Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 280

Pray for South Baptist Church

Location: Staten Island, New York

Pastor: Raymond Stagno

Weekly Worship: 11:00 AM Eastern

Fast Facts: For over 150 years the mission of South Baptist Church has been to proclaim a living Christ to people, helping them find their place in Him and His church, that they may develop a Christian lifestyle of purity and purpose, to the praise of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Please pray for their weekly discipleship program which resumed this week for the Spring as well as their tract ministry which restarted this past week as well. Also pray for growth and the Lord’s direction in their upcoming leadership decisions and pending minor construction project.

Website: SouthBaptistChurch.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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Notable Voices: January 24, 2014

Husbands, Pray with Your Wives — Wendy Alsup

Husbands, your first priority is leadership in your home. Praying with, and for, your wife should be at the center of that.

 

9 Surefire Ways to Make Your Church Completely Ineffective — Carey Nieuwhof

No pastor wants their church to be ineffective. In fact, if the Spirit’s work is at all present in a church, it will not be completely ineffective. But these nine warnings listed by Carey can really quench the Spirit’s work in a church.

 

4 Advantages of Offering Online Giving Options or Churches — Grace Robinson

I’ll be writing more on this subject in the near future, but if you’re contemplating offering online giving at your church, this article is well worth the read.

 

7 Recommendations for Those Studying to be a Pastor — Ron Edmondson

In addition to reading this article, if you’re studying to be a pastor, you should just read everything Ron writes.

 

5 Reasons Not to Use Gender-Based Jokes in the Pulpit — Rob Dixon

This is a wise caution for pastors. Gender-based jokes can have a negative impact on you, your sermon, and your church.

 

What to Do With Hate Mail — Deepak Reju

What do you do when you get hate mail? Deepak offers six suggestions.

 

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15 Church Trends for 2015 – Rainer on Leadership #092

Podcast Episode #092

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Trend prediction is both an art and a science. It is a science in the sense that I utilize the good objective research of credible research organizations like LifeWay Research and others. It is an art in that I depend on observations, anecdotal information, and ongoing interaction with church leaders and members.

At the beginning of every year, I attempt to present to you the major trends for congregations for the coming twelve months. I review my predictions from previous years to see how accurate I am. I have come to two conclusions. First, I am far from perfect in my predictions. Second, I do have a decent track record.

Some of my trends are called “tipping points.” Formally defined, a tipping point is the critical moment in an evolving situation that leads to a new and somewhat permanent reality. In simple terms, a tipping point here means that something has changed in our churches to the point that it appears to be permanent.

So this week, Jonathan and I cover my 15 trends for 2015.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

The Millennial generation is almost insisting on smaller worship gatherings.
A larger percentage of church attendees are attending larger churches.
The multi-teaching pastor trend we are seeing in churches is a healthy trend for pastors and churches.
In 2015, less than 5% of churches in America will continue to hold a separate Sunday evening service.
The majority of churches in America have been isolated from their community in recent years. But that is changing.
Denominations are becoming more streamlined with more money going to the mission field.
A church that does not put an emphasis on small groups is likely not a healthy church.

The 15 trends to look for in 2015 are:

More partnerships between denominations and churches.
Continued increased in the number of multi-site churches.
Smaller worship gatherings.
Continued flow of people from smaller churches to larger churches.
The tipping point for a plurality of teaching pastors.
The tipping point of churches eliminating Sunday evening worship services.
Congregations growing in favor in their respective communities.
The beginnings of prayer movement in our churches.
More emphasis on congregational singing.
More focus on theological education in local churches.
The waning and reconfiguration of denominational structures.
A rapid increase in bivocational church staff.
Increased difficulty in matching prospective pastors with churches with pastoral vacancies.
Growth of verbal incarnational evangelism.
The tipping point for small groups.

Episode Sponsor

This podcast was brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry program. If you want more out of your ministry, want to study with a world-class faculty and need to stay where you currently serve, the DMin at Southeastern is the answer for you. Visit SEBTS.EDU/DMIN for more information.

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 Autopsy of a Deceased Church.

Resources

Fifteen Trends for Churches for 2015, Part 1
Fifteen Trends for Churches in 2015, Part 2
Trends in Pastoral Job Searches and Succession
Tony Merida on Church Planting, Bivocational Pastors, & Orphan Care

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15 Ways to Take Care of Guest Speakers

By Chuck Lawless

I am privileged to speak in dozens of churches each year. Most churches take good care of me, but some churches go the extra mile. When that happens, it’s fun to tell others about a congregation that is thoughtful and thorough in their approach toward guest speakers.

