Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 156
June 9, 2018
Notable Voices and the Week in Review: June 9, 2018
One Thing Two-Thirds of Parents Will Bring Their Kids to Church For — Eric Geiger
What church activity or program or event grabs the attention of parents who go to church and those who don’t? If you had to make a list of what a kids ministry and church could offer the community that resonates with parents from all types of backgrounds, what would make the top of the list? There are not many activities hosted by a church that parents of all backgrounds share a mutual respect and trust for, but VBS is one of them. LifeWay Research recently released their findings of an extensive study done on Vacation Bible School. And there are some fascinating data points:
4 Sacred Cows Haunting Churches—And How to Corral Them — Facts & Trends
Now in my 40s, I realize I have (Lord willing) many years of ministry ahead. But that also means I’ve become acquainted with commonplace “sacred cows”—idols that have become so ingrained in the culture of a congregation, many can’t remember why they exist or make the case to continue them. I can identify and describe a few of these sacred cows. But I can also offer some ways to wisely relocate these “cows”— by either moving them to their proper place or moving them out altogether.
5 Essentials for Effective Ministry in Any (Especially Difficult) Locations — Chris Hefner
Paul’s ministry at Corinth, highlighted in Acts 18 and further described in his letters to the church relate a church full of theological tension and moral quandary. It is likely that we have not served in a city as vile or even a church as morally and theologically contentious as Corinth. Nevertheless if we are to be effective in serving where God has placed us, we need the same essentials Paul experienced during his ministry in Corinth. Dr. Luke’s account of Paul’s Corinthian ministry is found in Acts 18.
Is “Ministry Calling” a Legitimate Concept? — Chuck Lawless
I’ve written previously about why my sense of calling matters. In that post, I described what I believe was God’s somehow capturing my attention and re-directing my life in some supernatural way. I’ve also written about how I understand the breadth of that calling today. I’m also aware, though, that some folks are wrestling with/questioning the concept of “ministry calling” today, and I want to be fair to them. Here, at least from my studies, are some of their questions and concerns:
This Week at ThomRainer.com:
What I Must Change
Let me be clearer and more biblical: I must ask God to change me. It is not by my strength nor by my might, but by the Spirit of the Lord that I can change…READ MORE
Why Conflict Leads to Complacency in Many Churches
The members are tired.
The church extends the period of recovery too long.
They members don’t want to rock the boat with new initiatives.
They church members forget their purpose of the church.
How to Do Staff Reviews
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode438.mp3
Seven Tips for Pastors on Facebook
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode439.mp3
How to Deal with an Aging Facility in a Revitalization or Replant
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant
http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/RevitalizeReplant/RR-Episode044.mp3
June 8, 2018
Seven Tips for Pastors on Facebook – Rainer on Leadership #439
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
Social media can be tricky for pastors and church staff. Who to connect with? Who to ignore? It’s not easy, so today we provide seven tips for navigating Facebook.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
Facebook can be dangerous territory for pastors if they aren’t careful.
It’s not wise for pastors to get into online quarrels with church members on Facebook.
Remember, the world is watching how we interact online.
Social media has almost gotten to the point where we expect critics about almost everything posted.
The seven Facebook tips we discuss today are:
One perspective: keep it limited
Another perspective: say yes to as many church members as possible
The person not on Facebook may seem irrelevant
The risk of posting
The risk of others posting on your personal page
Consider the fan page
Show your humanity without showing too much
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
MBTS at SBC
June 7, 2018
How to Deal with an Aging Facility in a Revitalization or Replant – Revitalize & Replant #044
Aging facilities can be a drain on a church—especially one needing revitalization. Today, we discuss how to best address this issue/
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM MARK
We have a really old facility. It was built in the 1930s—so it’s not even “mid-century” as you’ve talked about in the past. Are there any things I can do to the facility that won’t cost an arm and a leg that can help me in my replant?
Episode Highlights:
Too many churches built worship centers that were just too big.
The building is often the biggest burden in a church revitalization or replant.
