Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 94

12 Markers of Churches on the Downslope

By Chuck Lawless

Church growth writers talk about the bell-shaped curve that characterizes the growth of many churches. The left side of the bell curve is exciting (vision, outreach, growth, etc.), but the right side is challenging (nostalgia, decline, division, etc.).

Based on my years of church consulting, here are some markers of churches on the downslope. Every church should be aware of these markers, just in case they’re unknowingly moving in the wrong direction. 

A visionless leader – Often, the primary leader in the church – the pastor – has lost vision for the future.


Unspoken conflict – The conflict may not have yet risen to a raging fire, but the embers of division are beginning to flame quietly.


A “back door” problem – People are leaving the church more rapidly than they’re joining. Sometimes, the difference between the two is stark.


Few converts – Congregations in this state seldom do much evangelism. 


Non-returning guests – It’s not that first-time guests aren’t coming to the church; it’s that they never come back after the first time.


Stagnant, if not declining, finances – Long-term members may be keeping the financial ship afloat, but nothing suggests coming growth in giving.


Fractured leadership – Ongoing conflict among staff or lay leaders is not uncommon in churches going in the wrong direction.


Decreasing funds for ministry – This problem is often the result of maintaining a larger-church staff as the church itself gets smaller. Salaries dominate the expenses as the church struggles.


“Yesterday” conversations more than “today or tomorrow” hopes – “I remember when” statements become much more common than “I’m so excited about what God’s doing.”


Longer-term leaders just “hanging on” – Even the strongest, most faithful members begin to think about leaving when a church is on the wrong side of the curve.


Increasingly a one-generation congregation – Typically, younger families leave rather than wait out any needed changes.


Entrenched hopelessness – Those who remain begin to lose hope, but they remain unwilling to change.

What other characteristics have you seen?  

Four Major Changes in Preaching the Past Decade

Podcast Episode #618

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You may feel like an expert on the topic of preaching, but we often don’t evaluate the changes taking place in the world of preaching. We will focus on four major changes to preaching within the past decade and the reason behind these changes.

Highlights:

More churches have multiple preachers/teachers.
More churches expect preachers to preach in different venues or sites.
Fewer churches expect preachers to preach two or more different sermons each week.
More preachers are largely done preparing their sermons by Wednesday or Thursday.

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast:

Church Future Indicator
How to Move Forward with Revitalizing a Church Webinar


Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen has been serving churches for nine years, but did you know that Vanderbloemen also serves Christian schools, nonprofits, and Christian businesses? So if you’re listening, and you know a Christian school, nonprofit, or values-based business that is hiring, contact our friends at Vanderbloemen for your staffing needs.

For more information, visit Vanderbloemen.com.

The mission at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. The school offers more than 40 different degree programs, including the new Master of Arts in Church Revitalization in partnership with Church Answers and the Revitalization Network. This 37-hour degree is designed to help students move established churches from flatlining to flourishing.

Learn about this program and more by visiting sebts.edu. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there.

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 Scrappy Church.

Five Types of Unhealthy Giving to a Church

By Thom S. Rainer

“I’m just happy when our church gets any type of gifts.”

The comment came from a pastor whose church struggled regularly to meet budget. I get it. Any financial gift can seem better than no gifts. 

But I have worked with dozens of churches where some types of financial or other gifts can actually hurt a church. Here are five of the most common examples, recognizing that some of them can overlap. 

Hostage gifts. Typically, these gifts come from members who are some of the biggest givers in the church. They remind the pastor and other leaders that the church would be hurt significantly if they stop giving. They use their giving as leverage to get their way with at least an implied threat of holding back funds if they don’t. 


Spring cleaning gifts. The donor decides to bring something from home he or she no longer wants. They take a tax break and leave the item at the church. The problem is that some of these gifts are useless to the church. I consulted with one church that had five donated and never-used upright pianos. The pastor did not want to get rid of them lest he offends the donors. 


