Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 158
May 20, 2018
Pray for First Baptist Church of Alamogordo
Location: Alamogordo, New Mexico
Pastor: Kyle Bueermann
Weekly Worship: 9:30 AM, Mountain
Fast Facts: FBC Alamogordo and Pastor Bueermann are two years into a long-term revitalization. For the past ten years, the church has been struggling to pay off debt from a land purchase (originally $1.1 million). After coming very close to closing the doors earlier this decade, they have seen God do some amazing things. Alamogordo is a military community with Holloman Air Force base just outside of town. As a result, the majority of the church’s growth has come from couples who are 30 & under.
Pleas pray for the church’s upcoming Vacation Bible School this summer. Last year, the Sunday after VBS was their highest attendance of the year, so it is a major outreach component of the church. Also, please pray for the church’s ongoing discussions with another church in town about a potential facility swap. This swap would allow FBC to move into a right-sized facility and if all goes to plan, the churches hope to complete the swap by the end of July/first part of August. This would also help FBC pay down a substantial amount of their debt. The relocation would move the church to a residential neighborhood with a lot of middle-income families and a large number of children. The church is confident this is a good move, but there will be a great deal of changes coming in the next few months.
Website: www.fbcalamo.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..
May 19, 2018
Notable Voices and the Week in Review: May 19, 2018
Pastors Should Have Fun Hanging Out with Church Members — Sam Rainer
Pastors and church members should have fun together, hanging out and enjoying the presence of each other. Hanging out is uncomplicated. The main requirement is time. When personal agendas are tossed aside, the time becomes fun.
Why the Rural Church Matters — Facts & Trends
Within the rural church on any given Sunday, there may be two or three different generations present. Those who do not have grandparents near may often be “adopted” by older couples whose children have moved away. It is through this intergenerational worship that values and faith are passed down from one generation to another. As a result, rural parents are involved in the church community, and that involvement is matched by their children. There is a natural progression from generation to generation.
5 Essentials to Turn a Declining Church Around — Joel Rainey
Of course, numbers aren’t everything. But numbers are often an indicator, or symptom of things that may be going on underneath the surface. The problem is, no matter how well prepared you think you are, there is nothing that can truly ready you for what you don’t know. The past 27 months have been a roller coaster ride, and by God’s grace, we are indeed seeing much new life. In that time, I’ve also learned some valuable lessons—five things you absolutely need to lead a church through this with success.
What Church Discipline Taught Me About Our Church — Skylar Spradlin
Recently, our church engaged in its first practice of church discipline. After several meetings with the unrepentant members, we brought the matter to the entire church for consideration. We moved slowly and allowed for questions and prayer before the official decision was rendered. With tears, anguish, and faith, the church unanimously voted to enact church discipline. Here are a few things I learned about our church through this months-long process.
This Week at ThomRainer.com:
Six Common Problems with Church Bylaws
Hear me well. I not advocating the elimination, eradication, or minimization of church bylaws. But I am suggesting church bylaws are often used in ways that hurt churches. Indeed, some churches use bylaws well beyond their original intent…READ MORE
What to Do If You Need to Ask A Volunteer to Step Down
Make certain you have prayed sufficiently about it.
Make certain the decision is a necessity.
Involve others.
See if there are other ministry possibilities.
Be clear, truthful and compassionate.
Think through likely and unintended consequences.
Eight Examples of When a Pastor Leaves Too Soon
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode432.mp3
How Pastors Can Battle the Monday Blues
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode433.mp3
Seven Biggest Surprises of Church Revitalizers and Church Replanters
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant
http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/RevitalizeReplant/RR-Episode041.mp3
May 18, 2018
How Pastors Can Battle the Monday Blues – Rainer on Leadership #433
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
Mondays can be difficult for pastors and church staff. Today we discuss why and how to combat those rough Mondays.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
It’s important to interact with church members on Sunday, but it can be draining at times.
It might be better to not have all your church meetings on Sundays, but it just might not be possible.
Try to include your family as much in ministry to keep them from feeling neglected.
Don’t let your church business meetings become gathering places for venom.
The five reasons Mondays often come with the blue are:
Sunday is both emotionally energizing and draining.
Someone made a negative comment before or after the sermon.
There were a lot of meetings on Sunday.
Pastors feel like they neglected their families on Sunday.
