Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 144
October 5, 2018
Seven Reasons Why Writing Handwritten Notes Will Revolutionize Your Ministry – Rainer on Leadership #473
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Handwritten notes are a lost art for many. Today, we discuss why they are so important and how you can use them to boost encouragement in your church and ministry.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
Cultivating a habit of writing handwritten notes will increase your spirit of gratitude.
Writing handwritten notes takes your focus off the negativity in ministry and places it on the positives.
When you write notes of gratitude to others, your attitude becomes more positive as a result.
With just 30-minutes a week of writing handwritten notes, you can dramatically improve the positivity in your ministry.
The seven reasons we discuss are:
It moves you to a spirit of gratitude.
It reminds you of the blessings God has given you.
It takes the focus off negativity in the church
It is incredibly rewarding to the recipients.
It changes the ethos and culture of the church.
It improves personal relationships.
It happens 365 times a year.
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast
Why Leaders Should Write Hand-Written Notes
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 4, 2018
Why Church Revitalization Will Increase Pastoral Tenure – Revitalize & Replant #061
Revitalization is on the upswing, and with it, so is pastoral tenure. While these may not be in a causative relation, they certainly do compliment one another. Today, we discuss why.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM TIMOTHY
Are pastors starting to stay longer at churches with a commitment to revitalize them? Or is there still a sense of ladder climbing in the ministry? Anecdotally, it seems that the ladder climbing has abated when it comes to younger pastors.
Episode Highlights:
Younger pastors tend to value different things in ministry than the generation before them. Ladder climbing isn’t as prevalent as it once was.
More and more Millennial pastors are going into revitalizations for the long haul.
Church revitalization is becoming something that pastors actually want to do. It is a noble call.
Revitalization pastors need a network of peers to help fight loneliness and frustration.
The five reasons we discuss are:
More younger pastors have a long-term call to revitalization
More retiring boomers have a long-term call to revitalization
Most leaders understand the incremental nature of revitalization
Revitalization is increasingly perceived to be an honorable calling
There are more revitalization networks
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
InterimPastor.University
RevitalizeNetwork.org
Revitalization Outside the Bible Belt
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.
Why Church Revitalization Will Increase Pastoral Tenure – Revitalize & Replant #61
Revitalization is on the upswing, and with it, so is pastoral tenure. While these may not be in a causative relation, they certainly do compliment one another. Today, we discuss why.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM TIMOTHY
Are pastors starting to stay longer at churches with a commitment to revitalize them? Or is there still a sense of ladder climbing in the ministry? Anecdotally, it seems that the ladder climbing has abated when it comes to younger pastors.
Episode Highlights:
Younger pastors tend to value different things in ministry than the generation before them. Ladder climbing isn’t as prevalent as it once was.
More and more Millennial pastors are going into revitalizations for the long haul.
Church revitalization is becoming something that pastors actually want to do. It is a noble call.
Revitalization pastors need a network of peers to help fight loneliness and frustration.
The five reasons we discuss are:
More younger pastors have a long-term call to revitalization
More retiring boomers have a long-term call to revitalization
Most leaders understand the incremental nature of revitalization
Revitalization is increasingly perceived to be an honorable calling
There are more revitalization networks
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
InterimPastor.University
RevitalizeNetwork.org
Revitalization Outside the Bible Belt
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 3, 2018
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)
Some highlights from today’s Rainer Report:
Ministers can’t legally receive an automobile allowance. You can claim automobile reimbursements for mileage, however.
The minister’s housing allowance in non-reportable and non-taxable. Ministers should take advantage of this.
Every minister should be keeping a mileage log for anything other than his/her commute to the church.
If you’re in ministry, you need to have a tax accountant who understands ministry income taxes. It can save you a lot of money and headache.
NOTE: For those who have not opted out of Social Security, your income is taxable for self-employment taxes.
