Notable Voices and the Week in Review: February 24, 2018
Three Ways Pastors Win Over Influential Critics — Sam Rainer
Some criticism is constructive. Even when it’s not constructive, you can almost always learn something. Other criticism is just a visceral reaction. A personal attack was not intended; someone just said something in the heat of the moment. Some criticism is malicious and sinful. Other times, people are using criticism in a self-serving way. If you don’t want to expend the energy to filter criticism appropriately, then you shouldn’t lead a church. But the point still stands—criticism hurts.
Archaeologists May Have Found the Prophet Isaiah’s Signature — Facts & Trends
A newly discovered small piece of clay may contain the signature of Isaiah, the biblical prophet. Biblical Archaeology Review announced the findings in its latest issue. Eilat Mazar, an archaeologist and author of the BAR piece, suggests the damaged half-inch clay oval may have contained Isaiah’s name and title.
8 Reminders for Believers in the Bible Belt — Chuck Lawless
As leaders, it is often easier to sound the alarm of retreat, instead of leading through tough situations. However, some of us are wired to simply plow through when leadership gets tough, not considering the people that are affected by our leadership. The reality is, leadership is hard at times, complex, and messy; but, some one has to lead.
This Week at ThomRainer.com:

Five Dangers of Church Designated Funds
Designated funds are not an intrinsic problem themselves. But they can become a dangerous precedent for several reasons. Here are five of them…READ MORE
How Do You Respond to a Member Who Thinks You Should Resign?
Don’t respond directly immediately
Remember most of the time they are in a distinct minority
Pray for the critic
Pray for discernment
Move on to the positive
How to Avoid Echo Chamber Leadership
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode408.mp3
Six of the Most Common Reasons for Church Staff Conflict
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode409.mp3
Differences in Large Church vs. Small Church Revitalization
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant
http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/RevitalizeReplant/RR-Episode029.mp3