Rainer on Leadership

Podcast Episode #343

SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play

Stability is often a goal for churches. Unfortunately stable churches are often stagnant churches. So when we talk about stable churches today, it's in that context. And there are five reasons that can be a very bad thing for a church.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* Stable doctrine can be good thing. Stagnant ministry is not.

* A stagnant church is not a church on mission.

* Comfort is often the enemy of obedience.

* For too many church members, the extent of their missions involvement is just giving money.

* One of the biggest mistakes churches make is not being intentional about starting new groups.

* If you're not creating new groups, your church is likely inwardly focused.

* Being a part of a local church means making a commitment to focus on others.

The five points we cover are:

* A stable church is not a church on mission.

* Comfort is the enemy of obedience.

* Stable churches are not reaching their communities.

* Stable churches do not create new groups.

* Members of stable churches want the focus to be on their preferences.

Episode Sponsors

The Timothy Track, from Midwestern Seminary, offers select residential M.Div. students placement in internship positions in a local church in the area. Now you can complement your studies with in-the-field ministry experience. In addition, all Timothy Track students will receive up to 12 credit hours for the internship and a 50% tuition scholarship for the first year.

Find out more at mbts.edu/TimothyTrack.

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. Their Fall Lead Pastor and Executive Pastor Coaching Networks are now open for registration, and our very own Dr. Rainer will be speaking at the Fall Lead Pastor Coaching Network.

So if you're a Lead Pastor or an Executive Pastor looking for peer roundtable coaching, check it out at vanderbloemen.com/coaching. It's limited to 16 folks, so apply today before it fills up.

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. If we use your question, you'll receive a free copy of Who Moved My Pulpit?

Resources Mentioned in Today's Podcast

* Five Reasons Why Stability Is Bad for a Church

*

Podcast Episode #343

Stability is often a goal for churches. Unfortunately stable churches are often stagnant churches. So when we talk about stable churches today, it's in that context. And there are five reasons that can be a very bad thing for a church.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* Stable doctrine can be good thing. Stagnant ministry is not.

* A stagnant church is not a church on mission.

* Comfort is often the enemy of obedience.

* For too many church members, the extent of their missions involvement is just giving money.

* One of the biggest mistakes churches make is not being intentional about starting new groups.

* If you're not creating new groups, your church is likely inwardly focused.

* Being a part of a local church means making a commitment to focus on others.

The five points we cover are:

* A stable church is not a church on mission.

* Comfort is the enemy of obedience.

* Stable churches are not reaching their communities.

* Stable churches do not create new groups.

* Members of stable churches want the focus to be on their preferences.

Episode Sponsors

The Timothy Track, from Midwestern Seminary, offers select residential M.Div. students placement in internship positions in a local church in the area. Now you can complement your studies with in-the-field ministry experience. In addition, all Timothy Track students will receive up to 12 credit hours for the internship and a 50% tuition scholarship for the first year.

Find out more at mbts.edu/TimothyTrack.

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. Their Fall Lead Pastor and Executive Pastor Coaching Networks are now open for registration, and our very own Dr. Rainer will be speaking at the Fall Lead Pastor Coaching Network.

So if you're a Lead Pastor or an Executive Pastor looking for peer roundtable coaching, check it out at vanderbloemen.com/coaching. It's limited to 16 folks, so apply today before it fills up.

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here on Church Answers.

Resources Mentioned in Today's Podcast

* Five Reasons Why Stability Is Bad for a Church

* Church Answers

* Evangelism in the Early Church

* Technicolor

* PerceptGroup.com

* I Am a Church Member

Podcast Episode #342

SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play

Regular church attendance has waned in recent years as the commitment level from members has dropped. Today, we address five major reasons for this drop in attendance.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* Is the church so important that you need to gather with other believers on a regular basis? Yes.

* It is extremely difficult to make disciples of church members if you don't know where they are.

* Culture is not causing churches to compromise. Churches are compromising and culture is saying it's okay.

* The way you bring people into a church will show them the expected commitment level for the future.

* Those who are leaders in the church set the example of commitment for the rest of the church.

* If leaders in your church sporadically show up, the rest of the members will see that and follow suit.

* Unfortunately, there are a significant number of Christians who don't see church attendance as important.

The five reasons we discuss are:

* We are minimizing the importance of the local church.

* We worship the idols of activities.

* We take a lot of vacations from church.

* We do not have high expectations of our members.

* We make infrequent attendees leaders in our churches.

Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. Their Fall Lead Pastor and Executive Pastor Coaching Networks are now open for registration, and our very own Dr. Rainer will be speaking at the Fall Lead Pastor Coaching Network.

