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Notable Voices – January 23, 2014

The Benefits of a Church Membership Class — Matt Capps

Over the past 10 months, I’ve received numerous emails and tweets from pastors all over the country who have used I Am a Church Member for their starting point to introduce new member classes. Their reasons for doing so are almost identical to the five reasons Matt lists here.

 

Tracking the Church Planting Class of 2010 — Kevin Ezell

Kevin Ezell, president of the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, reports on the church plants started in 2010 through the organization’s church planting initiative. The results are both encouraging and exciting.

 

7 Do’s and Don’ts of Welcoming Guests to Your Congregation — Melody Maxwell

I’ve written before on what it’s like for guests who show up at a church for the first time. Melody’s experiences are right in line with what I discovered as a church consultant.

 

What to Do When People Want a Church to Grow…But Not Change — Carey Nieuwhof

Carey’s post covers a subject similar to my upcoming book, Autopsy of a Deceased Church. Churches often want to grow but are many times unwilling to change to do so—even unto the death of the church.

 

7 Warning Signs a Leader Is About to Crash — Ron Edmonson

Every effective leader battles burnout at some point. Pastors are no exception. That’s why it’s so important to know the warning signs, to recognize them, and to act to avoid burnout.

Ten Common Topics of Church Member Arguments

For many years I served as a consultant to churches and denominations, a role I relinquished when I became president of LifeWay over eight years ago. Part of our consultative process was interviewing church members. Inevitably I would hear issues of concern and issues among church members over which arguments took place.

This blog is a forum for many different voices in the world of Christian churches. But, in different posts, I have heard the same theme of disagreements among church members that I heard in my church consultations. You can see many of those comments in past blog posts.

My purpose in this post is not to offer my own assessment of each argument, just to point out common issues in many churches. You will notice that I don’t mention biblical and theological arguments on this list. Those arguments are pervasive in other blogs, but they typically take place among pastors and theologians. The following, however, are more common among the rank-and-file church members.

Worship and music style. I do believe this long-standing battle is diminishing. But it’s still around, sometimes with intensity.
Volume of music in the services. This issue is, of course, closely related to the first issue. It is, however, a battle unto itself in some churches.
Reasons why churches die. There are many perspectives on this matter, and it often becomes a point of debate in declining churches. Members struggle to discern why their particular churches are declining.
Proper attire for church services. I have never posted on this topic, but that has not stopped some pretty lively comments in posts that are tangentially related at best. I’m still debating whether or not I should give my ties to Goodwill.
Pastors’ salaries. Though the discussion has been lively on posts of this topic, the majority of those commenting desire to see pastors have a better or more adequate income.
Megachurches. I have not posted a qualitative article on megachurches yet. But I have posted lists of large churches. The mere mention of large churches or megachurches seems to draw strongly opinionated church members.
The number of hours a pastor works each week. Sometimes I am surprised by the intensity of comments on some topics. This topic is one of those.
Why people leave a church. Closely related to number three, some church members express strong opinions on why people leave a church. Most of them have strong opinions on how to close the back door as well.
Role of a pastor’s wife. I am still seeing comments on a couple of posts I did on this topic. Hardly a day passes that someone else doesn’t join the discussion.
Perspectives on pastors’ children. This topic drew many pastors’ kids and former pastors’ kids. The strong emotions were indicative of a lot of hurt and pain that was still present in these current and former PKs.

These are the issues of contention that I have observed.

What are your perspectives? What would you add?

Personal Evangelism and Pastors: 14 Findings (part one)

By Chuck Lawless

Over fifteen years of church consulting, our research has led to this finding: seldom have we seen a congregation more evangelistic than the church who is led from the pulpit each Sunday. Whether the leaders are called senior pastors, teaching elders, or “preachers,” their influence on the evangelism of a local church is non-debatable. If they do evangelism, their church will follow—even if they don’t do so with the fervor they would wish. If the pastor doesn’t evangelize, neither will the church.

With that finding in mind, our research team surveyed 100 pastors of evangelistic churches in my denomination. This week, I’ll share some of those findings. Part 2 will be posted next Tuesday.

