Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 161
April 20, 2018
Small Church Essentials with Karl Vaters – Rainer on Leadership #425
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
Karl Vaters joins us once again to talk about how small churches should focus on growing healthier—not necessarily larger.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
With churches, bigger is not always equal to healthier, and we need to focus more on health than size.
Church health should be measured in three big buckets: fulfilling the Great Commandment, fulfilling the Great Commandment, and equipping the saints to do the work of ministry.
Church health is not the means to an end. It is the goal itself.
Pastors of small churches are just as valuable in the Kingdom of God as those who pastor large churches.
About Karl Vaters:
Karl’s heart is to help pastors of small churches (up to 90% of churches) find the resources to pastor their current church well, and to capitalize on the unique advantages that come with pastoring a small church – something virtually every pastor will spend at least some of their ministry years doing. He also believes that big and small churches can and should work together more often – to the benefit of each. Karl has been in pastoral ministry for over 30 years. He is the teaching pastor of Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, a healthy small church in Orange County, California, where he has ministered for over 25 years.
About Small Church Essentials:
Big churches get all the love. Articles, books, conferences—they mostly feature leaders of large congregations. Yet big churches are a small part of the ecclesial landscape. In fact, more than 90 percent of churches have fewer than 200 people. That means small churches play a big part in what God is doing in America.Small Church Essentials is for leaders of these smaller congregations. It encourages them to steward their role well, debunking myths about small churches while offering principles for leading a dynamic, healthy small 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
Small Church Essentials
April 19, 2018
Some Keys to Success in Revitalization We Are Hearing from Leaders – Revitalize & Replant #037
Successful revitalization needs with a successful leader. Today, we take a look at some keys to being a successful leader in a church revitalization.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM BENNY
I’m 62 and have been in my current ministry in the NC Triad for 13 years. Our congregation is 30-35 strong, median age of 55 and in desperate need of revitalization. Am I up to the task? What are the keys necessary for me to lead this effort with success?
Episode Highlights:
The boomer generation is going to be one of the keys to church revitalization in the future.
When you go into a revitalization effort, you need to make a long term commitment to the church at the onset.
Church revitalization always starts with prayer.
Pastors, you need to be praying for your church members daily.
Your church address is not an accident. God has put your church where it is for a purpose.
The six keys for success that we cover are:
The leader made a long-term commitment at the onset
The leader made a decision and commitment not to play the comparison game.
The leader made a commitment to pray daily for the church members and the community.
The leader celebrated even small successes.
The leader became consciously aware of potential distractions
The leader was highly intentional to minister to his family.
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.
April 18, 2018
Institutional Idolatry, Church Sickness #4
Institutional Idolatry happens when church members have an unbiblical devotion to inconsequential matters.
Some highlights from today’s Rainer Report:
Church facilities are the most common form of institutional idolatry.
We shouldn’t equate a certain style of church music with the “right kind of music.”
Churches with institutional idolatry are some of the most resistant to change.
Institutional idolatry gets us to focus on the wrong things instead of Great Commission things.
Watch Previous Church Sickness Videos
7 Potentially Deadly Church Sicknesses Overview
Attitudinal Angst, Church Sickness #1
Slippage Syndrome, Church Sickness #2
Detail Distraction, Church Sickness #3
April 17, 2018
Key Issues for Follow-up of Guests – Rainer on Leadership #424
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
How you follow up with guests often determines whether or not they will stick at your church. So these six keys are important for guest retention and assimilation.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
The quicker you respond to and follow up with guests, the better chances they will return to your church.
Pastoral touch points in church guest follow up are critical.
Handwritten notes have great power in our digital world because they are so rare.
Someone in a group is five times more likely to stick with a church than someone in worship alone.
Loose guest cards have a higher return rate than perforated ones connected to the bulletin.
