Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 162
April 10, 2018
15 Favorite Apps for Church Leaders – Rainer on Leadership #422
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
Pastors and church leaders are always asking about apps that can help their productivity. Today, we highlight 15 apps that can help you with productivity and your growth as a pastor.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
The YouVersion Bible app is the most widely used Bible app out there.
The CSBible app is getting more and more robust all the time.
Audible has made my commute much more manageable.
64% of U.S. households have Amazon Prime.
Waze is the perfect app for pastors who make hospital rounds.
The apps we cover on this episode are:
YouVersion
Life on Mission
Favorite Bible translation, like the CSB
Audible
Dashlane
Amazon
Podcast app (Stitcher, iHeart, Tune-In, and Podbean)
Numerous Bible study apps (WORDsearch or My WSB)
Waze
Dropbox
Evernote
Nebo
Joshua Project Unreached People Group of the Day
Doctor on Demand & Shipt
Tweetbot
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
Church Answers
April 9, 2018
To a Church Seeking Revitalization…
Depending on how you define it, somewhere around seven to eight out of ten churches are in need of revitalization. Many of these churches have leaders who understand the urgent need for change. Some of them grasp that, without a turnaround, the church will die.
Let’s imagine for a moment you are talking to such a church about becoming their pastor. Almost all the leaders in these churches will affirm the need for change for the turnaround. And they are happy to accept change . . . until it affects them personally.
While you cannot totally prevent such misunderstandings or divergent expectations, you can offer a clear and concise letter or covenant to minimize the future problems. In recent months, I have been encouraging prospective pastors to put in writing clearly and concisely the expectations of both parties before the pastor agrees to go to the church.
When I make such a recommendation, the typical immediate response is, “What does that letter look like?” Here is a sample. It is far from perfect, but it can be used as a starting point.
Dear Members of Town Community Church,
I am humbled and honored you are considering me to be your pastor. I am also grateful you are aware and recognize the need for change for the church to become healthier. With that foundation, I humbly ask you consider this letter. Though it is not a formal covenant, it can become the path for how we will move forward if I indeed become your pastor.
As pastor, I will covenant to the following:
I will pray for the members of this church daily.
I will love you.
I will listen to you.
I will seek to lead this church in Christ’s power alone.
I will be transparent with you.
I will be faithful to study God’s Word so that I may preach and teach to glorify Him.
As church members, will you covenant to the following?
You will pray for my family and me.
You will allow my family to be church members just like anyone else.
You will love my family and me.
Because you know change is inevitable, you will make sacrifices of your preferences and desires for the greater good of the church.
You will not gossip or criticize behind my back. If you have an issue that needs addressing, you will bring it directly to me.
You will love other members of the church, even when you disagree with them.
You will pray for this church because she is the bride of Christ.
Please consider these matters carefully and prayerfully. Change can be painful at times. I want us to be certain we are on the same page before we move forward.
Thank you again for hearing me, for considering these words, and for being willing to be the faithful bride of Christ. Regardless of your decision, I am truly grateful you considered me to become your pastor.
In Christ alone,
Pastor Nick
This letter is obviously meant for prospective pastors, but I can see it modified and used in a number of other contexts. 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.
April 8, 2018
Pray for Morrison Christian Church
Location: Morrison, Illinois
Pastor: Don Merritt
Weekly Worship: 10:30 AM, Central
Fast Facts: Morrison Christian Church is seeking revitalization after a time of membership decline. MCC is restarting its Sunday school classes for adults this week and is planning to add classes for kids and students. While they may be few in number, the church is much in mission as it reaches out to its community. Pray for Pastor Merritt and the church as they continue to work toward growth and revitalization.
“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 7, 2018
Notable Voices and the Week in Review: April 7, 2018
4 Times You Should NOT Do a GoFundMe Campaign — Art Rainer
There is nothing inherently wrong with using fundraising platforms like GoFundMe. In fact, they can be great tools for individuals. But there are times when it is best to hold off on the fundraising – times when “easy money” isn’t what you really need and what your friends really don’t want to give you Consider NOT doing a fundraising campaign in the following scenarios:
Big Ten Coach Leaves Football for Chick-fil-A — Facts & Trends
After helping lead a turnaround of Purdue University football, Tony Levine is making a turnaround of his own. He’s leaving behind Big Ten football to enter the world of big-time fast food. Purdue fans were shocked to hear their electrifying special teams coordinator is retiring from coaching to open a Chick-fil-A restaurant.
How to Clear the Toxic Culture in Your Church — Ryan Rice
If God has called you to a toxic church, it could be the joy of what can be is greater than the pain you are facing. Here are three ways to start the process of clearing the toxic culture around you.
How Should We Respond When a Leader Implodes? — Eric Geiger
I was at lunch with a friend recently, processing the news of another fallen leader. While perhaps we are only more aware of the number of leaders falling because of our constant connectedness via social media and online news, it sure feels like an epidemic at times. Regardless of whether or not the reality of leaders falling is more common or the same as it has always been, it’s happening too much. The moral failures are far too frequent. So how should we, those of us who are believers, respond when a leader disqualifies himself or herself from their role? Here are six ways we should respond when a leader falls:
This Week at ThomRainer.com:
15 Really Funny Searches at ThomRainer.com
Thank you, pastors and other church leaders. I hope some of these funny searches gave you reason to smile. I love serving you who are on the front lines of ministry, even if it sometimes involves humor…READ MORE
Church Sickness #2 — Slippage Syndrome
Slippage Syndrome happens when churches and church members gradually neglect the mission that God has intended for them.
Should You Leave or Stay at Your Church?
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode420.mp3
Will the Ministers’ Housing Allowance Go Away?
