Rainer on Leadership
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Rainer on Leadership episodes

  • A Special Three-Part Series with Church Growth Services: Episode #3 – What Should You Do When a Handful of Key Donors Support the Church – An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer

    As the median size of a church gets smaller, more are in the predicament of being supported by a handful of key donors. Mike Stadelmayer of Church Growth Services joins Thom and Sam to discuss what these churches can do. Not every case is dire, but the long-term viability of a congregation is at stake when one or two key donors are responsible for most of the budget.

      • The median church size is around 40 to 60 people, so many churches are supported by one or two key donors.
          • Financial risk increases as the number of donors decreases.
              • Assume the best of these key donors, even if they have a lot of influence.
                  • Some cases will only be resolved with numerical growth and strong stewardship training.
                      • Build a strong relationship with key donors while you build the church.
                          • Take care of as much deferred maintenance as possible.
                              • Fill the church budget with as many outwardly focused ministries as possible.
                                  • Transparency is key; don’t be afraid to ask your church to step up.
                                  • Resources:
                                    • Church Growth Services
                                      • Get your FREE eBook, 5 Generosity Megatrends
                                        • Episode #1: Making the Ask: How Pastors Should Approach Key Church Donors – An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer
                                          • Episode #2: The Upside and Downside of Designated Giving in Churches – An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer
                                          • Episode Sponsor:

                                             

                                            The post A Special Three-Part Series with Church Growth Services: Episode #3 – What Should You Do When a Handful of Key Donors Support the Church – An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer appeared first on Church Answers.

                                            22 min
                                          • A Special Three-Part Series with Church Growth Services: Episode #2 – The Upside and Downside of Designated Giving in Churches – An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer

                                            Most gifts to churches are given without designating how the funds should be spent. However, there are cases when donors restrict their donations or give to a designated account. While every donation helps kingdom work, designated gifts can be tricky. Mike Stadelmayer of Church Growth Services joins Thom and Sam, and they discuss some of the nuances around restricted giving.

                                              • Designated gifts are restricted to a particular project or budget line item.
                                                  • They are a blessing when people give above and beyond their undesignated tithe.
                                                      • Some churches strategically request designated gifts, like mission offerings and capital campaigns.
                                                          • Some members give only designated gifts because of pet projects or discontent with leadership.
                                                              • By law, designated gifts must be used for their intended purposes.
                                                                  • Designated gifts to individuals are not tax-deductible contributions.
                                                                      • When a church has too many designated funds, givers get confused. And confused givers typically donate less.
                                                                          • Some churches use a “one fund” approach to giving.
                                                                          • Resources:
                                                                            • Church Growth Services
                                                                              • Get your FREE eBook, 5 Generosity Megatrends
                                                                                • Episode #1: Making the Ask: How Pastors Should Approach Key Church Donors – An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer
                                                                                  • Episode #3: What Should You Do When a Handful of Key Donors Support the Church – An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer
                                                                                  • Episode Sponsor:

                                                                                    The post A Special Three-Part Series with Church Growth Services: Episode #2 – The Upside and Downside of Designated Giving in Churches – An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                    23 min
                                                                                  • A Special Three-Part Series with Church Growth Services: Episode #1 – Making the Ask: How Pastors Should Approach Key Church Donors – An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer

                                                                                    Talking to key givers in the church does not have to be awkward. Mike Stadelmayer of Church Growth Services joins Thom and Sam to discuss how pastors can make the ask without feeling icky. They discuss some best practices that any pastor can follow.

