Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 177
November 9, 2017
Eight Reasons Some Pastors Aren’t Ready to Lead Church Revitalization – Revitalization & Replant #011
Ever wonder if you’re ready to lead a church to revitalization? Today we cover eight reasons you may NOT be ready.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM MARGARET
Our church is struggling to find a new pastor. I think it has to do with our current situation. The church has declined over the past few decade and has seen several pastors come and go. We just need a pastor who will stick it out here but can’t find one. Why is it so hard to find and keep pastors in a church that needs revitalizing?
Episode Highlights:
Hiring a young pastor is not a magic bullet for church revitalization.
A typical church revitalization takes more than five years.
A pastor leading revitalization has to be a pastor with a long-term perspective.
If you don’t ask for help, you often don’t get it.
Pastors need to know how thick their skin is before entering into church revitalization.
Taking risks means there will be significant change
We need more wise, risk-taking pastors.
The eight reasons some pastors aren’t ready for revitalization are:
It usually takes a long time
It requires facing reality
The pastor could lose his job
It often requires asking for help
It requires a thick skin
It means you may hurt some people you love
It requires perseverance and tenacity
It means taking risks
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
ChurchReplanters.com
Church Answers
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.
November 8, 2017
How Your Church Should Prepare for an Active Shooter
I hate the title of this article.
I hate that I even feel compelled to write about the topic. But many of you contacted me after the tragic murders at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas. Here are some basic issues:
Don’t be in denial. Church shootings are increasing every year in America. And while the percentage of churches with shootings is relatively small, this issue is one where we must be prepared. The downside is just too great.
Have a church security plan. This plan should include all issues of security, from active shooters to child abuse. Local law enforcement is almost always very willing to work with churches and make recommendations.
Remember that church security is a ministry more than an expense. I have little patience with church leaders and members who say they can’t afford church security. The church doors should not be open if it can’t afford to keep members safe and secure. The church or leaders may have to spend money to go to a training seminar, or to retain a local police officer every weekend. Those are investments in security, not expenses.
Keep church security as a matter of prayer in your church. While we should work as hard as possible to make our churches as secure as possible, let’s never forget that we should seek God’s power, strength, and protection.
Organize a church security ministry team. You need leaders who are passionate about this issue. And it is especially helpful if those leaders have a background or experience in security, safety, or law enforcement.
Keep your facilities secure. Too many churches have too many members with keys and access to the church buildings. It is not unusual for doors to be left open and security to be lax because of the nearly unlimited access. I know one church where a former member had a key and decided to have a meeting at the church without asking anyone. Your church needs clearly controlled hours of operation and clear guidelines on access. If the locks have not been changed in a while, it’s probably time to do so. Ideally your church can move to digital access that can be changed at anytime.
Strive for total member awareness. Remind your members from time to time that they should watch for anything unusual at the church. Greeters at different places in the church facility, from the parking lots to the worship center, should be trained toward awareness as well. Those with keen eyes and discernment can save lives.
We continue to pray for First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs. Please see my post from November 6, and feel free to add your name as one who is praying for the church. And as we pray for them, we pray for wisdom and protection for all other churches.
Active shooters are a harsh reality of church life today.
We can be prayerful.
And we can be prepared.
November 7, 2017
Why Leaders Get Cold Feet – Rainer on Leadership #378
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
Cold feet often plagues pastors and their decision making. Today we discuss reasons for this cold feet syndrome and how to battle it.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
We are now in a time where incremental change in the church does not work like it used to.
Don’t make decisions based on conflict avoidance.
Too many pastors are not trained to lead. They’re trained theologically, but not in leadership.
The greatest fear I have when leading change is not knowing what I don’t know.
Change is both incremental and sudden.
If you’re going to lead change, you need a long-term view.
The seven reasons for cold feet that we discuss on this episode are:
The critics.
The energy drainers.
Lack of knowledge.
Prayerlessness.
Short-term view.
Inadequate staff and lay leadership.
Faith-as-idea.
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
ChurchAnswers.com
November 6, 2017
We Are First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas
According to the latest reports, at least 26 people are dead, including the pastor’s 14-year-old daughter.
Many more are wounded.
Families are devastated. The small community is in shock.
My words are not adequate.
But these things I will do:
I will pray. I will pray for the families of those killed and wounded. I will pray for the church. I will pray for the community. I will pray for Pastor Frank Pomeroy as he leads and comforts his congregation in the midst of his own grief. I will pray for the shooter’s family.