As your church considers guest speakers, here is a sample list of steps these churches have taken:

Following up with correspondence to clarify expectations. Most of the invitations I receive come via email. It always helps when a follow up includes details about the assigned topic (if there is one), travel, lodging, speaking time limitations, and media possibilities.
Asking about honorarium and expenses up front. I do not have a set honorarium expectation. I do assume, however, that a church that invites me to speak will cover my expenses. Not having that conversation ahead of time – preferably at the church’s initiative – puts the speaker in an awkward position of wondering.
Contacting me directly – often via a phone call from a leader – to contextualize the assignment. I like to approach my opportunities missiologically—that is, I want my approach to meet the specific context of the church. That’s easier to do when someone gives me details about recent sermon topics, current needs, and future plans prior to my preparation.
Providing a specific point person. The process is always easier when I or my assistant communicates with only one person. The level of confusion is almost always directly proportionate to the number of people involved in the planning conversations.
Offering a choice of lodging. One church gave me these options: a hotel, a church member’s home with a “hotel-style” guest room, or the home of a church member interested in missions. My preference is almost always a hotel room, but I am grateful when the church discusses options with me prior to making lodging decisions.
Inviting my spouse to come. The church that makes that offer affirms my wife’s partnership in my ministry and makes it easier for me to accept the invitation. One organization with whom I’ve worked – an organization with budget challenges – offers to cover my wife’s expenses in lieu of providing a speaking honorarium. I take that offer so my wife may be with me.
Sending prayer cards prior to my arrival. It means something special when I receive prayer notes prior to my time with the church. A card that says, “Dr. Lawless, we’re praying that God will do mighty things” is incredibly encouraging.
Providing a specific host while I’m at the church. Too often, I arrive at the church wondering who will meet me there. The day is much easier if a host greets me, takes me to the proper place, and guides me throughout the event.
Verifying data before introducing me. Internet data and bio information are not always accurate. For missionaries serving in dangerous areas, providing a full written or recorded introduction may be risky. In other cases, pronunciation of names is difficult. Confirming the information first will help avoid embarrassing situations later.
Giving a personalized gift basket. Many churches provide a gift basket with water, snacks, and a local souvenir. The churches I remember most are those who provide a basket with my favorite beverages and snacks. To know they sought that information ahead of time is humbling and affirming.
Sending flowers to my spouse. When I’m away from home for several days, imagine my wife’s surprise when the church sends flowers to thank her for her support. We do not have children at home, but I am aware of churches that provide small gifts for children as well.
Guaranteeing speaking time. If a speaker is invited to speak for 45 minutes, the best churches make sure that time is available. To invite a speaker but then reduce his/her time is disrespectful.
Guarding “down time” in the schedule. Most speakers want to be accessible as needed, but we usually need breaks (especially those of us who are introverts). Giving us time to rejuvenate without feeling guilty for having “alone time” will make us better speakers.
If providing an honorarium and expenses, giving separate checks for tax purposes. Record keeping is never fun, but it’s much easier if the church clearly differentiates the payments.
Offering a follow up report. After we prepare, pray, and present, seldom do we hear how the Lord may have used our efforts beyond the event itself. A simple email report sometime later can provide much needed encouragement and inspiration.

What other ways would you recommend to take good care of guest speakers?

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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Six Observations about Speaking to Pastors Right Before They Preach

For most pastors, preaching is one of the most important facets of their ministries. It is that time when they get to expound on God’s Word. Much of their training has focused on preaching, and they often spend 15 to 20 hours preparing each sermon.

Pastors, with few exceptions, love their church members. They desire to serve their congregants well. They desire to be gracious and friendly to those who approach them. That is why most of them would be highly reticent to say what I am about to say.

Many times pastors get very distracted and even discouraged when someone speaks to them right before they preach. Let me elaborate in my usual fashion by making six observations.

