Rainer on Leadership

Podcast Episode #333

Churches often find themselves in a rut or a case of the doldrums. Today, we cover five ways your church can snap out of a negative spiral.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* It's hard to stay mad at someone if you're praying for that person.

* Ongoing ministry and missions should be taking place in the local community of a church.

* Some leaders have too much pride to admit they've made a mistake.

* People see straight through inauthentic apologies.

* Outside eyes can help you see things you otherwise would not see.

* The healthiest leaders are those who get ongoing training and coaching.

* Church members and other staff can totally tell when a staff member or pastor has checked out.

The five ways to reverse negative sentiment that we discuss are:

* Call for a time of prayer.

* Lead a major ministry or service effort in the community.

* Ask for forgiveness.

* Get a fresh perspective.

* Make a commitment to stay.

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

* Pastoral Leadership, Prayer, and Church Health

* Five Imminent Dangers in Churches

* Facility Audit

* ChurchAnswers.com

* For the Church at the SBC Annual Meeting

Podcast Episode #333

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

Churches often find themselves in a rut or a case of the doldrums. Today, we cover five ways your church can snap out of a negative spiral.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* It's hard to stay mad at someone if you're praying for that person.

* Ongoing ministry and missions should be taking place in the local community of a church.

* Some leaders have too much pride to admit they've made a mistake.

* People see straight through inauthentic apologies.

* Outside eyes can help you see things you otherwise would not see.

* The healthiest leaders are those who get ongoing training and coaching.

* Church members and other staff can totally tell when a staff member or pastor has checked out.

The five ways to reverse negative sentiment that we discuss are:

* Call for a time of prayer.

* Lead a major ministry or service effort in the community.

* Ask for forgiveness.

* Get a fresh perspective.

* Make a commitment to stay.

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

* Pastoral Leadership, Prayer, and Church Health

* Five Imminent Dangers in Churches

* F...

Podcast Episode #332

Revitalization continues to be a topic of interest in churches, and today Andrew Davis, pastor of FBC Durham, NC, joins us to talk about his journey of revitalization and his discipline of Scripture memorization.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* "When a church needs revitalization, there are typically toxic forces at work in that church."

* Pastors need allies, friends, and spiritually-minded people in the church who will pray for them.

* "None of us has the level of commitment that Jesus has for the local church and universal church."

* "The unleashing of the Word of God bring life and strength and health to a church."

* It is very tempting to take inordinate credit for success in ministry.

* In revitalization, there will be key moments when you have to step out in courage and lead.

* "There's a difference between a healthy church and a perfect church. You'll never find a perfect church."

About Andrew Davis:

Andrew M. Davis is pastor of First Baptist Church of Durham, North Carolina, and a visiting professor of church history at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Chairman of the governance committee of the Gospel Coalition, Davis has written articles for TGC's popular website and has spoken in plenary and breakout sessions at TGC's national conference.

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

* Revitalize: Biblical Keys to Helping Your Church Come Alive Again

* Autopsy of a Deceased Church

* 9Marks

* The Reform of First Baptist Church of Durham

* He’s Memorized 42 Books of the Bible and You Can, Too

Podcast Episode #332

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

Revitalization continues to be a topic of interest in churches, and today Andrew Davis, pastor of FBC Durham, NC, joins us to talk about his journey of revitalization and his discipline of Scripture memorization.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* "When a church needs revitalization, there are typically toxic forces at work in that church."

* Pastors need allies, friends, and spiritually-minded people in the church who will pray for them.

* "None of us has the level of commitment that Jesus has for the local church and universal church."

* "The unleashing of the Word of God bring life and strength and health to a church."

* It is very tempting to take inordinate credit for success in ministry.

* In revitalization, there will be key moments when you have to step out in courage and lead.

* "There's a difference between a healthy church and a perfect church. You'll never find a perfect church."

About Andrew Davis:

Andrew M. Davis is pastor of First Baptist Church of Durham, North Carolina, and a visiting professor of church history at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Chairman of the governance committee of the Gospel Coalition, Davis has written articles for TGC's popular website and has spoken in plenary and breakout sessions at TGC's national conference.

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

* Revitalize: Biblical Keys to Helping Your Church Co...

Podcast Episode #331

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

We cover seven regrets many pastors and church staff have and how to overcome them. And we also talk about Chuck E. Cheese.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* Seminaries are great, but no school can teach everyone everything needed for ministry.

* Critics will always be present for leaders.

* There can be healthy critics; it's just hard to see them that way.

* When faced with a difficult situation, do you find the opportunity or the danger?

* Pastors are prone to blame outside factors for church problems.

* Church can be an evil mistress for a pastor.

* Sharing ministry is a step of faith.

* Don't be a ministry hoarder.

