, this has been a high attendance Sunday for the church. Please pray for pastor Kirk Beard and his leadership as well as their discipleship Program which kicks off in January 2019.


Website: CBCHemet.com



“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..

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 11, 2018 00:00

November 10, 2018

Notable Voices and the Week in Review: November 10, 2018

From Around the Web:













Three Scary Money Stats — Art Rainer


Before you read, please note—this post is not for the faint at heart. Okay, you’ve been warned. Americans are experiencing some real struggles in the area of personal finance. We have too much debt and too little savings. We spend more than we make. The result is some pretty terrifying money statistics. Here are three:




Five Things you Can’t Rush in a Church — Facts & Trends


Our desire for immediate results from technology bleeds into our expectations of other humans. Instead of seeing them as people created in the image of God, we treat them as cogs in the wheel of progress and production. But God is not a God in a hurry. After creating the world and bringing humanity into existence, He took a day off and rested.




How to Be Thankful Amidst Times of DivisionMicah Fries


How do we give thanks when it seems that so many people are angry? How do we give thanks when we are the ones who are angry? I actually think Thanksgiving can be a necessary respite in the midst of an angry moment. Consider a few thoughts about having a thankful Thanksgiving, even when the world around you seems so angry.




10 Signs That You’re the Boss But Not the LeaderTony Morgan


From time to time I’ll walk into a church and quickly learn that the team is not healthy. What may be surprising to you is that, on the surface, everything looks good. It’s possible that the church may be growing and the ministry may be having a huge impact in many people’s lives, but something is still not right. The team is not healthy. And many times the team is not healthy because the leader is not healthy.

























This Week at ThomRainer.com:





















Six Reasons the Role of Interim Pastor Is Changing Dramatically

Today, the role of interim pastor is changing, becoming more complex, and carrying higher expectations. Why is this dramatic change taking place? Here are six major reasons…READ MORE























Five Reasons Some Long-term Pastorates Fail

For certain, longer-term pastorates have great advantages. But it is possible for a longer-term pastorate to have its own challenges…READ MORE

















Should the Pastor Have Visibility to Members’ Giving?

by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership



http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode482.mp3








Six Social Media Posts Church Leaders Should Avoid

by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership


http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode483.mp3








Seven Deadly Excuses in Church Revitalization

by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant


http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/RevitalizeReplant/RR-Episode066.mp3
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 10, 2018 00:00

November 9, 2018

Six Social Media Posts Church Leaders Should Avoid – Rainer on Leadership #483

Podcast Episode #483

SUBSCRIBE:
iTunesRSSStitcherTuneIn RadioGoogle Play • iHeart Radio • Spotify


Social media can be great for expressing yourself, getting news, meeting new friends, and living out your faith. The problem comes when we post something not so smart. Today we cover six areas to avoid on social media.


Some highlights from today’s episode include:



We have to remember that the world is watching when you share something on social media.
If you post something online, you should expect it to not stay private.
When we post in anger, we are more likely to say something we will regret.
Topics that someone incessantly posts about online often becomes their identity.

The six areas that we suggest you avoid are:



Dumb and dumber posts that can’t be retracted
Posts in anger
Most political posts
Too many posts
Bad attempts at humor
Ad hominem attacks on Christian leaders

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast



Church Answers
Revitalize Network


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.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 09, 2018 00:00

November 8, 2018

Seven Deadly Excuses in Church Revitalization – Revitalize & Replant #066

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

Excuses can kill a revitalization effort. Today, we cover seven of the most common excuses you will likely hear in a revitalization and how to combat them.


Today’s Listener Question:

FROM HARRISON


Excuses are about all I hear in my pastorate. Everyone seems ready to blame everything else for anything that goes wrong. I try not to join in and make excuses, but sometimes fall into the trap. What are some of the most frequent excuses you hear in church replanting and revitalization?


Episode Highlights:

No matter where you live, there are unreached people around your church who need the gospel.
One sign that a church is dying is when a church resents the community in which it’s located.
Your church is where it is to bless its community. Your church’s address is not an accident.
People, resources, and money will gravitate toward gospel activity.

The seven deadly excuses we cover are:



“There are not enough people to reach in our community.”
“The people in the community are not like us.”
“We don’t have enough money.”
“We can’t compete with the bigger churches.”
“We would be fine if we returned to 1985.”
“We don’t have enough young people in our church.”
“No one will come to our run-down facilities.”

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

ChurchReplanters.com
ChurchAnswers.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.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 08, 2018 00:00

November 7, 2018

Five Reasons Some Long-term Pastorates Fail

Please hear me clearly: I am a strong proponent of longer-term pastorates. I love hearing about pastors passing tenure thresholds of five, ten, and fifteen years. All other things being equal, I would much rather see a pastor have long tenure in a given church than not.