The time right before pastors preach is a time of prayerful focus for them. They have put hours into the message. They have prayed that God will use their message. That is the frame of mind where you will find most pastors right before they preach.
If you speak to the pastor at that time, consider giving a word of encouragement or prayer support. I still remember to this day Frances Mason speaking to me right before I preached when I was a pastor in Birmingham. She would typically say something like, “Pastor, I prayed for a special anointing for you this morning.” I could feel my spirits being lifted immediately after she spoke to me.
Consider holding back any criticisms of your pastor right before the sermon. Can you imagine how you would feel if someone said something very critical of you right before you spoke? It happens to pastors all the time. If you feel like you must criticize your pastor, please consider doing so at another time.
Consider holding back your request of your pastor to make an announcement. Pastors are intensely focused on what they are about to preach. It can be a difficult distraction for them to remember your announcement even if you write it out for them. Indeed, any last minute announcement request is likely not a good idea.
Consider asking someone other than your pastor to handle a problem right before the sermon. One of my most memorable (but not pleasant) moments as a pastor was a lady running up to me as I was approaching the pulpit to preach. She had one thing to say to me: “You need to do something. The toilet is overflowing in the ladies restroom.”
If possible, consider introducing people to your pastor after the sermon. I understand that such a practice is not always possible. Sometimes pastors have to move from one service to the next, and they are not able to speak to people after the service. Again, hold off the distraction of introducing people unless there is no other opportunity.

Please understand my perspective. I am writing as a former pastor and not on behalf of anyone who has asked me to write on this topic. Most of our pastors are godly and gracious, and would never ignore someone who approached them. I am simply requesting that you consider the timing and content of such conversations.

Let me hear from you on this issue.

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How to Lead a Staff Meeting Well — Rainer on Leadership #091

Podcast Episode #091

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Staff meetings can often turn into death by meeting. However, when led effectively, they are actually productivity by meeting. Today, we cover eight keys to leading a staff meeting well.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

Every church should have some kind of information card to gather guest or member info and prayer requests.
Most meetings have a point of diminishing return at the 60-minute mark.
Don’t meet for the sake of meeting. If you don’t have agenda items, don’t meet.
Consider the personalities in your meetings. Know who needs to be asked to share and who shares openly.
One of the reasons many view meetings with dread is because they don’t feel like anything is accomplished.
Never end a meeting wondering “where do we go from here.”

The eight keys to effectively leading a staff meeting are:

Begin with prayer.
Have a clear and disciplined starting and finishing time.
Take some early time to talk about personal and family issues.
Have a prepared agenda and stick with it.
Keep the meeting moving.
Allow for input.
Ask questions.
End each meeting with clarity, assignments, and deadlines.

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 Autopsy of a Deceased Church.

Resources

Next: Pastoral Succession That Works
Evernote
Google Docs

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Eight Reasons Why Some Full-time Pastors and Staff Should Go Bivocational

Some of you reading this post may need to get a new job. At least you may need to get an additional job.

Without a doubt, many churches will always need full-time vocational pastors and church staff. I am not suggesting all of you, even the majority of you, should go bivocational. But I do believe more of you should consider this path. Allow me to offer eight reasons why:

A secular or marketplace job will put you in the middle of culture on a regular basis. Opportunities to develop relationships with non-believers will be greater. Opportunities to minister to people who would not set foot in a church will be greater as well.
Full-time pastors and church staff often get missionally stale in their “holy huddles.” Perhaps the best way to break out of that Christian-only huddle is to be employed in a secular position.
Smaller churches are increasingly unable to afford full-time pastors or staff. I have written on this site a few times about the flow of people from smaller churches to larger churches. As resources depart from the smaller churches, so do their ability to pay a pastor or staff person full-time. But these churches still need pastors.
The digital world is offering more opportunities for flexible secular jobs than ever. I recently spoke to an IT professional who is also a pastor of a church. He spends about 25 hours a week in his IT job. He has declined good full-time opportunities in secular jobs because he wants to stay a tentmaker. I spoke to another staff person of a church who is an entrepreneur in the digital world. Those kinds of opportunities are growing every day.
More churches are moving toward multiple teaching/preaching pastors. What was once common in large churches is now becoming increasingly common in medium and small churches. Many of these teaching pastors are in churches that cannot afford a second full-time pastor.
More churches would like to expand staff, but don’t have the resources to do so. This issue is similar to #5 above, but here it refers to bivocational positions other than a lead pastor or teaching pastor. By the way, this approach allows church leaders to “raise up” people within their own churches—people they know and trust.
A bivocational pastor or church staff can have greater freedom than a person in a full-time role. One of the “secrets” of church life is that many pastors and church staff are hindered from leading because their jobs would be in jeopardy. That is an unpleasant but clear and present reality. If a pastor or staff person has a job with other income, he or she may feel the freedom to move forward without succumbing to such pressure.
A bivocational pastor or staff person has transferrable skills. A number of full-time church leaders have never worked outside of vocational ministry. They don’t understand the business and secular world. Bivocational ministers have secular skills they can use in their churches. They also have skills to support themselves if they find themselves no longer employed with their churches.