                                                                                      • Understand the history and culture of your church.
                                                                                          • Do not violate any written policies or unwritten rules.
                                                                                              • If you are comfortable in the conversation, most others will be as well.
                                                                                                  • Watch your non-verbal cues and be confident.
                                                                                                      • Desperation only works once.
                                                                                                          • Building relationships takes time, and you may not have the luxury of waiting.
                                                                                                          • Resources:
                                                                                                            • Church Growth Services
                                                                                                              • Get your FREE eBook, 5 Generosity Megatrends
                                                                                                                • Episode #2: The Upside and Downside of Designated Giving in Churches – An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer
                                                                                                                  • Episode #3: What Should You Do When a Handful of Key Donors Support the Church – An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer
                                                                                                                  • Episode Sponsor:

                                                                                                                    The post A Special Three-Part Series with Church Growth Services: Episode #1 – Making the Ask: How Pastors Should Approach Key Church Donors – An Interview with Mike Stadelmayer appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                                                    21 min
                                                                                                                  • Four Major Shifts in Church Staffing

                                                                                                                    There have been steady but subtle shifts in how churches hire staff and call ministers for years. Many of those shifts have accelerated since COVID. Sam and Thom look at four of the most significant shifts.

                                                                                                                      • The surprising number of pastors who were formerly laypersons in their churches.
                                                                                                                          • The acceleration of the part-time movement.
                                                                                                                              • The surprising number of unpaid lead pastors.
                                                                                                                                  • The return of the circuit rider pastor?
                                                                                                                                  • Resources:
                                                                                                                                    • “Every Woman’s Bible” (Discover This Bible)
                                                                                                                                      • “Every Woman’s Bible” (Bulk Purchasing)
                                                                                                                                        • Tyndale House Publishers
                                                                                                                                          • Upward Sports
                                                                                                                                            • Brown Church Development Group
                                                                                                                                              • The Everything Church Resource Directory
                                                                                                                                                • National Congregations Study
                                                                                                                                                  • Church Answers University
                                                                                                                                                    • “The Surprising Return of the Neighborhood Church” by Sam Rainer
                                                                                                                                                      • The Hope Initiative
                                                                                                                                                        • Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector
                                                                                                                                                        • Episode Sponsors:

                                                                                                                                                          Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities.  Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.  Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.

                                                                                                                                                          At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel.  Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

                                                                                                                                                          **As a partner of Rainer or Leadership, Upward Sports is offering a $500 sports start up grant to listeners. Head over to Upward.org/ChurchAnswers and schedule a call… tell them we sent you! Your sports grant will assist you in a 2024 LEAGUE!

                                                                                                                                                          Discover your story in God’s story and find a life of extraordinary purpose.

                                                                                                                                                          Every woman brings her own questions to the Bible: If I’m God’s child, why does my life sometimes feel ordinary or even disappointing? Why does the Bible say such hard and confusing things about and to women? How can I understand God and my own identity and place in God’s story?


                                                                                                                                                          Every Woman’s Bible doesn’t shy away from the questions women ask. In these pages, active and impactful women of yesterday and today share age-old truths with modern relevance. Contributions from more than 100 women around the world—from every continent—explore the heartfelt needs, gritty challenges, and uncommon faithfulness of women of the Bible, throughout history, and today. Serious study and deep reflection will help you clarify your calling through personal stories, insights, inspiration, and study notes that dig into personal needs during your Bible reading—all created by women, for women.

                                                                                                                                                          You’ll find . . .

                                                                                                                                                            • Insight and transformation through deep study
                                                                                                                                                            • Personal growth through reflective content
                                                                                                                                                            • Connection to a global community of women
                                                                                                                                                            • Powerful learning through access to additional study and devotional resources in the Filament Bible App
                                                                                                                                                            • Greater understanding of God through digging into passages that are often difficult for women
                                                                                                                                                            • Challenge through learning from a diverse group of women from many walks of life
                                                                                                                                                            • This beautiful Bible is created in community across socio-economic lines and international borders, by women united by their bond through Christ. This is your invitation to a global community. Together, in these pages, we discover the life we’re each made for and how to live it in our daily relationships with God, family and friends, and our communities, and how to create our unique imprint for good.


                                                                                                                                                              Special features include . . .

