Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 240
February 28, 2016
Pray for Plaza Baptist Church
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Pastor: David Gales
Weekly Worship: 11:00 AM Eastern
Fast Facts: Plaza Baptist was founded in 1934 and has a long history of delivering the powerful message of Jesus’ life and teachings to the people of North Charlotte and around the world. Pastor Gales had originally retired in 2003 but after about a decade of turmoil and decline at Plaza Baptist following his retirement, he returned to the pastorate at PBC in 2011. The church has grown some since his return, and is still an aging congregation. However, a few younger families have started attending. Pray that they would continue to reach young families in the community. Also pray for their Easter outreach efforts. They’ll be delivering gift baskets and placing door hangers on houses in the community leading up to Easter. Please pray for this outreach effort and continued growth at PBC.
Website: PlazaBaptistChurch.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..
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February 27, 2016
Notable Voices: February 27, 2016
Which College Degree Should I Get? — Art Rainer
Picking a college degree path can be a daunting task for many. But instead of trying to decide what you want to do, Art suggests you pursue a degree at the center of what you’re good at, what you can get paid to do, and what you enjoy.
10 Common Ways Churches Get Off Mission — Jared Wilson
Is your church guilty of any of these 10 mission drifts? I would guess that almost every church has drifted on at least one of these issues.
How to Give Your Pastor Sermon Feedback (and How Not To) — Erik Raymond
I’ve written about what not to say to your pastor here on the blog. Erik shares a positive way to give sermon feedback—as well as a few tips on how not to.
Should You Offer Bonuses To Your Church Staff? — Ben Homesley
Spot bonuses are a normal practice in secular businesses. Typically they are used as a reward for excellence in the corporate world. But what about using this practice in the church world?
5 Strategic Misconceptions About Multisite — Ryan Stigile
I am hearing more and more from pastors who are considering going multisite. Ryan gives five misconceptions about multisite strategy, but shares the single greatest reason to go multisite: evangelism.
6 Sermon Myths We Need to Bust — Carey Nieuwhof
These myths are pervasive and often prevent pastors from preaching what (or how) they really should.
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February 26, 2016
9 Steps to Small Group Multiplication – Rainer on Leadership #202
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio
On today’s episode, we answer the single most asked question we get: how can we grow groups in our church? Groups are vital to the evangelistic outreach and internal discipleship of a church, and it’s essential that you multiply groups to grow your groups.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
One of the primary purposes of a small group should be to multiply itself.
Childcare is typically the biggest logistic hurdle for churches with in-home small groups.
Most churches are not outwardly focused because their groups are inwardly focused.
I’ve never seen a church be Great Commission focused for the long term without a strong groups ministry.
Churches that depend on big worship events without focusing on groups have a backdoor that is wide open.
I see many churches who have ambitious goals with no date to meet them by. The goals are never reached.
Celebrating new groups builds momentum for even more new groups.
The nine steps to growing groups in your church that we cover are:
Share a vision for the mission of your group.
Build a new leadership team to facilitate the new group (and provide them with training and practice).
Determine the type of new group you will form.
Choose curriculum and/or study resources for the new group.
Ask someone to serve as a host and determine the logistics of the new group meeting.
Determine who will go with the new team.
Begin a countdown, and pray for the new group.
Celebrate!
Keep casting a vision for multiplication.
Episode Sponsors
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.
Midwestern Seminary, located in the heart of the Midwest, is one of the fastest growing seminaries in North America and offers a fantastic array of academic programs, including multiple online and residential options at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Midwestern’s new 81-hour Mdiv program, online program, and doctoral program have all been recognized as some of the most innovative and affordable in the country. There has never been a better time to begin your seminary education. Midwestern Seminary trains leaders ‘For The Church.’
Visit them online at MBTS.edu and start your ministry training today.
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 I Will.
