Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 168
February 11, 2018
Pray for Warren Community Church
Location: Warren, Michigan
Pastor: Rev. Frank Taubitz
Weekly Worship: 11:00 AM, Eastern
Fast Facts: With a rich heritage that began in Detroit almost a hundred years ago as the Dakota Avenue Missionary Church, Warren Community Church has become a launching pad to many ministries including missionaries and church plants in strategic areas. WCC is known as a bridge building church and now helps support several neighborhood churches as part of A.W.E. (Alliance of Warren Evangelicals). The church has also started sharing its building with a new church start for Indian Christians.
Please be in prayer for their upcoming Seek God campaign in which they will pray and fast for 40 days. Pray that God opens doors for the church to reach those in their neighborhood in new and powerful ways. Finally, please lift up the leadership of this small church that it can be most effective in these days.
Website: www.warrencc.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..
February 10, 2018
Notable Voices and the Week in Review: February 10, 2018
Why Pastors Should Use More Historical Illustrations in Sermons — Sam Rainer
Sermon illustrations are tricky. You try to be funny, but you’re corny. You try to be inspirational, but you’re cheesy. You try to be serious, and you have a booger in your nose. Sermon illustrations are the flavoring to the meat of the text. Without them, you’re bland. But too much, and you’re overbearing. A few weeks ago, I posted about the different types of sermon illustrations. In this post, I’ll focus on historical illustrations. Likely, you need more historical illustrations in your sermons, not less. Most of us preachers tend to use real-life examples, current news, pop culture, or biblical examples more than historical illustrations.
“Saturday Night Specials” Versus When Pastors Really Prepare — Eric Geiger
“Saturday night special” is preacher slang for a sermon that is half-baked on Saturday night, the day before the sermon is delivered. Most pastors have been forced into a “Saturday night special” at some point in their ministry. Tragedy may strike the congregation and there is no time to prepare during the week. Or a major event in culture may prompt the pastor to scrap the sermon and start from scratch on Saturday night. But living from “Saturday night special” to “Saturday night special” isn’t a wise way to live or a wise way to feed the people of God.
When Your Minister Husband is Forced Out — Courtney L. Moore
This wasn’t supposed to happen. The thought repeated in my mind as I wrestled to understand how everything had gone so wrong. My husband had taken his first full-time ministry position after seminary, but somehow, within a short time period, we were leaving under hurtful, unanticipated circumstances. The place we had excitedly moved to, where we purchased our first home, among whom we felt called to love, serve, and pour our lives into seemed to be rejecting us. It felt like our only option was to trust God and move on. Time and distance have now broadened my perspective of this life-altering event, and though I hope pastors and their wives will never have to experience a similar situation, I’d like to share some tools to help them navigate the situation with wisdom should it arise.
This Week at ThomRainer.com:

Five Major Questions and Answers about Losing Church Members
I still have painful memories about the first time I experienced losing church members as a pastor. I took it personally. Too much so. In fact, I didn’t handle the situation with much maturity at all…READ MORE
The Importance of Churches Having Audio Resources
Learning is moving from written to audio
“The Audible Factor”
Beyond podcasts, how can churches get creative with audio
Video is still vitally important: The Facebook Live Factor
Seven Keys to Growing as a Pastor
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode404.mp3
Five Reasons Pastors and Worship Leaders Should Meet Weekly
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode405.mp3
Nine Reasons I’m Hopeful for Church Revitalization and Replanting in North America
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant
http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/RevitalizeReplant/RR-Episode027.mp3
February 9, 2018
Five Reasons Pastors and Worship Leaders Should Meet Weekly – Rainer on Leadership #405
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
The relationship between pastor and worship leader is one of the most important church staff relationships there is. Today, we discuss a post by Sam Rainer on why it’s critical for the two to meet weekly.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
The preaching and music in a corporate worship service should complement one another.
Church members can tell if there is a healthy relationship or not between a pastor and worship leader.