I will trust God for His comfort, His promise, and His guidance for those affected.
I will pray for the gospel of Jesus Christ to be magnified in this tragedy.
And I will embrace in spirit the members of First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs. I will identify with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
We are First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs.
We are your brothers and sisters in Christ.
We pray for you. We care for you. We love you.
Please, readers, join me in sharing your own prayers and love for this church and all those impacted by this tragedy.
November 5, 2017
Pray for FBC Blue Eye
Location: Blue Eye, Arkansas
Pastor: Terry Lynch
Weekly Worship: 10:45 AM, Central
Fast Facts: First Baptist Church of Blue Eye celebrated its 134th birthday earlier this fall. To celebrate, they hosted a community outreach crusade at the community football field. Please pray for FBC as they are experiencing some spiritual growth challenges and resistance to change. Some members have struggled with the concept of going outside the walls of the church to reach people and just loving people. Continue to pray for them as they gear up for Christmas outreach.
Website: First Baptist Church Blue Eye on Facebook
“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..
November 4, 2017
Notable Voices and the Week in Review: November 4, 2017
Fifteen Unusual Hospital Visits Experienced by Pastors
Seven Ways Busyness Can Harm a Church – Rainer on Leadership #376
Six Essentials for Advertising on Facebook This Christmas
Emotional Intelligence, a Critical Trait of a Church Replanter – Revitalize & Replant #009
The Three Most Common Sentences in Dying Churches – Revitalize & Replant #010
How Church Leaders Can Fight Discouragement – Rainer on Leadership #377
4 Reasons Churches Don’t Practice Church Discipline — Jeremy Kimble
Churches reject the practice of church discipline for lots of reasons. Some believe the practice doesn’t comport with the biblical concept of love. Related to that idea, some will point out that none of us are perfect, and therefore we should not be focused on getting rid of people when they sin. Still others maintain that the church can err in their practice of church discipline since the church is filled with fallible, sinful human beings. Finally, some maintain such a practice is far too invasive of private lives.
15 Absolutely Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Staff Member — Marty Duren
To the oft regret of many, the search and interview process is not always adequate. Even with the best of intentions, a new staff member—it may become quickly apparent—is the wrong hire. Bill Hybels long ago suggested the 3-C framework (character, competency, chemistry), while others add a fourth: calling. The essential questions proposed below fit within the C-framework, whether three or four C’s are used.
Research Reveals Realities of Being a Pastor’s Spouse — Eric Geiger
Honoring your pastors surely includes honoring their spouses. LifeWay Research recently completed and published a research project sponsored by the North American Mission Board on spouses of pastors. More than 700 pastors’ spouses were interviewed and the results reveal both the blessings and burdens of their lives. The research is published here, and below are five of my observations:
Being A Small Church Pastor Isn’t A Penalty, It’s A Specialty — Karl Vaters
Being a small church pastor isn’t my penalty for something I’ve done, or am doing wrong. It’s my specialty. My niche. And, since embracing it, it’s becoming an area of great joy and passion – even expertise.
3 Keys to Listening to Sermons — Dave Jenkins
Going to church each Sunday and sitting under godly, loving, biblical, and practical preaching week in and week out should be enjoyed as a privilege by God’s people. While some people, like myself, learn best by sitting and listening, I know many people get more out of sermons by taking notes. When I’m listening to a sermon I try to always do the following three things:
How Leaders Accomplish More by Doing Less — Matt Perman
As a leader you’ve probably gathered great experience in a variety of work. You can probably generate a lot of activity and knock out a lot of tasks. But are you accomplishing the right things? Are you trying to do it all? In this updated article, Matt Perman shares ways that you can accomplish more for your organization by doing less.
November 3, 2017
How Church Leaders Can Fight Discouragement – Rainer on Leadership #377
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
Pastors often deal with discouragement on a weekly—or even daily—basis. Today we discuss how to fight ten sources of pastoral discouragement.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
Very few (if any) pastors have only pastored churches that have done nothing but grow while they were the pastor.
There will be resistance to change in any organization or church.
The ten sources of discouragement we discuss are:
Conflict and criticism from church members.
Members leaving the church.
Church decline.
Staff conflict.
Family pressures.
Members who are resistant to change.
Personal financial pressures.
The comparison factor.
Church financial pressures.
Facility challenges.
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.
Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. They’ve helped hundreds of churches just like yours find their church staff and are uniquely geared to help you discern who God is calling to lead your church.
Find out more about Vanderbloemen Search Group by visiting WeStaffTheChurch.com.