But recently a member of this community challenged me. He is a longer-term pastor himself, and he candidly and transparently shared some of his struggles of serving so many years at one church. I took his admonition to heart and reviewed several long-term pastorates that did not turn out well. I saw five common themes in their struggles:




The pastor can coast. Because longer-term pastors have earned the trust of members over many years, it can be tempting for them to go through the motions of ministry and leadership. They may also be weary of the ministry and, thus, have little desire or energy to lead the church to a new level.

There can be too much familiarity among the staff. It is not unusual for longer-term pastors to have longer-term staff. It is possible this staff becomes too comfortable with the pastor and the pastor’s leadership. Simply stated, they no longer look at the pastor as their leader as much as they view the pastor as their friend.

The pastor can stay for the wrong reasons. In some cases, the longer-term pastor hangs on for financial security or fear of finding another place of ministry. The call to ministry thus becomes a defensive call rather than a proactive vision-laden call.

Church members can get too comfortable. The longer-term pastor becomes a source of routine and tradition for the members. The pastor becomes a symbol of longevity, stability, and change aversion.

The pastor can stop learning. Longer-term pastors must be highly intentional to learn about the world outside their own churches. Because they have been at one church for so long, they can see their particular experiences as normative. One pastor shared with us, “After twelve years at my church, I started learning about other churches, even visiting a new church once a quarter. I was amazed to learn how much had changed in church practices that I had missed the past several years.”

For certain, longer-term pastorates have great advantages. I have written about those advantages and spoken about them on my podcasts several times. But it is possible for a longer-term pastorate to have its own challenges. It seems that those longer-term pastors who avoided these problems were highly intentional in moving in a positive direction.


I would love to hear your perspectives on pastoral tenure, and specifically on longer tenure. Let me hear from you.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 07, 2018 00:00

November 6, 2018

Should the Pastor Have Visibility to Members’ Giving? – Rainer on Leadership #482

Podcast Episode #482

SUBSCRIBE:
iTunesRSSStitcherTuneIn RadioGoogle Play • iHeart Radio • Spotify


Groups that get donations usually have visibility of who gives what. But what about a church? Should a pastor know who is giving and how much? Today, we discuss.


Some highlights from today’s episode include:



Changes in a church member’s giving patters often indicate changes in a church member’s life.
There is a myth that older church members are the biggest givers. That’s often not true. They’re often more consistent with their giving but give less than younger members.
One major reason church giving has dropped is because pastors fail to ask.
The biggest objections to a pastor having visibility to church giving typically come from the non-givers and the low-givers.

The seven considerations we discuss are:



First, understand the different levels of visibility.
Second, understand that giving to non-profits other than churches is increasing, but church giving is decreasing.
Pastors are expected to have visibility in all other areas of discipleship.
The problem of placing non-giving or low-giving leaders.
How do you say thank you?
Why pastors are often fearful of asking individual members to give.
Realize that the biggest objections to visibility typically come from the non-givers and the low-givers.

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast



Church Answers
Scrappy Church


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.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 06, 2018 00:00

November 5, 2018

Six Reasons the Role of Interim Pastor Is Changing Dramatically

In the recent past, the role of the interim pastor was simple and straightforward: Find someone who can preach for six to nine months until the new pastor comes on board.


Today, the role of interim pastor is changing, becoming more complex, and carrying higher expectations. Why is this dramatic change taking place? Here are six major reasons:




Churches want and need more help than preaching in an interim period. Depending on how you define revitalization, somewhere between 65% and 90% of all North American congregations need some type of revitalization efforts and strategy. More churches want and expect that of their interim pastors.

Churches want to know if an interim pastor has specific qualifications for the job. Related to the first reason, this new reality is growing. More and more churches want to know if the prospective interim is truly trained and qualified for the role. That is one of the major reasons we created Interim Pastor University: to train and provide high-level certification for this unique ministry.

Interim periods are growing in length. There are a number of reasons for this phenomenon we have addressed elsewhere. But we know the time between pastors is growing. Churches, therefore, want more than the traditional pastor during this period.

Churches need interim pastors to make tough decisions. Many churches now look for interim pastors who can lead major changes and clean the slate for the next pastor. This type of leadership requires both experience and specific training.

The role of interim pastor is becoming a retirement vocation for many Boomer church leaders. A number of these leaders may do 20 or more interim pastorates as a retirement ministry. Boomer church leaders will not fade gently into the sunset. This reality is a new phenomenon that is changing the way people look at interim pastors.

Church life in general is more complex. The consequence is the need for an interim pastor who can adjust to these complexities. That interim pastor is different than those of the recent past.

As church practices change and church challenges grow, the role of interim pastor will grow with it. If you are interested in receiving additional training and certification as an interim pastor, join as at Interim Pastor University during our open enrollment period.


Keep your eye on these dynamics. The interim pastor of 2019 and beyond will look dramatically different than the interim pastor of 2015.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 05, 2018 00:00