Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 302
June 27, 2014
Friday Is for Freebies: Autopsy of a Deceased Church
This month, my giveaways are featuring my new book, Autopsy of a Deceased Church.
For more than twenty-five years, I’ve helped churches grow, reverse the trends of decline, and autopsied those that have died. From my experiences, I have discovered twelve consistent themes among those churches that have died. Yet, it’s not gloom and doom because from those twelve themes, lessons on how to keep your church alive have emerged.
Whether your church is vibrant or dying, whether you are a pastor or a church member, Autopsy of a Deceased Church will walk you through the radical paths necessary to keep your church alive to the glory of God and advancement of Christ’s Kingdom.
Also included is the black, genuine leather version of the HCSB Study Bible, a comprehensive, easy to read, and easy to use Bible, with features and formats specifically designed to enhance your Bible study experience. You can also go to MyStudyBible.com and dive right in for a complete digital experience.
This Bible has a retail price of $79.99 and features 15,000 study notes, 290 Hebrew and Greek word studies, 66 highly detailed book introductions, 62 maps, 27 topical articles, 20 charts, and 18 illustrations, all focusing on the most important topics and questions in Bible study.
Enter this week’s Friday Is for Freebies giveaway
To enter this week’s giveaway, fill out the form below. Entries will be closed at midnight Saturday night. We will contact the winner via email on Monday morning. Entrants may receive occasional promotional emails from ThomRainer.com.
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The post Friday Is for Freebies: Autopsy of a Deceased Church appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
June 26, 2014
Notable Voices – June 26, 2014
Join Jonathan Howe and me next Tuesday morning for a 90-minute discussion about church health, church membership, and much more. Pastors, I would encourage you to gather your staff to watch as a group if at all possible. We will be giving away cases of I Am a Church Member and Autopsy of a Deceased Church as well as a leader kit for my latest Bible study, Connected. The entire 90 minutes will be guided by your questions, so submit your questions today.
When Elmer Refuses to Change – Sam Rainer
Drucker’s famous quote “Culture eats strategy for breakfast” is often quite apparent between divergent generations within the church. Sam shares how to embrace the wisdom of older generations while tapping into the energy of younger ones.
3 Ways to Reach Unbelieving Millennials – Chris Martin
This new blog focuses on how the church can engage Millennials and how they will shape the future of Evangelicalism. In this opening post, Chris points out three simple ways churches can reach unbelieving Millennials.
You’ll Never Believe What’s Drawing Millennials to Church – Meredith Flynn
Speaking of reaching Millennials, in this feature story on Capitol Hill Baptist Church, the secret ingredient seems to be orderliness.
Building a Successful Team – Selma Wilson
Selma has consistently built great teams to lead. These eight steps will help you construct an effective team as well.
Eight Longings for a Culture of Evangelism – Joseph Rodriguez
I’m encouraged by the renewed emphasis on evangelism I have seen in many books, publications, conferences, and events this year. And like other communal aspects of the church, evangelism is more effective when it’s part of a church’s culture than if it’s done by just a few individual members.
Want to Lead? Better Learn to Follow: Jimmy Collins, Former President and COO of Chick-fil-A – John Kramp
In this podcast episode, John Kramp interviews former Chick-fil-A COO Jimmy Collins about the importance of following when leading.
The post Notable Voices – June 26, 2014 appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
June 25, 2014
Seven Reasons the Pastor’s Salary Can Be a Source of Tension
If you want a lively discussion, then the topic of the pastor’s salary can usually meet that need. I have discussed this issue in the past on both my blog and my podcast. In both cases, the conversation was, well, interesting.
So why does this topic seem to evoke strong emotions in some pastors and church members? I have seen at least seven reasons it does so.
The pastor’s salary is often public information. In some cases, the entire church sees the amount on a regular basis. In other cases, certain members have ongoing access to the information. The constant availability of the information can engender discussion.
Some church members view a low salary as a necessary tool for the pastor’s humility. No, I am not kidding. But I bet those people would not like the same humility for themselves.
There continues to be a misunderstanding of the pastor’s “package.” In the secular world, there is a clear distinction between salaries and benefits and expenses. But in many churches, benefits, such as retirement and health insurance, and expenses, such as automobile reimbursement, are lumped together. It thus makes the pastor’s salary seem higher than it really is.
Critics of the pastor often use the salary as a lever to make life miserable for the pastor. Many of the critics understand that the topic is sensitive to the pastor. So they use that lever to inflict greater pain.
There is a misperception among some church members that the pastor is overpaid. That reality is a rare exception. Most pastors are by no means overpaid. Some church members will use one bad example to paint a broad stroke about all pastors.
Family members can be embarrassed by this issue. I told the story recently about living in a parsonage when I was a pastor. A deacon showed up at the house to tell me that our utility bill was too high, and that my wife needed to stop using the clothes dryer and put up a clothes line. We would later find out that our air conditioning unit was not functioning properly; it was the source of the energy drain.
