Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 181
October 5, 2017
Five Pathways for Dying Churches – Revitalize & Replant #002
When a church is dying, what are its options? Today we cover five of the most common pathways for dying churches.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM WILLIAM
Our church is on its last legs. We have a little money left in our accounts, but not enough for a full-time pastor salary. There are only a few elderly families left in the church, and we don’t do much more than meet each Sunday morning for Bible study and worship. Do we just need to close or is there another option. Some just want to sell the building and give the money to a local ministry. I’d hate drive by in a year and see a strip mall where our church used to be.
Episode Highlights:
For a neighborhood, the church building indicates a sacred space.
Every neighborhood should benefit from a local church.
“A vacant church looks like a long-abandoned castle of a long-forgotten king.” – Graham Singh
Church mergers are really starting to work well when the younger church cares well for the older church.
An abundance of activity anesthetizes the pain of death in dying churches.
The five pathways for dying churches that we cover in this episode are:
Give the building to a healthier church
Give the building to a church planter
Share the building with another church
Merge
Replant from within
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
ChurchReplanters.com
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.
Why Dying Churches Should Have Hope – Revitalize & Replant #001
In this debut episode of Revitalize & Replant, Mark Clifton joins us to explain why dying churches should be hopeful about their future.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM RICHARD
I pastor a dying church. There is little to no evangelistic effort – no new non-churched members over the past 5 years. Any growth over the past 3 years has been transfer growth. The majority of our congregation is in denial about the path our church is on without change. The opponents are preserving the church to the point of death. How can I lead our church to understand there is hope for the future, and that we need to change in order to see fruit from our efforts?
Episode Highlights:
Members of dying churches often don’t recognize that reality.
“Your church does not have to die.”
There is often a sense of shame in a dying church.
“Christ has a plan for His Church.”
“If you pastor a dying church, focus on getting your church members to love Jesus more than they love their church.”
“Dying churches are often holding on to idols in the church that give them comfort and security.”
“Want what Jesus wants for your church.”
“God is under no obligation to resource your plans for His church.”
The three reasons for hope that we cover in this episode are:
Dying churches have a real possibility to have a future
Healthier churches have an opportunity to make a greater Kingdom impact
Church replanters have an opportunity like never before
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
ChurchReplanters.com
Who Moved My Pulpit
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.
October 4, 2017
Five Difficult Pastors to Succeed
“That’s not the way Pastor Bob would do it.”
The church member may have meant well, but her words stung the new pastor. After all, he had been at the church for only three months, and he had already heard that sentiment expressed more than a dozen times.
He knew he would be living in the shadow of a legend. He just had no idea how big that shadow would be.
There are several succession situations for pastors that are often more difficult than others, I know. I hear about them almost every day. Here are five of the most common:
The long-term pastor. If a previous pastor has been at the church ten or more years, you can be assured the current pastor will hear many comparisons. Every pastor brings a new culture to the church. It often takes church members a few years to adjust.
The church-splitting pastor. This pastor left mad. Perhaps the pastor was fired or left angry about something that happened in the church. Instead of finding another church in another community, the pastor decides to start a church in the same community. Church members follow the pastor. When the new pastor arrives, he often has to deal with hurting and angry members. Some of the members will actually have family splits over choosing churches. It’s not a fun situation to lead.
The moral failure pastor. When there is pastoral moral failure, church members are hurt. Some are angry. Many of the congregants don’t know if they can trust a pastor again. The new pastor walks into a very difficult situation. He now has to pay for the sins of his predecessor.
The omnipresent pastor. This pastor seemed like he visited every member every month. He was in homes. He attended all events. He visited the hospital fifteen times a day. He counseled people every day. He went to funerals and weddings he did not officiate. He was the superman pastor. Except that his family suffered greatly. Except that the church suffered because he would never let go. He just enjoyed the attention too much. And now the remaining members want to know why the new pastor is not visiting them in their homes nine days a week.
The oratorical pastor. The previous pastor could preach with seemingly unmatched excellence. His sermons were legendary. He had more downloads to his podcasts than the current pastor has hairs on his head. Comparisons are frequent and not flattering for the new guy. And downloads are lower by 97 percent.
Does this situation sound familiar to some of you pastors?
Remember, your identity is in Christ.
Be comfortable in how God made and wired you.
You have nothing to prove in the comparison game.
Persevere.
This season of dealing with the past will fade into new opportunities that will cause members to look to the future with excitement and anticipation.
October 3, 2017
Seven Characteristics of Proactive Pastors – Rainer on Leadership #368
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
Reactivity can hurt a pastor’s ministry, but so many pastors are more reactive than proactive. Today, we examine seven traits of a proactive pastor.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
When looking ahead, plan and communicate for the future.
A proactive pastor is one who brings chaos back to order.
The more you develop relationships, the more freedom you will have to lead.