A divided church staff can often lead to a divided church.
Worship is more than just music.
Pastors, how much better could your corporate worship be if you had a better relationship with your worship leader?
A church benefits when the church staff is close.
The five reasons we cover are:
Music and preaching are complementary, not separate.
Separating the sermon and music separates the church.
Churches can sense the healthiness of staff relationships.
A regular rhythm in worship fosters discipleship.
Pastors need to know what drives each other.
Episode Sponsors
Midwestern Seminary is interested in helping you get to the field faster. And they’re serious about training leaders for the church. That’s why they’ve created the all-new Accelerate Program. In Midwestern’s Accelerate Program, students earn both Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Divinity degree in just 5 years of intensive study. That’s a B.A. and an M.Div. at the same time. This innovative residential program combines rigorous academic training with practical ministry preparation, resulting in one of the most effective programs around, so that you can pursue your ministry calling as soon as possible.
Two degrees in five years – all in one program: Accelerate at Midwestern Seminary. Take the next step by visiting mbts.edu/accelerate.
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 Who Moved My Pulpit?
Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast
ChurchAnswers.com
February 8, 2018
Nine Reasons I’m Hopeful for Church Revitalization and Replanting in North America – Revitalize & Replant #027
A church revitalization movement is sweeping across North America, and I’m encouraged about the hopeful direction in which many churches are moving. Today we cover nine reasons for this encouragement.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM ARTHUR
Jonathan sometimes jokingly refers to you as the Church Mortician, but you also often call yourself an obnoxious optimist. So let’s hear about some of the positivity. What about church revitalization and replanting gives you hope for the future of the church in North America?
Episode Highlights:
Perfunctory and routine prayer is not a good example of corporate prayer.
The more we get into routines in the church, the less we focus outward.
A church about me, myself, and I is not really a church at all.
Until there is a rekindling of evangelism, there will be a dearth of healthy churches.
Good theology results in works and obedience.
The nine reasons I’m hopeful are:
A new wave of corporate prayer.
A rekindling of evangelism.
A balance between theological and practical.
The waning of worship wars.
A heightened emphasis on church revitalization.
A surge of re-birthed churches.
A renewal of meaningful membership.
A concerted focus on impacting the community.
Balanced views of numbers.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
ChurchReplanters.com
EvangelismRenewal.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.
February 7, 2018
The Importance of Churches Having Audio Resources
Last week marked the start of a new video series on the blog—Rainer Report. Each Wednesday I’m providing you with a new video specifically geared toward helping you grow a healthy church. I pray that these will encourage and motivate you in your ministry to your church and its community.
If you have specific topics you’d like to see me cover in future editions of Rainer Report, use the comments below to let me know. Also, be sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel so you’ll never miss a new video.
The Importance of Churches Having Audio Resources
Learning is moving from written to audio
“The Audible Factor”
Beyond podcasts, how can churches get creative with audio
Video is still vitally important: The Facebook Live Factor
Some highlights from today’s Rainer Report:
With the acceleration of audio innovation, sermons are much more accessible to listeners outside of the church.
Beyond podcasting, what creative ways could your church use audio?
Online audio is a preferred means of learning now.
Does your church use audio to connect with members or guests? Share your examples below.
February 6, 2018
Seven Keys to Growing as a Pastor – Rainer on Leadership #404
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
I love that the pastors we routinely interact with are always looking to improve. Today, we examine seven areas to focus on as a pastor that will help you serve your church better.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
We have to be continual learners and apply what we learn to our lives.
I am saddened at the rate of moral failures among ministers. It seems to be happening with more frequency.
If we’re not strong in the Lord, we will be weak in our humanity.
An outside view is always important to be able to see reality in your church.
Getting enough sleep can really help your perspective on life events.