They had a business meeting on Sunday night.
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.
Our friends at Vanderbloemen Search Group help churches and ministries build great teams by finding their key staff, but did you know they have a ton of resources around team building? Their newest addition is TheCultureTool.com, a free comprehensive staff engagement survey to help you build, run, and keep a great team. It’s brand new and still in beta, so check out TheCultureTool.com to be on the cutting edge of this new tool that will help you improve your church staff culture.
Visit TheCultureTool.com to learn more.
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
Church Answers
Becoming a Welcoming Church
We Want You Here
May 17, 2018
Seven Biggest Surprises of Church Revitalizers and Church Replanters – Revitalize & Replant #041
Church leadership can be surprising—especially in revitalization or replanting efforts. Today we discuss some of the surprises we’ve heard and how to work through them.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM MARCUS
I am in the early stages of a church revitalization in a larger church (350) that has been in decline for 12 years from their peak of 750. I’ve been surprised to discover that the church members are open to change but It’s become clear to me that the staff is not. What are some other surprises I may discover as I continue?
Episode Highlights:
Sometimes, a staff doesn’t want change even when it’s needed because it may mean jobs disappear.
Don’t assume that the “old guard” in the church will always be resistant to change.
Your denomination is not a silver bullet for turnaround in your church.
Pastoral care is critical in a revitalization. The congregation has to know the pastor loves them.
The seven surprises we cover today are:
“It’s a lot tougher than I thought it would be.”
“It takes a lot longer than I thought it would.”
“Some of the ‘old guard’ church members are a lot more helpful than I anticipated.”
“The denominational help is not a magic bullet.”
“The depth of hurt in the church is much greater than I first realized.”
“This work is not nearly as cool and fun as I imagined.”
“I am amazed at what God has done in five years.”
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.
May 16, 2018
What to Do if You Need to Ask A Volunteer to Step Down
Make certain you have prayed sufficiently about it.
Make certain the decision is a necessity.
Involve others.
See if there are other ministry possibilities.
Be clear, truthful and compassionate.
Think through likely and unintended consequences.
Some highlights from today’s Rainer Report:
There will be times when you have to ask a volunteer to step down from a ministry role. Will you handle it well?
Before you even begin to ask a volunteer to step down from a ministry role, you need to pray about it.
Instead of asking someone to step down completely from a ministry role, there might be an alternative role you can move them to.
Be clear and compassionate when you have to ask someone to step down from a ministry role.
May 15, 2018
Eight Examples of When a Pastor Leaves Too Soon – Rainer on Leadership #432
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
Pastors often leave a church for another opportunity too soon. Today we discuss eight reasons pastors leave too soon and how to combat the urge to jump ship too early.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
Leadership brings change. Change brings conflict.
Be careful not to be called to a salary instead of being called to a church.
Personnel teams should keep an eye on staff salaries and make sure they are paid well.
“Ladder climbing” has fallen out of favor with Millennials.
If you’re not able to be satisfied while living in obscurity, you won’t be satisfied if you make it famous either.
The eight examples we cover on this episode are:
We are not presuming on the call of God
A modest amount of conflict
Compensation issues without seeking help
Yielding to the isolated troublemaker
Assuming bigger is better
Lack of patience (sometimes 4 to 5 years to see fruit)
A short period of decline
Burnout
Episode Sponsors
Our friends at Vanderbloemen Search Group help churches and ministries build great teams by finding their key staff, but did you know they have a ton of resources around team building? Their newest addition is The Culture Tool, a free comprehensive staff engagement survey to help you build, run, and keep a great team. It’s brand new and still in beta, so check out TheCultureTool.com to be on the cutting edge of this new tool that will help you improve your church staff culture.
Visit TheCultureTool.com to learn more.
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
Who Moved My Pulpit?
May 14, 2018
Six Common Problems with Church Bylaws
Church bylaws are a necessity, both from a legal and an organizational perspective. They provide the framework from which the organization exists and operates.
So, hear me well. I not advocating the elimination, eradication, or minimization of church bylaws.
But I am suggesting church bylaws are often used in ways that hurt churches. Indeed, some churches use bylaws well beyond their original intent. Let me briefly touch on six common problems with them.