97% of the pastors believed it is their responsibility to model personal evangelism for their church. This responsibility they take seriously, as seen through other results of this study. 90% currently have more than five relationships with non-believers, praying for an opportunity to share the gospel. Slightly more than ¼ state they have a full gospel presentation/conversation on average at least twice per week.
100% believe prayer is foundational to evangelism. They understand that no leader can open blinded minds or change rebellious hearts. 93% pray for non-believers by name, and 78% pray daily for opportunities to share the gospel. That finding may explain why almost 40% of these leaders evangelize at least once a week. They watch for doors opened through prayer and march through them.
100% affirmed the statement, “A proper theology should lead people to do evangelism.” These leaders believe the Bible is the Word of God (99% affirm its inerrancy), and they build their evangelism on that Word. In particular, they are motivated by the reality of hell (97% agreed that hell is a real, eternal place), the lostness of humanity (100% agreed that all persons are lost without a personal relationship with Jesus), their love for Christ, and the demands of the Great Commission. They believe God is glorified when non-believers turn to Him.
40% came to know Christ through the witness of a family member (29%) or a pastor (11%). That is, they understand the importance of relationships in spreading the gospel. Evangelistic preaching, Bible study/small groups, and Christian friends were also strong influences.
95% of the pastors agreed with the statement, “In our presentation of the gospel, we should challenge non-believers to respond to the message.” All agreed with the statement, “God knows who will be saved, but human beings are still required to respond to Him in order to follow Christ.”  93% disagreed with this understanding: “Evangelism is simply proclaiming the gospel, with no attempt to persuade others to believe.” These church leaders understand the God alone does the convicting and wooing, but they are unafraid to be God’s instruments of persuasion.
40% have someone who holds them accountable to doing personal evangelism. Those persons vary (e.g., church staff, spouses, deacons, evangelism partners, church council), but 4/10 respondents know they need accountability in their evangelistic efforts. These pastors do not claim that evangelism comes easy to them.

I am most challenged by finding #6, as I’ve not always had someone holding me accountable for doing personal evangelism.

If you are a local church leader, which of these findings most challenges 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.

Eleven Reasons Pastors Are Trusted Less Today

A day does not pass that I do not hear from a hurting pastor. Serving in that role has to be one of the most challenging vocations today. Sure, there are some bad and immoral pastors. But the vast majority of our pastors serve their congregations in a way that honors God and makes a difference in the community.

But both anecdotally and by objective research, we learn that pastors are trusted less and held in lower esteem each year. A recent Pew Research poll found that the favorable view of clergy had declined to 37 percent of those surveyed.

Why are pastors no longer held in high esteem? What is behind the precipitous drop in favorable ratings almost every year? Allow me to offer eleven possible reasons. As you will see, they are not mutually exclusive.

The moral failures of a minority of pastors receive widespread coverage. The media loves the sensational stories behind clergy failure. For sure, some stories such as sex abuse should be brought to the public eye. But many people now believe the bad behavior of a few is normative for all pastors.
Our nation has marginalized the Christian faith. So it should not be unexpected that leaders in the Christian world are viewed more negatively.
Pastoral tenure has dropped significantly over the past few decades. Tenure is up slightly the past few years, but the longer trend is down. Trust is built over several years, not two or three years. Fewer pastors have made it to the point of several years.
Some church members have a strong entitlement mentality. They see the local congregation as a place largely to meet their needs and desires, rather than to serve and give. If those needs and desires are not met, the pastor is often the locus of blame.
Social media encourages criticism from a distance. There is much commendable about social media. Indeed, I am heavy user of it. But it also is a means for critics to sound off about pastors (and others) without forethought or consequences.
A few pastors have poor work ethics. More pastors are just the opposite; they fight workaholism. But the few pastors who are lazy and have little accountability hurt the perceptions people have of other pastors.
Pastors are often the scapegoats for fear and change. It is cliché to say the world is changing rapidly. Many church members would like their churches to remain the same every year. Such a reality is not possible, and the pastor is often the scapegoat for the discomfort that comes with change.
There is a pervasive cynicism in our society. The reasons behind that reality are many. But congregations and their leaders are not immune from this widespread and pervasive cynicism on society that seems to be growing.
There is a failure of some pastors in two key areas: leadership and emotional intelligence. Some pastors are well prepared biblically and theologically. But some have not been taught leadership and healthy interpersonal skills.
There are higher expectations today for pastors to be competent, even dynamic, leaders. But, as I noted in the previous point, some pastors have no preparation to be leaders of churches.
More churches are dying in America today. I estimate as many as 100,000 churches in America are dying. Many will close their doors in the next few years. Many of the pastors of these churches are blamed for this malady.

I love pastors. Most pastors are wonderful servants of God, yet their plights are often very difficult.

What do you think of these eleven reasons? What would you add?

And allow me one footnote: please pray for your pastor.