The seven keys we cover are:
Read and listen with passion
Don’t forget Acts 6:4
The need for a regularly scheduled plan of outreach
Get out of the bubble
Enlist an outside voice every year
Take time to dream
Get some sleep
Episode Sponsors
Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. Their Fall Lead Pastor and Executive Pastor Coaching Networks are now open for registration, and our very own Dr. Rainer will be speaking at the Fall Lead Pastor Coaching Network.
So if you’re a Lead Pastor or an Executive Pastor looking for peer roundtable coaching, check it out at vanderbloemen.com/coaching. It’s limited to 16 folks, so apply today before it fills up.
Midwestern Seminary is interested in helping you get to the field faster. And they’re serious about training leaders for the church. That’s why they’ve created the all-new Accelerate Program. In Midwestern’s Accelerate Program, students earn both Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Divinity degree in just 5 years of intensive study. That’s a B.A. and an M.Div. at the same time. This innovative residential program combines rigorous academic training with practical ministry preparation, resulting in one of the most effective programs around, so that you can pursue your ministry calling as soon as possible.
Two degrees in five years – all in one program: Accelerate at Midwestern Seminary. Take the next step by visiting mbts.edu/accelerate.
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 Who Moved My Pulpit?
Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast
Church Answers
Does Your Church Need a Church Consultation? – Rainer on Leadership #397
For consultation inquiries, email jonathan.howe@lifeway.com
February 5, 2018
Five Major Questions and Answers about Losing Church Members
I still have painful memories about the first time I experienced losing church members as a pastor. I took it personally. Too much so. In fact, I didn’t handle the situation with much maturity at all.
But it’s still a common concern I hear every week. Allow me, then, to address the five most common questions I get about losing church members.
Why do they leave? There are three broad categories of church members who depart. The “movers” are relocating to another community. They are common in our transient culture. The “dropouts” stop attending church altogether. Third, the “transfers” move to another church in the community. The dropouts typically leave because they were not connected in the church. The transfers move for a myriad of reasons, some legitimate, but some are self-serving. Those in the self-serving category typically see church as more of a country club where they pay their dues and get their perks. If they don’t get the perks the way they expect (if they don’t get their way), they will move to another country club church.
Should I contact the disgruntled members who leave? That’s a tough one to give a uniform answer. On the one hand, it helps to find out why people leave so we can make legitimate changes and improvements. On the other hand, listening to a series of self-serving complaints can be a draining distraction.
Should I do anything about a member who is moving to another community? Absolutely! You should view that departing member as a missionary sent by your church to another area. Some churches actually have commissioning services and commissioning certificates. It is a really healthy process to send a member. Indeed, you begin to view them as “sent” rather than those who “left.”
Other than members who move out of the community, what can I do to reduce the loss or inactivity of members? Remember, the more a member is involved and connected to others, the more likely he or she is to remain active within your church. You should be moving all your members to groups. You should seek to get members involved in ministry. And you should exhort your members to give as an act of stewardship and discipleship.
Losing a member makes me feel sick. Am I alone in my feelings? Not at all. You are among the majority of pastors who have the same feelings. Accept your pain as real and common, and then channel those feelings to lead your church to become more effective at assimilation and discipleship.
These are the type of questions we answer every day, almost every hour, at Church Answers. If you are interested in becoming a part of the largest ongoing gathering of church leaders in the world, you can join us during this brief seven-day registration period.
Thank you, pastors and church leaders, for your ministries, and lives. You are truly my heroes!
February 4, 2018
Pray for Philadelphia Baptist Church
Location: Marshville, North Carolina
Pastor: Rev. Caroll Anthony
Weekly Worship: 11:00 AM, Eastern
Fast Facts: Philadelphia Baptist Church traces it roots back to 1773, when a landowner wanted to have a church for his family and those in the area. The church building is in its third location, but all have been within about 2 miles of its original location. The church currently uses a food pantry, a clothes closet, a bus ministry, and a sewing ministry to reach into its community. Teams also travel to Honduras for a medical/dental mission almost every year and to Virginia each year at Christmas for a backpack ministry. The church’s vision comes from a statement made by a deacon in the past: “We have been here a long time. We must decide if we are going to be a landmark in this community or a lighthouse to this community.” That statement has become a part of the DNA at Philadelphia. Please pray that they will be a lighthouse and not a landmark.