There is a misperception that pastors work very little. Most pastors work extremely long workweeks. But if a church member really believes a pastor only works ten hours a week, the per hour wage can seem rather high.
Most pastors are not overpaid. Most pastors work long hours. Most pastors are certainly not in the ministry for the money. But the tension on the pastor’s salary continues to exist in many congregations.
I would love to hear your comments about this issue. Also, as a “thank you” to my readers, my son, Art Rainer, and I have written a brief article on the pastor’s salary. Please download it with my gratitude.
The post Seven Reasons the Pastor’s Salary Can Be a Source of Tension appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
June 24, 2014
10 Questions for a Six-Month Spiritual Checkup
By Chuck Lawless
It’s hard to believe that almost ½ of 2014 is now gone. Rather than worry about days past, though, let’s focus on preparing for the rest of the year. Use this list as a spiritual checkup to evaluate your walk, and then let us know how we might pray for you.
Are you reading the Bible daily? If you adopted an annual reading plan at the beginning of 2014, is your reading up to date? If not, take time this week to caught up. You might choose, if necessary, to adjust your plan – but still read daily. If you did not adopt a plan in January, pick a strategy for rest of the year.
Are you praying daily? Are you praying regularly and recurrently (1 Thess. 5:17)? Do you pray for those in authority, including government and church leaders (1 Tim. 2:2)? Are you praying by name for other believers to speak the gospel boldly and clearly (Eph. 6:18-20, Col. 4:2-4)? Do you pray for your enemies (Matt. 5:44)?
How often have you shared the gospel this year? Is the gospel so striking to you that you cannot keep it to yourself? Have you reached beyond the church world to develop gospel-centered relationships with unbelievers? For what non-believers are you praying as Paul did (Rom. 10:1)? Ask God to increase your burden for lost people (Rom. 9:1-3) throughout the remainder of this year.
Are you faithfully fighting sin in your life? Be honest – have you experienced victory over sin this year? Is there a sin that continually haunts you even though you’ve sought to overcome it? If so, what steps do you still need to take this year? Confess that sin to someone? Seek accountability? Simply repent?
What scriptures have you memorized this year? Do you echo the desire of the psalmist: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You” (Psalm 19:14)? Based on your memorization of God’s Word this year, would I conclude that you treasure God’s Word in your heart (Psalm 119:9-11)?
Are you serving faithfully in a local church? The church is much more than a place to attend; it is a family that loves us and provokes us to good works (Heb. 10:24). Through the first half of 2014, have you used your spiritual gifts as a member of a local body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:1-11, 1 Pet. 4:10)? Are you supporting His work financially? Commit today to invest yourself in God’s church throughout the rest of 2014.
Are you exhibiting the work of the flesh or the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:19-23)? Here, allow the Word to guide your self-evaluation: “Now the works of the flesh are obvious:sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy,drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. . . . But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,gentleness, self-control.” Which traits most characterize your life today?
Who is walking more with God because of your influence this year? That is, are you making disciples? Have you purposefully pointed away from self to direct others to follow the Son of God (John 1:29)? Or, to ask the question in the negative, is there anyone who walks less with God today because of your example and influence this year?
What steps have you taken to spread the gospel to the nations? The Great Commission is a global calling (Matt. 28:18-20), even for those not called to go to the nations full-time. Have you intentionally studied about God’s work around the world this year? Are you praying for missionaries by name? Are you fully open to taking a mission trip this year or next?
How would your family assess you as a family member and a believer this year? Those who live with us are most equipped to evaluate our spiritual walk. If I were to ask your family about your walk with God, what would they say? Would they say your life – all of it, including behind the scenes – models Christ? If not, decide today what steps you will take the next six months.
Regardless of what you learn in this evaluation, God is a God of new beginnings (2 Cor. 5:17) – which means you may recommit yourself to Him today.
How might we pray for you as He grants you a start to the second part of this year?
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 10 Questions for a Six-Month Spiritual Checkup appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
June 23, 2014
Autopsy of a Burned Out Pastor: 13 Lessons
Perhaps the autopsy metaphor is not the best choice. After all, the person is not deceased. But the pastor who is burned out feels like life is draining out. Unfortunately, I have spoken with too many pastors for whom burnout is a reality or a near reality.
What lessons can we learn from those pastors who burned out? Allow me to share 13 lessons I have learned from those who have met this fate. They are in no particular order.
The pastor would not say “no” to requests for time. Being a short-term people pleaser became a longer-term problem.
The pastor had no effective way to deal with critics. I plan to deal with this issue more in the future. What types of systems do effective leaders put in place to deal with criticisms so they respond when necessary, but don’t deplete their emotional reservoirs?