So if you're a Lead Pastor or an Executive Pastor looking for peer roundtable coaching, check it out at vanderbloemen.com/coaching. It's limited to 16 folks, so apply today before it fills up.

Midwestern Seminary, one of the fastest growing seminaries in North America, exists to train leaders For The Church. The local church is God’s “Plan A” for the proclamation of the gospel, and there is no Plan B. And this is Midwestern’s vision and heartbeat—equipping pastors and other ministry leaders who are called to expand God’s mission in the world through the local church. At Midwestern Seminary: they train leaders ‘For The Church.’

Visit them online at MBTS.edu and start your ministry training today.

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. If we use your question, you'll receive a free copy of Who Moved My Pulpit?

Resources Mentioned in Today's Podcast

*

Podcast Episode #342

Regular church attendance has waned in recent years as the commitment level from members has dropped. Today, we address five major reasons for this drop in attendance.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* Is the church so important that you need to gather with other believers on a regular basis? Yes.

* It is extremely difficult to make disciples of church members if you don't know where they are.

* Culture is not causing churches to compromise. Churches are compromising and culture is saying it's okay.

* The way you bring people into a church will show them the expected commitment level for the future.

* Those who are leaders in the church set the example of commitment for the rest of the church.

* If leaders in your church sporadically show up, the rest of the members will see that and follow suit.

* Unfortunately, there are a significant number of Christians who don't see church attendance as important.

The five reasons we discuss are:

* We are minimizing the importance of the local church.

* We worship the idols of activities.

* We take a lot of vacations from church.

* We do not have high expectations of our members.

* We make infrequent attendees leaders in our churches.

Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. Their Fall Lead Pastor and Executive Pastor Coaching Networks are now open for registration, and our very own Dr. Rainer will be speaking at the Fall Lead Pastor Coaching Network.

So if you're a Lead Pastor or an Executive Pastor looking for peer roundtable coaching, check it out at vanderbloemen.com/coaching. It's limited to 16 folks, so apply today before it fills up.

Midwestern Seminary, one of the fastest growing seminaries in North America, exists to train leaders For The Church. The local church is God’s “Plan A” for the proclamation of the gospel, and there is no Plan B. And this is Midwestern’s vision and heartbeat—equipping pastors and other ministry leaders who are called to expand God’s mission in the world through the local church. At Midwestern Seminary: they train leaders ‘For The Church.’

Visit them online at MBTS.edu and start your ministry training today.

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here on Church Answers.

Resources Mentioned in Today's Podcast

* The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown

Podcast Episode #341

SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play

There are danger signs in any vocation. But if you ignore these, it might be more than just your job that you lose—it could be your ministry that's lost. Thanks again to Chuck Lawless for the post from which these warning signs come.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* Living for your days off is a miserable way to live in ministry.

* If you consistently don't get enough rest and sleep, you likely won't produce good results at work.

* Don't try to feed the congregation without first feeding yourself.

* If you're not happy and content in the work to which God has called you, people will notice. You can't fake it.

* Your family is your first line of ministry.

* Pastors should invest in assistants to help with administrative work.

* When you work a ministry schedule, you need a system for returning calls and emails.

* Don't make friends just to use them as conduits to find your next place of ministry.

The 13 warning signs we cover are:

* Living by a “get me through the day” philosophy.

* Losing vision.

* Developing poor sleep patterns.

* Declining spiritual disciplines.

* Repeating lessons and sermons.

* Faking joy and excitement.

* Frustrating family members.

* Magnifying minors.

* Failing to return emails and phone calls.

* Misdirecting affections.

* Decreasing exercise.

* Focusing on a “grass is greener” syndrome.

* Avoiding people who speak truth.

Episode Sponsors

The Timothy Track, from Midwestern Seminary, offers select residential M.Div. students placement in internship positions in a local church in the area. Now you can complement your studies with in-the-field ministry experience. In addition, all Timothy Track students will receive up to 12 credit hours for the internship and a 50% tuition scholarship for the first year.

Find out more at mbts.edu/TimothyTrack.

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. Their Fall Lead Pastor and Executive Pastor Coaching Networks are now open for registration, and our very own Dr. Rainer will be speaking at the Fall Lead Pastor Coaching Network.

So if you're a Lead Pastor or an Executive Pastor looking for peer roundtable coaching, check it out at vanderbloemen.com/coaching. It's limited to 16 folks, so apply today before it fills up.

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.

Podcast Episode #341

There are danger signs in any vocation. But if you ignore these, it might be more than just your job that you lose—it could be your ministry that's lost. Thanks again to Chuck Lawless for the post from which these warning signs come.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* Living for your days off is a miserable way to live in ministry.

