Notable Voices and the Week in Review: April 13, 2019
From Around the Web:
Be the Church that Embraces Children, Not Just Tolerates Them — Sam Rainer
There are two kinds of churches. Those that embrace children, and those that tolerate children. Most churches are not rude towards kids, and I’ve never seen a church sign stating “No Kids Allowed.” However, the families visiting your church will know whether you embrace their kids or not. The churches who welcome children have a higher likelihood of families returning—not just once but often!
8 Critical Signposts of a Healthy Church — Facts & Trends
Throughout the last decade, LifeWay Research has engaged in the largest research study of its kind around the subject of discipleship. This included a qualitative survey of experts in the field of discipleship including pastors, professors, and church leaders from a variety of backgrounds to the major areas of life where spiritual maturity takes place. All this research identified eight domains of the Christian life that lead to spiritual health in a believer. These attributes of discipleship serve as signposts on the pathway of discipleship. In other words, these are the characteristics that ought to be present, in increasing measure, in the life of someone who is growing toward Christlikeness.
Mentoring That Usually Won’t Work with Christian Millennials — Chuck Lawless
I believe in mentoring, and I’ve written about the topic in a book conveniently titled, Mentor. Most of my mentoring relates to millennials, so I’ve learned some of what works and doesn’t work with this generation. At least based on my experience, here’s what doesn’t work:
Commitments of a Great Commission Church — H.B. Charles, Jr.
The Great Commission is the mission of the church. Christ commands us to make disciples by proclaiming the gospel and calling the lost to trust the crucified and risen Savior for salvation. We also are to mark disciples of Christ through water baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then, we mature disciples in the faith in Christ by teaching them to obey all the Lord commands of us. This commission to make disciples of all nations is the life, work, and aim of the church. Faithful Christians make disciples. Faithful pastors make disciples. Faithful churches make disciples.
This Week at ThomRainer.com:
The Nine Most Common Low Attendance Days in Churches
Here are the nine most common low attendance days in order of frequency of response. They are still good reminders we are all dealing with the challenges of commitment…READ MORE
5 Characteristics of Successful Change Leaders
They assume that change is taking place at an increasing pace
They put the organization they lead above themselves
They are willing to look in the mirror
They don’t think they have all the answers
They are courageous
Six Risks I Took As a Pastor (Including Some That Failed Miserably)
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/rainerpodcast/Rainer-on-Leadership/Episode526.mp3
Why Giving Goes Down When Attendance Goes Up
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/rainerpodcast/Rainer-on-Leadership/Episode527.mp3
Some Common and Not-So-Common Facility Prohibitions in Replants & Revitalizing Churches
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant
http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/rainerpodcast/Revitalize-and-Replant/RR-Episode088.mp3
