Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 261
August 1, 2015
Notable Voices: August 1, 2015
7 False Assumptions Made About Introverts — Ron Edmondson
Ron, a fellow introvert, shares some false assumptions people make of him due to his introversion. I’ve experienced these as well from time to time.
3 Sermon Prep Tips for Bi-vocational Pastors — Marty Duren
Sermon prep is difficult for any pastor, but for bi-vocational pastors it can be even more so. Marty gives two planning tips and one technology tip for bi-vocational pastors to prepare their sermons more efficiently and effectively.
13 Numbers You Need to Know about Abortion and the Planned Parenthood Videos — Aaron Earls
The numbers Aaron has compiled are almost as disturbing as the videos which have been released over the past few weeks. One example: 0 — Pew surveyed individuals in 40 nations, in none of them did a majority of people say abortion is morally acceptable.
Three Questions for New Fall Ministries — Chris Hefner
Fall ministries and activities kick off soon in many churches. Chris shares three helpful questions to gauge your preparedness for the start of any new ministries.
8 Reasons Why Loving Money Is so Dangerous — David Murray
This short post from David examines our relationship with money and issues eight warnings about turning it into an idol.
Should a Pastor’s Wife Play Second Fiddle? — Chad Ashby
Chad cautions pastors not to put their relationship with the church they pastor above their relationship with their wife.
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July 31, 2015
Proper Ministerial Attire – Rainer on Leadership #146
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On today’s episode, we discussed a recent blogpost on ministerial attire, and how that definition changes from church to church and region to region. Also in this episode, Jonathan managed to work in a Downton Abbey reference, and we completely sidestepped the women’s attire discussion.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
Demographic context matters a great deal in what a pastor wears in the pulpit.
The general trend, both culturally and in the church, is toward more casual attire.
Don’t put your personal clothing preferences above your love for others.
Church attire is about more than just clothing. It’s also about putting others above yourself.
The six points on ministerial attire we cover are:
Understand the demographic context
Understand the church’s expectations
Understand changes in fashion styles
Lead change gradually
Don’t put your preferences ahead of your love for others
Understand the emotional attachment
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. 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.
The post Proper Ministerial Attire – Rainer on Leadership #146 appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
July 30, 2015
Seven Keys to an Effective Church Social Media Strategy
By Jonathan Howe
Social media is here to stay, and some churches have done well as early adopters of Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. But many churches are still either hesitant to use social media or are using it poorly and not seeing any positive results.
As the pervasiveness of social media grows, it would be unwise to continue to ignore your church’s social media strategy and presence. And like any other ministry in the church, social media needs planning (a strategy), people (someone in charge), and a purpose (measurable goals) to be effective. These seven keys will help your church engage both members and guests on social media.
Have a clearly designated point person. If no one is responsible the social media communications of your church, the chances of being effective are low. Someone—whether paid or volunteer—should be responsible to see that schedules are followed, content is posted, and standards are being met. If your goals call for a daily tweet and nothing has been tweeted in two weeks, you need a structure of accountability in place to get back on track. Without a designated point person, church social media can be haphazard and will ultimately hurt the ministry and reputation of the church.
Understand the differences in the channels. It seems obvious, but Twitter is not Facebook, and neither of them are Instagram. Each social media channel has advantages and disadvantages and is best served with specific content for its audience and format. Twitter and Facebook are the most alike in that links and photos work well on these platforms. Quotes will fall flat on Facebook (but not on Twitter) and Twitter isn’t the best for photo galleries or events (Facebook is). Speaking of photos and links, Instagram photos must be square (unlike Twitter and Facebook) and links aren’t active in the body of a post. When you post content online, remember what works best in each channel.
Integrate social media into your current communications plan. One big mistake many churches make in social media is separating it from what they are already communicating. Use your church’s weekly newsletter or bulletin to shape the content in your social media channels. And while you match the type of content to the channel, always consider the sharability of the post. Think “if someone sees this, will they want to share it with their friends?” If the answer is no, consider a shift in content or the call to action.