Preference gifts. These financial gifts are designated and conditional. They are not contributed to a typical designated fund, such as a building fund. Instead, they are given with clear stipulations for the use of the funds, even though the church really can’t benefit from them. One example was a six-figure gift specifically for stained-glass windows in a worship center that had no place to accommodate them.  


Workaround gifts. In one church I consulted, the student minister was not happy with the amount of funds for his ministry in the annual budget. He thus went to five families and asked them to divert their regular tithes and offerings to the student ministry. 


Gifts with strings. Though similar to hostage gifts, this attitude can be found in groups of people rather than one wealthy donor. A common example is an older group in the church refusing to vote for a budget that is contrary to their preferences. They remind all who will listen that “we pay the bills.”

Of course, the seemingly simple response is to refuse to accept such gifts or to yield to unreasonable demands. But, for many of you who have encountered these situations, you know it’s not always as simple as it seems. 

Resourcing Revitalization

There are so many resources out there for church revitalization we often get the question, “Where do I start?” Here are some of our suggestions for paid, in-person, and free resources we believe may be helpful to you.

Events:

Revitalize 2020

Over 4,000 churches will close their doors in the next year, and our goal is to help pastors and church leaders reverse this trend. In short, we want to help churches move from flatlined to flourishing. We would love for you to attend Revitalize 2020, April 20-21 in Bradenton, Florida. Early-Bird registration ends in just a couple of weeks.

 

Books:

Anatomy of a Revived Church – Thom S. Rainer

If you haven’t heard, Thom Rainer has written a   new book entitled, Anatomy of a Revived Church. Since it released in  December it has consistently been in the top 10 books in its category, and was a #1 Amazon best seller.

 

 

 

Free Resources:

Est. Church Podcast

Who doesn’t love free? Pastors Sam Rainer, Micah Fries, and Josh King all lead established churches in varying stages of church revitalization. In April, their podcast entitled EST, will be featured at  ChurchAnswers.com. Check out one helpful episode, number 148, A Revitalization Story, Wellsprings Church Georgia.

 

Revitalize 2020 is presented by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com.

Pray for Light of Christ Lutheran Church

Location: Federal Way, Washington

Pastor: Dan Gerken (Interim)

Weekly Worship: Sunday at 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM, Pacific

Fast Facts: Light of Christ Church is a relatively young congregation. Pastor Dan Gerken is currently serving as the interim pastor of the church. His father, who just recently retired, was the church’s second pastor, and he served there for 20 years. The church has a very talented music ministry and an active care ministry that includes a community garden. Light of Christ’s general demographic is primarily Gen Xers with a few Millennials that attend regularly. The majority of the members commute to Seattle, WA for work, which makes recruiting volunteers a challenge.

The church is looking for a full-time pastor, and as a result there are members that are becoming less engaged and committed. The church is asking the Holy Spirit for wisdom as they follow God’s plan for their church. However, it is a struggle to keep the congregation engaged and committed while they wait for the new shepherd God has in store for them.

Please pray for guidance, wisdom, and strength as Light of Christ goes through this challenging time. Pray for a collective peace that passes human understanding so that those that are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and/or lost in this process can know that God is in control, and that He will lead the church through this season.

Website: www.TheLight.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.

Interview with Vance Pitman on the topic of his new book, Unburdened: Stop Living for Jesus So Jesus Can Live through You

Podcast Episode #617

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Vance Pitman is one of our favorite leaders. We are excited to share our recent interview with Vance as he shares his journey and the story behind his powerful new book, “Unburdened: Stop Living for Jesus So Jesus Can Live through You.”

Bio:

Vance Pitman is the pastor of Hope Church in Las Vegas, Nevada, a church he planted in 2001. He speaks across America and around the world to inspire people to join in God’s eternal, redemptive mission of making disciples and multiplying the church among every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. He lives outside Las Vegas, Nevada, with his family.

