Notable Voices and the Week in Review: January 26, 2019

From Around the Web:
Advice to Young Pastors — Thom Rainer
Being a first-time pastor or a pastor at a new church can be intimidating. Former pastor, Dr. Thom Rainer offers some advice to young pastors entering a new church for the first time.
Five Pastoral Promises We Need to Make — Facts & Trends
When the budget is lagging, when staff and volunteers resign, and when the critics pile on, how we react in those moments should be governed by a moment yet to come. I want to hear “well done” when that moment comes. Commit in 2019 to, above all, please the One who called you to this task.
10 Marks of a Happy Church — Chuck Lawless
Once in a while, I get to know a church that genuinely seems “happy.” I know that term is subjective, but I trust you get my point – these churches are just different from the church that is dealing with dysfunction and turmoil. Here are some markers of happy churches:
Changing Churches: One Pastor’s Experience with Pastoral Transition — Jesse Benack
It is hard to walk through a transition process without being awestruck at the sovereignty of God. People often speak of God opening a door of opportunity for a different ministry. But after multiple interviews, congregational meetings, votes of approval, real estate searches, and denominational credentialing, it is clear that hundreds of doors must be opened for the transition to take place.
This Week at ThomRainer.com:

Five Perspectives That Help Me Deal with Criticisms
As one who has received criticisms over the years, I want to share with you personally five perspectives that have helped me deal with them…READ MORE
Six Symptoms of a Dysfunctional Church
Severe theological errors are pervasive in the church.
The church is known as a “pastor-eater.”
The congregation experiences severe conflict.
Hardly anyone in the community knows the church exists.
The church is declining while the community is growing.
The church is “family owned and family operated.”
Understanding the Internet Church as a Entry Point to the Physical Gathering
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode504.mp3
Reconsidering Worship Service Alternatives Beyond Sunday Morning
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode505.mp3
Six Creative Ways to Deal with a Deteriorating Facility
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant
http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/RevitalizeReplant/RR-Episode077.mp3