Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 151
July 29, 2018
Pray for St. Andrew’s Anglican Church
Location: Endicott, New York
Pastor: Tony Seel
Weekly Worship: 10:00 AM, Eastern
Fast Facts: St. Andrew’s was founded in 1949 in Vestal, NY, a community of roughly 10,000 people. The church grew under the founding pastor to over 200 members, but during the tenure of the second pastor, layoffs and relocations at nearby IBM resulted in a number of members leaving the area. In the mid 2000s, the church began praying and studying Scripture about whether it should continue in the Episcopal Church after the church’s stance on biblical sexuality changed. St. Andrew’s left the Episcopal Church in 2007 and moved into rented space at a nearby Baptist church and continued to meet. In 2012, St. Andrew’s purchased its current church building in nearby Endicott, NY, and has been working hard to connect with our its community. Please pray for their Vacation Bible School coming up the second week of August their Fall barbecue chicken ourtreach. Finally, please pray that they continue to effectively communicate the gospel through the church and through their personal lives.
Website: StAndrewsEndicott.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..
July 28, 2018
Notable Voices and the Week in Review: July 28, 2018
Should Churches Go Into Debt? — Art Rainer
Should churches go into debt? This question often elicits passionate responses from people at various points on the yes/no spectrum. The passion is often driven by a desire for their church to make the best decision to advance the gospel in their community and around the world. And this is a good thing.
3 Reasons Greeter Ministries Are Still Relevant in 2018 — Facts & Trends
You might be wondering if a greeter ministry is still relevant in 2018. Do we even need greeters any more? It’s a fair question. Shouldn’t we expect everyone in the church to be friendly to guests? Why do we have to ask people to do what they should be doing anyway? Perhaps in an ideal world with an ideal organization with ideal people such an approach would work. But that’s not our world, and that’s not our church. We, therefore, greatly need greeter ministries for three reasons.
11 Reasons Some Pastors Leave a Church Too Soon — Chuck Lawless
Last week, I posted two posts about pastors staying too long in a church (here and here). Today, I want to address the other side of the coin—pastors who leave a church too soon. In this case, I refer to anecdotal evidence gathered through the years by talking with pastors who themselves say they left a church too soon. Few pastors I know leave a church saying, “I know this is too early, but I’m leaving”; instead, they reach that conclusion after the fact.
Three Reasons to Try Long-Range Preaching Planning — Brandon Hiltibidal
When I was a younger preacher, I actually thought not planning ahead for sermons was holy. I wanted God to speak through me, so I was afraid to prepare much to say myself. Thankfully, a leader in my life said something to me I’ve never forgotten. He said, “The same Holy Spirit who works through your presentation can work through your preparation.” It is ok to work ahead. In fact, it is wise. Here are three kingdom-shaping reasons to approach sermon prep through long-range planning.
This Week at ThomRainer.com:
Five Reasons Why Church Revitalization Leaders Must Be Risk Takers
Leading a church toward revitalization is risky business. But it is a necessary business. And risk is really the path all leaders should take…READ MORE
If I Could Change One Thing in My Church, It Would Be . . .
I put the statement on social media. The responses were voluminous. After a couple of days, I had to stop counting and tally the results. There were hundreds of them…READ MORE
Top Ten Ways Churches Drive Away First-time Guests
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode452.mp3
Seven Reasons People Give More to Their Church
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode453.mp3
How to Know You are NOT a Church Revitalizer or Replanter
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant
http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/RevitalizeReplant/RR-Episode051.mp3
July 27, 2018
Seven Reasons People Give More to Their Church – Rainer on Leadership #453
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
Money is a subject too many pastors avoid—but they shouldn’t. It’s important to preach and teach on biblical stewardship. Today we explain seven ways that can lead to increased giving.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
Pastors shouldn’t be fearful about preaching on money or stewardship.
According to some studies, giving increases threefold when someone moves from attending worship only to being a part of a small group.
Consistent ministry involvement typically leads to greater giving involvement.
People no longer give due to institutional loyalty—they give because they believe in the vision.
The seven reasons we discuss are:
Pastors preach about money and stewardship.
People move from worship only to small groups.
Members get involved in ministry.
Church leadership is clear and passionate about the vision of the church.