Monitor channels for feedback and respond. Social media is not a one-way street. The entire purpose is for social media to be social. This requires dialogue, listening, and responding to questions. While not every comment requires a response, if you find yourself getting asked the same questions time and again, consider adding an FAQ page to your church website or integrating those answers into existing content.
Have a clearly defined goal for each channel. While it’s great to have an ever-growing number of followers online, having increased follower counts as goals isn’t the best way to measure effectiveness. Set measurable and timely goals for engagement and effectiveness rather than simply trying to increase your follower counts.
Use tools for efficiency and analytics. Once you’ve set your goals, you need to track them. Using tools like Buffer and Hootsuite allows you to monitor, engage, schedule, and analyze your social media accounts. Also, spend some time in the analytics areas of your social media accounts. You’ll be amazed (and possibly frightened) at what they can tell you about your audience.
Promote the social media channels through traditional means when possible. If you are going to use social media as a church, tell your members and guests about it. Put the logos and usernames for your accounts on bulletins, newsletters, and promotional materials. If you want your members and guests to engage with you online, they need to know where to find you.
What would you add to this list? Where has your church found success in social media?
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July 29, 2015
Five Keys to an Incredible Greeters’ Ministry
It’s the one thing all churches can do to reach more people, but it’s one thing most churches give little attention.
Most churches can take five simple steps to create and/or improve their greeters’ ministry and potentially see dramatic results. Let me give you a simple example of the potential impact.
A church of 200 in worship attendance may get 150 first-time guests in a year. Can you imagine the transformation that would take place if one-half of those guests connected with the church and became a part of the congregation? The church of 200 in attendance would become a church of 275 in attendance – in one year!
In our surveys of first-time guests, we hear repeatedly that one of the keys that caused them to return was a friendly first impression. Like it or not, it’s often a make or break issue for the guest.
So how can you be certain that your greeters are doing everything possible to provide an incredible first-time impression? Here are five “best practices” where churches have dynamic greeter ministries, and where the return rate of guests is high.
Train your greeters. Most church greeters have had no training, and it is often painfully obvious. The simple process of training makes a dramatic difference in this ministry. Here is a link to the training we provide at LifeWay.
Create alternating teams of greeters. I recommend greeters serve in their place of ministry every other month. The rotation helps them keep a fresh perspective and avoid burnout. Of course, a greeter in the “off” cycle can fill in for another greeter when needed.
Treat the ministry as a major ministry of the church. In some churches, the greeters’ ministry has second-class status. Those churches that are highly effective in retaining first-time guests understand the importance of this ministry. The leaders recruit highly-competent and highly-motivated church members for it.
Make visits to other churches a regular part of the greeters’ training. I recommend greeters attend a different church about once a quarter. They should write down their experiences, good and bad, to share with others in the greeters’ ministry.
Have quarterly greeters’ meetings. The primary purpose of this meeting is to hear about the visits to other churches. It is not a meeting just for the sake of meeting.
I am asked regularly about the most effective ways to reach people in churches. Most churches have not made a significant commitment in training and resourcing greeters. That one simple but significant step could make a huge difference in the numbers reached for the gospel each year.
Share with me what you have learned about greeters’ ministries, good or bad. What do you think of the five keys I named? What would you add?
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July 28, 2015
How Involved Should a Minister Be in the Community? – Rainer on Leadership #145
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On today’s episode, we discuss ministry involvement in the community for church leaders. We also reminisce about a few small festivals and town nicknames.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
There has been a notable shift in how pastors and ministers connect in the community.
Most ministers are probably not involved sufficiently in the community.
You shouldn’t treat your community involvement as a siloed activity. Connect it to your ministry in the church.
Some of the least used facilities in the nation are church buildings. Explore partnerships with community groups to use your facilities.
