Rainer on Leadership

By Thom Rainer

Your online home for leadership lessons for both the church and the workplace.... more

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Number 1: The Burge Report: Why Gen Z Might Be the Least Mobile Generation in American History
Americans are moving far less than they did in previous generations, and Gen Z may become the least mobile generation in American history. In the 1950s, about 20% of Americans moved each year. By 2019, that number had fallen to roughly 11%. Even more surprising, younger adults are more likely than older generations to say they have lived in the same local community their entire lives. Nearly half of those born in the early 2000s report never having moved from their local community. Ryan and Sam discuss how this trend also has implications for churches. People who stay rooted in one place appear somewhat more likely to remain connected to religious life than those who move away. Moving disrupts habits, relationships, and rhythms—including church attendance. For many dechurched people, the issue may not be a conscious rejection of faith, but the loss of a weekly rhythm after relocating. The old story about American mobility is outdated. Americans are not moving as much as they once did. The idea that most people are constantly relocating for jobs, relationships, or opportunity no longer matches the data. Gen Z may be uniquely rooted in place. Nearly half of adults born in the early 2000s report living in the same local community their entire lives. While some of this reflects their youth, it may also signal a broader generational shift. Moving can weaken religious habits. People who move away from their birthplace are more likely to identify as non-religious and less likely to belong to a house of worship. Relocation often disrupts the routines that keep people connected to church. Churches have a major opportunity with new movers. People who relocate are making dozens of new decisions: where to shop, where to find a doctor, where to build friendships, and whether to attend church. Churches that intentionally welcome new residents may reach people at a uniquely open moment in life. Resources: Upward Sports Brown Church Development Group Ryan Burge “Americans Are Moving Less (And It’s a Big Opportunity for Churches)” by Ryan Burge “Essential Church?: Reclaiming a Generation of Dropouts” by Thom S. Rainer and Sam Rainer (affiliate link) “The Church Revitalization Checklist: A Hopeful and Practical Guide for Leading Your Congregation to a Brighter Tomorrow” by Sam Rainer (affiliate link) “The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back?” by Jim Davis, Michael Graham, and Ryan Burge (affiliate link) Church Equip The Hope Initiative Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Episode Sponsors: Sports are one of the easiest ways to connect with families in your community. Upward Sports helps churches turn that connection into an intentional ministry that reaches families both on and off the field or court. When you partner with Upward Sports, your church will receive: Church onboarding and launch support Marketing resources to build awareness in your community Customizable player packages Ministry resources for players and families Coach and leader training Cloud-based league management tools Ongoing support throughout your season A like-minded community of church leaders You don’t have to figure it out on your own. Upward Sports stands ready to partner with your church every step of the way, helping you create a first-class sports experience that builds relationships, engages families, and creates opportunities to share the Gospel. Take time to learn more at Upward.org/church-leaders. Most churches aren’t short on vision—they’re stuck on what to do next. Facility decisions can feel overwhelming, expensive, and risky… Too often, buildings end up working against the ministry instead of for it. That’s where Brown Church Development Group comes in… They are the Church Facility Experts. They’ve helped hundreds of churches across the United States find facility solutions that actually fit their ministry style, budget, and long-term plans. From feasibility studies and master planning to architecture and construction, they’re a true one-stop shop for all your church facility needs. Brown Church Development Group helps churches avoid costly mistakes, gain clarity, and move forward with confidence—without the guesswork. Whether you’re improving an existing facility or building something new, Brown Church Development Group can help you know exactly what to do next. Proven experience helping churches nationwide. Facility solutions that fit your ministry vision, budget, and long-term growth. A true one stop shop for church facility needs. The post The Burge Report: Why Gen Z Might Be the Least Mobile Generation in American History appeared first on Church Answers.
September 28, 202628min
Number 2: Five Relatively Recent Theological Controversies That Have Faded
Some denominations and networks seem to have a controversy du jour. Many of them have deep theological implications. Others are distractions to the primary mission of churches. Sam and Thom review five controversies that were once heated but have now faded significantly. The Emergent Church Controversies The “Muslim Insider” Debate The Open Theism Crisis The Seeker Sensitive Movement The King James Only Resurgence Resources: Brown Church Development Group Upward Running Church Equip The Hope Initiative Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Episode Sponsors: One wrong facility decision can cost a church years of momentum and millions of dollars. Facility decisions can feel overwhelming, expensive, and risky… Too often, buildings end up working against the ministry instead of for it. That’s where Brown Church Development Group comes in… They are the Church Facility Experts. They’ve helped hundreds of churches across the United States find facility solutions that actually fit their ministry style, budget, and long-term plans. From feasibility studies and master planning to architecture and construction, they’re a true one-stop shop for all your church facility needs. Brown Church Development Group helps churches avoid costly mistakes, gain clarity, and move forward with confidence—without the guesswork. Whether you’re improving an existing facility or building something new, Brown Church Development Group can help you know exactly what to do next. Proven experience helping churches nationwide. Facility solutions that fit your ministry vision, budget, and long-term growth. A true one stop shop for church facility needs. Fall Challenge – Upward Running This fall don’t just watch the seasons change…change with them. Join Upward Running’s Fall Challenge beginning September 28. No running experience required! Train for a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or marathon with expert coaching and a faith-filled community. Grow stronger in your fitness and your faith with devotionals, encouragement, and training plans designed to help you succeed. Don’t wait until January to make a change. Build healthy habits now and head into the holidays stronger, healthier, and more confident. Learn more at www.upwardrunning.com. Training starts September 28. The post Five Relatively Recent Theological Controversies That Have Faded appeared first on Church Answers.