Image Credit: elev8.com

Pray for FBC Pelham

Location: Pelham, Alabama

Pastor: Mike Shaw

Worship Time: 8:00 AM, 9:15 AM, and 10:45 AM Central Time

Fast Facts: This historic First Baptist Church has been an integral part of Pelham for more than 100 years. Located just south of Birmingham, the Pelham community has seen incredible growth in the past two decades. Please pray for FBC Pelham to continue to reach those in the Shelby County—one of the fastest growing and least-churched counties in Alabama. Also pray for FBC as they seek a new pastor. Pastor Shaw is retiring in May after 35 years at FBC.

Website: FBCPelham.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.

Seven Paradigm Shifts in American Churches

I know I’m not smart enough to have predicted all of these major changes in churches the past decade or so. The changes have been profound in many churches, and they seem to be lasting changes.

For clarity, please understand I am not making qualitative assessments of these paradigm shifts; I am merely noting them. And I understand fully that all of them are not operational in all churches. Nevertheless, they are pervasive on the congregational landscape of American.

From senior pastor to lead pastor. The latter is becoming a more common title in multi-staff churches. The change is not merely semantics. It reflects an expectation of pastors to provide clear and ongoing leadership.
From trust to trials. The pastor was once the most revered person in the church and the community. Today he is often the recipient of harsh and frequent criticisms. I’ll address the reasons for this shift in my post next Monday.
From denominational to quasi-denominational. Churches used to look to denominations for their primary resources. More today are looking to large churches that behave something like a denominational provider.
From solo preacher to multiple teachers. More churches have more than one preacher/teacher, a trend that is growing even among smaller churches. What is significant as well is the increased use of the term “teacher.” It implies a different approach, style, and content than was expected a decade or so ago.
From attractional to incarnational. Not too long ago, churches utilized significant resources to get people to come to the church building. More today are expending resources to move the members to minister in the community.
From geography to affinity. Churches in the past often identified with other church by their denomination and location. Thus we have state denominations, local associations, and regional districts. Today more churches are identifying with other churches that have common precise doctrines and common practices.
From low expectation to high expectation. Churches have been through a long season where leaders were reticent to expect service and ministry of church members. To the contrary, many churches worked hard to make their congregations user-friendly with low expectations. That is shifting, and the high expectation church is becoming more normative.

The implications of these shifts are enormous. I hope to expand on each of them in the weeks ahead. I would love to hear your thoughts.

photo credit: JoshuaDavisPhotography via photopin cc

14 Predictions for the Church in 2014 – Rainer on Leadership #038

Podcast Episode #038

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At the beginning of the year, I noted 14 predictions for the church in 2014 here on the blog (part one, part two). In this week’s episode, Jonathan and I discuss those 14 predictions and reasons behind them. My 14 predictions are:

Increased church acquisitions.
Downsizing of denominational structures.
Decline in conversion growth.
More megachurches.
Greater number of churches moving to a unified worship style.
Increased emphasis on high-expectation church membership.
Increased challenges for congregations to build and acquire land due to restrictive governmental policies.
More large churches will function like mini-denominations.
New worship centers will be built smaller.
Increased emphasis on small groups.
Longer pastoral tenure.
Local churches increasing their roles as ministry training leaders.
Church movement to the community.
More multiple teaching/preaching pastors.

Finally, as it does on many podcast episodes, the topic of church membership came up again. And this week, I gave two specific tips for pastors looking to clean or improve the membership rolls in their local church.

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 blog.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 autographed copy of I Am a Church Member.

Resources

I Am a Church Member
Autopsy of a Deceased Church
The Death of the Mall and the Future of Church Buildings
Three Signs Worship Wars May Be Ending
Ministry Grid
Leadership Network Megachurch Research
Five Stages of a Pastor’s Ministry

Friday Is for Freebies – Connected: My Life in the Church

This week’s freebie giveaway is a small group set of my new Bible study. It includes 25 copies of the group study book and a copy of the leader kit.

Connected: My Life in the Church provides a biblical understanding of what it means to be a part of the body of Christ through a study of the Book of Ephesians. This study moves us to see that God has placed us in our local churches to serve others, care for them, pray together, learn together, and grow together—all for the glory of God. This group Bible study is a great companion or follow-up to I Am A Church Member.

This release is part of the Bible Studies for Life small group series, equipping you to understand how faith impacts your family, your career, and your struggles. And all the while challenges you to live out your faith, right where you are.

