Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 404
July 1, 2011
HindSight (July 1, 2011)
How local churches should respond to the uneven aging of America. Sam Rainer's assessment in on target in this article and he offers sound pastoral advice. 40 lessons we sought to teach our children. Dennis and Barbara Rainey list values and traits that help focus on biblical priorities for raising kids. Small is the Kingdom big. Ed Stetzer's Outreach Magazine article confronts the idea that "big is always better" for church ministry. The fallacy of round the clock social media. Some good points, such as "brands are allowed to sleep" and "the only way to seem like a human is...
June 29, 2011
When You're on the Receiving End of Change
This week in the book-publishing world, something fascinating happened. The billionaire author J.K. Rowling launched a new site selling her popular books directly to customers, and also provided a social network centered on reading the books. She retained all the digital rights to her books, so she is now essentially a self-published author in the digital world.As the leader of one of the largest Christian resource companies in the world, I certainly took note of this development. Our organization has been around since 1891, and the core of what we have done for 120 years is publishing in the print...
June 27, 2011
A Missing Element in Local Church Discipleship
@font-face {"Times"; }@font-face {"Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt;"Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; }I once told my wife that I was thinking about writing a book on mistakes I've made in ministry. She suggested that I reconsider since it would have to be a multi-volume series. One of the biggest mistakes I made when I served as pastor of four churches was failing to emphasize the importance of every member being in the Word every day. Brad Waggoner, in his well-researched book, The Shape of...
June 24, 2011
HindSight (June 24, 2011)
Secrets of social media revealed 50 years ago. Word of mouth persuasion theory applied to today's digital communication. The science of social media. The data is US-centric, but it's helpful to consider "when and how often" to tweet and post (infographic included). Immigration and the gospel. Russell Moore is insightful as always. Thoughtful and thought-provoking piece. Top 12 evangelical Christians in sports today. Interesting list. Would you add anyone else? Amish aren't necessarily 'low-tech.' Fascinating Q&A on CNN's belief blog. 6 keys to surviving on the road. Excellent advice for those of us who travel frequently. But from Him...
June 22, 2011
A Few Thoughts on Being Thankful
Normal.dotm 0 0 1 473 2698 LifeWay Christian Resources 22 5 3313 12.0 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-style-parent:""; font-size:10.0pt;"Times New Roman";} When the Paul wrote the church at Ephesus, he exhorted the believers not to get drunk with wine, but to "be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18, HCSB). In the verses that follow, the apostle describes some of the manifestations of the filling with the Spirit. I confess that I often overlook that verse that tells us that those who are truly Spirit-filled will...
June 20, 2011
The Positive Side of Receiving Criticism
Normal.dotm 0 0 1 485 2766 LifeWay Christian Resources 23 5 3396 12.0 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-style-parent:""; font-size:10.0pt;"Times New Roman";} I don't really enjoy receiving criticism. In fact, for me, it's one of the least enjoyable parts of leadership. I particularly cringe when my family members hear or read about criticisms of me. It hurts them and so it hurts me even more. But, if I am truly honest with myself, I have to admit I'm a better person and leader because of the...
June 17, 2011
HindSight (June 17, 2011)
Stunning pictures of the eruption of Chile's Puyehue volcano. Just another reminder that even creation is groaning for redemption. Straight talk from Kevin Ezell, president of the North American Mission Board. In this summary, we find a clear, courageous report from NAMB's leader to the annual meeting of my denomination. An interview with my son, Art, on Fatherhood. I'm very proud of him, and proud to be his dad. Discerning your calling and vocation. Some wise, measured words from Pastor Tim Keller. How to remember someone's name (and what to do when you can't). Helpful article that I wish I'd read...
June 15, 2011
Art Rainer: An Interview on Fatherhood
Today, I am excited to have Stacy Edwards at the blog. Stacy is a part of our team here at LifeWay, where she serves as a project manager and a freelance writer. Stacy is currently pursuing a masters degree in theological studies. If you have read any of Thom Rainer's writings or listened to him speak, then you have heard of his love for his family. Though he is known across the globe for his work in the areas of church growth and church health, his accomplishments do not define him. More than anything else, Thom Rainer is a family man. His greatest earthly...
June 13, 2011
Fathers, Family, Fun, and Free Books
Normal.dotm 0 0 1 191 1090 LifeWay Christian Resources 9 2 1338 12.0 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-style-parent:""; font-size:12.0pt;"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-"Times New Roman";} As we approach Father's Day, I have been reminded again of the importance and love of family. But I have written books and articles on the family in general and on my family in particular. It's time to hear from you. This could be fun. I am requesting that you leave some comments about a family member who...
June 10, 2011
HindSight (June 10, 2011)
What robs men of courage? Dennis Rainey calls men to be better fathers and husbands in this compelling article, adapted from his book Stepping Up: A Call to Courageous Manhood. Why leaders lose their way. Leaders need to heed the warning signs found in this helpful piece. Leadership interview about The Millennials. My son Jess (and the book's co-author) unpacks important information about millennials, prompted by questions from Ed Stetzer. What to do when you have no time to think. "I have no time to think." Possibly the six scariest words uttered by a leader. Here's a fascinating video of a...
