Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 145
September 26, 2018
Six Attitudinal Adjustments Scrappy Church Leaders Made
God’s not done yet.
That is the subtitle and theme of my new book, Scrappy Church.
It’s a book about real churches that had real turnarounds when most people said it was impossible. Most had given up. Many were ready to shut the doors.
But when we interviewed the leaders of these scrappy churches, we noticed a pattern. These leaders at one time had been discouraged and despondent. Many were ready to leave the church. Some were ready to leave vocational ministry altogether.
Then God grabbed them powerfully and persuasively. In a myriad of different ways, He told them He was done with their churches yet. They began to believe Him. They began to have hope. And they began to have major attitude adjustments.
Here are the six major adjustments they made. They were all profound and life changing,
From excuses to ownership. The neighborhood is changing. The bigger churches are taking all of our members. The denomination is not helping us. Those are some of the excuses these leaders had. Then God gave them a new perspective, one of hope. He had called them to the church for a reason, and the reason was certainly not to make a litany of excuses. They took ownership of the call God had given them. Indeed, by taking ownership, they made a statement that they believed God was not done with them or their churches.
From obstacles to allies. You’ve heard the well-worn joke. Leading a church would be fun if it wasn’t for the members. The reality is we’ve all had those thoughts. Scrappy church leaders, though, saw the critical and difficult members as allies instead of obstacles. God brought them to the church for a reason. They became determined to help the members find those reasons.
From limitations to abundance. Scrappy church leaders got it. Their churches have enough money. Enough people. Adequate facilities. Enough people to reach. The right aged people in the church right now. They no longer complained about scarcity and limitations. They saw they were serving the God of abundance, the God who supplies all their needs according to the His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (see Philippians 4:19).
From despair to joy. Marcus served a dying church. He lost his joy. Then, in a study of Philippians, familiar words hit him with fresh conviction: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). He made a major attitude shift. He stopped focusing on the negatives. He made a commitment of joy and the church followed.
From fear to courage. Roger’s wife, Peg, was God’s instrument in his adjustment. “She told me I was living in fear,” he said. “I was disobeying God because I was not trusting in Him. I was more concerned about my paycheck than obedience. My security was my job, but not my God.” That was Roger’s paradigmatic moment. That began his attitudinal adjustment.
From impossible to possible. “I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). All things. Impossible things. Dying churches. Difficult church members. Every. Single. Thing. How did these scrappy church leaders do it? It began with six major attitudinal adjustments. They truly believed God is the God of all possibilities.
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.
The church revitalization revolution has begun.
The scrappy church revolution has begun.
To be continued . . .
Scrappy Church will be available exclusively in LifeWay Stores starting October 2. However, you can order your copy today at LifeWay.com.
September 25, 2018
A Look Back at My Time at LifeWay – Rainer on Leadership #470
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With my upcoming retirement from LifeWay, we take time to look back on my 13 years as president. We discuss the challenges, the wins, the fun times, and the walk on the beach that changed the course of LifeWay forever.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
Even though I became president of LifeWay in 2005, because of the Great Recession, it didn’t feel like I got started until 2010.
The turnaround of ongoing curriculum at LifeWay was the biggest business win of my tenure. From a ministry standpoint, the biggest win was the release of the Christian Standard Bible.
I wouldn’t trade the employees of LifeWay for any other group of employees. They are the best.
If you get the best people around you, change will take place.
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast
SBC This Week
12 Milestone Resources From Thom Rainer’s Tenure at LifeWay
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.
September 24, 2018
Scrappy Church: Why I Have Hope for More Than 100,000 Churches in North America
The baby arrived!
The baby is my book, Scrappy Church. And I am excited about this book. I am very excited about this book. I am very, very excited about this book.
Did I mention I am excited about this book?
The Profound Hope
Sure, I love it when a new book arrives. But this one is really not about me. It was not about perspectives from my supposed expert lens.
It is a report on hope. It is a report from the trenches of spiritual warfare. It is a report of churches that are really revitalizing. Against all human odds. Defying all conventional wisdom. Demonstrating that God is not done with them.
Hope.
I have taken real stories and real research of real churches that are in a new mode of revitalization. I share their stories. More powerfully, I share God’s stories and the hope God gives.
The Scrappy Factor
I call them “scrappy churches.” They have leaders and members who are tenacious, who refuse to give up, who have long-term perspectives, who are willing to take two steps backward and three steps forward.
These churches are turning around. They are revitalizing. They are changing their communities. For the first time in years, maybe decades, these churches have hope.
In all candor, I see the beginning of a movement of profound church revitalization in so many congregations. It’s still in the early stages. It’s still tough. But it’s very real. And if the pattern continues, we could see as many as 100,000 churches move from decline to growth, ineffectiveness to effectiveness, divisiveness to unity, and hopelessness to hope.
It is indeed a scrappy church revolution.
A Season of Defining Reality
For the past few years, I have written and spoken on the plight of many congregations. Some of my communications have been hard hitting and even unpleasant. Some of you have taken issue with my candor.