The seven regrets we discuss are:

* Lack of practical training for local church ministry.

* Overly concerned about critics.

* Failure to exercise faith.

* Not enough time with family.

* Failure to understand basic business and finance issues.

* Failure to share ministry.

* Failure to make friends.

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

* Church Answers

Podcast Episode #331

We cover seven regrets many pastors and church staff have and how to overcome them. And we also talk about Chuck E. Cheese.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* Seminaries are great, but no school can teach everyone everything needed for ministry.

* Critics will always be present for leaders.

* There can be healthy critics; it's just hard to see them that way.

* When faced with a difficult situation, do you find the opportunity or the danger?

* Pastors are prone to blame outside factors for church problems.

* Church can be an evil mistress for a pastor.

* Sharing ministry is a step of faith.

* Don't be a ministry hoarder.

The seven regrets we discuss are:

* Lack of practical training for local church ministry.

* Overly concerned about critics.

* Failure to exercise faith.

* Not enough time with family.

* Failure to understand basic business and finance issues.

* Failure to share ministry.

* Failure to make friends.

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

* Church Answers

Podcast Episode #330

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

Ever wondered what your church wants from its pastor? Today, we cover the top ten things church members desire in a pastor.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* A church wants to know that their pastor loves them.

* Effective preaching requires adequate time for preparation.

* Much of a pastor's ministry is judged as effective or not based upon the preaching ministry.

* Social media background checks are becoming standard when hiring a pastor.

* We are leaving a blueprint of our lives when we interact on social media.

* An organization without a path forward becomes an uneasy organization.

* A lot of people can have great ideas. Not many people can execute them, too.

* There is nothing wrong with having fun as a leader.

* Most leaders are not transparent enough.

The ten items we discuss are:

* Love of congregation.

* Effective preaching.

* Strong character.

* Good work ethic.

* Casts a vision.

* Demonstrates healthy leadership.

* Joyous.

* Does not yield to critics.

* Transparent.

* Models evangelism.

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

* LifeWay named on...

Podcast Episode #330

Ever wondered what your church wants from its pastor? Today, we cover the top ten things church members desire in a pastor.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* A church wants to know that their pastor loves them.

* Effective preaching requires adequate time for preparation.

* Much of a pastor's ministry is judged as effective or not based upon the preaching ministry.

* Social media background checks are becoming standard when hiring a pastor.

* We are leaving a blueprint of our lives when we interact on social media.

* An organization without a path forward becomes an uneasy organization.

* A lot of people can have great ideas. Not many people can execute them, too.

* There is nothing wrong with having fun as a leader.

* Most leaders are not transparent enough.

The ten items we discuss are:

* Love of congregation.

* Effective preaching.

* Strong character.

* Good work ethic.

* Casts a vision.

* Demonstrates healthy leadership.

* Joyous.

* Does not yield to critics.

* Transparent.

* Models evangelism.

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

* LifeWay named on the top employers in the nation by Forbes

* There Is No Such Thing As Work-Life Balance

Podcast Episode #329

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

Distractions are a real part of worship services. Mike Harland joins us today to talk about how to eliminate—or at least minimize—distractions in your worship service.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* Music leaders should see themselves as the enemies of distraction in worship services.

* Churches that aren't extremely careful with their slides can be disruptive to their worship service.

* Presentation software can be a positive or a negative when you're using it in worship services.

* Powerpoint typos are avoidable but churches still make those mistakes.

* With the tools churches have access to, worship teams should never be unprepared.

* "Sunday morning is not rehearsal time for the worship team. Sunday morning soundcheck time."

* You'll never get complex right if you can't get simple right.

The five distractions in worship we cover are:

* The curse of power point...

* "We're singing that?"

* Bubba's on the soundboard, Homer's on the lights...

* Hi-tech or No-tech

* Quality over aesthetics

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

* LifeWay Worship

* Worship Life Podcast

* Worship Life Conference

Podcast Episode #329

Distractions are a real part of worship services. Mike Harland joins us today to talk about how to eliminate—or at least minimize—distractions in your worship service.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* Music leaders should see themselves as the enemies of distraction in worship services.

* Churches that aren't extremely careful with their slides can be disruptive to their worship service.

* Presentation software can be a positive or a negative when you're using it in worship services.

* Powerpoint typos are avoidable but churches still make those mistakes.

* With the tools churches have access to, worship teams should never be unprepared.

* "Sunday morning is not rehearsal time for the worship team. Sunday morning soundcheck time."

* You'll never get complex right if you can't get simple right.

The five distractions in worship we cover are:

* The curse of power point...

* "We're singing that?"

* Bubba's on the soundboard, Homer's on the lights...

* Hi-tech or No-tech

* Quality over aesthetics

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

* LifeWay Worship

* Worship Life Podcast

* Worship Life Conference