Resources
9 Steps to Small Group Multiplication
GroupsMatter.com
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February 25, 2016
Young Influencer List, February 2016
By Jonathan Howe
As I mentioned last month, when we interviewed Brad Lomenick for the Rainer on Leadership podcast, we talked about his Young Influencer List and the reasons behind why he compiles such a list. Brad encouraged me to do the same—to find young influencers in our sphere and make our audience aware of how these young leaders are impacting others for Kingdom advancement. The qualifications are quite simple: under 40 and making a Kingdom difference.
Once again, the goal with this list is not to inflate the egos of those named, but to make you, the readers, of ThomRainer.com aware of the dozens and dozens of Christian leaders who are advancing the gospel in their respective spheres of influence. And while some pundits may sit back and claim Christianity is declining or dying, these leaders are clearly making a statement that it will not happen on their watch. They are passionate about Christ Jesus, His gospel, and taking it to the ends of the earth.
So without further adieu, here is this month’s young influencer list:
Amy-Jo Girardier — Girls Minister and Student Missions Coordinator at Brentwood Baptist in Brentwood, TN – In a world that is often overwhelming, having a mentor and minister like Amy-Jo can make all the difference in the life of a teen girl. An accomplished author, Amy Jo is a leading voice to teen girls across the country.
Jeff Medders — Lead Pastor at Redeemer Church in Tomball, TX – Jeff is a church planter who likes good coffee. And, yes, I realize I could say that about almost any church planter. Jeff is a prolific blogger and writer as well as a planter in the most diverse city in the nation.
Christian George — Assistant Professor of Historical Theology at Midwestern Seminary in Kansas City, MO – Christian is one of the leading scholars in the world on the life and work of Charles H. Spurgeon and serves as curator of the Spurgeon Center.
Holly Tate — Director of Business Development at Vanderbloemen Search Group in Houston, TX — You hear us proclaim the services of Vanderbloemen Search Group on every podcast, and Holly is one of the main reasons why. They are a great partner for us at ThomRainer.com, and much of it is due to Holly’s leadership.
Shaq Hardy — Pastoral Ministry Student at Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, NC – I met Shaq for the first time this week at a young leaders luncheon, but have been familiar with his blog and ministry for some time. Shaq’s passion for missions and ministry is contagious, and it was exciting to talk with him in person about his upcoming missions trip to Japan.
Micah Fries — Director of Ministry Development at LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, TN – Micah is a well-known figure in the Southern Baptist Convention. A former pastor in Missouri, Micah facilitates partnerships for LifeWay Insights and represents LifeWay Research at a host of outside events. He also serves as a producer for The Exchange.
Please continue to pray for these individuals and their ministries. If you’d like to nominate a young influencer for consideration, let me know on Twitter: @Jonathan_Howe or in the comments section below.
Jonathan Howe serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives at LifeWay Christian Resources, the host and producer of Rainer on Leadership and SBC This Week, and the managing editor of LifeWayPastors.com. 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.
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February 24, 2016
Ten Comments from Happy Church Guests
I recently looked at my file of church guest “exit interviews.” These files originated when I did a lot of church consulting, but it also includes some recent consults.
In essence, my team asked guests to attend a worship service on the same day to get their immediate impressions of the church. Among those who had a positive experience, we heard a pattern of recurring themes. Here are the top ten responses in order of frequency. Each item is followed by a direct quote from a guest.
People introduced themselves to the guests. “Several people introduced themselves to me. I did not get the impression it was either contrived or routine.”
Someone asked the guest to sit with her. “You know, as a single person, I can feel pretty lonely sitting by myself. I am so glad Joanie asked me to sit with her. We plan to get together for coffee.”
There was clear signage. “From the parking lot to the children’s area to the worship center, everything was clearly marked. It was sure easy to get around.”
There was a clearly-marked welcome center. “It made it real easy for me to ask questions and to get some information on the church.”
The kids loved the children’s area. “My kids were so happy with their experiences. We will be back for sure.”
The children’s area was secure and sanitary. “That is one of the first things I check when I go to a church. This church gets an A+!”