I get that.
But I have had a deep burden to define reality for our churches. We will not be willing to change unless we see reality. Pain must precede change. And we must change or die.
To be clear, I will not abandon defining reality. It is still necessary. There are still many, many church leaders and church members who refuse to get their heads out of the sand.
My emphasis, however, will be shifting. I will communicate more and more about what God is doing in churches that are truly revitalizing. I want us to hear more of what God is doing rather than what men and women are refusing to do.
Church Revitalization and the Scrappy Church
My first step of hope will not only be sharing stories but discerning how God is specifically working in scrappy churches. And though I will never suggest we can discover some formulaic or programmatic answer to church revitalization, we can observe the work of God and discern how that work might apply to our church and our context.
So, in my blog post on Wednesday, I will share with you some of the key characteristics of scrappy churches. I am so excited!
Did I mention to you how excited I am about this book?
Even more, did I mention how excited I am about the scrappy church revolution?
God is doing a great work in places where He supposedly left years ago.
The scrappy church revolution has begun!
September 23, 2018
Pray for Central Baptist Church
Location: Lawrenceville, Georgia
Pastor: Steven Greene
Weekly Worship: 10:45 AM, Eastern
Fast Facts: Central Baptist was founded 60 years ago with the vision to be a church where everyone was welcome. They wanted to reach the average person in their community for Christ. As the community grew and changed, the church strayed from that vision. Currently, Central is undergoing a revitalization under Pastor Greene’s leadership with the goal of reclaiming that original vision to be a church for everyone in their community. Central is celebrating her 60th anniversary on October 7th with a special service to “relaunch” the church. Please pray for the relaunch and for new laborers in the ministry.
Website: CentralBaptistLawrenceville.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..
September 22, 2018
Notable Voices and the Week in Review: September 22, 2018
11 Bible Verses for Difficult Times — Art Rainer
A hurricane strikes. A medical report does not come back like you hoped. A job is lost. We have and will all face difficult times. Fortunately, we serve a God who knows and controls all things. He sees us. And understands out hardship better than we do. When you are facing difficult times, here are some verses to remember:
Why Your Church Probably Needs to Change Its Social Media Strategy — Facts & Trends
By the time churches have fully embraced Facebook, many of their members and those they are trying to reach may have left it behind. Almost three-quarters of Facebook users (74 percent) have adjusted their connection with the social media platform in some way over the past year, according to Pew Research.
11 Characteristics of Spiritually Weak Christian Leaders — Chuck Lawless
I’m hesitant to write this post because I know I probably exhibit some of these characteristics. Nevertheless, I’ve seen a lot of Christian leaders who never fully live up to their potential in the power of God’s Spirit. Here are some of the primary issues I see in this group of leaders:
Are Our Pastors Being Discipled? — Mark Dance
Wherever I go, I ask pastors, “Who is discipling you?” Their responses range from inspiring to infuriating, although most land somewhere in between. Here, I will categorize the most common responses into two groups: discipleship staples and shortcuts. While the shortcuts may help, the staples must be present for discipleship to take place.
This Week at ThomRainer.com:
Six Negative Consequences of Church Members Having an Entitlement Mentality
I have a burning passion to see churches revitalized. In many ways, it’s really about the revitalization of the hearts of church members…READ MORE
Eight Areas Where Many Ministers Are Unprepared for Ministry
Relational intelligence.
Leadership skills.
Dealing with critics.
Family matters.
Finances.
Consumer mentality.
Uneven expectations.
Uneven spiritual growth.
Five Key Reasons Churches Become More Unified
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode468.mp3
Five Types of Infrequent Attendees
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode469.mp3
The Kingdom Mindset of Churches that Are Willing to Be Replanted
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant
http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/RevitalizeReplant/RR-Episode059.mp3
September 21, 2018
Five Types of Infrequent Attendees – Rainer on Leadership #469
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
Declining attendance isn’t as much of an issue in churches as declining frequency of attendance. Today we discuss those who miss frequently and how to solve that.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
For the Christian, corporate worship should not be considered optional.
Too often, people miss church for reasons that would not keep them from missing work or a recreational event.
Don’t let your church’s structure drive its mission.
If you have leaders in the church who consider corporate worship optional, they probably shouldn’t be a leader in the church.
The five infrequent attendees that we discuss today are:
The fading church member
The “church is just another activity” church member
The unbeliever/seeker
The anti-structure church member
The special events only church member
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast
Church Answers
Episode Sponsors
The ministry landscape is changing, and the need for biblical training is more necessary than ever. It’s time to get your Master of Divinity degree. The M.Div —Midwestern Seminary’s flagship degree program — is the primary track for ministry preparation. At just 81 hours, the Midwestern M.Div offers a complete foundation for full-time ministry leaders, offering everything you need, and nothing you don’t. Join other students in vibrant Kansas City as you train in a unique collaborative environment focused on the local church or study online in your current ministry context. Midwestern Seminary is developing a discipleship culture devoted to the local church and committed to God’s unchanging Word. Why not start your training today?
