Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 143
October 15, 2018
What Do Pastors Like Most about Their Ministries?
The results are in!
As of this writing, 1,178 pastors responded to my social media poll asking what pastors liked most about their ministries. To be clear, I asked for their favorite aspect of ministry only. If I had asked for a ranking of the ministries, the results would have been more detailed. But, frankly, my team did not have the bandwidth to tabulate nearly 10,000 iterations in three days. So, we went with the favorite ministry only.
We had to discard 17 of the responses since they gave us more than one response. Our pleas to provide only one response were not heeded by this group.
Here are the responses in order of magnitude:
Preaching, 40%. No surprises here. Perhaps the only surprise is that it did not represent a majority.
Discipleship/Mentoring, 30%. Though my observations are anecdotal, there seems to be increased interest in this area by the Millennial pastors.
Evangelism/Outreach, 9%. Note the big drop after the first two responses.
Leadership/Vision, 7%. We did a similar poll with the Church Answers’ community. There was a major difference with their responses, albeit in a smaller sample. Of the Church Answers’ pastors, 37% ranked Leadership/Vision first. I am trying to grasp the significance of this disparity.
Pastoral Care, 5%. Again, all of the responses are in the single digits after the first two.
Administration, 2%. No big surprises here. I interact with a lot of pastors, and I rarely hear a great love for this aspect of ministry.
Community involvement, 2%. In hindsight, I can see how this category possibly had too much overlap with others.
Counseling, 1%. I am fascinated by this very small response. It does align with what I am hearing from pastors anecdotally. Many pastors do not feel equipped or enthused about counseling. And many are concerned about legal implications.
Others (respondents were asked to specify), 4%. There were a wide variety of responses here. No single response accounted for 1% of the total.
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.
October 14, 2018
Pray for Carlisle Baptist Church
Location: Panama City, FL
Pastor: Josh Fidler
Weekly Worship: 10:45 am, EST
Fast Facts: Carlisle Baptist is but one of many churches in the panhandle of Florida who was impacted by Hurricane Michael earlier this week. Here are before and after pics:
Please be in prayer for not only those in the church, but for the community in which they live. Carlisle Baptist represents dozens and dozens of churches who suffered great lost due to Michael. Be in prayer for those churches as well. For those looking to help churches and residents in their time of need, you can find information at SendRelief.org.
Website: CarlisleBaptist.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..
October 13, 2018
Notable Voices and the Week in Review: October 13, 2018
What Changes with a Move from a Church of 50 to a Church of 150 — Sam Rainer
One common pastoral transition is to move from a church of fifty congregants to a church of one hundred fifty. I won’t get into whether a pastor should make this move or not. Let’s assume the move is God’s will. What changes should this pastor expect? The question recently came through Church Answers Central, a forum I help administrate, and I thought it made for a good post.
3 Characteristics of Scrappy Churches — Facts & Trends
Church leaders and church members sense the shadow of the larger churches over them. They see their young families move to the churches that have ministries and programs for their children and teenagers. They see the newer, even cooler, buildings of the larger churches. They see it. They sense it. They know it. Is there hope? Do these smaller churches have any path forward? Can the smaller and mid-sized church survive in the world seemingly dominated by larger churches and megachurches? The answer to the question is an absolute “yes.”
3 Unconventional Ways to Appreciate Your Pastor — Katie Orr
It’s pastor appreciation month, and while baked goods, tie trinkets, and gift cards are usually welcomed (though not expected!) your pastor may be blessed by something a bit out of the box this year.
25 Ways to Honor Your Pastor During Pastor Appreciation Month — Chuck Lawless
I’m deeply grateful for pastors, and I think every month ought to be Pastor Appreciation Month. For this annual month of appreciation, though, here are some ideas to say “Thanks” and “We love you.” Maybe you, your family, your small group, or your congregation can provide these gifts:
This Week at ThomRainer.com:
One of the Most Destructive Statements a Church Member Can Make
The statement is one of the most insidious, destructive, and ungodly statements a member can make. There is nothing good that can come from this statement. Just look at some of the implications of this attitude:READ MORE
The Seven Traits of a Healthy Church Leader
The seven traits presume foundational issues such as an affirmation of the truthfulness of the Bible, the exclusivity of the gospel, and the work of the Holy Spirt. Emanating from these foundational issues are key leadership traits…READ MORE
Sacred Cows to Be Aware of in Your Church
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode474.mp3
Should a Church Pursue Legacy Giving?
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode475.mp3
How to Lead a Church to a Healthy View of Membership
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant
http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/RevitalizeReplant/RR-Episode062.mp3
October 12, 2018
Should a Church Pursue Legacy Giving? – Rainer on Leadership #475
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Legacy giving, or inherited funds, is something that churches often do not pursue. Today we discuss why that’s often a mistake and how to do so.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
There is a fear in churches that members will give less if they know about large amounts of endowment money sitting in the bank.
Most pastors don’t think of fundraising for the church as part of their responsibility.
If you don’t ask for legacy gifts for the church, some other group or institution will do so and the church will be left out.
Legacy gifts are often based on relationships. You have to have a relationship before making the ask.