                                                                                                                                                                • The clear and accurate New Living Translation
                                                                                                                                                                • Powerful and practical features by more than 100 women from around the world and in many walks of life
                                                                                                                                                                • Insightful devotionals and study notes, all created by female scholars and writers
                                                                                                                                                                • Beautiful full-color photographs and interior design
                                                                                                                                                                • Content that’s perfect for personal study and for church or small group Bible studies
                                                                                                                                                                • Access to the innovative Filament Bible app, linking you to additional notes, articles, videos, interactive maps, and worship music that illuminate the page of Scripture you’re reading
                                                                                                                                                                • Enhance Your Bible Studying through the Free Filament Bible App

                                                                                                                                                                  This app enables you to use your mobile phone or tablet to connect every page to a vast array of related content, including:

                                                                                                                                                                    • 25,000+ study notes
                                                                                                                                                                    • 350+ videos
                                                                                                                                                                    • 40+ maps and infographics
                                                                                                                                                                    • 400+ profiles and articles
                                                                                                                                                                    • 1,500+ devotionals
                                                                                                                                                                    • Library of worship music
                                                                                                                                                                    • The Filament Bible app turns this Bible into a powerful study and devotional experience, offering more to expand your mind and touch your heart than you can possibly hold in your hand. And there is no additional cost for the Filament Bible app. No additional purchase. No additional size or weight.


                                                                                                                                                                      Of course, you can use this Bible without the app, but when you want to go further, grab your phone or tablet and open the Filament Bible app. It’s so easy to use.

                                                                                                                                                                      Powerful and practical features and study notes are packaged in a beautiful Bible to be used in home for personal study, as well as taken to church or small group Bible studies. This beautiful full-color Bible for women will draw you into the story of God and help you explore God’s plans and purposes for you. It’s a deep, authentic call to extraordinary purpose.

                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                      The post Four Major Shifts in Church Staffing appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                                                                                                      22 min
                                                                                                                                                                    • Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Overcoming Failure: An Interview with Scott Beck

                                                                                                                                                                      Thom welcomes Scott Beck, co-founder and CEO of Gloo, a technology platform that releases the collective might of the faith ecosystem. After starting and scaling successful businesses including Blockbuster Video, Einstein’s Bagel, Boston Market, and Angie’s List (now Angi), Scott turned his expertise to helping ministry leaders scale their impact through tech. Gloo helps 60,000 church leaders in using tech to engage their people and reach local communities.

                                                                                                                                                                        • What are some key traits you see in successful entrepreneurs?
                                                                                                                                                                            • Which venture of yours required your greatest entrepreneurial energy and skills?
                                                                                                                                                                                • What do you consider to be your most significant innovation? Were you surprised once the innovation began to take shape?
                                                                                                                                                                                    • Tell us what you have learned from some of your failures.
                                                                                                                                                                                    • Resources:
                                                                                                                                                                                      • Upward Sports
                                                                                                                                                                                        • California Baptist University
                                                                                                                                                                                          • Gloo
                                                                                                                                                                                            • Outreach Magazine
                                                                                                                                                                                              • The Hope Initiative
                                                                                                                                                                                                • Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector
                                                                                                                                                                                                • Episode Sponsors:

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities.  Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.  Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.

                                                                                                                                                                                                  At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel.  Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

                                                                                                                                                                                                  **As a partner of Rainer or Leadership, Upward Sports is offering a $500 sports start up grant to listeners. Head over to Upward.org/ChurchAnswers and schedule a call… tell them we sent you! Your sports grant will assist you in a 2024 LEAGUE!

                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Did you know that fewer than 20% of Southern Baptist pastors have a bachelor’s degree?
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • That is according to a past Pew Research study.
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • How can this be combated and how can we prepare our churches for the future?
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • California Baptist University has a solution.
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • CBU offers a full breadth of courses through its online degree programs.
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Whether you’re looking to start your degree, finish your degree, or prepare leaders in your church for advancement opportunities, CBU’s degree programs provide a flexible, online learning environment.
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Classes start every eight weeks, so you can begin any time.
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • An online degree can:
                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Help you gain a better understanding of your life’s purpose;
                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Symbolize competence and integrity in your career; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Provide you with the skills and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others.
                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Your team may benefit from a degree in business, leadership, finance, communications or Christian studies. There are dozens of online degrees available to you!
                                                                                                                                                                                                      • The online Bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries develops servant leaders with the tools for understanding and communicating biblical truths.
                                                                                                                                                                                                      • This degree prepares students for active leadership roles in the church, parachurch and Christian organizations.
                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Financial aid is available, and thanks to CBU donors, online undergraduate degrees in Christian Ministries and Christian Studies may qualify for additional scholarship, making earning your degree more affordable.
                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Visit calbaptist.edu to learn more.
                                                                                                                                                                                                      • The post Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Overcoming Failure: An Interview with Scott Beck appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        29 min
                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Speaking in Tongues and Other Trending Worship Issues