Highlights:

How did an Alabama boy end up in Las Vegas?
Every book has a story behind it. What is your story about Unburdened?
Why do so many Christians work so hard and get so tired trying to live for Jesus?
You emphasize relationships as being key to following Jesus. Expand on that.
What are some other key points that a reader will take away from Unburdened?

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast:

Unburdened: Stop Living for Jesus So Jesus Can Live through You – by Vance Pitman
Vance Pitman Leadership Podcast
Revitalization Specialty Certification


Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen has been serving churches for nine years, but did you know that Vanderbloemen also serves Christian schools, nonprofits, and Christian businesses? So if you’re listening, and you know a Christian school, nonprofit, or values-based business that is hiring, contact our friends at Vanderbloemen for your staffing needs.

For more information, visit Vanderbloemen.com.

The mission at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. The school offers more than 40 different degree programs, including the new Master of Arts in Church Revitalization in partnership with Church Answers and the Revitalization Network. This 37-hour degree is designed to help students move established churches from flatlining to flourishing.

Learn about this program and more by visiting sebts.edu. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there.

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 Scrappy Church.

When Is It Time to Walk Away from a Revitalization Effort?

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Today’s question and surrounding discussion is one we hear and take part in often. Maybe your warning signs come from family. Maybe it is due to your health. But possibly it is internal conflict outside of your control. Thom and Kevin discuss how to recognize when you have reached a line in the sand and walk away from a revitalization effort.

Reasons it may be time to walk away:

When your family can’t take it anymore.
When your health is at risk.
When the power players are entrenched.
When the church needs a bivo pastor, but you do not have bivo call.
When it’s been too long trying.

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast:

Revitalize 2020
Church Answers
Revitalize Network Church of the Year Nomination











Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com.
Submit Your Question:

Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you’ll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.

Three Unreasonable Expectations Pastors Have of Their Churches

By Sam Rainer

I have high expectations of my church. Church members should worship together often, give generously, serve sacrificially, and make disciples of all nations. There are no exceptions to these high expectations. The mission of God requires an all-in effort from every believer in every church.

Of course, plenty of low expectation churches exist. The come-and-see consumer mentality is an unfortunate church culture that is far too prevalent. Good church leaders expect more of their churches. However, in this post I want to address unreasonable expectations pastors have of their churches. I’ve seen these unreasonable expectations in churches with a low view of membership, as well as churches with a high view of membership. 

Agreement is the same as unity. I doubt you ever experience a moment in your ministry where everyone in the church agrees with you at the same time. Let’s be real: The only place total agreement exists is in dictatorships, where “agreement” is forced. As a pastor, good people will occasionally disagree with you. If you lead a church with over a couple dozen people, then at least one of them will disagree with you about something at any given point. Agreement or disagreement occurs over specific decisions, and you will not always get everyone to agree with you. However, I do hope your church is unified at all times. Unity is a Spirit-led culture in the church that should be exhibited by everyone.




Passion is often contagious. “Passion is contagious!” Sure, I’ve said it many times. Passion can be contagious, but it is not often contagious. Some areas of the church self-generate passion. Most others do not (Who wants to help stack chairs?). That’s why it takes more than passion to lead and disciple people. You cannot expect passion to be contagious.




The bulk of leadership can be done in the pulpit. A common piece of pastoral advice floating around is, “Just preach the Word!” I appreciate the spirit of this statement because I have a high view of Scripture and preaching. But telling someone to “Just preach the Word” is kind of like telling a politician to “Just give good speeches.” Preaching is critically important, but you can’t rely on the pulpit for the bulk of your leadership.

Agreement, passion, and preaching are three important areas of church leadership. Just don’t have unreasonable expectations of your church with them. 