3 reasons why some church leaders don’t pursue legacy giving
Reason #1: fear it will hurt budget giving.
Reason #2: lack of knowledge about legacy giving
Reason #3: discomfort with asking for legacy giving
3 reasons to pursue it:
Reason #1: Many churches could use it.
Reason #2: It does not have to be used for budget giving
Reason #3: Churches should be a primary recipient of the largest transfer of wealth in history.
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast
Not Your Parent’s Offering Plate
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 11, 2018
How to Lead a Church to a Healthy View of Membership – Revitalize & Replant #062
iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • Spotify
Biblical church membership is important in churches. While it may be tempting to just clean the rolls and start from scratch in a revitalization with bloated rolls, there are better ways to go about this.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM JUSTIN
What are your recommendations for leading a church to a healthy view of meaningful membership? And what are your thoughts about “inactive” membership as a “middle way” for those who are hesitant with removing non-attending members from the rolls?
Episode Highlights:
“Before removing inactive members from the church roll, you’re going to need the leadership of the church supporting the direction.”
Too many church members see a church membership roll as equal to the Lamb’s Book of Life.
For healthy church discipline to occur, healthy church membership must first be present.
You church’s mission and vision should be tied to healthy membership.
The five keys to leading a church to meaningful membership that we discuss are:
Learn tactical patience
Emphasize a new members’ class
Give examples of other churches
Work on the membership rolls
Tie the vision to healthy membership
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
I Am a Church Member
CrossPoint Church – Trussville, AL
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 10, 2018
The Seven Traits of a Healthy Church Leader
I am encouraged.
I am really hopeful.
I see more signs of healthy church leaders today than I have seen at any point in my 30 years of ministry. This trend portends well for the future health of our congregations. Healthy church leaders will lead churches to greater health.
The seven traits presume foundational issues such as an affirmation of the truthfulness of the Bible, the exclusivity of the gospel, and the work of the Holy Spirt. Emanating from these foundational issues are key leadership traits. If a leader has all of the following seven traits, it is likely that leader will lead the congregation to greater health.
They embrace change. Healthy leaders do not fear change. To the contrary, they embrace it. They understand the constant power and hope of the gospel only presents opportunities. They don’t complain about change; they get excited about it.
They have a healthy grasp of history. Healthy church leaders are grateful for the past; but they do not dwell there. They take the lessons and the leaders of the past as steps to move forward in the future. Their attitude toward the past is not nostalgia. Rather, they respect the past without revering the past.
They constantly evaluate methodologies. These leaders are not program-driven, building-driven, or procedure-driven. They are constantly asking how they and their churches can do better. They don’t do things the way they’ve always done them. They constantly and persistently evaluate everything.
They intentionally interact with non-Christians. They get out of their offices and into the community. They attend community functions and make friends with non-believers. They believe the Great Commission is a mandate for them personally.
They accept responsibility. These leaders don’t play the blame game. They know God has called them to lead their churches, and they must accept the mantle of responsibility. It’s not the members’ fault. It’s not the denomination’s fault. It’s not the fault of other staff. And it’s not the community’s fault.
They see reality. Healthy church leaders have a clear and firm grasp of reality. They know how their churches are doing, for better or worse. They don’t try to rationalize away difficult news. Yet they readily celebrate good news. They want to know the unvarnished truth, because they know a clear vision of reality is critical to moving forward.
They invest in one (and only one) major outwardly-focused effort at a time. This trait is a characteristic we have been seeing for the past few years. It is one of focused simplicity. The leader is always doing one more thing to move the church and himself to a greater outward focus. But it only one thing at a time. This discovery has been a major insight we have gleaned specifically with revitalized churches. We will unpack this trait with more detail in the future.
I remain an obnoxious optimist about the future health of churches. And one key reason is that I am seeing more and more church leaders with these seven traits.
These are hopeful times and exciting times.
Let me hear from you.
October 9, 2018
Sacred Cows to Be Aware of in Your Church – Rainer on Leadership #474
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iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio • Spotify
We recently ran a Twitter poll to find out the most dealt with sacred cows in churches. The responses were both hilarious and worrisome.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
Sacred cows are often sacred not simply because of their usefulness, but because of their tradition.
The offertory is often the biggest sacred cow in the order of worship.
The offertory is not a distraction from worship, it is an act of worship.
Too many people think that their preferred worship style is biblically prescribed.
The 15 sacred cows we discuss are:
The parlor.
The organ.
Politics.
Order of worship.
The building.
Flowers in the worship center.
Music/worship style.
Sunday evening services.
Pews.
Attire.
Committees.
Cemeteries.
Choir robes.
Previous pastor.
White tablecloths over the elements for the Lord’s Supper/Communion.
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast
Church Answers
LifeWay Research
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.
October 8, 2018
One of the Most Destructive Statements a Church Member Can Make
If you have served in church leadership for several years, you have likely heard this statement:
“You know who pays the bills at the church.”