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Thom and Sam examine long-term trends in corporate worship services. Some of the data surprised them. You might be surprised too.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          • The overall trend is toward expressive worship.
                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Raising hands and speaking in tongues.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • The return of the bulletin?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Are worship services getting longer?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Resources:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • California Baptist University
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Upward Sports
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • The Everything Church Resource Directory
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • National Congregations Study
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • The Hope Initiative
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Episode Sponsors:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Did you know that fewer than 20% of Southern Baptist pastors have a bachelor’s degree?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • That is according to a past Pew Research study.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • How can this be combated and how can we prepare our churches for the future?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • California Baptist University has a solution.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • CBU offers a full breadth of courses through its online degree programs.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Whether you’re looking to start your degree, finish your degree, or prepare leaders in your church for advancement opportunities, CBU’s degree programs provide a flexible, online learning environment.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Classes start every eight weeks, so you can begin any time.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • An online degree can:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Help you gain a better understanding of your life’s purpose;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Symbolize competence and integrity in your career; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Provide you with the skills and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Your team may benefit from a degree in business, leadership, finance, communications or Christian studies. There are dozens of online degrees available to you!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • The online Bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries develops servant leaders with the tools for understanding and communicating biblical truths.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • This degree prepares students for active leadership roles in the church, parachurch and Christian organizations.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Financial aid is available, and thanks to CBU donors, online undergraduate degrees in Christian Ministries and Christian Studies may qualify for additional scholarship, making earning your degree more affordable.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Visit calbaptist.edu to learn more.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities.  Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.  Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel.  Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          **As a partner of Rainer or Leadership, Upward Sports is offering a $500 sports start up grant to listeners. Head over to Upward.org/ChurchAnswers and schedule a call… tell them we sent you! Your sports grant will assist you in a 2024 LEAGUE!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The post Speaking in Tongues and Other Trending Worship Issues appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          27 min
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • The Burge Report: Who Is Attending Church MORE Frequently Now Than in the Past?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          America is not yet a godless nation, but we are becoming a less churched nation. While people say they believe in God, fewer are attending a house of worship. Ryan Burge joins the show with Thom and Sam to discuss the data driving these trends. But not all the trends are negative. In fact, one group is seeing more people attend church now than in the past: conservative evangelicals.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • The number of those who never attend church has doubled in the last 15 years, reaching 85 million. Almost every state in the U.S. has experienced a dip in overall church attendance, most between 5% and 10% declines.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Every generation is experiencing a decline in church attendance, as has every race in America.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Politically, church attendance has declined more rapidly among Republicans than Democrats, though both are down.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Evangelicals today are more likely to attend religious services weekly compared to evangelicals in the 1970s. About 42% were weekly attenders in 1972. In 2021, that share had risen 55%.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Why might this be the case? Consider the theory of institutional strictness.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • What does this mean for churches? If you set high expectations and reach the next generation, you are more likely to have better attendance frequency.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • How can you buck the trends? Outward focus, high hospitality, strong retention strategies, and a focus on younger families.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Resources:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Tithe.ly
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 2023 State of Church Giving
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • “Is Anyone Going to Church More Now Than They Used To?” by Ryan Burge
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Ryan Burge
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • “The Great Dechurching” by Jim Davis and Michael Graham
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • “Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • “Why Conservative Churches Are Growing” by Dean M. Kelley
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • The Hope Initiative
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Episode Sponsors:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Tithely provides churches around the world with software tools to help them and their ministries thrive.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Nearly 40,000 churches use Tithely for online and text giving, managing their people’s information, volunteer management, child check in, church apps and websites, and communicating through email and text messaging.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Made up of a team of ministry-minded people, Tithely’s heart is to see the local church empowered with the tools to fulfill their mission.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        You can sign up for free at Tithely.com – yes that’s right, it’s free! Tithely’s giving platform comes with no monthly fees and no contracts. Get started taking donations in just 5 minutes at Tithely.com.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Also, right now Tithely is offering a free report called “2023 State of Church Giving Report.” You can access that report free by clicking on the link in the show notes.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The post The Burge Report: Who Is Attending Church MORE Frequently Now Than in the Past? appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        28 min
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • The Impact of Doctrine on Church Growth