Churches and ministers should have a presence at major community events and festivals.
The 8 guidelines for connecting in the community are:
Most ministers are not involved sufficiently
“Explore” your community
Align your community involvement with your gifts and passions
Tether your community involvement to your church ministry function
Develop social relationships with those who are not already members of your church
Attend significant community events
Don’t isolate yourself from other ministers through your community involvement
Realize opportunities for prayer
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. 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
How Many Hours Must a Pastor Work to Satisfy the Congregation?
Get Out: Student Ministry in the Real World
The post How Involved Should a Minister Be in the Community? – Rainer on Leadership #145 appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
July 27, 2015
I Am a Grateful Pastor
I am a grateful pastor.
I admit I get discouraged at times. And I admit that I can get frustrated and weary as well.
But I have so much for which to be grateful. There are so many church members who bring me joy and encouragement.
I am a grateful pastor.
I am grateful for the church member with a great attitude, the one who encourages me, who prays for me, and has a ready smile for me.
I am a grateful pastor.
I am grateful for that church member in worship services almost every week. He has his Bible open and his heart open to hear God’s Word proclaimed.
I am a grateful pastor.
I am grateful for the lady who is in a Bible study group every week. She loves to study the Word of God in fellowship with others.
I am a grateful pastor.
I am grateful for the young mom who serves in the church with joy and commitment. She is busy, and her family does come first, but she makes time for her church as well.
I am a grateful pastor.
I am grateful for that dear man living his retirement years sharing the gospel wherever he can. He is a witness in both word and deed.
I am a grateful pastor.
I am grateful for that single mom who gives abundantly. I know she has to stretch her dollars, but she trusts God and is generous without hesitation.
I am a grateful pastor.
I am grateful for that business executive who was tempted to drop out of the church but didn’t. He was hurt by other church members, but he chose to forgive and to stay.
I am a grateful pastor.
I am grateful for the young man who recognized he was playing church games. He committed in God’s power, to become a truly functioning part of the body of Christ. His change is evident
I am a grateful pastor.
I am grateful for that 40-something lady who dropped by my office to tell me she had recommitted her life to making a difference for God through her church. In just a short while, she has touched countless lives.
Indeed, I am a grateful pastor.
I could focus on the tough times and the critics, and sometimes I do. But I have so much for which to be grateful, so many church members who bless me week after week.
I am a grateful pastor.
And I thank you, God, for letting me serve at this great church.
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July 26, 2015
Pray for First Baptist Eureka
Location: Eureka, Kansas
Pastor: Robert Nacci
Weekly Worship: 11:00 AM, Central
Fast Facts: First Baptist Eureka was established in 1887 by a small group of people who desired to have a Bible-believing Baptist church, and was officially organized in 1889. The congregation grew, and a building was dedicated in 1899. That building remains in use to this day. As the years have passed, First Baptist Eureka has stood as a place where the Bible is preached and God is lifted up. Buildings have been added and many people have come through their doors, yet their mission remains the same. Please pray for the continued growth and community impact of First Baptist Eureka and their upcoming missions conference this October.
Website: FirstBaptistEureka.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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July 25, 2015
Notable Voices: July 25, 2015
The One Growth Obstacle Churches Don’t Admit — Sam Rainer
Some growth obstacles are easy to recognize in a church. But unlike lack of parking, inadequate worship space, a transitioning community, or limited budget resources, this obstacle is more subtle.
Top 10 Résumé Mistakes from a Recent Children’s Minister Search — Eric McKiddie
These issues aren’t just problems for those looking for children’s ministry jobs. They are mistakes made by those applying for any job. And the people making them typically don’t end up being chosen for the position.
Will Millennials Be the Generation to Ban Abortion? — Chris Martin
I have high hopes for the Millennial generation, and so does Chris. Do they have it in them to lead the charge to ban abortion in America? Only time will tell.