The church has multiple channels for giving.
Leadership is transparent about church finances.
The church is outwardly focused.
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.
Applications are now open for Vanderbloemen’s fall pastor coaching network at their Houston headquarters in September and November. There are two networks – one for Lead Pastors and one for Executive Pastors. Each group is limited to 16 people. It’s a roundtable, close-knit network where you will grow as a leader so that you can grow your team and ultimately grow your church.
If you’re interested in joining, visit vanderbloemen.com/coaching for more information.
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
Generis.com
Envelope3.com
ArtRainer.com
July 26, 2018
How to Know You are NOT a Church Revitalizer or Replanter – Revitalize & Replant #051
Being a revitalizer or replanter is not for everyone. Today we discuss seven considerations to help you decide whether it might be for you or not.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM RONALD
I finished seminary a couple years back and am on staff at an established church currently, but I’m possibly feeling the call to lead a church replant in a neighboring county. I’m just not sure it’s my selfish desire or the Lord telling me to go. I’m just not sure I’m the right kind of person for this task, or if I should stay on staff where I am. I listened to Episode 34 on how to know if you’re a replanter. But what about some reasons or ways to know if I’m not a replanter and should just be faithful in my current ministry?
Episode Highlights:
You have to consider the impact on your family when deciding whether or not to take a new job.
If you have to have constant and quick wins to keep you motivated in ministry, revitalization efforts might not be a good fit for you.
In today’s church culture, more than five years of tenure is seen as being a long-term leader.
The comparison game will eat you alive as a pastor.
If your church is not connected to its community, there’s a problem.
The seven reasons we discuss are:
If you don’t have your family’s support
If you must have quick results to be motivated
If you can’t see beyond five years
If you can’t get away from church comparisons
If you can’t see yourself in the community where the church is
If you are extremely thin skinned
If you focus on scarcity of resources
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.
July 25, 2018
If I Could Change One Thing in My Church, It Would Be . . .
I put the statement on social media. The responses were voluminous. After a couple of days, I had to stop counting and tally the results. There were hundreds of them.
In an effort to simplify my reporting of the results, I put the responses into several categories. I have to say, I was more encouraged than not. Sure, we got the usual complaints about other people and the worship services. But I was surprised to see how many respondents said the greatest change needed to be themselves. Pastors said it. Elders said it. Deacons said it. Other laypersons said it. That response, among others, greatly encouraged me.
My question was about one thing, so I had to disregard those who gave two things, or three things, or fourteen things (seriously). Keep in mind, each tallied respondent could only say one thing. So, when you read that three percent wanted a greater emphasis on prayer, it doesn’t mean 97 percent did not want a greater emphasis on prayer. It just means three percent put it at the top of their list.
Here are the top ten results. The numbers do not add to 100 percent, because there were many responses that did not fit any of the top ten categories.
If I could change one thing in my church, it would be . . .
Other people (16%). No big surprise here. Other people need to get their acts together. The pastor needs to visit more. Other people need to attend more frequently. The essence of these responses is that everyone else is the problem.
Me (13%). I was incredibly gratified to see this second highest response. So many of the respondents acknowledged the plank in their own eyes rather than the splinter in others. Indeed, this response was both a surprise and a great sign of hope for churches.
A greater emphasis on evangelism (10%). Again, I was heartened by these responses. The second and third most frequent responses were “change me” and “share the gospel.” That’s very hopeful.
The worship services (9%). No surprises here. It’s just hard for me to imagine that someone would say the greatest need in the church was to turn down the volume. Of course, there were the expected responses: more hymns; more contemporary music; more blended music, and on and on and on.
The church facilities (6%). There were a number of concerns about church buildings. It seems like this problem is becoming more pronounced. Deferred maintenance is growing in churches. Then again, some of the responses were, well, strange: “If I could change one thing in the church, it would be light bulbs that are too high.” Now that’s important.
The pace of change (5%). Almost all the responses in this category expressed a desire for increasing the pace of change. As one church member said: “We are moving slowly, and we are slowly dying.”
A greater emphasis on prayer (3%). As I monitor church trends, I am seeing this type of response with a greater frequency. That’s healthy, very healthy.
