Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 97
January 23, 2020
Four Statements That Stop Revitalization Cold in Its Tracks
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The following four statements have the power to stop the important work of revitalization cold in its tracks. Thom and Kevin share stories, and discuss the importance of recognizing these problematic statements and how to address them before it’s too late.
Highlights:
“If only we had more __________.”
“It’s __________ ‘s fault.”
“This situation is hopeless.”
“This is not a good neighborhood for revitalization.
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast:
Revitalize 2020
Revitalize Network Church of the Year Nomination
The Disruption Mindset: Why Some Organizations Transform While Others Fail Hardcover by Charlene Li
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.
January 22, 2020
Five Questions to Ask If Your Church Is Experiencing a Financial Shortfall in a Revitalization
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In today’s Revitalize and Replant bonus episode, we uncover five questions to ask not if, but when your work in church revitalization is experiencing a financial shortfall.
Highlights:
Have we listened to wise counsel outside the church?
Are there indications the shortfall is seasonal or systemic?
Do we need to do everything we are doing?
Are our personnel and commensurate costs aligned with our mission and needs?
Do we need to be adopted?
Other Highlights:
Don’t be afraid to have an entity from the outside evaluate your systems and provide wisdom.
Financial shortfalls are often a systemic problem in church revitalization.
Many churches are still paying for staff positions they needed 20 years ago but no longer need today.
Don’t only ask if we need to do what we are currently doing. Also ask if there are things we should be doing that we aren’t currently.
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast:
Revitalize 2020
Church of the Year Nomination
Revitalize Network
Envelope 3
Church Replanters
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.
Celebrating the Work of Church Revitalization
By Sam Rainer
You become what you celebrate. And we will celebrate church revitalization because we need more stories of churches being revitalized.
That’s why we are hosting Revitalize 2020 in Bradenton, Florida on April 20 and 21. It’s the inaugural event. You don’t want to miss it. We will celebrate churches and leaders doing the hard work of revitalization. One of our goals is to champion leaders who would otherwise go unnoticed. Even more importantly, we want to inspire others to join the movement of church revitalization.
Far too many churches are unhealthy. But there are also far too many critics. It’s easy to stand on the sidelines and judge. It’s hard to jump into the mix and lead. Revitalizing a church is anything but glamorous. Even after several years of God-honoring work, leaders can get discouraged at the lack of movement. If you feel this way, you’re likely making more progress than you realize.
Revitalize 2020 was created for pastors like you. The event will be a celebration. The spirit will be one of encouragement and inspiration.
We hope to be one of the largest gatherings of church optimists.
If God can save any person, then He can save any church. In fact, He is saving churches. God is using everyday leaders to do His work of making Jesus’ bride healthy again.
Don’t listen to the cynics. Come celebrate with us. Join a movement of church revitalization. You will find many like-minded leaders at Revitalize 2020.
January 21, 2020
Four Lessons Pastors of Struggling Churches Are Learning from Each Other
Podcast Episode #608
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If you can afford Netflix you can afford an online community where pastors can come together regularly at Church Answers Central. Today’s post comes from the blessing of pastors who have decided to focus on each other and four lessons they have learned from each other.
Highlights:
“I am not alone.”
“I am not crazy.”
“There are resources available.”
“There is hope.”
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast:
Church Answers
Church Consultation University
Revitalize 2020
Church of the Year Nominations
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.
January 20, 2020
The Retired Pastor
By Thom S. Rainer
Tens of thousands of pastors and other church staff members are becoming retirement age each year. We have not seen anything like this phenomenon. These church leaders are reaching retirement age, but they still have many years of active ministry and life left in them. How will they respond? How will churches respond?
We are watching this trend with fascination at Church Answers. Let’s look at some of the key issues unfolding.
Some churches are fine with older pastors remaining in their roles. Others are not. We see many churches where the members don’t think twice about having a 60-something or 70-something pastor. They see their pastors as fully capable and fully energetic to continue leading. Other churches are ready for the older pastors to move on. This latter disposition is exacerbated when the church is struggling and/or in decline.
Too many retirement-age pastors don’t have options because of financial realities. I’ve addressed this issue in an earlier post. Though my observations are anecdotal, well over half of the pastors with whom I have conversed are woefully prepared financially when they hit their mid-60s. It’s usually a case of churches failing to care for pastors and pastors failing to plan for themselves.
The most common option for pastors leaving their role is to become interim or part-time pastors in other churches. The opportunities for this ministry are increasing regularly. At any given point, we could have over 50,000 churches seeking an interim pastor. Indeed, we created Interim Pastor University to train and differentiate those pastors moving into these roles.
More pastors are moving into the role of church consultant or coach after leaving their pastoral roles. Some of these pastors have 30 to 40 years of experience as a pastor. Their wisdom and experience can be incredibly helpful to churches. Our fastest growing ministry at Church Answers is Church Consultation University, created to train and certify leaders in this new role.
