Rainer on Leadership

Podcast Episode #338

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

Karl Vaters joins us to discuss issues found most often in small churches. However, these issues manifest themselves in any size church in any setting.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* Small churches are not a problem, virtue, or excuse.

* Just because your church is small does not mean you can't do good ministry.

* There's not a single command to the New Testament church that can't be accomplished by a small church.

* The sooner you can assess a Sunday service or church event the better.

* Churches should purposefully and intentionally equip members for ministry.

* It is a pastor's job (according to the New Testament) to equip others to do the work of ministry.

The five items we discuss are:

* Holding on to Stale Traditions.

* Poor or Nonexistent Planning.

* Not Enough Assessment or Evaluation.

* Too Much Inward Focus.

* Depending on the Pastor Instead of Making Disciples.

About Karl Vaters

Karl Vaters has been a small church pastor for more than 30 years—the most recent 25+ years in his current church, Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Fountain Valley, California. His popular blog, Pivot, is hosted at ChristianityToday.com/pivot and focuses specifically on issues related to leading in the small church.

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?

Podcast Episode #338

Karl Vaters joins us to discuss issues found most often in small churches. However, these issues manifest themselves in any size church in any setting.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* Small churches are not a problem, virtue, or excuse.

* Just because your church is small does not mean you can't do good ministry.

* There's not a single command to the New Testament church that can't be accomplished by a small church.

* The sooner you can assess a Sunday service or church event the better.

* Churches should purposefully and intentionally equip members for ministry.

* It is a pastor's job (according to the New Testament) to equip others to do the work of ministry.

The five items we discuss are:

* Holding on to Stale Traditions.

* Poor or Nonexistent Planning.

* Not Enough Assessment or Evaluation.

* Too Much Inward Focus.

* Depending on the Pastor Instead of Making Disciples.

About Karl Vaters

Karl Vaters has been a small church pastor for more than 30 years—the most recent 25+ years in his current church, Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Fountain Valley, California. His popular blog, Pivot, is hosted at ChristianityToday.com/pivot and focuses specifically on issues related to leading in the small church.

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 Grasshopper Myth

Podcast Episode #337

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

These eight signs are almost always evident in churches that are on their way to death. Does your church exhibit any of these?

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* Blogs create fans, podcasts create family.

* Four consecutive years of decline indicate a problem that must be addressed.

* If your congregation is mostly senior adults, you're only a few funerals away from closing the church doors.

* Don't sit and expect younger people to come to your church. You have to work to connect with them.

* In churches that are on their way to death, members often fight fiercely for their preferences.

* One of the most sacred cows in dying churches is the parlor.

The eight issues we cover are:

* There has been a numerical decline for four or more years.

* The church does not look like the community in which it is located.

* The congregation is mostly comprised of senior adults.

* The focus is on the past, not the future.

* The members are intensely preference-driven.

* The budget is severely inwardly focused.

* There are sacred cow facilities.

* Any type of change is met with fierce resistance.

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

* Eight Signs Your Church May Be Closing Soon

*

Podcast Episode #337

These eight signs are almost always evident in churches that are on their way to death. Does your church exhibit any of these?

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* Blogs create fans, podcasts create family.

* Four consecutive years of decline indicate a problem that must be addressed.

* If your congregation is mostly senior adults, you're only a few funerals away from closing the church doors.

* Don't sit and expect younger people to come to your church. You have to work to connect with them.

* In churches that are on their way to death, members often fight fiercely for their preferences.

* One of the most sacred cows in dying churches is the parlor.

The eight issues we cover are:

* There has been a numerical decline for four or more years.

* The church does not look like the community in which it is located.

* The congregation is mostly comprised of senior adults.

* The focus is on the past, not the future.

* The members are intensely preference-driven.

* The budget is severely inwardly focused.

* There are sacred cow facilities.

* Any type of change is met with fierce resistance.

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

* Eight Signs Your Church May Be Closing Soon

* The Need for Church Replanting featuring Mark Clifton – Rainer on Leadership #320

* Reclaiming Glory

Podcast Episode #336

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

Mike Harland is back to talk about those things which can become private distractions to our worship.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* Church leaders would rather not talk about "dress code" for those leading worship, but it can be problematic.

* As a leader, you have to be responsible for people in your ministry.

* In the social media age, ministry leaders need to be aware of how those in their ministry present themselves online.

* "Online fighting will damage your ministry and is a negative testimony."

* If you're a ministry leader, you're accountable for your actions—so should the people be who are in your ministry.

* If you're not willing to hold accountable those in your ministry, you're not leading well.

* When you display spiritual leadership, you have spiritual credibility to address problems spiritually.

* "Walk close and clean before the Lord."

The four items we discuss are:

* The longest Monday of my ministry

* Spiritual integrity of the platform in a social media age

* Accountability of leadership

* Spiritual leadership of the Worship Leader

Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. They’ve helped hundreds of churches just like yours find their church staff and are uniquely geared to help you discern who God is calling to lead your church.

Find out more about Vanderbloemen Search Group by visiting WeStaffTheChurch.com.

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

* Dealing with Public Distractions to Worship, featuring Mike Harland

Podcast Episode #336

Mike Harland is back to talk about those things which can become private distractions to our worship.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* Church leaders would rather not talk about "dress code" for those leading worship, but it can be problematic.

* As a leader, you have to be responsible for people in your ministry.

* In the social media age, ministry leaders need to be aware of how those in their ministry present themselves online.