The pastor served a dysfunctional church. Any pastor who leads a church that remains dysfunctional over a long period of time is likely headed toward burnout.
The pastor did little or no physical exercise. I understand this dilemma, because I have been there in the recent past.
The pastor did not have daily Bible time. I continue to be amazed, but not surprised, how this discipline affects our spiritual health, our emotional health, and our leadership ability.
The pastor’s family was neglected. “If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?” (1 Timothy 3:5, HCSB).
The pastor rarely took a day off. No break in the routine and demands of pastoring is a path for burnout.
The pastor rarely took a vacation. Again, the issues are similar to the failure to take a day off.
The pastor never took a sabbatical. After several years of the intense demands of serving a church, a sabbatical of a few weeks is critical to the emotional, spiritual, and physical health of a pastor.
The pastor never learned effective relational and leadership skills. When that is the case, conflict and weak vocational performance are inevitable. That, in turn, leads to burnout.
The pastor was negative and argumentative. Negativity and an argumentative spirit drain a pastor. That negativity can be expressed in conversations, sermons, blogs, or any communication venue. Argumentative pastors are among the first to experience burnout.
The pastor was not a continuous learner. Pastors who fail to learn continuously are not nearly as energized as those who do. Again, this disposition can lead to burnout.
The pastor was not paid fairly. Financial stress can lead to burnout quickly. I will address this issue again in my next post.
Many pastors are leaving ministry because they have experienced burnout. Many others are just on the edge of burnout. Pastors need our continuous support and prayers. And they themselves need to avoid the thirteen issues noted here.
Please let me know what you think of these factors. And feel free to add your comments and questions to this conversation.
The post Autopsy of a Burned Out Pastor: 13 Lessons appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
June 22, 2014
Pray for Emmaus Church
Location: Winter Garden, Florida
Pastor: Rev. David C. Netzorg
Weekly Worship: 6:00 PM Eastern Time
Fast Facts: Emmaus Church is a church plant (planted 2 1/2 years ago) that seeks to reach its community with the gospel and love of Christ. They started with a core group of about 35 and are currently averaging about 65. Their children’s ministry has grown rapidly over the last year with the addition of some new families, and families having babies. Please pray for their Men’s Ministry event they are hosting this Fall. The event will focus on dangerous freedom as men in Christ. Pray that the men of the church would step out in faith to invite friends and neighbors. Also pray for continued growth, unity, and financial abundance to enable Emmaus to have a greater impact on our community for the Kingdom.
Website: EmmausChurchOrlando.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, download this information form and return it to the address on the form.
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June 21, 2014
Six Surprising Traits of Effective Pastors
This blog has looked at characteristics of effective pastors from different perspectives over the past few years. But this information may prove to be a bit surprising.
A couple of caveats are in order. First, the idea of “surprising” can vary from person to person. I think you might be surprised at some of these traits, but you might not be. Second, the term “effective” is nebulous. I am not speaking of size of church or level of fame. I have subjectively noted several dozen pastors whose ministries have been consistent and whose impact in their churches and communities has been positive.
By the way, these same traits could apply to other church staff. Indeed, some of them could apply to any leaders.
I’m omitting the obvious characteristics, like good preaching, strong morals, and faithfulness to family. Those would not be among the surprises.
What, then, are some of the surprising traits? I’m glad you asked.
They are persistent. Their lives could be characterized as “three steps forward, two steps backwards.” They have setbacks, but they remain stubbornly persistent.
They have a good sense of humor. They take their ministries seriously; but they don’t take themselves too seriously.
They are highly intentional about connecting with unchurched persons at least once a week. In fact, weekly intentionality is the norm. They put such interactions on their calendar. They take unchurched people to lunch. They are involved in non-religious community events.
They look in the mirror. These pastors have clear self-awareness. They are not only evaluating themselves constantly, they typically have a trusted advisor who tells them on a regular basis what he or she sees.
They are intentionally consistent learners. These pastors read a lot. They attend conferences. They expand their educational opportunities, both formal and informal.
Their most consistent discipline is daily Bible reading. This time in the Bible is beyond sermon preparation. This discipline is kept with greater rigor than any other discipline in their lives.
Again, these are some of the surprising traits I have noticed in effective pastors.
What do think of these six? What surprises you among them? What would you add?
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June 20, 2014
Nine Rapid Changes in Church Worship Services – Rainer on Leadership #060
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If you were attending a church worship service in 1955 and then returned to the same church in 1975, the changes would be noticeable but not dramatic. Churches were slow to change over that 20-year period. If you, however, attended a church worship service in 2000 and then returned to that same church in 2010, there is a high likelihood you would see dramatic changes in just ten years.
So today, Jonathan and I discuss some of those changes that are happening in worship services. The related post for this topic was one that caused a lot of discussion and at least a little controversy. In this week’s episode, we share some of the reaction to the original post, dive deeper into some of the changes more, and I explain why I hate neckties.