September 07, 202624min
Number 3: Who in the Church Should Hold Pastors Accountable?
Scripture gives clear qualifications for the characteristics of pastors. But who in the church should hold pastors accountable to these qualifications? Josh and Sam dive into the best practices for pastoral accountability. Every pastor needs accountability from within the body. Outside governance is ill-advised and dangerous. Do not conflate authority with accountability. You can have authority over a group of people and also be accountable to them. Some denominations have a hierarchical structure that facilitates accountability. Congregational churches need more clarity on accountability. What about deacons? They help with spiritual accountability. What about a personnel committee? This group often helps with HR issues. What about elders? Often, they guard the church’s doctrine. Resources: Smart Church Solutions The Revitalization at Shadowbrook Church Doctor of Educational Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Church Answers Central The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: Looking for a better way to manage your church or school facilities? eSPACE is the leading facility management software built specifically for churches. It helps you schedule events, manage work orders, and track assets – all in one place. You can even automate things like HVAC and door access to save time and money. Trusted by over 1,250 organizations – including some of the largest churches in the country. If you’re tired of spreadsheets, sticky notes, or last-minute maintenance emergencies, it’s time to check out eSPACE. Learn more and book a personalized demo at smartchurchsolutions.com/rainer/. Shadowbrook Church members in Suwanee, Georgia, have rediscovered their first love–serving Christ and loving others. But during Jerrod Rumley’s first two years as pastor, he was shepherding a divided congregation. A small number of members seemed better suited for sharing gossip than the gospel. Older and younger members had relegated the Great Commission to the church staff. Gen-Xers were comfortable in a congregation that placed few demands upon them. Others were busy meeting community needs–yet seldom shared the gospel. Rumley needed guidance to unify his splintered congregation. He knew exactly where to turn. Go to SBTS.edu/Unified to read about the steps Shadowbrook’s pastor took to erase barriers and revive the church’s passion for evangelism and discipleship. Those same steps are available to you, and it begins at SBTS.edu/Unified. The post Who in the Church Should Hold Pastors Accountable? appeared first on Church Answers.
August 14, 202530min
Number 4: 14 Traits Found in Toxic Leaders
Podcast Episode #079 Unfortunately not all leaders of churches or Christian ministries act in the most Christ-like of ways. Some of these leaders, despite the Christian mission of the group they lead, create extremely toxic environments. Their leadership then hinders the growth of the church or ministry, and, if left uncorrected, often runs it into the ground. So this week on the podcast, we discuss the traits found in these leaders and what to do if you are one or work for one. Some highlights from the episode: * There is a dark side to Christian leadership, and we should address these issues in the open. * As Christian leaders, we should exemplify the fruit of the Spirit. * The level of accountability in Christian leadership should be higher than that of secular leaders. * Toxic leaders get their joy by putting others down. * Toxic leaders rarely try to develop people. They use them up and cast them aside. * The more clear you are in your communication, the more you reveal who you really are. The 14 traits we cover are: * They rarely demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit. * They seek a minimalist structure of accountability. * They expect behavior of others they don’t expect of themselves. * They see almost everyone else as inferior to themselves. * They show favoritism. * They have frequent anger outbursts. * They say one thing to some people, but different things to others. * They seek to dismiss or marginalize people before they attempt to develop them. * They are manipulative. * They lack transparency. * They do not allow for pushback or disagreement. * They surround themselves with sycophants. * They communicate poorly. * They are self-absorbed. Episode Sponsor This week's podcast is brought to you by Pastors Today. This weekly newsletter provides pastors with resources and information from around the web written specifically for pastors. For more information and to subscribe, visit lifeway.com/pastorstoday. Feedback If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. Resources * Fourteen Symptoms of Toxic Church Leaders
November 07, 201423min
Number 5: 10 Reasons for Church Conflict
Podcast Episode #044 Conflict happens in every church. This conflict is sometimes managed well. Other times, not so much. In a recent post here on the blog, I listed 10 reasons for arguments that arise in the church. They mainly include unfair expectations and misunderstood intentions but are common issues in many churches. You will notice that we don't discuss biblical and theological arguments in this episode. That's a completely different (and more lengthy) discussion. Here are the 10 reasons we discuss: * Worship and music style. * Volume of music in the services. * Reasons why churches die. * Proper attire for church services. * Pastors’ salaries. * Megachurches. * The number of hours a pastor works each week. * Why people leave a church. * Role of a pastor’s wife. * Perspectives on pastors’ children. Episode Sponsor This week's podcast is brought to you by Pastors Today. This weekly newsletter provides pastors with resources and information from around the web written specifically for pastors. For more information and to subscribe, visit lifeway.com/pastors. Feedback If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. Resources * I Am a Church Member * The Pastor's Kid * Autopsy of a Deceased Church
February 28, 201423min