Website: PBCMarshville.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..
February 3, 2018
Notable Voices and the Week in Review: February 3, 2018
Why Pastors Should Use More Historical Illustrations in Sermons — Sam Rainer
Sermon illustrations are tricky. You try to be funny, but you’re corny. You try to be inspirational, but you’re cheesy. You try to be serious, and you have a booger in your nose. Sermon illustrations are the flavoring to the meat of the text. Without them, you’re bland. But too much, and you’re overbearing. A few weeks ago, I posted about the different types of sermon illustrations. In this post, I’ll focus on historical illustrations. Likely, you need more historical illustrations in your sermons, not less. Most of us preachers tend to use real-life examples, current news, pop culture, or biblical examples more than historical illustrations.
“Saturday Night Specials” Versus When Pastors Really Prepare — Eric Geiger
“Saturday night special” is preacher slang for a sermon that is half-baked on Saturday night, the day before the sermon is delivered. Most pastors have been forced into a “Saturday night special” at some point in their ministry. Tragedy may strike the congregation and there is no time to prepare during the week. Or a major event in culture may prompt the pastor to scrap the sermon and start from scratch on Saturday night. But living from “Saturday night special” to “Saturday night special” isn’t a wise way to live or a wise way to feed the people of God.
When Your Minister Husband is Forced Out — Courtney L. Moore
This wasn’t supposed to happen. The thought repeated in my mind as I wrestled to understand how everything had gone so wrong. My husband had taken his first full-time ministry position after seminary, but somehow, within a short time period, we were leaving under hurtful, unanticipated circumstances. The place we had excitedly moved to, where we purchased our first home, among whom we felt called to love, serve, and pour our lives into seemed to be rejecting us. It felt like our only option was to trust God and move on. Time and distance have now broadened my perspective of this life-altering event, and though I hope pastors and their wives will never have to experience a similar situation, I’d like to share some tools to help them navigate the situation with wisdom should it arise.
This Week at ThomRainer.com:

The Dangers of Echo Chamber Leadership
What are some key issues that help us leaders not fall into the echo chamber leadership trap? Here are six considerations…..READ MORE
Five Consistent Sources of Discouragement for Pastors – Rainer Report #1
February 2, 2018
Overcoming Mission Drift in Your Church – Rainer on Leadership #403
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
An inward focus often leads to an unhealthy church. Unhealthy churches drift from their mission. Today, we discuss how to combat mission drift.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
If a church just does the status quo, the natural tendency will be to move inwardly.
You have to be highly intentional if you want your church to move outwardly.
Too many church members have an erroneous understanding of biblical church membership.
Discipleship is more than merely learning information.
The six keys to overcoming mission drift are:
The church’s focus moves increasingly inwardly
One of the most troubling trends is the church is about me, myself and I
Re-examine what it means to be a part of the body of Christ
Re-examine what it means to function in a healthy manner
The principle of two a year
The principle of ruthless evaluation
Episode Sponsors
Midwestern Seminary is interested in helping you get to the field faster. And they’re serious about training leaders for the church. That’s why they’ve created the all-new Accelerate Program. In Midwestern’s Accelerate Program, students earn both Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Divinity degree in just 5 years of intensive study. That’s a B.A. and an M.Div. at the same time. This innovative residential program combines rigorous academic training with practical ministry preparation, resulting in one of the most effective programs around, so that you can pursue your ministry calling as soon as possible.
Two degrees in five years – all in one program: Accelerate at Midwestern Seminary. Take the next step by visiting mbts.edu/accelerate.
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 Who Moved My Pulpit?
Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast
16 Quick Adjustments for Your Church to Reach More People
InviteYourOne.com