Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 247
December 20, 2015
Pray for Parkway Baptist Church
Location: Clinton, Mississippi
Pastor: Rev. Ken Anderson
Weekly Worship: 10:15 AM, Central
Fast Facts: Parkway Baptist Church is an established church in Clinton, MS, transplanted in 1996 from nearby Jackson. Pastor Ken Anderson has served at Parkway as pastor for nearly 30 years. Two thriving ministries at Parkway are TeenMops—a ministry to pregnant teenagers, their children, and their spouse/significant other—and Friends of Alcoholics. Parkway’s men’s ministry ministers to these men and provides fellowship, discipleship, accountability & service to others. Aside from these ministries, Parkway is a family-friendly church that is gospel-saturated & desiring for everyone who encounters our Parkway family to taste & see that the Lord is good. Pray for Parkway to have a renewed vision for 2016 and for the preaching of God’s Word to continue to go forth. Also be in prayer for their 2016 Disciple Now. The theme of this student discipleship weekend is “AWE”. It’s a weekend that requires an investment of many hands and hearts. Pray for Parkway Baptist Church to exhibit hope, compassion, gentleness, and patience to the unchurched and unreached in Clinton, MS, and beyond. Pray for their African mission partners throughout Africa who are training newly called pastors and seeking to build bridges with unreached peoples.
Website: PBCClinton.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..
The post Pray for Parkway Baptist Church appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
December 19, 2015
Notable Voices: December 19, 2015
Digital Discipleship Best Practices and 3 Dangers to Avoid — Sam Rainer
With the recent increase in interest of discipleship, several online tools have been developed to assist in the practice of making disciples. But as Sam states, digital discipleship shouldn’t be the sole method used. The digital tools we have can enhance the process of making disciples, but we still need personal discipleship.
Political Tension and the Pastor — Chris Hefner
2015 has been a very political year and 2016 will only be more intense with the upcoming presidential election. Chris provides a much needed reminder about preaching and politics.
7 Signs Your Church Will Never Change — Carey Nieuwhof
The theme of my 16 trends for 2016 was “Change or Die.” This article fits that theme quite nicely.
Jesus Loves the Traditional Church — Michael Cooper
Michael shares the joys and lessons one can gain from pastoring an older, rural congregation.
What Does It Mean to Be “For the City”? — Dean Inserra
I have written and spoken at length about how churches should be involved in their city and community. Dean gives several examples of what that looks like for a church when it’s put into practice.
No Place Like Church for the Holidays — LifeWay Research
New data from LifeWay Research confirms the fact that Christmastime is the time of year when the unchurched and dechurched are most open to an invite. So invite your unchurched friends this week to your Christmas services. They’ll probably surprise you and say “yes.”
The post Notable Voices: December 19, 2015 appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
December 18, 2015
Seven Implications of Decentralization in Churches – Rainer on Leadership #184
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio
On today’s episode, we discuss a recent post on the decentralization of facilities and leadership. At the core of these changes is a desire to move away from centralization. And this trend may be one of the most significant trends of the American church in a century. So today, we share seven profound implications of this trend.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
We have to be training our church leaders more in leadership competencies.
Unfortunately many of our church leaders and pastors have been trained well in theology but not practical ministry.
If a church is dying, it needs significant change. It basically needs to become a different church.
Ten years from now, multisite churches will be as common as multi-service churches.
I have never seen a church over-communicate.
In a multisite or multi-service church, you must have a consistent DNA across the sites and services.
The seven implications of decentralization in churches are:
Potential polity and procedural changes
Congregational adaptation
Functional choices of decentralization
New sub classifications of churches due to shifts in preaching models
Greater need for greater communication
Learning how to “transfer DNA”
New financial realities
Episode Sponsor
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.
Also, don’t miss this special offer that’s only available in December. The first 15 churches that start a search this December will receive a free VanderCoaching subscription. VanderCoaching is their video coaching curriculum that helps church leaders build, run, and keep great teams. It includes over 50 videos on topics like hiring, firing, staff reviews, church legality, and volunteers. It’s normally priced at $1,000.00, but you’ll get it for free if your church starts a search in December.