The statement is one of the most insidious, destructive, and ungodly statements a member can make. It says much about the attitude of the member and the group he or she represents. There is nothing good that can come from this statement. Just look at some of the implications of this attitude:
It is an attitude of selfishness. The giver with this attitude looks at his or her gifts to the church with a closed fist instead of an open hand. Money is given conditionally, not sacrificially or unconditionally: “It’s my money, not God’s money.”
It is an attitude of entitlement. Gifts to the church are more like country club dues. “Since I pay my money, I get my perks and benefits. I get things my way. And if I don’t get things my way, you just watch me stop paying my dues.”
It is an attitude of divisiveness. Those who express such statements are already creating schisms in the church. The big givers are in one group, and the lesser givers are in another. It’s us versus them. “Those other people don’t deserve an opinion, because we pay more than they do.”
It is an attitude of bullying. The statement is always a threat. It is usually directed at the pastor or some other leader in the church. “You do things my way or just watch what I’ll do to you.” It’s intimidation and bullying at its worst.
It is an attitude of superiority. The person who makes this statement is the Pharisee who lets the world know how “godly” he or she is. “Look at how much I give. I must be blessed by God. And this church is blessed by me. You wouldn’t want me to withhold my blessings, would you?”
It is an attitude of ungodliness. The Enemy loves to hear such statements. When he hears church members say they pay the bills, he knows they are focused on themselves and not Christ. He knows they are divisive instead of instruments of unity. The Enemy knows he’s winning when these contemptible words flow from the mouths of church members.
Yes, I know churches can expend funds in imperfect ways. Yes, I know all churches need systems of accountability and checks and balances with their finances. Yes, I know some churches need greater transparency with their budgets and spending.
But there is absolutely no excuse for making threats with the money you and others have given to the church. Such an attitude gives no glory to God.
It is one of the most destructive statements a church member can make. It is spoken too often in too many churches. And, if the attitude is allowed to continue, it becomes a cancer that will kill and destroy.
October 7, 2018
Pray for The Well Baptist Church
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Pastor: Carl Esque
Weekly Worship: 5:00 PM, Eastern, on Saturdays
Fast Facts: The Well is a three-year-old Church plant. God led Pastor Esque to start this work because he ran across so many people who were out of church because they were hurt by church, stopped going, and no one was reaching out to them. Since The Well began, 19 people have come to faith in Christ. There is a good core group of 20-25 who come faithfully and the church is currently sharing a building with a Pilgrim Holiness congregation.
Their most effective outreach project has always been a trunk or treat event. Because the church meets on Saturday evenings, they can have the event on Saturday and typically a good number of people stay for corporate worship afterwords. Please pray for this year’s event happening later this month. Also, pray for the finances. Being a church plant means lean finances and every little bit helps.
“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 6, 2018
Notable Voices and the Week in Review: October 6, 2018
How Addiction Can Ruin Your Life — Art Rainer
Opioid addiction is destroying families. In this episode, I interview my friend, Jason, about the impact addiction can have on you and your family’s finances. Note: The content of this episode may not be appropriate for all ages.
Netflix Signs Deal to Develop ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ Series, Films — Facts & Trends
Aslan is on the move again—this time, to streaming-entertainment giant Netflix. Netflix announced October 3 it had finalized a multi-year deal with The C.S. Lewis Company to develop new episodic and feature-length film projects based on Lewis’ seven-volume series The Chronicles of Narnia.
5 Ways Busy Leaders Shove Volunteers to the Sidelines — Tony Morgan
Many times we ask people to trade their one day off to volunteer for an event (service) they cannot participate in. We have to recruit setup and teardown teams, parking and nursery volunteers and many others who rarely get to experience services. Why does it seem so difficult to recruit and maintain volunteers? There are 5 key lessons the church can learn from this year’s Super Bowl Committee:
What Is Your Role as a Christian in the #MeToo Movement? — Trillia Newbell
We are in a significant moment in our society because of the #MeToo and #ChurchToo movements. People are coming forward about suffering abuse at the hands of others. What has been a private, quiet, and likely agonizing reality for thousands of men and women dealing with the trauma associated with sexual assault for many years is coming to light. What we know now cannot be ignored. How should you and I process this moment as laypeople? What should we say and do when a friend shares she* has been sexually assaulted? I am not a psychologist, but I am a survivor, and I offer six ways we as ordinary laypeople can think through and take action in the #MeToo era.
This Week at ThomRainer.com:
Twenty Strange Purchases Made by Churches
We could have provided a list of 100 but, for the sake of blog post brevity, the list is only twenty in number. The order is mostly random…READ MORE
Six Major Tax Mistakes Ministers Make
They take an automobile allowance.
They fail to take full advantage of their housing allowance
The opt out of Social Security for the wrong reasons
They don’t keep a mileage log
They don’t use a tax accountant or bookkeeper who understands ministry finance
They fail to take a housing allowance from their retirement funds, such as a 401(k) or 403(b)
Six Reasons Why Churches Continue to Get Immature Christians in Leadership Positions
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode472.mp3
Seven Reasons Why Writing Handwritten Notes Will Revolutionize Your Ministry
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode473.mp3
Why Church Revitalization Will Increase Pastoral Tenure
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant
http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/RevitalizeReplant/RR-Episode061.mp3