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Does the doctrine of the church affect the potential for growth? It depends. Thom and Sam analyze historical macro trends in church growth. Growing churches tend to be more conservative, and liberal churches tend to decline. But doctrine alone is not the entire story. The co-hosts discuss recent church history, doctrine, and the growth of churches.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • There are always several factors at play in an individual congregation, but trends are evident across denominations and networks.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Historically, conservative churches grew due to transfer growth and biological growth.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • More progressive and liberal churches declined because of lower birth rates and a lack of retention with younger congregants.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Conservative evangelicals are the only group with higher attendance rates today than in the past.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Doctrine is not the only driver. The SBC is a conservative denomination that has declined rapidly, likely due to scandals and a toxic culture.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Plenty of conservative churches do not grow because they become inward, so doctrine alone is not a good predictor of growth.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • A commitment to the Great Commission remains the biggest driver of growth. We rarely, if ever, encounter a church with an ongoing evangelism emphasis that is not growing.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Resources:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Upward Sports
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • California Baptist University
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Get your FREE eBook, Deferred Maintenance
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Know Your Beliefs – Coming soon!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • West Bradenton
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • West Bradenton on YouTube
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • “Why Conservative Churches Are Growing” by Dean M. Kelley
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Ryan Burge
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • The Hope Initiative
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Episode Sponsors:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities.  Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.  Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel.  Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          **As a partner of Rainer or Leadership, Upward Sports is offering a $500 sports start up grant to listeners. Head over to Upward.org/ChurchAnswers and schedule a call… tell them we sent you! Your sports grant will assist you in a 2024 LEAGUE!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Did you know that fewer than 20% of Southern Baptist pastors have a bachelor’s degree?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • That is according to a past Pew Research study.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • How can this be combated and how can we prepare our churches for the future?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • California Baptist University has a solution.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • CBU offers a full breadth of courses through its online degree programs.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Whether you’re looking to start your degree, finish your degree, or prepare leaders in your church for advancement opportunities, CBU’s degree programs provide a flexible, online learning environment.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Classes start every eight weeks, so you can begin any time.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • An online degree can:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Help you gain a better understanding of your life’s purpose;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Symbolize competence and integrity in your career; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Provide you with the skills and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Your team may benefit from a degree in business, leadership, finance, communications or Christian studies. There are dozens of online degrees available to you!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • The online Bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries develops servant leaders with the tools for understanding and communicating biblical truths.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • This degree prepares students for active leadership roles in the church, parachurch and Christian organizations.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Financial aid is available, and thanks to CBU donors, online undergraduate degrees in Christian Ministries and Christian Studies may qualify for additional scholarship, making earning your degree more affordable.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Visit calbaptist.edu to learn more.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • The post The Impact of Doctrine on Church Growth appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                24 min
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • The Good and Bad of Church Staff Having their Own Constituencies