Find out more about Vanderbloemen Search Group and VanderCoaching 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
Mike Glenn Podcast
The post Seven Implications of Decentralization in Churches – Rainer on Leadership #184 appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
December 17, 2015
Eight Christmas Truths for Church Leaders
The Christmas season is one of the busiest seasons of the year for church leaders. In fact, it can be exhausting. On the other hand, the truths of Christmas are some of the most encouraging truths a Christian leader can hear. Let these truths give you strength even if you’re struggling through this season:
God always has a plan. The birth of Jesus was not God’s alternative plan when the rest of His plan didn’t work out. God foretold of Christ’s coming as far back as the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:15). You can trust today that God has a plan for your life.
God keeps His Word. God announced Jesus’ victory in the Garden. The Law foreshadowed His coming. The prophets knew He would appear, including knowing the place of His birth. As God always does, He kept His Word in sending Jesus. Today, you can know that God will keep His Word in your life.
God works according to His time schedule. God sent Jesus “in the fullness of time” (Gal. 4:4), at just the right time according to God’s plan. His waiting centuries to send Jesus may seem a long time to us, but God’s calendar is always right. Be patient today if you’re waiting for God to answer your prayers.
God works in unexpected ways. Who would have thought that the Messiah would be born as a baby in a manger in a place called Bethlehem? The method of His coming was so unexpected that even the religious leaders of the day stumbled over Him. Don’t be surprised today if God does something in your life in a way that surprises you!
God sometimes works in quiet ways. Other than a brief moment in the Temple when Jesus was 12, we know little about His life prior to the beginning of His ministry. That’s not to say, though, that God wasn’t working during those intervening years. Sometimes we leaders must trust that God is up to something even when we don’t see what He’s doing during the “quiet years.”
God works through nobodies. The Christmas story is filled with them. Bethlehem rather than Jerusalem. Joseph and Mary – a carpenter and his betrothed one rather than religious or political leaders. Shepherds rather than rabbis that announce His birth. The Christmas story is a reminder that God can use all of us, including you.
God is a present tense, intimate God. Bethlehem’s baby was God in the flesh. God Himself stepped into the story of a world disrupted by sin so that He might bring restoration and healing. Regardless of how chaotic your world might be today, God is there. Trust Him.
God’s plan is not yet over. The first Christmas was history-changing, but it wasn’t the end of the story. We’re still pressing toward that day when the baby-King will be the reigning King. That means that no matter what difficulties you may face in life today, the best is yet to come. You can lead, then, with hope.
What would you add to this list?
Be sure to check out Dr. Lawless’ daily blog posts at www.chucklawless.com. Chuck Lawless currently serves as Professor of Evangelism and Missions and Dean of Graduate Studies at Southeastern Seminary. You can connect with Dr. Lawless on both Twitter and Facebook.
The post Eight Christmas Truths for Church Leaders appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
December 16, 2015
16 Trends in American Churches in 2016: Trends 9 to 16
In my previous post, I shared trends 1 to 8. Today, I conclude with trends 9 to 16. Here is the introduction I wrote to the earlier post.
I have been writing on trends in churches for two decades. I certainly don’t have a perfect record with my predictions, but my overall record is pretty good.
My methodology is simple. I observe emerging issues in some churches and extrapolate them into major trends.
This year I take this approach with a higher level of confidence than previous years. I have seen most of the following issues grow month by month in 2015, so I don’t have to be the brightest person in the world to project them as major trends in 2016.
The rise of the mini-denomination church. This trend is an acceleration of the increased number of multi-site churches. As churches grow with four or more sites, they will take on some of the characteristics of a denomination.
Increased pastoral tenure. For a number of reasons, the tenure of a pastor at a given church will increase. More pastors will make it to the five-year mark where the most fruitful years of ministry typically begin.
Rise of alternative ministry placement organizations. Old and existing systems of how churches find prospective pastors and staff are falling apart. They are being replaced with effective and independent ministry search organizations.
Increase in the number of Millennials who are Christians. I am projecting the number to increase from 15 percent of the generation to 18 percent of the generation. That is an increase of 2.3 million Millennials who will become believers in 2016.
Accelerated decline of 100,000 American congregations. Historically, American congregations have been tenacious and survived beyond most expectations. That reality is no longer true. Ineffective churches will decline rapidly as churchgoers are unwilling to be a part of congregations that are not making a difference.