The six keys we cover on this episode are:
The time is short
Personal beats template
The power of the handwritten note
Join me for lunch
Get a group to reach out
You can’t follow up unless you have the right information
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
ThomRainer.com/newnormal
April 16, 2018
Avoiding the Church Comparison Trap
Comparing your church to another church can be one of the worst things you do as a church leader.
To be clear, I am not referring to learning from other churches. We can always learn from our peers and our sister congregations.
But comparison for the sake of comparison is bad. Let me share a few thoughts about this issue to expand upon the concern.
We should focus on what God is blessing in our churches. Do you remember the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:8? “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable – if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy – dwell on these things.” We are not dwelling on the things of God when we compare our church to others. We are dwelling on what we don’t The Word of God mandates to focus on the blessings God gives us, including the blessings of our congregation.
Comparisons only make matters worse. There is little good that can come from comparing our church to others. When we do so, we are taking one of two postures. The first is one of jealousy; we wish we had what someone else has. The second posture is one of ingratitude, which leads to my next point.
Our continuous disposition should be one of joy. Just a few verses preceding the text in Philippians 4:8 I noted above is a double command to rejoice. Indeed, it is a command to be in a constant mode of joy: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). We should take great joy in the calling God has given us right now. He has you in the exact place He wants you to serve. Rejoice instead of comparing.
Comparisons give us a short-term perspective. When we compare, we long for something we do not have. Our focus shifts to a place and a calling that is not for us. As a consequence we often desire to be somewhere else. We develop a short-term perspective for our current calling. Our congregations need leaders who are willing to serve for the long haul. The green grass of the other church is often brown once we get there.
We are not showing love for the bride when we compare. Marriages begin to deteriorate when a husband or wife compares his or her spouse to someone else. “If only my spouse was like that person,” we may think. Such thoughts show dishonor to our spouse. The church is the bride of Christ. We are not showing love or honor to His bride when we compare her to others.
Learn from other churches. It is always healthy to be in a learning disposition.
But don’t compare your church with others in a negative sense. Nothing good can from it.
Rejoice in your present calling. Such an attitude will transform your leadership and, as a consequence, transform the church to which God has called you.
April 15, 2018
Pray for First Baptist Church Buena Vista
Location: Buena Vista, Georgia
Pastor: Rev. Harold Grimsley
Weekly Worship: 11:00 AM, Eastern
Fast Facts: First Baptist Church resides in a small, rural community and was founded in 1843. It even predates the founding of the city (1850) in which it serves. Its members have played many important roles throughout the life of the small community of Buena Vista, Georgia. After several years of decline, the church is now seeing positive growth and forward momentum. Last week, FBCBV celebrated its 175th anniversary. Representatives from the local and state associations were present to help recognize this important milestone. Please pray for the church as it continues to grow and reach the community in and around Buena Vista.
Website: FirstBaptistChurchBV.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..
April 14, 2018
Notable Voices and the Week in Review: April 14, 2018
4 Ways to Make More Money — Art Rainer
Sometimes, it is not about budget-cutting. Sometimes, we simply need to make more money. In this episode, I talk to Thom Rainer about how to leverage the gig economy and make more money.
E-Giving Vs. Old Giving: New Research on Church Donations — Facts & Trends
More churches are adding online giving, but the tried-and-true offering plate still brings in the most money. A recent study found 74 percent of U.S. churches offer congregants the ability to give online. That’s up from 42 percent just a few years ago in 2015.
Preachers, Let’s Stop Stepping on Toes — Lee Callicutt
I grew up in a context where the preacher was expected to “step on toes.” If you didn’t step on toes, you weren’t really preaching. However, I started to understand that stepping on toes was nothing more than behavior modification. I found that it was easy, sometimes sinful, to step on toes. It allowed the preacher to get away with bitterness and anger towards his people because, after all, they needed their toes stepped on. So, preaching became more of a weekly scolding instead of a time of worship.