The Leader Kit Includes:

Group Member Book
DVD-ROM with Bible commentary, short videos from the author providing biblical insights, and more to enhance the group experience

Features:

Biblically rooted and gospel-centered
Leader material
Life application based
Topical studies
Streamlined experience
Commentary and word study
Small group experience for six small group sessions
Applicable Scripture
Life application section called “Live It Out”
Print, digital, and app formats


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. Names and addresses are deleted each week and are just used to select a winner.

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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.

Notable Voices – January 16, 2014

The Best Follower — Sam Rainer

We all have followers whether we realize it or not. Some are loyal; some are not. But what makes the best kind of follower? Sam shares the two characteristics that you will find in your best followers.

 

9 Benefits of Expository Preaching — Tony Merida

I realize there are different preaching methods used by pastors across both the country and the world. But expository preaching seems to be the predominant style used by most Evangelicals. Why? Because of the nine benefits Tony lists here.

 

The Absolute Best iPhone Apps for Pastors — Brandon Hilgemann

With literally thousands of iPhone apps at your fingertips, it’s quite easy to be overwhelmed by the choices when it comes to productivity apps for pastors. So which ones are the best? Brandon’s list is a pretty good start.

 

5 Ways to Teach Your Children to Hate the Ministry — Ed Stetzer

The topic of pastors’ kids has been a lively one here on the blog thanks to this blog post that went viral a few weeks back. Ed shares the results of a few interviews his team conducted on how to have your children hate the ministry. His results more than confirm the feedback I received here on the blog.

 

Asking These 20 Questions of Others Will Help You Become a Better Leader — Philip Nation

If you have kids, you’ve likely played 20 Questions with them at some point. So why do we not use the same method to make us better leader? Philip’s list of questions will challenge you and likely clarify your leadership strategy.

 

8 Reasons Why Joseph Was a Great Leader — Brad Lomenick

Brad lists eight reasons why Joseph is seen as such a great leader.

11 Things I Learned from Pastors’ Wives

Several months ago, I wrote a post about pastors’ wives. The responses and comments were numerous and incredible. One of the greatest blessings about this blog for me is how much I learn from others. As I read the comments and the interactions, I came away with a greater appreciation for pastors’ wives, as well as a greater concern for these ladies.

I have attempted to summarize the primary issues the pastors’ wives discussed. I am sure I’ve missed something. For now, here are eleven things I learned from pastors’ wives.

The number one challenge for pastors’ wives is loneliness. That issue arose again and again. Many of these ladies have no true confidants. Some have scars from bad relationships. More than a few have experienced depression. Some still are.
These ladies need to know they have the love and support of their husbands. Some frankly feel that their husbands have a mistress – the local congregation he serves. A pastor’s wife can endure much if she knows of her husband’s unwavering and repeatedly articulated love.
A pastor’s wife does not want a church member to tell her what her “job” at the church is. She would rather serve the church according to her gifts and calling, not according to some false sense of expectations.
She would like church members to understand that neither she nor her family is perfect. Allow her to make mistakes. Let her children be “normal” children. Don’t call out family members every time one of them does not quite reach perfection.
The pastor’s wife does not want to field complaints from church members about her husband. She is not a conduit or a complaint desk. She loves her husband, and it breaks her heart to hear negative things about him. 
The pastors’ wives who entered ministry with no forewarning about the issues they would face were the ones who stressed the most. It’s not only the issues themselves, it’s the surprise factor they often bring. Many of these pastors’ wives had no idea what some members would say, what some expectations would be, or how much the glass house syndrome is a hard reality.
She does not want to be told she needs to work to support her husband and family. If she chooses to do so, that is fine. But she does not want church members paying her husband minimally with the expectation that she will make up the shortfall in income.
While most pastors’ wives affirm their identity as a wife in ministry, they do not want that to be their only identity. Many of these women spoke about their ministry, work, and gifts well beyond that of a pastor’s wife. They would like to feel free to express their own identities.
Many pastors’ wives believe they need training for their roles. They have been both surprised and ill prepared for the issues that came their way. They needed either formal training or an informal mentorship to face all the challenges that are common with a pastor’s wife.
These ladies want to be reminded again and again to keep their focus on Christ.  Of course, this reminder is something we all need. But as one pastor’s wife expressed, only by remembering what Christ did for her could she face the challenges of her role.
Many pastors’ wives want a means where they can support one another. Some of them longed for a mentor or someone they could mentor. Others said they would like a forum like my blog where they can share with each other without the fear of reprisal. I wonder if I can do something with the resources I have available to make this request a reality. Let me know.

I look forward to hearing from you. I learn more from the readers than I could ever give back. Thank you.

photo credit: girish_suryawanshi via photopin cc