October 2, 2018
Six Reasons Why Churches Continue to Get Immature Christians in Leadership Positions – Rainer on Leadership #472
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
Leadership in the church tends to fall to those who are either the loudest or who want it the most instead of who is spiritually mature enough to handle it. Today we explore why this happens and how to avoid it.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
We see many people in leadership in the church not because they are mature Christians, but because they make the most noise.
Don’t reward church bullies with leadership positions in the church.
If church members are not committed to the financial stewardship the church, they probably shouldn’t be in leadership positions in the church.
Low expectation churches are typically the ones that struggle to find leaders or volunteers for ministry.
The six reasons we discuss are:
The noisy get rewarded.
The bullies get rewarded.
No one checks the giving records.
Some try to use the church for power they don’t have outside the church.
The church is a low expectation church.
Leadership is not rotated.
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast
Church Answers
Not Your Parents’ Offering Plate: A New Vision for Financial Stewardship
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 1, 2018
Twenty Strange Purchases Made by Churches
During one of our podcasts, we talked about church budgets and church purchases. That conversation led to a Twitter poll where we asked church leaders and members to name some strange purchases made by their churches. The responses were numerous and, yes, really strange.
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.
XL Depends for live sheep for a sermon illustration. I guess if you have large sheep, you have to have large Depends. Question: Did they really need them? Answer: It Depends.
Squirrel cage for the sanctuary. I need clarity. Was it to catch the squirrel? House the squirrel? A contingency to let the squirrel out in the event the services got too boring?
Ketchup bottle costumes to demonstrate the need to “catch-up” the budget. First step for helping your budget: get a refund for the costumes.
Giant inflatable black cat. I wonder if it was used for the welcome ministry or the music ministry.
Giant inflatable raccoon. My guess is the church was trying to compete with another church that purchased a giant inflatable black cat.
Giant inflatable polar bears. Now the Presbyterians are trying to compete with the Baptists.
Hoes. That’s what the response said. I’m sure there’s a good explanation.
Animal testicles. I’ll leave this one alone.
Cow tongue. I’m beginning to feel sorry for the animals.
Snow blower. Submitted by a church in Tennessee.
Black dry ice that caused two asthma attacks in the orchestra pit. First, I’m sorry for the asthma attacks. Second, our audience is so informative. I didn’t know black dry ice caused asthmatic attacks.
Live camels. Of course, every church needs to purchase camels for their annual Christmas production. Be careful with your camel, though. See this video.
Live donkeys. I like the live camels better.
Mechanical bull. Now I’m really disappointed. The other churches had live animals.
Red solo cups to replace the communion cups. Did the church use wine or grape juice? If they used wine, there could have been a problem.
Coffee maker that cost $2,500 that didn’t fit the cabinets and that no one could learn to use. But once you get it working, you will have a very attentive congregation.
Confetti cannon. Used at the discretion of the deacons when the pastor made a good point in his sermon.
Giant Pokemon costume. But of course. How else will you catch ’em all?
Radar speed gun. You gotta stop those people from running down the aisles,
A single purchase of tennis balls, pantyhose, super glue, string, and toilet plungers. I bet the treasurer had fun with that receipt.
There were so many more good submissions. Let me hear from you. I bet you can add to this list!
September 30, 2018
Pray for Great Shepherd Church
Location: Union, New Jersey
Pastor: Fernan Apolinario
Weekly Worship: 11:00 AM, Eastern
Fast Facts: Great Shepherd Church is a three-year-old church associated with Mission Mid-Atlantic (Mid-Atlantic Conservative Baptist Association). The church doesn’t yet have its own facility but meets in the auditorium of the First Presbyterian Church in Springfield, NJ. This week, the church began a 13-week ESL (English as a Second Language) Ministry which will be housed at another local church on Tuesday nights. Please pray for this ministry and that they would be able to use it to see gospel fruit. Also, continue to pray for their place of worship. The First Presbyterian Church has been very generous to let them use their auditorium for worship services and other occasional ministry activities for the past three years. Ultimately they would like to have a 24/7 facility.