The Pastor’s Personal Holiness — Jason Helopoulos
To lead people toward holiness as a church, a pastor must first be pursuing holiness in his personal life.
What if You Preach a Bad Sermon? — Brian Croft
You will preach a bad sermon. It will happen. So it’s best to know how to respond.
Why Churches Need Better Pastor Searches — Vanderbloemen Search Group
The post Notable Voices: July 25, 2015 appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
July 24, 2015
The Anatomy of a Sick Church – Rainer on Leadership #144
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On today’s episode, we explain the 10 symptoms found in sick churches. Some may exhibit a few of these—others may exhibit all of them. Jonathan also shares an idea for a church food blog.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
Churches without a joyous spirit are most likely to be ones in decline.
There needs to be a way to measure evangelistic fruit in your church.
A church with a conversion ratio higher than 40:1 is showing symptoms of evangelistic sickness.
Social ministry without sharing the gospel within the ministry context will not lead to evangelistic growth.
Consider hosting ESL classes on Sunday mornings as an entry point to worship services.
Church guest information cards have become too complicated and often ask too much information.
The 10 symptoms found in a sick church are:
Declining worship attendance.
Decline in frequency of attendance of church members.
Lack of joy and vibrancy in the worship service.
Little evangelistic fruit.
Low community impact.
More meetings than ministry.
Acrimonious business meetings.
Very few guests in worship services.
Worship wars.
Unrealistic expectations of pastoral care.
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. 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
Autopsy of a Deceased Church
Breakout Churches
The Number One Reason for Decline in Church Attendance
I Am a Church Member
The post The Anatomy of a Sick Church – Rainer on Leadership #144 appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
July 23, 2015
10 Reasons Believers Should Take Care of Themselves Physically
By Chuck Lawless
I confess that I don’t always take care of myself as I should. I have to work hard to maintain a healthy weight, keep my blood pressure down, etc. As a Christian, though, I see this issue as more a spiritual one than a physical one. Here are some reasons believers need to take care of ourselves:
We are created in God’s image. The Bible is quite clear here – we are made in the image of the Creator. That image was marred in the fall of Adam and Eve, but not destroyed. That fact alone should give us reason to take care of ourselves.
This body is the only one we have. This point might sound silly, but sometimes we live as if we have bodies to spare. When this one is worn out, we don’t have a replacement until the day of resurrection.
Poor discipline is a bad witness. It’s hard to tell people to be disciplined in their Bible study, prayer life, giving, etc., when they can look at us and see we are undisciplined in exercise and eating. A lack of effort in one area of life is often indicative of problems in other areas.
Bad health is costly. Eventually, the costs of poor health add up. Medical bills pile up. Insurance costs increase. Moreover, bad health makes us less productive at work. Others are forced then to carry some of our load.
Our families deserve better. Frankly, it’s unloving not to take care of ourselves. Our families worry about us when we struggle to climb steps or find clothes to fit. Our love for them ought to motivate us to do better.
Being out of shape might indicate idolatry. Those words might be difficult to hear, but they’re necessary ones. If we cannot push away from food in order to take care of our bodies, we must ask if something other than God has become our god.
Better health = more energy to do God’s work. God’s work is not easy. Those of us in ministry know that the burdens are sometimes heavy. The hours are often long. Being out of shape makes the work only that much more difficult.
Proper care requires rest – and it’s biblical to get rest. God expects us to take time off, focus on Him, and enjoy His blessings. In fact, not taking time to rest can be self-centered (that is, we think we must be doing everything). I struggle here, but I’m learning.
We might be called to the mission field. Many missions organizations will not consider sending someone who is out of shape. The work is often rigorous, and the stresses of cross-cultural living are only compounded by poor health.
Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. This truth is difficult to comprehend, but God really does live within us (1 Cor. 6:19). He who created us and indwells us expects us to be wise stewards of the body He gave us.
Maybe you want to make a commitment to take better care of yourself. If so, tell us how we can pray for you.
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.
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