7 Reasons Your Church Members Don’t Give Like They Could (or Should) — Chuck Lawless
I don’t know a church that doesn’t want their church members to give more. Here are some reasons members sometimes don’t get there, however:
This Week at ThomRainer.com:
To a Church Seeking Revitalization…
This letter is obviously meant for prospective pastors, but I can see it modified and used in a context other than revitalization. Expectations need to be clear and mutually agreed to. Then, and only then, can leaders and members move forward with the great mission God has called us to serve…READ MORE
Church Sickness #3: Detail Distraction
Detail Distraction happens when there is too much focus on minor issues to the detriment of major issues.
15 Favorite Apps for Church Leaders
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode422.mp3
One Simple Step Toward a Better Church Budget
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode423.mp3
One Simple Step Toward a Better Church Budget
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant
http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/RevitalizeReplant/RR-Episode036.mp3
April 12, 2018
One Simple Step Toward a Better Church Budget – Rainer on Leadership #423
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
Art Rainer joins us to talk about church budgets, budgeting tools, and how churches can free up more money toward missions.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
When dealing with personal finances, give generously, save wisely, and live appropriately.
Envelope3 allows you to know if you’re spending too much on church personnel and operations.
The #1 question pastors have about church budgets is “What % of our budget should go to personnel costs?”
Church budgeting doesn’t have to be laborious.
About Envelope3.com:
Budgets are tools for mission, not just a necessary evil. E3 believes that pastors and church leaders who stay on top of current trends and best practices will craft budgets that are less wasteful and more mission-oriented. With Envelope3, you…
Get an immediate analysis of your budget through our custom program
Receive regular updates on current trends and best practices from industry experts
Have questions about your budget? Get them answered in our community learning forum
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
Becoming a Welcoming Church
We Want You Here
Envelope3.com
10 Books for the Library of Every Church Revitalizer or Replanter – Revitalize & Replant #036
Pastors in the midst of revitalization are often asking us about resources to help them. Today we cover 10 foundational books for revitalization and replanting.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM ALAN
I’m currently serving as a Student Pastor, but over the course of the last year I’ve felt called to lead a replant/revitalization. I’ve been slowly taking classes at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, having conversations with other pastors leading replants/revitalizations, and have been meeting with my pastor weekly to grow as a leader and pastor. What books would you recommend to grow and prepare for a ministry of replanting or revitalizing?
Episode Highlights:
Continual learning is critical for pastors to keep in touch with where churches are heading in the future.
Most churches have about a 40-year healthy lifespan and then need to adapt for the next generation.
The 10 books we discuss are:
Reclaiming Glory: Revitalizing Dying Churches by Mark Clifton
Autopsy of a Deceased Church by Thom Rainer
Evangelism in the Early Church by Michael Green
Revitalize: Biblical Keys to Helping Your Church Come Alive Again by Andrew M. Davis
Who Moved My Pulpit? by Thom Rainer
Biblical Church Revitalization: Solutions for Dying & Divided Churches by Brian Croft
Flickering Lamps by Henry and Richard Blackaby
From Embers to a Flame: How God Can Revitalize Your Church by by Harry L. Reeder III and David Swavely
Can These Bones Live: A Practical Guide to Church Revitalization by Bill Henard
Replant Roadmap: How Your Congregation Can Help Revitalize Dying Churches by Mark Hillock
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.
April 11, 2018
Detail Distraction, Church Sickness #3
Detail Distraction happens when there is too much focus on minor issues to the detriment of major issues.
Some highlights from today's Rainer Report:
There are a lot of churches doing good things when they should be doing great things.
Churches should focus on the things with eternal value more than the minutiae that has little value.
The most common symptom of Detail Distraction is a church calendar overload with “busy work.”
Put effort into important work, not just work that is perceived to be important.
Watch Previous Church Sickness Videos
7 Potentially Deadly Church Sicknesses Overview
Church Sickness #1: Attitudinal Angst
Church Sickness #2: Slippage Syndrome