Some bylaw provisions are reactions to issues that should have been addressed outside of the bylaws. Let me give you a real-life example, one that I heard from a member of our Church Answers community. The students in the church were meeting in the worship center on Wednesday evenings. One student brought a soda into the worship center and spilled it. Within one month, the church had a new bylaw provision: Thou shalt not bring drinks in the worship center (Okay, I made up that verbiage). Wouldn’t it have been better for someone simply to ask the students not to bring the drinks to the worship center? Sometimes bylaws are used to attempt to idiot proof anything that can go wrong.
Bylaws are sometimes used as a weapon. Here is another true example. The treasurer did not like the executive pastor. He constantly tried to derail his leadership and ministry. The treasurer’s most used weapon was a provision in the bylaws that required a two-thirds congregational vote for “major administrative decisions.” The problem is that no one knew the definition of “major,” but the treasurer used the wording to hinder the work of the executive pastor.
Bylaws can become obstacles instead of order. When bylaws are used properly, they bring legal and organizational order to churches. For that reason, they are vital and helpful. Too often, though, bylaws become obstacles for churches to move forward. In more than one church the bylaws are used more than the Bible to make decisions. They become the metaphorical “tail wagging the dog.”
Bylaws can become means for control and consolidation of power. As I consulted churches over the past three decades, I have been fascinated with the history of specific church bylaw provisions. It is not uncommon to learn that bylaws were used by certain power groups in the church to gain or consolidate control. In one church, the bylaws required every undefined major decision to go through a church council. That provision was added fifteen years earlier when the chairman of the church council tried to usurp authority from the church staff. Today, that former chairman is no longer at the church, and the church council is not a functioning group. But the bylaw provision remains.
Bylaws can be a distraction from the main thing. Here is another consultation example from my past. The pastor of the church asked me to attend the monthly business meeting. He also asked me to listen for the word “bylaws” in the meeting. There were no further instructions. Within five minutes, two church members referred to the bylaws as reasons for inaction. By the time the 70-minute meeting was over, the bylaws had been referenced twelve times. There was no mention of evangelism, discipleship, the Great Commission, the Great Commandment, or any other biblical mandates.
Bylaws can be sources of division. This last point is obvious in light of the previous points. In many churches, you can read the bylaws to learn stories of church fights, church splits, factions, and power plays. We were asked in a church consultation to interview departing church members to learn why so many were leaving the church. While the overall issue was infighting and division, one woman specifically referenced the bylaws: “I had to leave the church; it was not good for my spiritual health. There is so much division in the church, and every division becomes a bylaw battle. I think the church should change its name to The Church of the Bylaws.”
Good church bylaws provide structure, organization, and legal protection.
Bad and overused church bylaws can be divisive, distracting, and even disastrous.
May 13, 2018
Pray for First Baptist Church Loeb
Location: Lumberton, Texas
Pastor: Travis Hood
Weekly Worship: 11:00 AM, Central
Fast Facts: FBC Loeb is continuing to recover from more than 7 feet of flooding and related water damage as a result of Hurricane Harvey last fall. The church has recently called a new pastor and is looking forward to beginning a new chapter in the life of their church. Please pray for their slate of summer events (VBS, summer camp, etc.), as well as their weekly outreach to the local Hispanic community. Specifically, pray that a Spanish speaker/translator can be located to better communicate with the people. Also, please pray for the ongoing recovery effort as they look to reopen their sanctuary within the next couple of months.
Website: FirstBaptistLoeb.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..
May 12, 2018
Notable Voices and the Week in Review: May 12, 2018
What Does the Bible Say About Debt? — Art Rainer
There are over 2,000 verses in the Bible about money and possessions. So does God’s Word say anything about debt?
Don’t Ask Moms to Stand in Church This Sunday — Facts & Trends
With so many emotions attached to the subject of motherhood, churches can find it difficult to know how to navigate Mother’s Day, which—like Father’s Day—always falls on a Sunday. Here are a few ideas to help your church honor mothers from the pulpit while also being sensitive to challenges your congregation faces surrounding the subject of motherhood.
9 Reasons Christians Don’t Evangelize — Chuck Lawless
I’ve been a professor of evangelism for more than twenty years. Over the years, I’ve continually considered and asked why most believers never do evangelism. Here are nine of the reasons I’ve discovered, given in no particular order.