Bivocational ministry is a clear and definitive trend in church life. Some of the reasons for its growth are not that healthy. But many are. It is a great opportunity to make a greater difference in this culture in which we live. It is really a great opportunity to be a missionary on the field.

What do you of think of this issue? What are you seeing in your church and others?

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Pray for Calvary Community Church of North Olmsted

Location: North Olmsted, Ohio

Pastor: James Sperry

Weekly Worship: 10:00 AM, Eastern

Fast Facts: Calvary Community Church has set Malachi 3:10 as their verse for the year in 2015. They are praying God would revive them, and that His salvation would spread throughout the community. Small groups have become very effective for CCC. They have a very high involvement among the congregation in small groups. Please pray that God would add to the small groups new people—unchurched people. Also pray that the number of small groups at CCC would multiply. Finally, pray that they do not lose their joy in God and that they will grow in conviction that the perfect place to serve Him is where He has placed CCC.

Website: www.calvarycommunityohio.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 Calvary Community Church of North Olmsted appeared first on ThomRainer.com.

Notable Voices: January 17, 2015

5 Reasons Why Young Leaders Should Cherish Parenthood — Art Rainer

While many Millennial parents are waiting until they are older to have children, Art shares five reasons why parenthood is something to be cherished, not avoided.

 

7 Essentials for Effective Sermon Preparation — Wayne McDill

A good sermon preparation system is critical to effectively communicating God’s Word every week. Wayne’s seven essentials will help you do just that.

 

Millennials Must Not Be the Future of Your Church — Chris Martin

Many churches are going over and above to try and reach Millennials. But while you should be reaching them, as Chris states, the future of your church must not be Millennials, it must be disciples.

 

5 Simple Ways to Teach Your Kids Theology — Aaron Earls

Instructing ones children in the faith is one of the most important things a parent does. Aaron provides five ways this can be done in everyday life.

 

The 37 Best Business Books I’ve Ever Read — Michael Hyatt

Michael provides quite a comprehensive list here.

 

Incoming Seminary Students – Why Are They Here? — Greg Henson

This data is a couple years old, but the infographic came to my attention this week and caught my eye. It provides a detailed look at why students choose to attend a specific seminary seminary.

 

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10 Key Leadership Lessons, featuring Brad Lomenick – Rainer on Leadership #090

Podcast Episode #090

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Today, we welcome Brad Lomenick to the podcast. In this episode, we cover a recent blog post Brad wrote, 10 Key Leadership Lessons I’ve Learned over the Last Year in Handing off Catalyst.

Brad Lomenick is an Oklahoma native and the former director of Catalyst, a movement of young leaders focused on equipping, inspiring, and releasing the next generation of young Christian leaders through events, resources, consulting, content and connecting a community of like-minded Catalysts all over the world. He is also the author of The Catalyst Leader released in April 2013, and will be releasing a follow up book in September of 2015 entitled H3 Leadership.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

Type-A leaders often lose themselves in pursuit of purpose and the passion fades.
It’s easy for leaders to wrongly place their identity in what they do instead of who they are.
Your job is not your calling. Your calling is a purpose. Your job is an assignment.
Our work rhythms need to include rest as well.
A sign of a good leader is that those around you flourish as well.
A sigh of great leadership is that your fruit will grow on other people’s trees.

The 10 key leadership lessons we cover are:

I got my smile back.
What I do is not who I am. 
Getting out of the way is part of my responsibility as a leader. 
Calling is demonstrated and reflected by seasons, and specific assignments within that season. 
Margin matters.
I’m not winning if the people closest to me and working with me and for me are not fully flourishing. 
Pruning is not fun, but is required if you want to lead. 
My leadership was stale.
Good fruit is required.
Faithfulness and stewardship is the measure of ultimate success. 

Episode Sponsor

This week’s podcast is brought to you by Pastors Today. This weekly newsletter provides pastors with resources and information from around the web written specifically for pastors. For more information and to subscribe, visit lifeway.com/pastorstoday.

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 Autopsy of a Deceased Church.

Resources

Catalyst
The Catalyst Leader
H3 Leadership
10 Key Leadership Lessons I’ve Learned over the Last Year in Handing off Catalyst

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