* If you consistently don't get enough rest and sleep, you likely won't produce good results at work.

* Don't try to feed the congregation without first feeding yourself.

* If you're not happy and content in the work to which God has called you, people will notice. You can't fake it.

* Your family is your first line of ministry.

* Pastors should invest in assistants to help with administrative work.

* When you work a ministry schedule, you need a system for returning calls and emails.

* Don't make friends just to use them as conduits to find your next place of ministry.

The 13 warning signs we cover are:

* Living by a “get me through the day” philosophy.

* Losing vision.

* Developing poor sleep patterns.

* Declining spiritual disciplines.

* Repeating lessons and sermons.

* Faking joy and excitement.

* Frustrating family members.

* Magnifying minors.

* Failing to return emails and phone calls.

* Misdirecting affections.

* Decreasing exercise.

* Focusing on a “grass is greener” syndrome.

* Avoiding people who speak truth.

Episode Sponsors

The Timothy Track, from Midwestern Seminary, offers select residential M.Div. students placement in internship positions in a local church in the area. Now you can complement your studies with in-the-field ministry experience. In addition, all Timothy Track students will receive up to 12 credit hours for the internship and a 50% tuition scholarship for the first year.

Find out more at mbts.edu/TimothyTrack.

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. Their Fall Lead Pastor and Executive Pastor Coaching Networks are now open for registration, and our very own Dr. Rainer will be speaking at the Fall Lead Pastor Coaching Network.

So if you're a Lead Pastor or an Executive Pastor looking for peer roundtable coaching, check it out at vanderbloemen.com/coaching. It's limited to 16 folks, so apply today before it fills up.

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here on Church Answers.

Resources Mentioned in Today's Podcast

* Seven Ways to Deal with Gnats in Ministry

* BELAY (affiliate link)

Podcast Episode #340

SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play

Raechel and Amanda from She Reads Truth join us to discuss how they got started, what went into the production of one of the hottest Bibles on the market, and what's next for the She Reads Truth family.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* She Reads Truth was born from the desire to read God's Word more.

* "When we create reading plans, we want to let Scripture interpret Scripture."

* The She Reads Truth Bible is a process over two years in the making.

* The She Reads Truth Bible is intentionally designed to spotlight Scripture.

* I have never seen anything take off like the She Reads Truth Bible.

About Raechel Myers and Amanda Bible Williams

Raechel Myers is always on the lookout for beauty, goodness, and truth in everyday life. Co-founder and CEO of She Reads Truth, Raechel has a bachelor’s degree in housing and environmental design, and is not afraid to paint a whole house over a long weekend. She longs to cook artisanal meals, but loves Chinese takeout. She lives south of Nashville, Tennessee, with her three favorite people.

Amanda Bible Williams likes words and books more than just about anything. She holds bachelor’s degrees in English and psychology, nearly a master’s in religion, and a deep love for a farmhouse east of Nashville, Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and their three children. Chief Content Officer of She Reads Truth, Amanda spends her days happily rearranging sentences and explaining that her maiden name really is Bible.

Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. Their Fall Lead Pastor and Executive Pastor Coaching Networks are now open for registration, and our very own Dr. Rainer will be speaking at the Fall Lead Pastor Coaching Network.

So if you're a Lead Pastor or an Executive Pastor looking for peer roundtable coaching, check it out at vanderbloemen.com/coaching. It's limited to 16 folks, so apply today before it fills up.

Midwestern Seminary, one of the fastest growing seminaries in North America, exists to train leaders For The Church. The local church is God’s “Plan A” for the proclamation of the gospel, and there is no Plan B. And this is Midwestern’s vision and heartbeat—equipping pastors and other ministry leaders who are called to expand God’s mission in the world through the local church. At Midwestern Seminary: they train leaders ‘For The Church.’

Visit them online at MBTS.edu and start your ministry training today.

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. If we use your question, you'll receive a free copy of

Podcast Episode #340

Raechel and Amanda from She Reads Truth join us to discuss how they got started, what went into the production of one of the hottest Bibles on the market, and what's next for the She Reads Truth family.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* She Reads Truth was born from the desire to read God's Word more.

* "When we create reading plans, we want to let Scripture interpret Scripture."

* The She Reads Truth Bible is a process over two years in the making.

* The She Reads Truth Bible is intentionally designed to spotlight Scripture.

* I have never seen anything take off like the She Reads Truth Bible.

About Raechel Myers and Amanda Bible Williams

Raechel Myers is always on the lookout for beauty, goodness, and truth in everyday life. Co-founder and CEO of She Reads Truth, Raechel has a bachelor’s degree in housing and environmental design, and is not afraid to paint a whole house over a long weekend. She longs to cook artisanal meals, but loves Chinese takeout. She lives south of Nashville, Tennessee, with her three favorite people.