Churches no longer viewed favorably by many governmental units. As a consequence, it will become increasingly difficult for churches to expand their physical facilities or to be able to hold functions in the community.
More bivocational pastors and staff. This trend is increasingly becoming the result of choices by pastors and staff, rather than financial limitations of congregations.
Dramatic changes in senior adult ministries. The baby boomers will not participate in the way most churches do senior adult ministry. They will force change, particularly from the entertainment model to an activist model.
In many ways, I see 2016 as a pivotal year for thousands of congregations. Unfortunately, many church leaders and church members will elect not to change anything. Those congregations will be among the 100,000 rapidly declining churches.
But for other churches, new opportunities abound. For decades, churches could choose a path of modest to no change and do okay. That is not the case today. For those congregations that are eager and willing to face the culture in God’s power and strength, they will likely see incredible opportunities for ministry and growth.
It is becoming that simple.
Change or die.
I look forward to hearing from you.
The post 16 Trends in American Churches in 2016: Trends 9 to 16 appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
December 15, 2015
Nine Reasons Christians Don’t Evangelize – Rainer on Leadership #183
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio
On today’s episode, we discuss a recent post by Chuck Lawless on why we don’t evangelize as well as ways to encourage evangelism in your church.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
We have an evangelism tragedy that is taking place in our churches.
Continue to do ministry and missions, but let it be explicitly about the gospel—not just meeting physical needs.
Many mission trips have become tourist trips for many church members.
We unfortunately have a lot of church members in America who are practical universalists, syncretists, and inclusivists.
If it comes down to losing our job or being an obedient Christian, we should always choose the latter.
Fear cannot be our reason for not evangelizing.
Find me an evangelistic church and you will find an evangelistic pastor.
I will never buy the argument that we have enough churches in a community.
The nine reasons Christians don’t evangelize are:
Many don’t know what “evangelism” is.
We have few evangelistic role models.
Some church members aren’t convinced about lostness.
Some churches have provided no evangelism training.
Fear of the unknown halts our efforts.
We’ve “gotten over” our salvation.
Pastors aren’t taking the lead in evangelism.
We don’t really know many lost people anyway.
We don’t care about non-believers.
Episode Sponsor
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.
Also, don’t miss this special offer that’s only available in December. The first 15 churches that start a search this December will receive a free VanderCoaching subscription. VanderCoaching is their video coaching curriculum that helps church leaders build, run, and keep great teams. It includes over 50 videos on topics like hiring, firing, staff reviews, church legality, and volunteers. It’s normally priced at $1,000.00, but you’ll get it for free if your church starts a search in December.
Find out more about Vanderbloemen Search Group and VanderCoaching 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
Breakout Churches
The Unchurched Next Door
The post Nine Reasons Christians Don’t Evangelize – Rainer on Leadership #183 appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
December 14, 2015
16 Trends in American Churches in 2016: Trends 1 to 8
I have been writing on trends in churches for two decades. I certainly don’t have a perfect record with my predictions, but my overall record is pretty good.
My methodology is simple: I observe emerging issues in some churches and extrapolate them into major trends.
This year I take this approach with a higher level of confidence than previous years. I have seen most of the following issues grow month by month in 2015, so I don’t have to be the brightest person in the world to project them as major trends in 2016.
Here are the first eight trends. I will conclude with the second group of eight trends in my next post.
Church security as the fastest growing ministry. Shootings in churches and sex abuse of children mandate this unfortunate trend. No church can afford to be without serious security measures, policies, and equipment. It will evolve into a major church ministry.
Decrease in worship center size and capacity. The large worship gathering is not as popular as it has been. Through multiple services and multiple sites, churches will follow this preference with smaller capacity worship centers.
Increase in successfully revitalized churches. More church leaders sense a call to lead revitalized churches. Because of this desire and intentionality, we will see more success stories of churches that have experienced significant revitalization.
Rapid growth of coaching ministries for pastors and church staff. The current trend is anecdotal, but it will soon be verified and obvious. Pastors and staff who have the humility to be led, and the willingness to invest resources in coaching are becoming the most effective church leaders.