A greater emphasis on discipleship (3%). Again, as I read these responses, I was hopeful. Church leaders and members desire to return to greater emphases on evangelism, prayer, and discipleship.
Our church polity (3%). Though a frequent response, there was no consistency on desiring any one type of polity. The theme was, for the most part, whatever our polity is now needs to be changed.
Greater diversity (2%). “When I look around our church, I see nothing but white faces. When I look into the community I see diverse ethnic groups and races.” That pretty much says it all.
Out of the hundreds of responses, there were many memorable, some for good, and some not so good. One of those: “If I could change one thing in my church, it would be the toilet paper brand.”
There you go. That’s Kingdom thinking.
July 24, 2018
Top Ten Ways Churches Drive Away First-time Guests – Rainer on Leadership #452
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
Guest friendliness has been a constant theme on this blog and podcast over the past few years. There’s even a book that came out of these discussions. Today, we look at a classic post on the subject and unpack several ways churches actually push guests away.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
Most church members think the church is friendly—because members are friendly to one another.
Safety and security of the children’s space at your church is of utmost importance—especially to guests.
If your church has a welcome center, you need to actually staff the welcome center.
Your church website needs to primarily focus on and highlight information for guests.
The 10 items we discuss are:
Having a stand up and greet one another time in the worship service.
Unfriendly church members.
Unsafe and unclean children’s area.
No place to get information.
Bad church website.
Poor signage.
Insider church language.
Boring or bad service.
Members telling guests that they were in their seat or pew.
Dirty facilities.
Episode Sponsors
Applications are now open for Vanderbloemen’s fall pastor coaching network at their Houston headquarters in September and November. There are two networks – one for Lead Pastors and one for Executive Pastors. Each group is limited to 16 people. It’s a roundtable, close-knit network where you will grow as a leader so that you can grow your team and ultimately grow your church.
If you’re interested in joining, visit vanderbloemen.com/coaching for more information.
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
Becoming a Welcoming Church
We Want You Here
Church Facility Audit
July 23, 2018
Five Reasons Why Church Revitalization Leaders Must Be Risk Takers
We have rightly described church planters as risk takers.
They start churches. They often have little funding. They typically have no building to begin with. Many have no members at the onset.
So, church planting is indeed inherently risky.
But I would argue that church revitalization must be risky as well. Indeed, I believe church revitalization leaders should be consummate students of risk taking and change leadership. Let me offer five reasons why:
There is no such thing as a status quo church. Here is the harsh reality in today’s culture. Churches are either headed toward greater health or they are declining in health. Many of the declining churches are dying. There are no churches “holding their own” or “hanging in there.” We need risk-taking leaders to lead church revitalization because the alternative is dying and death.
Churches that need revitalizing must be led by change agents. That path is risky. Change can be painful. Change is often resisted. Change can be three steps forward and two steps backwards. But if the revitalization leader does not lead change, the church will not become healthier.
Leaders of revitalization must be willing to risk their jobs. Leaders of revitalization know the harsh reality of job insecurity. Thousands and thousands of change leaders have been fired because they upset the status quo or threatened the power group. While leaders should not foolishly lead change, any change they lead could result in their ouster.
Criticism is a constant for risk-taking leaders of revitalization. Thus, many leaders in these churches revert back to behaviors of risk aversion. To use a sports metaphor, they play defense instead of offense. Church revitalization leaders must be willing to endure the almost daily doses of criticisms that will come their way.
Revitalization will take place when a leader points to the discomfort of an untraveled future path rather than remaining in the comfort of a well-worn present. It takes a leader willing to take risks to look to the future. It is not fully known. It is not the way we’ve always done it. It is downright uncomfortable for most people.
In the past, we often saw the established church as a place where leaders could move so slowly that progress was imperceptible. And that was okay, because the churches of the past offered stability and sustainability. Such is not the case today. Leading a church toward revitalization is risky business. But it is a necessary business. And risk is really the path all leaders should take. There is a word in the Bible that reflects this leadership disposition more clearly.
The word is faith.
Let me hear from you.