Choirs are disappearing. From 1998 to 2007, the percentage of churches with choirs decreased from 54% to 44%. If that pace holds to this year, the percentage of churches with choirs is only 37%.
Dress is more casual. In many churches, a man wearing a tie in a worship service is now among the few rather than the majority. While the degree of casual dress is contextual, the trend is crossing all geographic and demographic lines.
Screens are pervasive. Some of you remember the days when putting a projection screen in a worship center was considered a sacrilege. Now most churches have screens. And if they have hymnals, the hymnals are largely ignored and the congregants follow along on the screens.
Preaching is longer. I will soon be in the process of gathering this data to make certain the objective research confirms the anecdotal information.
“Multi” is normative. Most congregants twenty years ago attended a Sunday morning worship service where no other Sunday morning alternatives were available. Today, most congregants attend a service that is part of numerous alternatives: multi-services; multi-campuses; multi-sites; and multi-venues.
Attendees are more diverse. The Duke study noted the trend of the decrease in the number of all-white congregations.
Conflict is not increasing. In a recent post, I noted the decreasing frequency of worship wars. The Duke study noted that overall church conflict has not increased over a 20-year period.
More worship attendees are attending larger churches. Churches with an attendance of 400 and up now account for 90% of all worship attendees. Inversely, those churches with an attendance of under 400 only account for 10% of worship attendees.
Sunday evening services are disappearing. This issue has stirred quite a bit of discussion the past few years.
Episode Sponsor
This week’s podcast is brought to you by the Autopsy of a Deceased Church. Whether your church is vibrant or dying, Autopsy of a Deceased Church will walk you through the radical paths necessary to keep your church alive to the glory of God and advancement of Christ’s Kingdom!. Find out more at thomrainer.com/autopsy.
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
Autopsy of a Deceased Church
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Friday Is for Freebies: Autopsy of a Deceased Church
This month, my giveaways are featuring my new book, Autopsy of a Deceased Church.
For more than twenty-five years, I’ve helped churches grow, reverse the trends of decline, and autopsied those that have died. From my experiences, I have discovered twelve consistent themes among those churches that have died. Yet, it’s not gloom and doom because from those twelve themes, lessons on how to keep your church alive have emerged.
Whether your church is vibrant or dying, whether you are a pastor or a church member, Autopsy of a Deceased Church will walk you through the radical paths necessary to keep your church alive to the glory of God and advancement of Christ’s Kingdom.
Also included is the black, genuine leather version of the HCSB Study Bible, a comprehensive, easy to read, and easy to use Bible, with features and formats specifically designed to enhance your Bible study experience. You can also go to MyStudyBible.com and dive right in for a complete digital experience.
This Bible has a retail price of $79.99 and features 15,000 study notes, 290 Hebrew and Greek word studies, 66 highly detailed book introductions, 62 maps, 27 topical articles, 20 charts, and 18 illustrations, all focusing on the most important topics and questions in Bible study.
Enter this week’s Friday Is for Freebies giveaway
To enter this week’s giveaway, fill out the form below. Entries will be closed at midnight Saturday night. We will contact the winner via email on Monday morning. Entrants may receive occasional promotional emails from ThomRainer.com.
RSS and email subscribers should click through to the website to enter.
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After submitting your entry, you will be directed back to the ThomRainer.com homepage. By entering, you acknowledge and accept the terms of the promotion.
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June 19, 2014
Notable Voices: June 19, 2014
10 Tweetable Pieces of Advice for Pastors – Ron Edmondson
I love Ron’s heart for pastors and the church. These tweetable nuggets are encouraging.
Bitter Pills: 4 Unpleasantries that Make for Healthy Churches – Clint Archer
Becoming a healthy church doesn’t come easy. There are difficult choices that will have to be made and sacrifices that will have to be made. But in the end, a healthy church is worth it. Clint illustrates this in his post.
5 Ways to Encourage Cultural Engagement Without Hijacking Your Church – Trevin Wax
As I mention in my latest book, Autopsy of a Deceased Church, churches who become inwardly focused are ones that are headed to decline and death. As Trevin points out in this post, churches must be engaged in their culture.
3 Reasons People Are Not Involved in Your Church – Ed Stetzer
Church membership is about involvement. In fact, a functioning church member who isn’t serving is a paradox. But not everyone is involved in the church. Ed shares three reasons why this happens.
9 Fascinating Facts About People Who Attend Megachurches – Leadership Network
Megachurches have exploded over the past few decades. This research from Leadership Network explains who is attending.
7 Reasons You Should Invite People To Leave Your Church Even Though It Scares You – Carey Nieuwhof
Carey provides seven instances when it actually might be a good thing to have people leave your church.
The post Notable Voices: June 19, 2014 appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
