In this episode of the 5 Leadership Questions podcast Todd Adkins and I talk with Dr. Thom Rainer, the President of LifeWay Christian Resources. Dr. Rainer is one of the most influential leaders of leaders in the church world today. His blog at ThomRainer.com draw millions of viewers and his podcast, Rainer on Leadership, is one of the leading Christian podcasts available. He has written over twenty five books and is a marvelous leader. (As ones who work under him, both Todd and I can attest to this.). In this conversation  you will hear both Dr. Rainer’s leadership savvy as well as his personality and genuineness. Enjoy!

Best Quotes

“We’re getting to the point now where really everybody is self-employed. No organization is totally loyal to an employee unless they perform. No employee is loyal to an organization unless it does well for them.”

“What is the outcome, not the hours that you work?”

“I would suggest that y’all need to stick it to the man, but I think in this case I am the man, so be careful.”

“I learn so much from those who say they’re learning from me.”

“If you’re trying to build an audience you really do have to be authentic and authentically engage your audience.”

“Any organization that is not aligned on its key purpose is an organization that is going in multiple directions which is going in no direction.”

“Why is Lifeway doing some good things? It’s because of the people, getting the right people on the bus in the right seats.”

“Is it biblical? Is it a solution? Is it transformational for life?”

“One of my greatest frustrations is when the tail wags the dog.”

“Usually the only thing I like more than Alabama winning is Auburn losing.”

“Find a way to be self-aware.”

Recommended Resources

ThomRainer.com

Rainer on Leadership Podcast

I Will: Nine Traits of the Outwardly Focused Christian

Autopsy of a Deceased Church

I Am a Church Member

Diversity Explosion by William Frey

The End of Jobs by Taylor Pearson