July 22, 2018
Pray for Zion Hill Baptist Church
Location: Centralia, Illinois
Pastor: Kyle Emery
Weekly Worship: 10:30 AM, Central
Fast Facts: In the early morning hours of July 15, the Zion Hill church building was struck by lightning. The resulting fire completely destroyed the church building. Pastor Kyle and his family were on vacation at the time of the fire and returned the next day. This week, the church will meet at the local Baptist association building. They are planning to rebuild the building, but that will take an extensive amount of money, planning, and time. Please pray for Pastor Kyle as he leads Zion Hill through this difficult time. Also, pray for the people of Zion Hill that they not lose courage. Also pray that this event can be used to share the gospel to those in the Centralia communitym and that it will strengthen the witness of the church in the area.
Website: Church Facebook Page
“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..
July 21, 2018
Notable Voices and the Week in Review: July 21, 2018
Five Marks of Effective Prayer — H. B. Charles
The last passage of Mark 1 (verses 40-45), records the miracle of Jesus cleansing a leper. It is also recorded in Matthew 8:1-4 and Luke 5:12-15. This story is about the miracle-working and divine authority of Jesus. This leper is a trophy of amazing grace. The priority of this passage it what it teaches us about Jesus, but there is a lesson about prayer in the actions and words of the leper. The way he came to Jesus shows us how to go to God in prayer. Mark 1:40 teaches us five marks of effective prayer:
Three Ways to Learn From Even the Worst Criticisms — Facts & Trends
Despite working in ministry and supposedly around Christians most of the time, pastors and church leaders can face almost constant criticism. I’ll never forget a friend in the ministry saying, “People are broken and broken things cut.” Church leaders are constantly around broken people who will inevitably cut. The critiques can range from the petty and pointless to the hurting and hateful. But church leaders often can’t do anything about the criticism. It will come regardless of how well you lead.
When the Preaching Fire Burns…and When It Goes Out — Chuck Lawless
There’s nothing quite like it, though most people can’t understand it. I share my thoughts about it today because I want churches praying more intentionally and regularly for those who are gifted to do it—that is, to preach His Word. When that calling hits you, everything changes:
Four Signs of Unhealthy Volunteer Teams — Tony Morgan
There is nothing worse than losing a great volunteer. Many people simply disappear when they are struggling rather than reaching out for help. Fortunately, great leaders can notice symptoms and make positive changes that lead to healthy teams. Your volunteer teams may be struggling if…
This Week at ThomRainer.com:
Baby Boomers Are Returning to Church
Please, church leaders, don’t take this information lightly. I can’t recall a generation in my lifetime potentially returning to church in such numbers. The opportunities are incredible…READ MORE
Seven Reasons Pastors Burn Out
The 24/7 mentality.
Conflict.
Expectations.
Unwillingness to let go.
No friends.
Not suited for some tasks.
No life outside the church.
Five Future Developments Coming to the Church
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode450.mp3
Five Consequences of the Pending Retirement of Boomer Pastors
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode451.mp3
Five Sources of Funding for Church Revitalizing and Replanting
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant
http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/RevitalizeReplant/RR-Episode050.mp3
July 20, 2018
Five Consequences of the Pending Retirement of Boomer Pastors – Rainer on Leadership #451
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
Every single day, 1,000 Boomers are hitting retirement age. This includes Boomer pastors. Today we discuss the consequences of this reality and also highlight why many are choosing Interim Pastor University to prepare for their next stage of ministry.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
More churches are starting to plan for pastoral succession because they’ve seen how other churches have failed with it.
Thankfully, more churches are starting to raise up pastoral successors from within.
The interim pastor role has changed over the past few years. It’s no longer primarily just pulpit supply.
There is no set retirement age for pastors, but too many hang on too long.
The five consequences we discuss are:
There will be more pastoral vacancies than qualified candidates.
More churches are giving thought to pastoral succession.
More and more pastors are getting additional training for interim and bi-vocational positions.
There is a mixed view on pastors staying at their current churches past retirement age.
Some Boomer pastors will lead their churches toward mergers and acquisitions.
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.
Applications are now open for Vanderbloemen’s fall pastor coaching network at their Houston headquarters in September and November. There are two networks – one for Lead Pastors and one for Executive Pastors. Each group is limited to 16 people. It’s a roundtable, close-knit network where you will grow as a leader so that you can grow your team and ultimately grow your church.
If you’re interested in joining, visit vanderbloemen.com/coaching for more information.
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
Interim Pastor University
