Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 142
October 25, 2018
When Does a Pastor Leave a Revitalization Effort? Six Questions to Ask – Revitalize & Replant #064
iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • Spotify
Lack of progress in church revitalization can lead to frustration and a desire to leave. But before you do, you should ask yourself the six questions we cover today.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM GRANT
Hi Thom and Jonathan. This is my second church revitalization pastorate. The first church was an incredibly hard situation, but also an incredible turnaround. It’s doing great. I came into a larger setting for this ministry with excitement to see it happen again. I have been here 4 years now. We have tackled all the major issues while at the same time being hit with challenges and setbacks no one saw coming. How long should a pastor stay when they are not seeing progress even though we are working hard? My fear is that I will now become the reason the church can’t turn around. During these 4 years I had to kill a number of beloved ministries because we couldn’t staff them and grow our needed ministries (kids min, Bible studies and outreach). Even after reflecting and praying about all the major change we have led through, they were all the right call and handled with great care. But they still hurt. I wonder if sometimes the guy who leads the hardest change doesn’t get to be the guy who sees the good results of that leadership.
Episode Highlights:
Pastors in revitalizations often have a stronger desire to leave than desire to stay.
Prayer is an issue of priority in a revitalization.
“If Daniel could sleep in the lions’ den, pastor, you can sleep in the parsonage.”
We need to celebrate wins more often in churches.
The six questions to ask when considering a revitalization are:
How have I prayed about it?
How is my family doing?
How am I handling it physically, spiritually, and emotionally?
Am I seeing beyond the short-term?
Have I celebrated sufficiently?
Have I led in an outward focus sufficiently?
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.
October 24, 2018
Seven Reasons Pastors Get Fired When a Church Is Growing
The note to me was neither cynical nor critical. The pastor had a powerful point to make.
“Thom,” he said, “as you provide leadership toward church revitalization, please communicate one thing very clearly to pastors in these churches. Sometimes a pastor gets fired because the church does grow and is revitalized. I know. I just got fired.”
I could sense the pain in the pastor’s words. And he is right. Even in “successful” revitalizations, it does not always turn out well for the pastor. Why is that? My list is not exhaustive, but here are seven common reasons:
Members who can’t deal with significant change. Most of them are okay with gradual decline because it can be imperceptible day by day. But revitalization can bring major change, at least in the eyes of some church members. They would rather see the church slowly die than suddenly become healthy.
Threats to power brokers and power groups. Growth brings new members. New members dilute the base of the power brokers. Most power brokers don’t like that, so they create lies and innuendos to force out the pastor.
Relational disruption. One of my most memorable, and saddest, moments as a pastor took place when a woman told me God had told her I should be fired as pastor. I naturally asked her why. She responded that it was hard for her to get to know all the new people joining the church, and they were changing relationships in the church. She further said all the new Christians did not understand how we did church. Translation: she wanted her holy huddle and no more.
Idolatry of the past. Many church members will say they really want revitalization, but their real desire is to move the church to 1988. When growth moves the church to the future, however, it’s time to get the pastor out.
Empowered bullies. Church bullies take every opportunity to encourage complaining church members to vent and complain more. Those negative people become additions to the bully’s power base to force out a pastor who is leading change and growth.
Staff who feel threatened. A pastor who leads a church to revitalization and growth can threaten a staff member who feels pulled out of his or her comfort zone. I know of an executive pastor who worked with a personnel committee and a church bully behind the scenes to force out a pastor who was leading the church to growth. Such acts of cowardice are too common in too many churches.
Innuendo, gossip, and lies. The first six scenarios are often exacerbated by innuendo, gossip, and lies. The personnel committee noted above accepted the rumors and gossip conveyed by the executive pastor without ever asking the pastor his side of the story. Truth was just too inconvenient.
Sadly, pastors can get fired when they lead their churches to growth and revitalization. In my post next Monday, I will share some ways other pastors have addressed these dangers successfully in their churches.
October 23, 2018
Altar Calls, the Perfect Pastoral Work Week, and Other Listener Questions – Rainer on Leadership #478
SUBSCRIBE:
iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio • Spotify
We get a lot of questions here at Rainer on Leadership. Today, we take some time to talk about vacations with church members, altar calls, and the perfect pastoral work week.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
You shouldn’t accept gifts from church members if it creates a quid pro quo situation.
Pastor search committees often overstate the opportunity and the willingness of a church to change.
Pastors, do not compromise your doctrine just to get a job.
Have time built into your calendar for things that energize you.
The questions we answer this time are:
MATT
There are a number of examples of calling for a response at the end of the sermon. What is some practical advice on “landing the plane” and calling your congregation to respond to the sermon?