* "Online fighting will damage your ministry and is a negative testimony."

* If you're a ministry leader, you're accountable for your actions—so should the people be who are in your ministry.

* If you're not willing to hold accountable those in your ministry, you're not leading well.

* When you display spiritual leadership, you have spiritual credibility to address problems spiritually.

* "Walk close and clean before the Lord."

The four items we discuss are:

* The longest Monday of my ministry

* Spiritual integrity of the platform in a social media age

* Accountability of leadership

* Spiritual leadership of the Worship Leader

Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. They’ve helped hundreds of churches just like yours find their church staff and are uniquely geared to help you discern who God is calling to lead your church.

Find out more about Vanderbloemen Search Group by visiting WeStaffTheChurch.com.

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

* Dealing with Public Distractions to Worship, featuring Mike Harland

Podcast Episode #335

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

Art Rainer joins us to talk about generosity and money matters related to his new book The Money Challenge.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* God has designed us not as hoarders but as conduits through which His generosity flows.

* Debt cripples your ability to live generously.

* Pastors are often hesitant to preach on finances as a way to avoid conflict that may result.

* When we give, we should have an eternal perspective for our sacrifice.

* When we are financially healthy, we have a greater ability to be generous for the Kingdom.

* Social media has made "keeping up with the Joneses" exponentially worse.

* Give generously. Save Wisely. Live Appropriately.

About Art Rainer:

Art Rainer is the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University and an MBA from the University of Kentucky. Art lives in Wake Forest, North Carolina with his wife, Sarah, and their three children.

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. They’ve helped hundreds of churches just like yours find their church staff and are uniquely geared to help you discern who God is calling to lead your church.

Find out more about Vanderbloemen Search Group by visiting WeStaffTheChurch.com.

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

* The Money Challenge

Podcast Episode #335

Art Rainer joins us to talk about generosity and money matters related to his new book The Money Challenge.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* God has designed us not as hoarders but as conduits through which His generosity flows.

* Debt cripples your ability to live generously.

* Pastors are often hesitant to preach on finances as a way to avoid conflict that may result.

* When we give, we should have an eternal perspective for our sacrifice.

* When we are financially healthy, we have a greater ability to be generous for the Kingdom.

* Social media has made "keeping up with the Joneses" exponentially worse.

* Give generously. Save Wisely. Live Appropriately.

About Art Rainer:

Art Rainer is the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University and an MBA from the University of Kentucky. Art lives in Wake Forest, North Carolina with his wife, Sarah, and their three children.

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. They’ve helped hundreds of churches just like yours find their church staff and are uniquely geared to help you discern who God is calling to lead your church.

Find out more about Vanderbloemen Search Group by visiting WeStaffTheChurch.com.

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 Money Challenge

Podcast Episode #334

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

Nearly every pastor I talk with says their church is just too busy. So why does this happen? Why do we let it become like this? Today, we tackle eight reasons.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* In the past, churches looked to programs to grow the church. That's not the case today.

* There's nothing wrong with programs as long as they are the means, not the end.

* Program-driven churches give the appearance of growth, but programs aren't a good measure of church health.

* More church activities do not necessarily mean more church ministry.

* We shouldn't settle for mediocrity in the church.

* Simple Church is not all about cutting programs. It's about having a process of discipleship.

* Churches naturally gravitate toward silo behavior.

* Silo behavior adds to the busyness in churches.

* It's always easier to say "yes" and add programs than to say "no" and delete them.

The eight reasons we discuss are:

* Activities became synonymous with ministry.

* Programs and ministries are added regularly, but few or none are ever deleted.

* Programs and ministries become sacred cows.

* The alignment question is not asked on the front end.

* Silo behavior among the different ministries of the church.

* Lack of an evaluation process.

* Ministry becomes facility-centered.

* Lack of courageous leadership.

Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. They’ve helped hundreds of churches just like yours find their church staff and are uniquely geared to help you discern who God is calling to lead your church.

Find out more about Vanderbloemen Search Group by visiting WeStaffTheChurch.com.

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 #334

Nearly every pastor I talk with says their church is just too busy. So why does this happen? Why do we let it become like this? Today, we tackle eight reasons.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* In the past, churches looked to programs to grow the church. That's not the case today.

* There's nothing wrong with programs as long as they are the means, not the end.

* Program-driven churches give the appearance of growth, but programs aren't a good measure of church health.

* More church activities do not necessarily mean more church ministry.

* We shouldn't settle for mediocrity in the church.

* Simple Church is not all about cutting programs. It's about having a process of discipleship.

* Churches naturally gravitate toward silo behavior.

* Silo behavior adds to the busyness in churches.

* It's always easier to say "yes" and add programs than to say "no" and delete them.

The eight reasons we discuss are:

* Activities became synonymous with ministry.

* Programs and ministries are added regularly, but few or none are ever deleted.

* Programs and ministries become sacred cows.

* The alignment question is not asked on the front end.

* Silo behavior among the different ministries of the church.

* Lack of an evaluation process.

* Ministry becomes facility-centered.

* Lack of courageous leadership.

Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. They’ve helped hundreds of churches just like yours find their church staff and are uniquely geared to help you discern who God is calling to lead your church.

Find out more about Vanderbloemen Search Group by visiting WeStaffTheChurch.com.

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

* Search by William Vanderbloemen

* PerceptGroup.com

* Simple Church

* Breakout Churches

* How to Kill an Ineffective Program or Ministry – Rainer on Leadership...