Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 407
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...
June 8, 2011
Rescue the Perishing
My wife, Nellie Jo, and I recently enjoyed a few relaxing days at our favorite beach. Every day we walked five or more miles on the beach, enjoying the scenery and the time with each other. On a typical walk, Nellie Jo looks down for shells. This particular beach has an abundance of unspoiled seashells. But this time, her usual plans were disrupted for a providential appointment. Seeing the Danger We passed by a little boy, probably about two years old, on the edge of the water. He was playing in the sands and yelling in delight as small waves...
June 6, 2011
When Change Outpaces the Leader
Fifteen years ago, John P. Kotter wrote his seminal book Leading Change. It is one of those rare books that I try to read every year. It reminds me in fresh ways of the need to be a leader who is a change agent and one who understands the times of change in which we live. I doubt that Kotter could have predicted fifteen years ago the types and pace of change that confronts leaders and organizations today. From multinational organizations to nonprofit companies to churches to community organizations, the challenge of change can seem to have a heaviness and...
June 3, 2011
HindSight (June 3, 2011)
Pew Research reports 13% of online Americans use Twitter. There are many fascinating stats and demographics in this brief study. 9 surprising new facts about social media in America. Social media specialist Jay Baer offers some provocative insights here. The busyness trap. Could you impose on yourself a one hour per day electronic blackout? Something to consider. 11 questions every pastor should ask. A thoughtful post by Trevin Wax on preaching and mission in pastoral ministry. An eight-month review and look to the future by Kevin Ezell, president of the North American Mission Board. I'm proud of this godly,...
June 1, 2011
Millennials and Email in the Workplace
The Millennials, those born between 1980 and 2000, have been entering the workforce for over ten years. They are beginning to reshape the culture and norms of businesses and other organizations in a number of ways. For example, significantly less men wear neckties than they did just five years ago. I personally thank this younger generation for removing the daily noose from my neck. I wrote this article primarily for Millennials, but I think it might benefit all of us in the workplace. Good communication is one of the keys to success, and the primary form of communication in the...
May 30, 2011
Leadership Lessons from the Men and Women Who Serve Our Nation
Normal.dotm 0 0 1 516 2946 LifeWay Christian Resources 24 5 3617 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";} They are heroes every day of the year. As we always do, and as we should do, we set aside a day to remember the fallen members of our military. But all those who have served our nation in the past and those who serve today are our heroes. They deserve so much more recognition than they ever...
May 27, 2011
HindSight (May 27, 2011)
Seven things a pastor should know about his wife. Good insight here from Pastor Perry Noble. YouTube reports 3 billion views a day, a 50% increase over last year. Let that sink in. Three billion views per day. Training your children to understand money. A thoughtful post by Tim Challies. Atheists in foxholes -- as chaplains? Owen Strachan shows the implications of this idea in this helpful piece. 3 traits every CEO needs. Harvard Business Review rarely fails to offer something valuable. This post has much to commend. Don't make your pastor a statistic? Thibiti Anyabwile concludes, "These statistics indicate a...
May 25, 2011
Courage to Confront Reality
I think I've been on a diet half of my adult life. I am the classic yoyo dieter. And for you healthier folks out there, I know that it's not a good pattern. But do you know what the toughest part of my diet is? It happens when I step on the scales after failing to do so for weeks or even months. I really don't want to confront the reality of my weight and, thus, the need to do something about it. The Point Where Turnaround Begins I have written and researched about leadership and local churches for nearly...