WALLY
I have some members of the church I pastor who have asked me to go on vacation with them, all expenses paid. I want to know if there are any ethical issues with this, and how it should be handled. These are members I spend a fair amount of time with outside of church. We ride bicycles together, and share meals together. They are also leaders in the church. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
JESSE
Right now I’m looking at finishing up my last year of seminary in and have my eyes out for potential ministry opportunities God might be leading me to. Are there any warning signs I should be looking out for when considering to pastor a new church? Are there any sure fire deal breakers in your mind?
SUSAN
Until recently (due to additions of two new deacons who put a stop to it), our church elders freely gave out funds to just about anyone who would ask. Many thousands of dollars over the years, given to people with no verifiable qualifications or ability to track where the money went. Sadly, two of the elders recently quit and switched churches because they considered the new deacons to be harsh and uncompassionate for wanting to put parameters in place. How do other churches deal with the benevolence ministry?
JONATHAN
If you were designing the perfect work week for pastors, what would the breakdown of tasks and time be? (assuming, say, a 50-hour work week and a “simple church” model of ministry)
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.
October 22, 2018
Seven Reasons Why Many Pastors Avoid a Counseling Ministry
I recently conducted an unscientific but revealing social media poll. I asked pastors to share with me what aspects of pastoral ministry they enjoyed the most.
Counseling was listed last, at least indicating it was their least favorite aspect of ministry. So, I went back to these pastors and asked a follow-up question. I wanted to know why so many pastors were avoiding counseling ministries today. Their responses were clear and consistent:
Not qualified. In many ways, this response overlaps some of the others. The pastors told us they have not been trained in counseling. They told us they were not equipped to counsel. They told us they felt totally out of their element when they counseled others.
Concerned about liabilities. Many of the respondents were transparent about this concern. Some are not certain what they are required legally to report as a consequence of a counseling session. Others feared lawsuits as a result of counseling. Still others wondered about confidentiality issues and counseling.
Not fruitful. A number of these pastors did not see their counseling sessions as fruitful. They did not know if they were helping, hindering, or hurting. They did not know how to evaluate the effectiveness of their counseling. Some wondered with transparency if they were wasting their time.
Time consuming. Most pastors are overworked. Their workweek can be 60 or 70 hours or longer. They are on call 24/7. When they look for places to find margin, it is not uncommon to see them choose to reduce or eliminate their counseling hours.
Fearful of blame. A noticeable number of pastors told us the most-needy church members are most likely to seek counseling. Those same people are also likely to assign blame to the pastor if the counseling sessions do not meet their expectations.
Availability of referrals. Most churches and church leaders know someone who is a counselor by profession. That man or woman, in their opinions, is much more qualified to counsel others, so the pastors refer their counseling requests to them.
Opposite gender. This problem has become even more exacerbated by the #MeToo movement. Understandably, pastors are becoming more and more hesitant to counsel people of the opposite gender.
The audience of this blog includes a nice mix of pastors, church staff, and church members. I would love to hear your different perspectives on this issue.
October 21, 2018
Pray for North Mesquite Baptist Church
Location: Mesquite, Texas
Pastor: Bill Wright
Weekly Worship: 10:15 AM, Central
Fast Facts: North Mesquite Baptist Church was planted as “A Million More in ‘54” church, but now faces a transition period which the congregation is embracing. The community is now over 50% Hispanic and soon the property’s deed will be transferred to the Dallas Baptist Association with a view toward replanting a Spanish speaking congregation in the facility. The church is excited over the possibility of seeing this house of worship once again being filled. Pleas pray for wisdom for the Transition Team in the church. Also, please pray for another congregation who meets in the current building as they seek to purchase their own facility. It is necessary that they relocate in order for North Mesquite’s transition and land transaction to be completed.
“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..
October 20, 2018
Notable Voices and the Week in Review: October 20, 2018
4 Things That Shouldn’t Drive Church Growth (And One Thing That Should) — Carey Nieuwhof
Something’s driving your church. There are a variety of things that drive a church…the challenge for many church leaders is no one is really quite clear on what that is. What drives your church is critical because it impacts everything you do. Ultimately, it directly impacts both your health and your growth as a congregation. As I talk to leaders of churches of all sizes, I find different factors at work.
Americans’ Theology Contains Mix of Heresy, Hearsay, and Historic Christian Beliefs — Facts & Trends
Six in 10 Americans say religious belief is a matter of personal opinion. For 7 in 10 Americans, such religious beliefs include one true God existing in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. A similar number say God is perfect. But an increasing majority of Americans deny Jesus has always existed and many say the Holy Spirit is a force rather than a personal being. Those are among the findings of a new study of American views about Christian theology from Nashville-based LifeWay Research.