When upgrading your church facility, start with low-hanging fruit and needed safety upgrades.
In churches, money and resources flow toward activity.
The five facility issues we discuss are:
Get a clear perspective on the challenges.
Decide what is urgent.
Look for low-hanging fruit.
Seek ministry partners.
Seek construction and building ministries to do facility rehabilitation work.
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.
June 6, 2018
Why Conflict Leads to Complacency in Many Churches
The members are tired.
The church extends the period of recovery too long.
They members don’t want to rock the boat with new initiatives.
They church members forget their purpose of the church.
Some highlights from today’s Rainer Report:
Weariness in ministry often leads to complacency in ministry.
Complacency is antithetical to the Great Commission.
Avoiding risk is one of the most dangerous things you can do in your church. It will lead you to do nothing.
God has commanded us to go—not to be complacent.
June 5, 2018
How to Do Staff Reviews – Rainer on Leadership #438
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
Staff reviews can be tricky for some pastors and church leaders. Today we discuss tips for doing those well.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
A negative staff review should not be a surprise to the staff member.
When setting goals for a staff member, they need to have input on the goals.
Supervisors need to have a relationship with the person on staff that they are evaluating.
If a staff issue is affecting the culture of the church or staff, it must be dealt with quickly.
The seven issues we cover on this episode are:
No single way
The best review has no surprises
Have the staff set goals and time lines
Agree on a course of action to bridge gaps
If the situation is difficult, have a second person lead the review with you
Be consistent with reviews
Keep careful written records, signed by both the pastor and staff
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
Develop.me
June 4, 2018
What I Must Change
Certainly, this post was at least partly prompted by the incredible number of sad, tragic, and horrific events in my denomination.
For sure, the brutal reality of the calendar and my impending 63rd birthday caused me to pause and write this public missive.
But more, far more, has been the conviction of God’s Spirit in my life. While I have been prone to judge the fallen and the offenders in the melodrama of my denomination, God has reminded me again how fallen I am, how sinful I am, and how I am unworthy to cast the first stone.
It is perhaps for accountability, and perhaps for confession, that I write about changes I must make.
I must change and be more obedient in sharing the gospel. I exhort others to do so, but I am disobedient far too much myself.
I must change and increase my time in the Word and in prayer. Too often, I let the tyranny of the urgent replace the priority of time with God. If I sound foolish, it is because I am, and because I have been.
I must change how I seek my identity. My identity should be first in Christ. And my identity should also be as a family man. My greatest titles are “husband,” “Dad,” and “Rad Rad,” not “CEO” or “Dr. Rainer.” Too often I seek the accolades of others instead of pleasing Christ and serving my family.
I must change the depth and breadth of how I love my local church. I must serve with greater joy, give with greater commitment, and worship with greater abandon.
I must change my involvement in denominational politics. Indeed, I must flee from denominational politics. My involvement breaks my heart and hurts my soul.
I must change from a posture of silence to one of courage when others are hurt, marginalized, and abused. My silence is too often a deafening endorsement of injustice and wrongdoing.
This list is neither complete nor exhaustive. God is still working on me. He knows I need a lot of work. I am not sure what paths I will take in the weeks and months ahead, but I know I need to be on His path and not my own. I am no less a sinner subject to failure and to fall than anyone else.
I must change.
With the few years I have left, I must change.
Let me be clearer and more biblical: I must ask God to change me. It is not by my strength nor by my might, but by the Spirit of the Lord that I can change.
And then, and only then, will I dare to whisper, “My life was not lived in vain.”
June 3, 2018
Pray for Sandy Grove Baptist Church
Location: Bladenboro, North Carolina
Pastor: Bill Cooper
Weekly Worship: 11:00 AM, Eastern
Fast Facts: Sandy Grove Baptist Church is located in a rural area between Elizabethtown and Bladenboro, NC. They are dedicated to helping folks to know Christ, grow in Christ, and go for Christ. Please pray for their upcoming Vacation Bible School, which will be June 18-22 in the evening. They hope to reach more than 50 kids with the gospel message and share with them the love of Jesus Christ. Also, please pray for Sandy Grove as they continue to serve their community.