Sermon prep should have more importance on your calendar than anything else you do as a pastor.
Proactive pastors do not focus on critics.
You will be hit with criticism as a pastor. How much will you let it detour you from what you’re called to do?
You can’t do away with critics, but you can do away with unhelpful reactions to them.
Emotions should follow actions, not determine them.
The seven characteristics we cover in this episode are:
Look ahead.
Develops relationships well.
Calendars in blocks of time.
Does not focus on critics.
Finds joy in the day-to-day work of ministry.
Has a long-term perspective.
Prays for their own leadership.
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
Five Big Problems for Small Churches, featuring Karl Vaters – Rainer on Leadership #338
Why It Takes Five to Seven Years to Become the Pastor of a Church
Revitalize & Replant
October 2, 2017
Ten Ways to Bring Joy to Your Pastor
In some ways, I don’t like the official designation of October to be pastor appreciation month.
I really wish we showed appreciation to pastors all the time. But like many other points of recognition, it does serve as a reminder that we are blessed by our pastors and their ministries.
So how can you bring joy to your pastor? My list of ten is based on the interactions I have with thousands of pastors every year. Some of the affirmations are letters. Many of them have no monetary cost. All of them will be greatly appreciated.
A handwritten letter committing to pray for your pastor. I just spoke with a pastor who received such a gift. He was choked up just talking about it.
A handwritten letter of support. Pastors receive criticism regularly. It’s an unfortunate way of life for them. Though many of you support your pastors, they really appreciate your telling them so.
An anonymous letter with cash. Let your pastors know the gift is for them. Most pastors have no extra funds to buy books or resources or even go out to eat.
A gift card. Find out what your pastors really like. Do they have a favorite restaurant or store? Get them a gift card.
A childcare certificate. Commit to a certain number of days to watch the pastor’s children, assuming the kids are still at an age that need childcare. That will be an incredible gift for pastors and spouses.
A handwritten letter expressing how much difference the pastor has made your life. Be specific. Let your pastors know how much their ministries mean to you personally. Don’t write in generalities, but in ways that demonstrate your life is better because of your pastor.
A handwritten letter of gratitude to the pastor’s spouse. Pastors’ spouses rarely get affirmed. Your letter of gratitude will mean so much—both to the spouse and to the pastor.
Books. Most pastors love books. Most pastors have a wish list of books they would like. If you can’t find the specific wish list, a gift card for them is great as well.
Video of gratitude. Produce a video to be shown in the worship service. Have testimonies of gratitude. Show specific ways the pastor has made a difference. Express gratitude to the pastor’s family as well.
Remember their anniversary. Let pastor appreciation month be a reminder for you to note your pastor’s anniversary at the church. Celebrate it when that date arrives. Too many pastors get passed by every year despite their ministry and labors for the church and the Kingdom.
Most pastors do not expect recognition or rewards. They did not enter vocational ministry for that reason.
But they really do appreciate it when one or more of the church members remember them in a positive manner.
I hope you will be one of those church members.
October 1, 2017
Pray for Burnette Chapel Church of Christ
Location: Antioch, Tennessee
Pastor: Rev. David Spann
Weekly Worship: 10:00 AM, Central
Fast Facts: Many of you are aware of the shooting that occurred last Sunday at Burnette Chapel Church of Christ here in the Nashville area. Today, they will hold their first Sunday worship service since Emanuel Samson entered the building and opened fire last Sunday. The shooting took the life of Melanie Crow and injured seven others including pastor Spann. Please pray for the members of Burnette Chapel, the Crow family, Pastor Spann, and the entire community.
Website: BurnetteChapel.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..
September 30, 2017
Notable Voices and the Week in Review: September 30, 2017
The Top Ten Sources of Discouragement for Pastors
5 Simple Ways to Improve as a Church Leader – Rainer on Leadership #366
The Four Most Common Acts of Stupidity That Get Pastors Fired
Introducing Revitalize & Replant with Thom Rainer
10 Critical Pieces of Pastoral Advice – Rainer on Leadership #367
Four Ways To Know If You Are Called To Start A Church — Kevin Campbell
Our family has the privilege to be on this church planting journey now for eight years. The number one question I get asked is “How did you know you were called to start a church?” The second most asked question is “How did you decide where to plant a church?”
6 Surprises Every Premarital Counselor Should Cover — Dave Harvey
It’s frightening to think how unprepared we were for marriage. I don’t blame our counselor. I’m not sure he had premarital counseling either. But as I reflect back on the last 35 years, there have been a few surprises it would have been helpful to know about. Here are six surprises I believe every pastor or premarital counselor should cover:
Your 3-Step Money Formula — Art Rainer
Sometimes we make money way too complex. Just the terms alone can drive us crazy–401(k), 403(b), 409 Multi-Surface Cleaner. What do they all mean? We assume that a good understanding of money is reserved for the special few. Fortunately, this is not true. You can understand God’s design for you and your money. In fact, in the Bible , we find a simple, three-step formula for your money. Here it is:
The Biggest Difference Between Good Speakers and Great Speakers — David Murray
What makes the difference between a good speech and a great speech? They share many common qualities: important subject, accurate research, clear writing, organized material, relevant illustrations, passionate communication, and so on. But they differ in one important area.