4 Gifts to Avoid Giving for Pastor Appreciation Month — Mark Dance
This post is for church members, not pastors. Pastor Appreciation Month offers all of us an opportunity to bless the pastors who are blessing us. I’m going to assume that most of you have no idea what to give your pastor, so this post is to help you eliminate a handful of winceable options.
7 Ways to Stretch Yourself as a Leader — Ron Edmondson
How can a leader keep up with the pace of change? What can you do to grow? I am constantly learning how personally, but I have always been conscious of my own need to continue growing as a leader, so I’m sharing from my experience and some of what works for me.
This Week at ThomRainer.com:
What Do Pastors Like Most about Their Ministries?
Though we have stopped tabulating, I would love to hear your comments about the responses to this poll. We have so many informed readers at ThomRainer.com. I always learn a lot from you…READ MORE
Six Mistakes Many Search Committees Are Making Today
They are taking too long
They are playing candidates off one another
They are not doing background checks: legal, social media, credit;
They are not asking “#MeToo” questions
They are not providing clarity to internal candidates
They are not communicating sufficiently to the congregation
Seven Traits of a Healthy Church
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode476.mp3
The Six Characteristics of a Scrappy Church
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode477.mp3
Six Best Practices for Increasing Giving in a Church Revitalization
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant
http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/RevitalizeReplant/RR-Episode063.mp3
October 19, 2018
The Six Characteristics of a Scrappy Church – Rainer on Leadership #477
SUBSCRIBE:
iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio • Spotify
My latest book, Scrappy Church, was written to offer hope to churches who think they may not have a future. God is not done with your church yet.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
God has put you at your church for a reason.
If a church refuses to define reality and change, it will likely not fulfill its Kingdom potential.
Churches shouldn’t see their community or their resources as limitations but as opportunities for ministry.
Instead of worrying about what we don’t have, we need to take what God has given us and do something with it.
Courage is not the absence of fear; it’s moving forward in spite of fear.
The six transitions scrappy church leaders have to make are:
Excuses to Ownership
Obstacles to Allies
Limitations to Abundance
Despair to Joy
Fear to Courage
Impossible to Possible
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast
Scrappy Church
Scrappy Church Assessment
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.
October 18, 2018
Six Best Practices for Increasing Giving in a Church Revitalization – Revitalize & Replant #063
Churches need funding for ministry. Whether you’re in a revitalization or not, these principles can help you when it comes to increasing giving in your church.
Episode Highlights:
Lack of trust in leadership will lead to a decrease in church giving.
Millennials don’t give to institutions as much as they give toward a vision and passion.
People will give toward causes, but they will give more because of relationships.
Churches should report weekly giving and attendance. People trust the church more when there is transparency and accountability.
The seven ways to increase giving which we discuss are:
Make clear the vision and the passion.
Remember: Giving is impacted about perceptions of leadership.
Transparency and accountability are crucial.
Never take for granted the income-giving stream.
Don’t forget the income potential from capital sources.
Don’t forget estate giving (the simple 10% principle).
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Revitalize Network
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 Scrappy Church and Reclaiming Glory.
October 17, 2018
Six Mistakes Many Search Committees Are Making Today
They are taking too long
They are playing candidates off one another
They are not doing background checks: legal, social media, credit;
They are not asking “#MeToo” questions
They are not providing clarity to internal candidates
They are not communicating sufficiently to the congregation
Some highlights from today’s Rainer Report:
There is no reason why it should take as long as it normally does to fill pastoral vacancies.
You should always run legal, social media, and credit background checks on potential pastors before hiring them.
Pastors, your social media footprint will follow you throughout life. Don’t do stupid.
You don’t have to give all the details of a pastor search to a church, but the congregation needs ongoing updates.
Finally, be sure to check out Vanderbloemen Search Group and how they can help you and your church.
October 16, 2018
Seven Traits of a Healthy Church – Rainer on Leadership #476
SUBSCRIBE:
iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio • Spotify
We need healthy churches. I’ve committed my ministry to helping churches grow healthier. But what does a healthy church look like? Today, we discuss seven traits they exhibit.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
For too many churches, believing in the power of the gospel is nothing more than lip service.
Courageous leaders believe God will work in their churches.
Too many leaders know what needs to change in their church and either don’t have the knowledge or the courage to make it happen.
If you’re not facing reality as a church, you likely won’t be moving forward.
Healthy churches have leaders who take responsibility.
The seven traits of healthy churches that we discuss are:
They truly believe in the power of the gospel.
They have courageous leaders.
They embrace change.
They are not nostalgic.
They see reality.
They intentionally intersect their lives with non-Christians.
They accept responsibility.
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast
Church Answers
Scrappy Church
RevitalizeNetwork.org
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 Becoming a Welcoming Church.