Website: SandyGroveBaptist.Weebly.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..
June 2, 2018
Notable Voices and the Week in Review: June 2, 2018
College Graduates, Don’t Make These 5 Mistakes — Art Rainer
This past month, many individuals walked across a stage, shook a hand, and received a piece of paper. If you were one of them, congratulations! You did it. You graduated. Financially, this is a very important time for you. The way you handle your money during the first few years after college will have significant, future ramifications, for better or worse. Let’s look at a few mistakes that college graduates make that set back their finances, sometimes for many years.
Worship Attendance Rises, Baptisms Decline in SBC — Facts & Trends
The Southern Baptist Convention expanded by more than 270 churches in 2017. More people showed up for weekly worship services, and congregations gave more generously in a strengthening economy. However, reported baptisms and membership declined as fewer churches participated in the SBC’s Annual Church Profile (ACP).
Five Ways to Engage Your Community Through Existing Events — Josh Presley
As a church leader, I understand that outreach events can be very taxing. The planning, advertising, and implementation can take a toll on you and your leadership team. One way to alleviate this stress is to engage through existing community events. At our church, we have stopped creating so many events and started engaging in existing ones.
3 Marks of Humility in Leadership — Eric Geiger
We tend to despise pride in others and we recognize its destructive power. The Scripture teaches us that pride goes before destruction and haughty eyes before a fall. We long to serve with leaders who are humble, and we are wise to walk in humility ourselves. But what does humility in leadership look like? Here are three marks:
This Week at ThomRainer.com:
Fake Flowers and Churches
It is fascinating to hear from someone who has a totally outside perspective and wonders why many of our churches do what they do. In this case, the outsider seemed perplexed with our churches’ abundant emphasis on flowers…READ MORE
Why Church Members Are Attending Less Frequently
They are more mobile.
They are more affluent.
They have more options.
They consider church optional.
They have not been challenged.
They are likely not active in a small group.
Legal Issues Facing Churches Today
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode436.mp3
Surprising Insights from the Unchurched
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode437.mp3
Five Critical Reasons Church Leaders Need Networks
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant
http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/RevitalizeReplant/RR-Episode043.mp3
June 1, 2018
Surprising Insights from the Unchurched – Rainer on Leadership #437
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
When Surprising Insights from the Unchurched released in the early 2000s, we didn’t realize nearly 20 years later that the research would still ring true. Today we discuss why it’s still applicable for churches in our day and age.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
Churches can reach the unchurched in any setting and in any culture.
Even though you may have contextual difference, reaching people with the gospel is similar in any context.
Church names aren’t as large of a determining factor with the unchurched as much as they are with transfer growth.
The three biggest factors for reaching unchurched people are preaching, doctrine, and relationships.
Pastoral contact dramatically increases church guest assimilation.
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
Surprising Insights from the Unchurched
Revitalization Outside the Bible Belt – Revitalize & Replant #023
May 31, 2018
Five Critical Reasons Church Leaders Need Networks – Revitalize & Replant #043
Isolation in ministry can be deadly for a church and career ending for a minister. Today we discuss the importance and benefits of having a network of people to help you in ministry.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM WALTER
I know there are church planting networks, but should I try to find a revitalization network or replanted network? How would that benefit my work?
Episode Highlights:
When you’re isolated is when you’re most vulnerable to attacks from the enemy.
Do not try to revitalize a church while all by yourself in ministry.
Don’t get bogged down by the things your church doesn’t have; be blessed by what you do have.
One of a pastor’s greatest needs in ministry is accountability.
The five critical reasons we discuss are:
The ministry can be very lonely
Outsiders can offer perspectives clouded by the details of day-to-day work
Networks can suggest a plethora of resources, many of them free
The network can be a source of accountability
It’s just more fun to work with others
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
< href=”http://ChurchReplanters.com” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>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.