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Members will inevitably attach themselves to certain leaders in the church. In multiple-staff churches, this attachment is a mixed blessing. On the one hand, you should expect church members to get close to some of the staff, especially if they serve in their ministries. On the other hand, these constituencies can become problematic when used as leverage to influence the direction of the church.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • A constituency occurs when a group of people view the church staff member as their pastor, more so than the lead pastor.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • The lead pastor cannot do everything and serve everyone. Staff constituencies are inevitable as churches grow.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Do not become jealous if these constituencies exist in your church!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • These constituencies are positive when staff are serving and loving the people of the church as God designed.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • These constituencies are negative when a staff person uses them as leverage for personal gain.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Never fight a constituency alone.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • In some cases, constituencies become dangerous and have been used to get rid of the lead pastor.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • You can keep these constituencies healthy by listening well and through periodic check-ups.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Resources:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • California Baptist University
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Upward Sports
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Brown Church Development Group
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • The Hope Initiative
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Episode Sponsors:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Did you know that fewer than 20% of Southern Baptist pastors have a bachelor’s degree?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • That is according to a past Pew Research study.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • How can this be combated and how can we prepare our churches for the future?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • California Baptist University has a solution.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • CBU offers a full breadth of courses through its online degree programs.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Whether you’re looking to start your degree, finish your degree, or prepare leaders in your church for advancement opportunities, CBU’s degree programs provide a flexible, online learning environment.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Classes start every eight weeks, so you can begin any time.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • An online degree can:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Help you gain a better understanding of your life’s purpose;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Symbolize competence and integrity in your career; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Provide you with the skills and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Your team may benefit from a degree in business, leadership, finance, communications or Christian studies. There are dozens of online degrees available to you!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • The online Bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries develops servant leaders with the tools for understanding and communicating biblical truths.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • This degree prepares students for active leadership roles in the church, parachurch and Christian organizations.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Financial aid is available, and thanks to CBU donors, online undergraduate degrees in Christian Ministries and Christian Studies may qualify for additional scholarship, making earning your degree more affordable.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Visit calbaptist.edu to learn more.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities.  Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.  Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel.  Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  **As a partner of Rainer or Leadership, Upward Sports is offering a $500 sports start up grant to listeners. Head over to Upward.org/ChurchAnswers and schedule a call… tell them we sent you! Your sports grant will assist you in a 2024 LEAGUE!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The post The Good and Bad of Church Staff Having their Own Constituencies appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  24 min
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • How Much Time Should a Pastor Spend Preparing Sermons Each Week?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Pastors do not have unlimited hours and resources to write sermons. Additionally, pastors have workweeks much longer than church members realize because of the invisible nature of sermon preparation. But how long should it take to write a typical sermon? Well, it depends. Thom and Sam discuss what’s normal in ministry and how you can become more efficient.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Previous poll: 70% of pastors spend between 10 and 18 hours each week to prepare a sermon. The majority of pastors are in the sweet spot.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • The issue is one of stewarding your time.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Does putting in an extra 10 hours make your sermon that much better? Likely not.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • How much experience do you have? More experienced pastors should spend less time in sermon preparation.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Only 10% of pastors spend 6 hours or less in sermon prep. Just a small percentage of pastors are spending too little time in sermon preparation.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Boasting about spending 40+ hours studying every week is really just bragging about inefficiency.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Resources:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Upward Sports
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • NTV Economic Bible (Spanish)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Tyndale House Publishers
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • “Surprising Insights from the Unchurched and Proven Ways to Reach Them” by Thom S. Rainer
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • The Hope Initiative
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Episode Sponsors:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Upward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities.  Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.  Upward Sports offers basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and softball through league and camp offerings.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        At Upward Sports, we want to help your church make a difference, and give you increased opportunities to share the gospel.  Learn more today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        **As a partner of Rainer or Leadership, Upward Sports is offering a $500 sports start up grant to listeners. Head over to Upward.org/ChurchAnswers and schedule a call… tell them we sent you! Your sports grant will assist you in a 2024 LEAGUE!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The Economy Bible NTV, Seed Edition is an affordable edition of the Nueva Traducción Viviente (NTV). The NTV translation renders the message of the original texts of Scripture into clear, contemporary Spanish. The scholars who worked on it kept in mind the concerns of both translation theories: formal-equivalence and dynamic-equivalence. Their goal was to be both faithful to the ancient texts and eminently readable. The result is a translation that is both accurate and powerful. This Bible offers a low price, which makes it ideal to distribute to groups, give as a gift, or use as an outreach resource! This Bible is the perfect resource for churches and missional use.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        NTV Economic Bible (Spanish)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The post How Much Time Should a Pastor Spend Preparing Sermons Each Week? appeared first on Church Answers.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        25 min

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      About Rainer on Leadership

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