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode421.mp3
The Five Main Reason Pastors Quit Revitalization Efforts
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant
http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/RevitalizeReplant/RR-Episode035.mp3
April 6, 2018
Will the Ministers’ Housing Allowance Go Away? – Rainer on Leadership #421
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
The ministers’ housing allowance is an oft misunderstood benefit. Today, we discuss the future of the housing allowance and if/when it might go away.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
Churches have moved away from providing parsonages for pastors.
Ultimately, I believe the ministers’ housing allowance will be ruled on by the Supreme Court.
If you’re getting a minsters’ housing allowance right now, I encourage you to live like you’re not—because it will eventually go away.
The housing allowance is the most amazing tax benefit ministers get.
The seven factors we cover are:
Understanding the background of the housing allowance
The status in the court system
Incumbent upon the minister to be prepared
Review of the package versus pay
Most churches cannot or will not make up lost income
Begin preparing now as if it goes away
It’s ultimately about trusting God, not the tax code
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
April 5, 2018
The Five Main Reason Pastors Quit Revitalization Efforts – Revitalize & Replant #035
There are several things that pastors can encounter that will make them want to quit. Today, we cover five of them related to revitalization.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM TIM
I came on as pastor in my current church at the beginning of last year. The revitalization has not been easy, but I’m trying to persevere. What are some traps that I need to avoid to keep me from wanting to quit?
Episode Highlights:
Pastors need to have reasonable expectations for church growth. Unreasonable expectations lead to frustration.
Spend time with long term members and ask them what was going on in the church when it saw its greatest growth in the past.
There’s always work to do in the church, but you have to watch for burnout.
Stop thinking about what you can accomplish in one year; start thinking about what you can accomplish in three years.
Spend time doing things in ministry that energize you.
The five reasons for quitting that we cover are:
Unreasonable expectations on themselves and the church.
Burnout.
Family problems.
Financial struggles.
Failure to connect with others for mentoring, coaching, or networking.
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 4, 2018
Slippage Syndrome, Church Sickness #2
Slippage Syndrome happens when churches and church members gradually neglect the mission that God has intended for them.
Some highlights from today’s Rainer Report:
Evangelism slippage takes place because of spiritual warfare and spiritual apathy.
Want to increase evangelism in your church? Increase your focus and resources for inviting others and having gospel conversations.
Evangelism is waning in churches across America.
Watch Previous Church Sickness Videos
7 Potentially Deadly Church Sicknesses Overview
Attitudinal Angst, Church Sickness #1
April 3, 2018
Should You Leave or Stay at Your Church? – Rainer on Leadership #420
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
I have been asked this question several hundred times in the course of my ministry. Today, we cover the answers for it—because it’s not an easy answer.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
No matter what metric you look at in churches, many of them are just not healthy.
I don’t like organ music because it reminds me of funerals.
One of the greatest points of resistance to change is in church music.
When you’re in ministry, you shouldn’t make any major ministry decision without praying with your spouse.
Just because you go from a church to a secular job doesn’t mean you’re out of ministry—you just have a new mission field.
The six considerations we cover are:
The reason for the increased frequency of the question
Have you and your spouse really prayed about the question?
Is the pressing issue something you can adjust?
Where will you go?
What is the degree of pressure?
Understanding the push and the pull
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
Church Answers
April 2, 2018
15 Really Funny Searches at ThomRainer.com
It’s time for a blog post on the lighter side.
I expect many of you are pretty exhausted after Easter Sunday. Levity might be the better alternative to my more serious articles.
Here is what I did. I looked at a very lengthy list of different searches people made on Google that landed them at ThomRainer.com. Many were expected. A large number, though, were total surprises. Here are 15 of the funnier surprise searches at my site, in no particular order.
“Best fitting collars for preachers.” Clergy collar? Shirt collar? Dog collar?
“How to write a critical anonymous letter.” Just say no.
“Why don’t Baptists hug?” We enjoy fighting more.
“What do I do if a woman in the church is trying to seduce my husband?” Believe it or not, there were two searches just like this one. My blog must have a weird reputation.
“Bible verses that support the use of social media.” Hezekiah 8:33: “Go therefore and make tweeters of all nations.”
“Thom S. Ranier.” I had to include that one; my last name gets misspelled a lot.
“Should greeters stand behind a counter?” My preference is slightly to the right.
“Characteristics of a good critic in the church.” Here is my exhaustive list: _________.
“Seven demons that attack the church.” Did you want specific names?
“What are the duties of the pastor emeritus?” To emerit with quality.
“Sermon on ugly deeds of church members.” Enjoy it. It may be your last one.
“Driving to church late.” See deacons, role of.
“What to do if a church member is rejected for a genuine hug.” Suggest they try a church other than Baptist.
“Don’t marry pretending women sermons.” I have no idea.
“Should people hug in the church?” Okay, I’m beginning to see a pattern here.
Thank you, pastors and other church leaders. I hope some of these funny searches gave you reason to smile. I love serving you who are on the front lines of ministry, even if it sometimes involves humor.
You are truly my heroes.
April 1, 2018
Pray for East Williamson Baptist Church
Location: Williamson, West Virginia
Pastor: Caleb Horne
Weekly Worship: 11:00 AM, Eastern
Fast Facts: East Williamson Baptist Church is on the verge of changing and growing. Pastor Horne is approaching his first anniversary, and the church is trying new things to better reach young families on Sunday mornings. One such attempt is a partnership with the ministry Animal Tales to bring live animals to Williamson. Many of the children have never been to a zoo nor would they have the opportunity. On May 2, EWBC is partnering with the chamber of commerce to host a free animal show in the hopes it will fill the church with community members they can continue reaching this summer with VBS and with TeamKid in the Fall. Please be in prayer for this event as well as the church’s finances.
Website: Facebook.com/EWBCWV
“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..