A New Way to Know Your Community

Podcast Episode #616

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To say we are excited about this new report is an understatement. Church Answers now offers an incredible demographic and psychographic report known as Know Your Community. A basic name for this incredible resource which will help you reach and love your community. Listen in as Thom and Sam discuss the report, how it was created, and why it is an important resource for your church and its future growth.

Highlights:

It’s hard to reach your community if you don’t know your community.
It’s easier to love your community if you know your community.
The call to lead a church is a call the shepherd the community.
Perceived demographics are often different than actual demographics.
The Know Your Community report and how to get it.

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast:

The Know Your Community Report
Church Future Indicator
Micro Consultations
Anatomy of a Revived Church


Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen has been serving churches for nine years, but did you know that Vanderbloemen also serves Christian schools, nonprofits, and Christian businesses? So if you’re listening, and you know a Christian school, nonprofit, or values-based business that is hiring, contact our friends at Vanderbloemen for your staffing needs.

For more information, visit Vanderbloemen.com.

The mission at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. The school offers more than 40 different degree programs, including the new Master of Arts in Church Revitalization in partnership with Church Answers and the Revitalization Network. This 37-hour degree is designed to help students move established churches from flatlining to flourishing.

Learn about this program and more by visiting sebts.edu. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there.

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 Scrappy Church.

Seven Differences between Your Church and a Cafeteria

By Thom S. Rainer

I have pretty clear memories of my first visit to a cafeteria. I was five years old, and my parents wanted our family to experience a Morrison’s Cafeteria in Montgomery, Alabama. 

It was amazing. I saw untold numbers of dishes of meats, vegetables, salads, fruits and, of course, desserts. I had never seen anything like it. Mom and Dad had already given my brother and me strict instructions on how much we could choose. But, for a small-town kid who had never seen such a feast, I was amazed. 

The concept was basic. If you paid your money, you could choose whatever you wanted. Your preferences were paramount. It was all about you.

It sounds like some churches we know. 

Though we don’t have the numbers of cafeterias we once had, the lessons are instructive. Simply stated, your church is not a cafeteria. Here are seven differences. 

In a cafeteria, you pay for your preferences. In a church, you should give abundantly and joyfully without expecting anything in return. If you ever hear someone say, “We pay the bills in this church,” you know they act like the church is a cafeteria.


In a cafeteria, the focus is on you. In a church, the focus should be on God first and then others. If you ever hear someone say, “I’m not getting fed in this church,” you know they act like the church is a cafeteria.


In a cafeteria, you demand to have things your way. In a church, you should sacrifice your own needs for others. If you ever hear someone say, “I want the order of service to be like it’s always been,” you know they act like the church is a cafeteria.


In a cafeteria, the business must continue to make things more appealing and attractive for you to return. In a church, you should not expect to be entertained to get you to come back. If you ever hear someone say, “I’m going to a church where the music is more exciting,” you know they act like the church is a cafeteria.


In a cafeteria, if the customer does not get his or her way, the business must make every effort to address and remedy his or her complaint. In a church, we should be so busy doing for others and serving Christ that we don’t have time or the desire to whine or complain. If you ever hear someone say, “People are saying . . .”, you know they act like the church is a cafeteria.


In a cafeteria, you have a full staff serving you behind the glass partitions, indulging your every desire. In a church, you should not expect the staff to do all or most of the ministry or service; instead, the members are to do the work of ministry. If you ever hear someone saying, “Pastor, you should . . .”, you know they act like the church is a cafeteria.


In a cafeteria, you will likely complain to others in person or on social media if you are not fully satisfied. In a church, you should not have a gossiping or complaining spirit; instead, you should be building others up. If you ever see someone complain about their church on social media, you know they act like the church is a cafeteria.

Cafeterias were fun when I was a kid. But Morrison’s went out of business and the pieces were picked up by Piccadilly Cafeterias. And Piccadilly declared bankruptcy in 2012. 

The big cafeteria chains have not fared well. And neither will churches if they keep acting like cafeterias.