Website: GreatShepherdChurch.org
“Pray for . . .” is the Sunday blog series at ThomRainer.com. We encourage you to pray for these churches noted every Sunday. Please feel free to comment that you are praying as well.
If you would like to have your church featured in the “Pray for…” series, fill out this information form..
September 29, 2018
Notable Voices and the Week in Review: September 29, 2018
Talking to a Pastor Search Team — Sam Rainer
Talking with a pastor search team can be one of the most exciting and confusing times in the career of an established church pastor. In this episode, we cover a few tips and red flags to help you during this season of ministry.
Evidence for the Exodus? New Archaeological Discoveries Support Biblical Account — Facts & Trends
For years, archaeologists have doubted the biblical story of the nation of Israel’s origin because the account lacked material evidence—until now. Instead of how Exodus and Joshua describe the Israelites escaping Egypt, crossing the Jordan River, and conquering the land, many contend they were already part of an indigenous population in Canaan. A recent discovery, however, provides physical evidence to support the biblical account.
How Should Christians Think About the Supreme Court? — Daniel Darling
The Supreme Court has been at the top of the news lately with a contentious confirmation hearing. Both parties have, in recent years, ramped up the politics of the court nominations. In a previous era, even the opposing party gave deference to the President’s nominees if they were considered qualified. But this has changed as the Supreme Court’s rulings have become more and more significant in American life and as the parties have polarized. So in the midst of contention and debate, how should faithful Christians think about the Court?
You should preach less! I know that sounds bizarre, but it is nonetheless true. Just a few months ago, I spoke with a church planter who told me that he preached fifty out of fifty-two Sundays a year. That is far too much! The first year of our plant, I preached almost every Sunday. That’s not a bad thing. When a church is first born, nothing is familiar, so at least the preaching should be. Still, I would argue that as a church plant begins to mature, the church planter should preach less by sharing the pulpit more. And by sharing the pulpit, I mean with biblically qualified men, not just those who want to or can stand up and talk in front of a crowd.
This Week at ThomRainer.com:
Scrappy Church: Why I Have Hope for More Than 100,000 Churches in North America
God is doing a great work in places where He supposedly left years ago. The scrappy church revolution has begun!…READ MORE
Six Attitudinal Adjustments Scrappy Church Leaders Made
God’s not done yet. That’s the story of Scrappy Church. And I am convinced it is the story of tens of thousands of churches yet to be told…READ MORE
A Look Back at My Time at LifeWay
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode470.mp3
A Look Back at My Time at LifeWay
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode471.mp3
How to Develop Tactical Patience in a Revitalization or Replant
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant
http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/RevitalizeReplant/RR-Episode060.mp3
September 28, 2018
Why I’m Starting Revitalize Network – Rainer on Leadership #471
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
I recently announced the launch of Revitalize Network—a 501c3 nonprofit organization focused on helping churches revitalize. Today, we discuss the details of the network and how you can join us.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
Many churches need revitalization but don’t know where to start.
Revitalize Network is a place where churches can come together to help one another become healthier.
Revitalization is not a destination for a church, it’s a journey.
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.
September 27, 2018
How to Develop Tactical Patience in a Revitalization or Replant – Revitalize & Replant #060
Tactical patience means waiting to change things when the time is right. Pastors often get in trouble when they rush into change. Today, we discuss how to grow in that patience.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM COLIN
Can you guys share some advice on how to grow in tactical patience? Without asking you to share details from that situation, what advice do you have for others facing similar situations?
Episode Highlights:
“If you’re not committed to stay for at least five years in a replant or serious revitalization, then don’t go.”
Hiring a younger pastor doesn’t automatically mean your church will immediately draw in younger families.
One of the marks of a mission-minded church is that you can celebrate what God is doing in other churches.
Everything that happens in your church is the activity of God.
The six keys to tactical patience are:
Pray for patience
Keep the longer-term view in perspective
Celebrate small victories more frequently
Mentor others in the revitalization
Stay connected with other pastors
Make certain your family is okay
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.