Pastor as Overseer of Worship Music — Joshua Jenkins
The pastorate is not a dictatorship, it is stewardship. This is what the office of pastor entails, oversight over the local congregation God has given him to steward, not just over the pulpit. There are many ways in which this plays itself out. In this post, I would like to speak to the area of worship music.
7 Ways that Pastors Can Help Their Congregations Grow in Ethnic Diversity — Justin Taylor
Although none of the elder qualifications have to do with skin color (for or against), having shepherds who all share the same mission — while contributing different backgrounds, perspectives, and culture — strengthens the church and casts heaven’s shadow upon earth.
September 29, 2017
10 Critical Pieces of Pastoral Advice – Rainer on Leadership #367
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
Pastors often come seeking advice. Today, we cover ten of the most frequent requests we get.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
Don’t focus on critics.
When you avoid tough personnel decisions, the decisions won’t get any easier to make.
Ignoring staff tension will eventually hurt the entire church.
Attacking your pastor or church staff on social media is cowardly and weak.
What gets calendared gets done.
You don’t leave problems when you change churches. The problems just get different names.
Accept lows as a normal part of a ministry cycle, but know that highs are coming.
Life in ministry is too short not to have fun.
The 10 pieces of pastoral advice we cover in this episode are:
Love your members unconditionally.
Don’t focus on your critics.
Make the tough personnel decisions sooner rather than later.
Accept that you won’t be loved by everyone.
Put those things on your calendar that you often neglect.
Accept the lows of ministry as normal.
Don’t compare your church to others.
Learn to be content.
Learn to rejoice always.
Have fun.
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
The Levity Effect
September 27, 2017
Introducing Revitalize & Replant with Thom Rainer
Revitalize & Replant is a weekly discussion on church revitalization and replanting featuring Thom Rainer, Jonathan Howe, and Mark Clifton. Revitalize & Replant with Thom Rainer is presented by the North American Mission Board.
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.
Revitalize & Replant launches Thursday, October 5, 2017.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play
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.
The Four Most Common Acts of Stupidity That Get Pastors Fired
“Don’t do stupid.”
Those were three words I spoke to my three sons as they were growing up. And I would give them specific ways they could “do stupid.”
Why did I speak so bluntly to my three sons? Because I love them. Because I truly want what’s best for them. Because I want to give them clear and powerful warnings to keep them out of trouble.
Pastors and other church leaders: Please heed the words in this post. Please understand the counsel comes from a guy who’s been around a while, a guy who has seen stupid more times than I would ever want.
For some reason, some church leaders just don’t think they will get caught. Or they think the baby steps won’t lead to major steps toward a total fall. Please read these four acts of stupidity carefully and prayerfully. And ask God to protect you from falling in any one of these areas.
Flirting dangerously with sexual boundaries. By the time the physical sexual affair takes place, the pastor has already crossed several sexual boundaries. There is no such thing as a harmless flirtatious comment or text to someone of the opposite gender who is not your spouse. Pornography is not a lone act that hurts no one else. Ongoing counseling that hints of meeting each other’s needs is never good. Close work relationships can become too close. Don’t think it can’t happen to you.
Plagiarism. Don’t ever copy that first sermon. You might think you can get away with it, but it becomes a pattern. If you found cool sermons by Alistair Begg and Andy Stanley, so will those who are listening to you. If you discovered some incredible sermon sites with fully prepared messages, so will those in your congregation. I get messages on social media where members and staff share with me that their pastors are plagiarizing. They know. Don’t do it.
Financial stupidity. A church credit card can be very helpful. A church credit card can be very dangerous. Don’t even think about putting a personal charge on your credit card. And don’t say you read the book Never Eat Alone to justify having a meal on the church every day. If you have any doubt about a financial matter, err on the side of total caution.
Social media madness. I am sorry, pastors, but social media is not a place for you to vent, to get into political battles, or to join a bandwagon of critics. There is simply no upside to such madness. Avoid sarcastic and bombastic comments. Don’t take on a church member on Twitter or Facebook. Don’t be the constant critic. And never, ever, ever make unsavory or sexual comments. And if you think it’s unfair that you can’t do what others do, get another job. The office of pastor, and other church leadership positions as well, demand you demonstrate total integrity. Somewhere I read you are to be above reproach.
Pastors and other church leaders: you have enough bullets being fired by critics and bullies. You certainly don’t need self-inflicted wounds. It will almost always get you in trouble.
And if it’s one of the big four above, it will probably get you fired.
Please don’t do stupid.