Guest parking was clearly visible. “From the moment we drove on the parking lot, I could find the guest parking. It was marked very well.”
The church did not have a stand and greet time. “My wife and I just moved to the area and are visiting churches. If we visit one with that fake stand and greet time, we don’t return.”
The members were not pushy. “They seemed to really care about us rather than just making us another number on the membership roll.”
The guest card was simple to complete. “Some of the cards in other churches ask for too much information. This one was perfect and simple.”
A happy guest will likely be a returning guest. A returning guest is more likely to become a part of the church.
How does your church treat its guests? Let me hear from you.
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February 23, 2016
Missions Mistakes and Misconceptions – Rainer on Leadership #201
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio
On today’s episode, we discuss missions and how churches should be involved both local and globally. We also cover some common mistakes and misconceptions churches suffer from as they look to mobilize their people for missions.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
You should both give to and be involved in missions.
The answer for missions in too many churches is to pay, pray, and get out of the way.
Many people think only of missions overseas. The reality is that the mission field has come to us in America.
Many churches are giving and doing missions but are dying because they aren’t reaching their local community.
True missions-minded churches are reaching people in both their local community and around the world.
Don’t neglect Jerusalem for Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth.
The six missions mistakes and misconceptions we cover in this episode are:
We should take caution that our giving not replace our doing
The problem with Vacationaries
We often think of missions as only taking place overseas
The congregation may not understand the missions opportunities the church is supporting
Not all missions efforts require special training
We consider certain types of giving as missions giving when it’s really not
Episode Sponsors
Midwestern Seminary, located in the heart of the Midwest, is one of the fastest growing seminaries in North America and offers a fantastic array of academic programs, including multiple online and residential options at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Midwestern’s new 81-hour Mdiv program, online program, and doctoral program have all been recognized as some of the most innovative and affordable in the country. There has never been a better time to begin your seminary education. Midwestern Seminary trains leaders ‘For The Church.’
Visit them online at MBTS.edu and start your ministry training today.
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 I Will.
Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast
ChuckLawless.com
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February 22, 2016
Ten Common Frustrations of Pastors
You won’t hear pastors express these frustrations often, but they are very real.
Indeed, some of these issues hinder their ministries. Here are ten of the most common frustrations, followed by close approximations of quotes I’ve heard from pastors.
Church members who treat church attendance as a low priority. “We have families who treat soccer attendance as a non-negotiable, but a few drops of rain means they will miss church.”
Criticisms over minutia. “She sent me an email complaining about my socks. I’m serious. My socks.”
Concern over financial wellbeing of family. “A prominent member of the church told me they were keeping my pay low to keep me humble. I guarantee you he doesn’t practice the same humility.”
Expectations to understand the business and leadership side of church life. “I have no idea about some of the financial decisions I’m supposed to lead at the church. Seminary did not prepare me for this.”
Complaints to or about family members. “A church member complained to me because my wife isn’t in the choir. She’s never been in a choir and has no desire to be in a choir.”
Inadequate uninterrupted sermon prep time. “Unfortunately, some of the members think my sermon preparation time is free time for them to chat.”
Losing church members. “I wish I could handle losing church members, but I still take it personally.”
Concerns over church budget. “Giving has been down for two years straight. We may soon have to cut staff or pay.”
Declining or plateaued church. “I’ve done everything I know to lead our church to growth to no avail. It’s so frustrating.”
Designated giving toward personal preferences. “We no longer meet our budget because we have six or seven families designating their giving for their pet projects.”
I have the honor and opportunity to hear from pastors who are otherwise reticent to express these very real frustrations.
Do you have others you would add? What do you think of these ten? Let me hear from you.
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February 21, 2016
Pray for Second Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
Location: Sanford, Florida
Pastor: Marvin L. Scott Sr.