Find out more at mbts.edu/mdiv.
Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. They’ve helped thousands of churches just like yours find their church staff and are uniquely geared to help you discern who God is calling to lead your church.
For more information, visit WeStaffTheChurch.com.
Feedback
If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you’ll receive a free copy of Becoming a Welcoming Church.
September 20, 2018
The Kingdom Mindset of Churches that Are Willing to Be Replanted – Revitalize & Replant #059
It’s important for churches to have a kingdom mindset if they are going to revitalize or be replanted. Today, we discuss what that looks like in a church.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM CARLOS
I’ve been bi-vocational while attending seminary. I graduate in the spring and want to take on a replant or revitalization. What do I look for when interviewing with future churches to know if they’re potentially good churches to pastor?
Episode Highlights:
You will rarely find a church where all the members have a sacrificial mindset.
We will soon see more and more ministries have digital connections outside of the local church.
A church that loves its community does more than just an event or two a year—it’s a consistent outreach.
Don’t see those in your community as object to help increase your attendance, but as an opportunity for ministry.
The six indicators of a kingdom mindset are:
A sacrificial mindset
An other-focus
A love of the community
A forsaking of idols
A willingness to let go
The mind and heart of Christ
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Church Health Report
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.
September 19, 2018
Eight Areas Where Many Ministers Are Unprepared for Ministry
Relational intelligence.
Leadership skills.
Dealing with critics.
Family matters.
Finances.
Consumer mentality.
Uneven expectations.
Uneven spiritual growth.
Some highlights from today’s Rainer Report:
You have to have a high level of relational intelligence to connect with church members of all ages.
You must be a continuous learner if you want to be a better leader.
How you deal with critics will test your leadership mettle.
Many ministers fail in ministry because they fail with their families.
September 18, 2018
Five Key Reasons Churches Become More Unified – Rainer on Leadership #468
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
Church unity is an issue in many churches. Fighting, gossip, and bullying can really play havoc on unity. Today, we discuss why and how churches can become more unified.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
Jesus wanted churches to be unified (John 17), but not many churches want unity.
The more outward-focused a church is, the less self-centered they will be.
The most important factor in church unity is having an outward focus.
One of the primary roles of deacons is to keep unity in the church.
The reasons for church unity which we discuss are:
They have a community outward focus.
They come through a crisis.
They have leadership that keeps them on track.
They have a low tolerance for gossiping and bullying.
They have a clear and actionable vision statement.
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.
Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast
ChurchAnswers.com
Suicide, Depression, and Pastors: One Way Church Members Can Help
Simple Church
September 17, 2018
Six Negative Consequences of Church Members Having an Entitlement Mentality
“Once one realizes they are entitled to nothing, they become grateful for everything.”
Art Rainer
I never planned to write the book.
It began as a midnight attempt to get a 500-word blog post done for the next morning. I called it “I Am a Church Member.” When I closed the keyboard that night, I had zero expectation of any significant response.
I was wrong. The blog post went viral. It hit a nerve in congregations around the world. Shortly thereafter, I wrote a little book by the same name. It became a number one bestseller and has sold 1.5 million copies to date.
My premise was simple and basic. I went to Scripture to delineate the characteristics of a healthy church member. The responses to the book and the blog post gave me an acute awareness of the dearth of healthy church members in many churches. The opposite of a healthy church member is an entitled church member. He or she sees the church as an organization that doles out perks and benefits somewhat like a country club. The church, therefore, exists for the members rather than the members serving sacrificially as the body of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 12).
What are some of the negative consequences of this entitlement mentality? Let’s begin with six of them.
More conflicts and church fights. When church members have an entitlement mentality, they get angry when they don’t get their way. It thus leads to conflict and even church fights.
Pastor and staff perceived to be hired hands. Forget the idea of the pastor/teacher equipping the saints to do the work of ministry. Entitled members view them to be workers paid to all or most of the ministry. “After all, that’s what we pay them for.”
Keeps the focus off the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. Entitlement is self-focused. The Great Commission and the Great Commandment are other-focused.
Creates unhealthy alliances. Entitled church members often form alliances with other church members of similar unhealthy mindsets. They are called cliques and power groups. They can be members of an extended family, or they can be a diverse group of members simply determined to get their own way.
Turns giving into dues. The money given to the church is not done so with open hands. It has strings attached, and those strings will jerk the money back the moment entitled church members do not get their way. (See my earlier post on giving versus dues.)
Turns the church facility into a shrine. When members insist on getting their way, the church facility becomes one object of their own desires. The fight could be over a color of paint or carpet, a parlor or bride’s room, chairs versus pews, or the pulpit itself. The sad possibilities are endless.
I have a burning passion to see churches revitalized. In many ways, it’s really about the revitalization of the hearts of church members. And those hearts must transform from me-centeredness and conditional to other-focused and unconditional.
Then, and only then, will our churches experience true revitalization.