3 Non-Negotiables in Kid’s Ministry — Mathew Gilbert
Even though I train all of my K-6 small group leaders, I have three non-negotiable expectations of them. I remind my servant-leaders of these three expectations on a weekly basis. I believe when these three expectations are met, the foundation is laid to lead and teach the gospel to children effectively.
This Week at ThomRainer.com:
A Simple but Incredible Way to Reach Your Community and Grow
Let’s get the Word into our communities. Let’s invite people to our churches. Let’s have gospel conversations. Let’s see what God Himself will do as we are truly Great Commission obedient…READ MORE
Church Sickness #7: Detrimental Defensiveness
Detrimental Defensiveness happens where the leaders are fearful to move forward because of memories of past conflicts and the presence of troublemakers and bullies.
Seven Time Eaters for Pastors and Staff
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode430.mp3
Church Mergers, Administrative Responsibilities, and Other Listener Questions
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode431.mp3
Five Reasons You Need Thick Skin to Lead in Church Revitalization or Replanting
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe with Mark Clifton | Revitalize & Replant
http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/RevitalizeReplant/RR-Episode040.mp3
May 11, 2018
Church Mergers, Administrative Responsibilities, and Other Listener Questions – Rainer on Leadership #431
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
We have the best listeners. Whenever we travel, we are privileged to meet so many of you. Today, we answer listener questions on the podcast.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
In the past, church mergers were a no-go. But they have become more in favor today because church facilities are at a premium in many areas.
Don’t let the secular business world guide the sacred church world.
More often than not, we lower the bar of employee expectations for church staff.
Churches need to look closer at employment practices and actual staff needs.
Ministry alignment is critical in churches.
Today’s Listener Questions:
From Justin:
I pastor a church of about 60 folks. We are a slow growing church but I feel like we aren’t unhealthy. There is a church that has about 20 in attendance that has used multiples rental sites in the last 7-8 years. I’m thinking about approaching that pastor and asking if he would entertain the idea of our churches merging. Our style of worship and doctrine seem to be pretty close in line. Is there any advice you can give me? Is this an awful idea? My goal is that the two churches would grow faster if we combine our efforts.
From Barb:
My pastor feels it’s not Biblical to employ basic business principles in church planning or administration. At some point though, isn’t sound business practice a part of basic stewardship. We don’t become more Spirit-led by making poor choices in how we spend funds or how we do basic planning functions. It doesn’t feel honoring to God to make such poor business choices that the church goes broke.
From Kat:
When are employee performance reviews/appraisals appropriate for the church? Should “new hires”, regardless of their position, be placed on “probation” and if they don’t make it past probation, should they be terminated? Should “old” employees and their performance be routinely evaluated as well? Is there a perception that “church” employees are given more leeway in their job performance in comparison to “other” or secular industries? Is the standard not the same? Is it possible that churches hire people, even if they aren’t the most qualified/skilled because they can do an “ok job” and that’s all the church could afford?
From Eric:
What are some ways to keep ministries united as one so that one ministry does not get to a point where they are doing their own thing making that ministry seem separated from the rest of the church?. Also how can we get voulenteers that might serve in one ministry, but they will not get plugged into any other part of the church (small groups, or family gatherings) outside of a specific ministry?
From Tim:
We have a young church plant of just three years and a number of families have joined us who have a specific educational choice for their kids. It appears those families are looking for a place to ‘circle the wagons’ and raise their children out of the world’s influence. The resulting culture can be subtly exclusive as they see their primary association as schooling rather than church. Our mission Is to make disciples while reaching a lost world for Christ. Any thoughts on strengths/weaknesses and how to deal with the challenges?
From Carl:
Should the size of the Pastors family be a reason for his salary or his pastoral package, to be different for example one pastor has 2 children and another has 6 children? They both have the same responsibility, maybe one comes after the other in the same church.
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.
Our friends at Vanderbloemen Search Group help churches and ministries build great teams by finding their key staff, but did you know they have a ton of resources around team building? Their newest addition is TheCultureTool.com, a free comprehensive staff engagement survey to help you build, run, and keep a great team. It’s brand new and still in beta, so check out TheCultureTool.com to be on the cutting edge of this new tool that will help you improve your church staff culture.
Visit TheCultureTool.com to learn more.
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
Church Answers
Becoming a Welcoming Church
We Want You
Simple Church
LifeWay Compensation Study