Weekly Worship: 10:30 AM, Eastern
Fast Facts: Pastor Scott has led Second Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church for 17 years. The 91-year-old church has overcome many challenges and is yet persevering. However due to a shift in church trends, finances and attendance has been a struggle. Please pray for the hearts of the people and for the launch of a debt liquidation campaign and mending broken walls project that conclude next month.
“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..
The post Pray for Second Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
February 20, 2016
Notable Voices: February 20, 2016
Two People Every Church Leader Needs in a Moment of Crisis — Sam Rainer
These two people are beneficial at other times as well, but when you’re facing a crisis in the church, they are absolutely necessary.
Lessons Learned from Donating Online to 10 Churches — Rich Birch
Rich and his team donated a small amount to 10 different churches to find best practices in the automated responses to online giving. The results were quite remarkable. There are so many beneficial takeaways for churches from this post.
Four Ways Big Sunday School Classes are Hurting the Church — Ken Braddy
This is not to say that all big Sunday school classes are hurting their church, but classes like the ones mentioned here might be. The big point to consider that Ken mentions is that large classes often do not have multiplication in their DNA. All the research we’ve seen indicates that your groups will grow through multiplication than through addition.
9 Reasons Long-term Pastors Still Fall — Chuck Lawless
Seasoned pastors can fall into a false sense of security in their Spiritual lives. Chuck reminds us that no matter our age or experience, the enemy is still crouching at the door.
The Most Used but Least Understood Phrase in the Church — David Murray
The fifth reason David gives is the one on which this entire post hinges.
Worship in a Selfie World — Stephen Miller
As Stephen writes, “He must increase. I must decrease.”
The post Notable Voices: February 20, 2016 appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
February 19, 2016
10 Fascinating Facts Regarding Pastor and Church Staff Compensation – Rainer on Leadership #200
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio
On today’s episode, we discuss a recent post on pastor and church staff compensation based on data from the 2016-2017 Compensation Handbook for Church Staff. This resource is valuable to any church and I encourage you to get a copy.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
Church budget size is a greater influencer on church staff compensation than church attendance size.
Many traditional music ministry positions are changing into roles that encompass media, music, and creative arts.
The cost recovery time for a pastor who gets a doctoral degree seems to be around 4-5 years.
I know health benefits are expensive, but I didn’t expect that more than 1/3 of lead pastors aren’t offered them by the church.
A lot of pastors are uncomfortable with taking raises if their salary is a publicly discussed item in the church.
In many of our churches, we do not have people monitoring compensation and benefits for pastors and staff.
Tenure has decreased in importance as a factor in pastor and staff compensation.
There appears to be a ceiling on youth pastor compensation.
The 10 fascinating compensation facts we cover in the episode are:
Church income is the number one indicator for compensation levels for all church staff.
The highest paying positions in order are pastor, executive pastor, and worship/music leader.
Church staff compensation varies by type of community.
Education is still a factor in compensation.
Fewer than two-thirds of lead pastors receive health insurance as a benefit.
One half of all pastors did not receive a raise in the past year.
Compensation varies little with length of tenure for all staff positions.
Churches in mainline denominations tend to offer higher compensation to their pastors and staff.
Youth pastor compensation does not change significantly from smaller to larger churches.
Female fulltime children/preschool ministers make 14% more than their male counterparts.
Episode Sponsors
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.
Midwestern Seminary, located in the heart of the Midwest, is one of the fastest growing seminaries in North America and offers a fantastic array of academic programs, including multiple online and residential options at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Midwestern’s new 81-hour Mdiv program, online program, and doctoral program have all been recognized as some of the most innovative and affordable in the country. There has never been a better time to begin your seminary education. Midwestern Seminary trains leaders ‘For The Church.’
Visit them online at MBTS.edu and start your ministry training today.
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 I Will.
Resources
2016-2017 Compensation Handbook for Church Staff
Sample Job Descriptions at TonyMorganLive.com
The post 10 Fascinating Facts Regarding Pastor and Church Staff Compensation – Rainer on Leadership #200 appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