It will not be unusual for pastors to retire from their churches and have 20+ years left of vibrant ministry. These pastors may have chosen to go a different path, or their churches may have forced them out. Don’t let life expectancy numbers fool you. Once someone makes it to 65, the likelihood of them staying active to 85 is good. These can be some prime years of ministry for these former pastors.
The timing for this wave of “retired” pastors could match well with the need for part-time, interim, or revitalizing pastors. The demand could meet supply IF churches would look beyond the traditional profiles. Of the roughly 350,000 Protestant churches, about 349,900 want a pastor who is 35 to 49 years old and has 30 years of lead pastor experience (sarcasm intended). It’s time for many churches to look to the growing supply of older pastors who can still lead well.
The trend of retiring pastors who are not retiring from ministry will continue to grow. It will be fascinating to see how churches respond.
Five Reasons God May Be Calling You to Church Revitalization
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Have you ever wondered if God may be calling you to church revitalization. In this bonus episode of Revitalize and Replant, Thom and Kevin discuss five signs God wants to use you for this important work.
Highlights:
You want your life to be used by God.
The need is great.
You have the willingness to invest yourself in a congregation.
You have a willingness to invest yourself in a community.
Your family has a supportive vision for this mission field.
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast:
Revitalize 2020
Church of the Year Nomination
Revitalize Network
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.
January 19, 2020
Pray for Parkway Presbyterian Church
Location: Cumming, Georgia
Pastor: Jay Miller
Weekly Worship: 10:00 AM, Eastern
Fast Facts: Parkway Presbyterian Church is a small church in north Georgia. The church has struggled through the departure of two pastors, and they have been praying to reset and set up the church for revitalization.
Parkway is calling Pastor Jay Miller to begin as their new senior pastor starting in February 2020. The church is looking forward to serving alongside Pastor Jay and his family as a beacon of light for their community. Please pray for the church, Pastor Jay, and his family during this time of transition. Also pray that the new pastor and leadership will work together to guide the church toward revitalization.
Website: Parkway-Church.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..
January 17, 2020
Conducting a Funeral for a Newborn or Still Born Baby
Podcast Episode #607
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Our hope and prayer is for you to never need this podcast but our goal is to help leaders and prepare them for a variety of difficult situations. Today’s episode is sobering but helpful in giving guidance when faced with an extreme tragedy for families.
Highlights:
It is nothing less than the loss of a child.
Assurance and comfort are key for the parents and other loved ones.
The service should be a God-honoring traditional funeral.
The funeral should be the beginning point of ministry to the parents.
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast:
Church Answers
Church of the Year Nominations
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.
January 16, 2020
Do You Need Help With Church Revitalization?
If you answered yes to the question in the subject line, then you are not alone. I communicate regularly with thousands of pastors who are asking for help.
The same pastors looking for help are also looking for community. But not just any community. A community that understands the obstacles and challenges of church revitalization and will relate to their current season of ministry.
I am excited to announce the official launch of Revitalize 2020. I have been talking about it for months, and today the Revitalize Network team launched the official website. We are partnering with Idea Network, a community of like-minded individuals seeking to advance the kingdom of God, to host this very special event.
Revitalize 2020 is a purposeful training event that includes worship times and breakout sessions that will equip your team in the ministry of church revitalization. Revitalize 2020 will focus on revitalizing self, revitalizing the church, and revitalizing your community. With every element rooted in Scripture, attendees will leave Revitalize 2020 inspired, motivated, and encouraged to grow healthy churches together.
Revitalize 2020 will be held on April 20-21, 2020 in Bradenton, Florida. Space is limited to 500, and there are already 100 registered.
You don’t want to miss our first ever Revitalize event. Super early bird pricing will close February 4th. Registration is currently as low as $99.
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.
Five Incredibly Positive Signs about Church Revitalization in the Past Three Years – Revitalize and Replant #128
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New leaders are excited for the challenge and organizations and seminaries have created focused programs and provide much needed support. Mark and Thom discuss these trends and other positive signs taking place within church revitalization.
Highlights:
The issue of awareness is huge (The “A” of the ABC Factor from Breakout Churches.)
There is no longer a shame factor associated with revitalization
Revitalization is attracting a whole new generation of leaders.
Revitalization is becoming a key part of the ministries of seminaries and other Christian organizations.
We are seeing more stories of “revitalize heroes.”
Other Highlights:
There is increased awareness to the reality of the problem within churches in need of revitalization.
There is no shame in asking for help when you know there is a need for revitalization.
God is raising up a whole generation of young leaders who care deeply about a declining and dying Church.
With the creation of new organizations supporting church revitalization, we are witnessing a parallel between church revitalization and church planting networks of the 1980’s.
The older generation needs to see their roles as encouragers and those who help onramp the next generation of leaders.
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast:
Breakout Churches: Discover How to Make the Leap
Church Answers
Revitalize Network
Hero Church – Cornerstone Bible Church, Long Island, NY
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.