Increase in the numbers of churches in gentrified communities. Thousands of older urban communities are becoming revitalized. Churches are following the increased numbers of residents to these communities.
Increased emphasis on practical ministry training. Church leaders in America have seen a much needed two-decade renewal of training in classical disciplines and doctrine. That need remains, but more leaders are crying for training in leadership, relational skills, and other practical ministries.
Increasing emphasis on groups in churches. Church leaders are getting it. When church members are a part of some type of group, such as a small group or Sunday school class, they attend more faithfully, evangelize more frequently, and give more abundantly.
Fewer segregated churches. For most of American history, 11:00 am on Sunday was the most segregated hour of the week. That is changing. A church that is not racially and ethnically diverse will soon become the exception instead of the norm.
Join me on Wednesday as I share trends 9 to 16. In the meantime, let me hear from you.
The post 16 Trends in American Churches in 2016: Trends 1 to 8 appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
December 13, 2015
Pray for FBC Milledgeville
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia
Pastor: Jerry Bradley
Weekly Worship: 11:00 AM, Eastern
Fast Facts: First Baptist Church Milledgeville, GA, was founded in 1806 when Milledgeville had just been named the new capital of the state of Georgia. The church experienced growth over the years until economic distress hit the town several years ago and many people left seeking jobs in other areas.
FBC Milledgeville purchased land north of town on which to relocate, but funds for the building are not there yet and operational budgetary goals are also falling short. Please pray for the breakout needed at FBC Milledgeville as well as the revival and revitalization sought after by the members.
Website: FBCMilledgeville.com
“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 FBC Milledgeville appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
December 12, 2015
Notable Voices: December 12, 2015
Five Things for Which All Leaders Should Pray — Art Rainer
As one might expect, this list is similar to what you would expect from a biblical leader like Solomon. But we sometimes need the reminder to specifically pray for these five attributes.
Four Reasons Burnout Is More Prevalent in Ministry Leadership — Eric Geiger
Burnout is an issue many in church leadership face, and most ministers often recognize it after it is too late. Eric explains why burnout is more common with ministers. The reasons he gives could be used to self-diagnose as well.
6 Ways Not to Preach the Birth of Jesus — Steve Mathewson
Steve shares six helpful reminders for your Christmas sermon prep.
6 Easy Ways to Undermine Your Leadership on Social Media — Carey Nieuwhof
This is a great list from Carey—and a needed one. I’ve seen countless leaders make these mistakes online.
7 Joys of Pastoral Ministry — David Murray
Pastors, let David remind you of the overwhelming joy the pastorate should bring.
How Twitter Helped Fred Phelps’ Granddaughter Walk Away from Westboro — Trevin Wax
This is a fascinating profile from Trevin regarding the positive power of social media.
The post Notable Voices: December 12, 2015 appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
December 11, 2015
5 Reasons Pastoral Tenure Could Increase – Rainer on Leadership #182
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio
On today’s episode, we discuss a few reason why pastors—Millennials in particular—may not be moving from church to church as often as in the past.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
We are moving toward more church names based on the community in which they reside and away from denominational names.
Millennial pastors seem to place more thought in how their families will handle moving from church to church.
Pastors can be just as fulfilled in a church of 200 as they can in a church of 2,000.
Pastors, do not measure your worth in Christ by numbers or the size of your church.
Success in ministry is measured mostly by faithfulness, not fruitfulness.
Pastors should go into a church with the intention of being there for the long haul.
The five reasons pastoral tenure could increase are:
Pastors want to invest their lives in a community.
Pastors want more stability for their families.
Pastors don’t measure ministry success and fulfillment by numbers and size.
Pastors are starting new churches.
Pastors are leading church revitalization.
Episode Sponsor
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.
Also, don’t miss this special offer that’s only available in December. The first 15 churches that start a search this December will receive a free VanderCoaching subscription. VanderCoaching is their video coaching curriculum that helps church leaders build, run, and keep great teams. It includes over 50 videos on topics like hiring, firing, staff reviews, church legality, and volunteers. It’s normally priced at $1,000.00, but you’ll get it for free if your church starts a search in December.
Find out more about Vanderbloemen Search Group and VanderCoaching 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.
The post 5 Reasons Pastoral Tenure Could Increase – Rainer on Leadership #182 appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