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
Data.Point
SBC This Week
Five Choices to Make in a Declining Church (blog post)
ArtRainer.com
The Money Challenge
The Money Challenge Podcast
Cool Solutions Facility Evaluation
November 2, 2017
The Three Most Common Sentences in Dying Churches – Revitalize & Replant #010
Churches headed toward the end of their lives have something in common—you’ll likely hear these sentences from members. Mark Clifton joins us to talk about how to react when you do hear these.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM TOBY
I just began my first pastorate at a church that needs revitalizing. Everyone has been great so far, but I’ve listened to Rainer on Leadership enough to know that will change eventually. What are some buzzwords or phrases that should raise some red flags for me and how do I respond?
Episode Highlights:
Dying churches often don’t make wise decisions.
“We’ve never done it that way before” is just another way of saying “I don’t want to change.”
Get people to change by giving them something more valuable to enjoy that what they’re holding onto.
Is your church really there for its community?
The three sentences that we cover in this episode are:
“We’ve never done it that way before.”
“Our pastor doesn’t visit enough.”
“People know where our church is if they want to come here.”
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
ChurchReplanters.com
EQ Assessment
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.
Emotional Intelligence, a Critical Trait of a Church Replanter – Revitalize & Replant #009
External factors play a major role in replanting and revitalizing. But so do internal factors. Today, Mark Clifton joins us to talk about EQ and its importance in effective leadership.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM STEVE
In episode 3, you mentioned a replanter needs high emotional intelligence. What does that look like on a practical level and how can I improve personally?
Episode Highlights:
Self awareness is critical for a pastor.
Pastors need to be good listeners.
The more you love Jesus, the more you’re going to love people.
The more you love people, the more you’re going to want to spend time with them.
The four characteristics of emotional intelligence that we cover in this episode are:
Self-awareness: The ability to know yourself and your emotions, not as you wish they were, but as they really are.
Self-regulation: The wisdom and ability to understand the impact you have when you take action or refrain from action.
Social awareness: The ability to read other people and understand their emotions.
Relationship management: The ability to incorporate the other 3 skills to navigate and build positive relationships with all types of people.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
ChurchReplanters.com
EQ Assessment
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.
November 1, 2017
Six Essentials for Advertising on Facebook This Christmas
By Jonathan Howe
It’s November, so it’s time to talk about Christmas—at least that’s what my kids tell me. And with Christmas Eve falling on a Sunday, we’ll have more discussion later about what services and activities churches are planning for this year. But for now, let’s talk about Facebook, Christmas, and your church.
Facebook advertising is the most effective way of getting the word out about your church’s Christmas programming and services. Every church should be using Facebook in some way to promote their services to those in the community. Here are six essentials for doing so:
Target your audience. If you’re going to spend money to reach people, you want to target a specific group as much as possible. Facebook’s ability to target boosted posts or ads to specific zip codes is the best way to reach those in your community with messages from your church.
Use high quality graphics. While advertising will increase your paid reach, your organic (unpaid) reach will greatly increase when you use attractive graphics. Don’t use clip art. If you can’t afford a designer, simply use Christmas templates from Canva or a template from your Christmas cantata publisher if they provide one.
Create Facebook events for your major events. By creating an event for special events during the Christmas season, you can remind those who like your page about the event. You can also share relevant details and answer any questions someone may have about the event.
Encourage members to invite guests. Personal invitations are still the most effective way to get guests to come to your church. Ask your members to share with their friends the Christmas-related events or graphics you’ve already created.
Change your header and avatar. This is a subtle, yet effective tactic that can lead to more engagement with your page online. People notice when an avatar changes. If possible, use your Christmas graphic. If not, maybe a Christmas-themed church logo. Be creative.
Focus your advertising on one or two things. Other than focusing on your audience, focusing on your main event is the most important thing. You don’t have to put money toward promoting every activity if you can’t afford it. But pick the one major event you really want to emphasize (likely your Christmas Eve service or major Christmas program) and put your resources toward that. If you have the budget to do more, great. But if not, focus your advertising money on one thing rather than many. It is better to spend $100 boosting a post for one event than $20 on five different events.
What is your church planning for Christmas? Do you have a budget to advertise on Facebook?
Jonathan Howe serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives at LifeWay Christian Resources as well as the host and producer of Rainer on Leadership and SBC This Week. Jonathan writes weekly at ThomRainer.com on topics ranging from social media to websites and church communications. Connect with Jonathan on Twitter at @Jonathan_Howe.