Amanda Bible Williams likes words and books more than just about anything. She holds bachelor’s degrees in English and psychology, nearly a master’s in religion, and a deep love for a farmhouse east of Nashville, Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and their three children. Chief Content Officer of She Reads Truth, Amanda spends her days happily rearranging sentences and explaining that her maiden name really is Bible.

Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. Their Fall Lead Pastor and Executive Pastor Coaching Networks are now open for registration, and our very own Dr. Rainer will be speaking at the Fall Lead Pastor Coaching Network.

So if you're a Lead Pastor or an Executive Pastor looking for peer roundtable coaching, check it out at vanderbloemen.com/coaching. It's limited to 16 folks, so apply today before it fills up.

Midwestern Seminary, one of the fastest growing seminaries in North America, exists to train leaders For The Church. The local church is God’s “Plan A” for the proclamation of the gospel, and there is no Plan B. And this is Midwestern’s vision and heartbeat—equipping pastors and other ministry leaders who are called to expand God’s mission in the world through the local church. At Midwestern Seminary: they train leaders ‘For The Church.’

Visit them online at MBTS.edu and start your ministry training today.

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here on Church Answers.

Resources Mentioned in Today's Podcast

* She Reads Truth

* SheReadsTruth.com

* She Reads Truth App

* She Reads Truth Bible

Podcast Episode #339

SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play

If any of these danger signs are present in your church, you need to take note. They can signal decline, dead theology, or even death of the church.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* There is a growing danger of the exclusivity of Christ being lost in many churches.

* Any rationale that minimizes evangelism is contrary to Scripture.

* Evangelism doesn't just happen. It requires intentionality.

* Actions should emanate from your preaching of the Word.

* Your church's missions and evangelism should focus locally as well as globally.

* When you insist on always getting your way in a relationship, the relationship eventually will deteriorate.

The five danger signs we cover are:

* Doubts about the exclusivity of salvation through Christ.

* Waning efforts at evangelism.

* Making doctrine and works either/or.

* Forgetting Jerusalem.

* Fighting rather than going and doing.

Episode Sponsors

The Timothy Track, from Midwestern Seminary, offers select residential M.Div. students placement in internship positions in a local church in the area. Now you can complement your studies with in-the-field ministry experience. In addition, all Timothy Track students will receive up to 12 credit hours for the internship and a 50% tuition scholarship for the first year.

Find out more at mbts.edu/TimothyTrack.

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. Their Fall Lead Pastor and Executive Pastor Coaching Networks are now open for registration, and our very own Dr. Rainer will be speaking at the Fall Lead Pastor Coaching Network.

So if you're a Lead Pastor or an Executive Pastor looking for peer roundtable coaching, check it out at vanderbloemen.com/coaching. It's limited to 16 folks, so apply today before it fills up.

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. If we use your question, you'll receive a free copy of Who Moved My Pulpit?

Resources Mentioned in Today's Podcast

* Five Imminent Dangers in Churches

Podcast Episode #339

If any of these danger signs are present in your church, you need to take note. They can signal decline, dead theology, or even death of the church.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* There is a growing danger of the exclusivity of Christ being lost in many churches.

* Any rationale that minimizes evangelism is contrary to Scripture.

* Evangelism doesn't just happen. It requires intentionality.

* Actions should emanate from your preaching of the Word.

* Your church's missions and evangelism should focus locally as well as globally.

* When you insist on always getting your way in a relationship, the relationship eventually will deteriorate.

The five danger signs we cover are:

* Doubts about the exclusivity of salvation through Christ.

* Waning efforts at evangelism.

* Making doctrine and works either/or.

* Forgetting Jerusalem.

* Fighting rather than going and doing.

Episode Sponsors

The Timothy Track, from Midwestern Seminary, offers select residential M.Div. students placement in internship positions in a local church in the area. Now you can complement your studies with in-the-field ministry experience. In addition, all Timothy Track students will receive up to 12 credit hours for the internship and a 50% tuition scholarship for the first year.

Find out more at mbts.edu/TimothyTrack.

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. Their Fall Lead Pastor and Executive Pastor Coaching Networks are now open for registration, and our very own Dr. Rainer will be speaking at the Fall Lead Pastor Coaching Network.

So if you're a Lead Pastor or an Executive Pastor looking for peer roundtable coaching, check it out at vanderbloemen.com/coaching. It's limited to 16 folks, so apply today before it fills up.

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here on Church Answers.

Resources Mentioned in Today's Podcast

* Five Imminent Dangers in Churches