Notable Voices and the Week in Review: January 12, 2019

From Around the Web:

Why Giving Stays Strong While Attendance Drops in Churches — Sam Rainer

I’ve noticed a recent trend among churches. The evidence is more anecdotal, but I have no doubt the phenomenon is occurring on a national scale. While more than half of all churches are in some form of attendance decline, a segment of these declining churches experiences either stability in giving or an increase in giving at the same time people are leaving.

10 Hilarious Requests Made at Christian Bookstores — Facts & Trends

Between praying with customers, outfitting them with biblical resources, and helping people navigate difficult issues along life’s journey, it was refreshing to break up some of the more serious moments with a laugh. Here are 10 of the more interesting requests I heard as a Christian bookstore manager:

How Has Women’s Ministry Changed Over Time? — Chris Adams

Because everything is changing in our world so quickly. Women are changing, culture is changing. And that way we have to continue to keep the ministry changing to reach more and more women for Him.

8 Signs that You’re Leading on the Defensive — Chuck Lawless

In a football game, the defense matters. In the local church, though, being on the defensive as a church leader is not a strong posture for leading. Check these markers of leading on the defensive, and see if any characterizes you.

This Week at ThomRainer.com:





















Six Reasons Why Some Church Members Resist Growth

I have learned from countless pastors and members over the years why this seeming Great Commission disobedience is so pervasive in many churches. Here are six of the most common reasons…READ MORE

10 Reasons Church Members Don’t Invite Others to Church

“I just don’t think about it.”
“I’m afraid I’ll be rejected.”
“The music isn’t that good.”
“The preaching isn’t strong.”
“We’ve got too many church problems right now.”
“Our church is already too crowded.”
“Nobody ever challenged me to invite anyone.”
“I don’t know how to start the conversation.”
“It’s the Spirit’s job—not mine—to bring people to church.”
“It’s too far for people to come.”
















Why Many Churches Will Quadruple Their Outreach Efforts This Year

by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership

http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode500.mp3








How to Deal with the Constant Critic in Your Church

by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership

http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode501.mp3








Seven Ways Revitalizing Churches Can Reach a Changing Labor Force

by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant

http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/RevitalizeReplant/RR-Episode075.mp3