Rainer on Leadership

You will often hear a pastor or some other church staff person talk about their “call to ministry.” Many of these ministers remember specific times and dates of their call, while others speak more of a growing awareness of a call to vocational ministry. But can (or will) God revoke or end a call to ministry? Thom and Sam look at three perspectives.

1. Perspective one: Once called, always called.

2. Perspective two: Shifts to different vocational calls.

3. Perspective three: Vocational ministry is not a biblical concept.

In the 21st century, we’re witnessing an escalation in Christian persecution like we have rarely seen since the 1st century. Most of the modern stories are not legendary; in fact, many are unknown. The New Book of Christian Martyrs commemorates these contemporary heroes.

In this update to Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, Johnnie Moore and Jerry Pattengale highlight martyrs of past centuries and feature stories of contemporary martyrs to inspire Christians around the globe. Available now where books are sold.

How to identify — and learn what you can do to avoid — costly financial mistakes churches make

No matter what organization you lead, finances are paramount to your success – and church finances aren’t any different. 

Poorly managed church finances can hurt a pastor’s ability to lead church members and reach the local community. After all, very little will wreck the movement of God more than weak financial policies and workflows. 

Thankfully, it’s much easier to make changes now – before your church is in the headlines – than to try to reestablish those relationships after they’ve been torpedoed by a costly financial misstep.

BELAY’s modern church staffing solutions have been helping busy church leaders delegate important financial details for over a decade. Their fractional, U.S.-based contractors provide Accounting and Virtual Assistant services to level up your church through the power of delegation.

To help you figure out where to start, BELAY is offering its resource, 4 Costly Financial Mistakes for Churches, to our listeners for free to help you identify the four biggest things we see wreck churches when it comes to their finances – and what you can do to avoid them.

The post Is a Call to Vocational Ministry Irrevocable? Three Perspectives appeared first on Church Answers.

History gives us some insight into how a return to normal occurs following a pandemic. After the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, it took about two years for people to resettle into their typical patterns again. We’re entering into this phase with Covid, but some things in the church will not return to pre-Covid activity. In this episode, Thom and Sam discuss how the pandemic has forever changed the way people experience church facilities.

1. The 80% rule is now the 60% rule.

2. Worship spaces are shrinking—fast.

3. The stand and greet time is dead, but hospitality is more important than ever.

4. Google Street View is the new first impression.

5. Horizontal growth is faster than vertical growth.

6. Gathering space renovations are among the most popular for capital campaigns.

7. Bonus thought: Getting younger as a church helps free up parking spaces.

How to identify — and learn what you can do to avoid — costly financial mistakes churches make

No matter what organization you lead, finances are paramount to your success – and church finances aren’t any different. 

Poorly managed church finances can hurt a pastor’s ability to lead church members and reach the local community. After all, very little will wreck the movement of God more than weak financial policies and workflows. 

Thankfully, it’s much easier to make changes now – before your church is in the headlines – than to try to reestablish those relationships after they’ve been torpedoed by a costly financial misstep.

BELAY’s modern church staffing solutions have been helping busy church leaders delegate important financial details for over a decade. Their fractional, U.S.-based contractors provide Accounting and Virtual Assistant services to level up your church through the power of delegation.

To help you figure out where to start, BELAY is offering its resource, 4 Costly Financial Mistakes for Churches, to our listeners for free to help you identify the four biggest things we see wreck churches when it comes to their finances – and what you can do to avoid them.

Jesus is both the most admired and the most reinterpreted figure in history. The question is, who do you think Jesus is?

In his new book Dangerous Jesus, award-winning rapper Kevin “KB” Burgess reintroduces us to the true Jesus, the one who’s infused with power from on high . . . the one who’s a threat to the status quo . . . a threat to our division . . . a threat to our rebellion. His truth is so good, it sets people free.

Pick up a copy of Dangerous Jesus today from your favorite bookseller or visit WhoIsKb.com to learn more.

The post The New Rules for Church Facilities We Didn’t See Coming appeared first on Church Answers.

Church Answers has documented on several occasions the anemic state of evangelism in many American churches. In this podcast, Thom and Sam examine the reasons behind this struggle, while offering positive and proactive responses.

1. The move away from evangelism has been more incremental than sudden.

2. Evangelism takes significant and intentional efforts.

3. Evangelism typically meets cultural resistance more than any other ministry.

4. In many churches, the doctrine of exclusivity is rejected.

Jesus is both the most admired and the most reinterpreted figure in history. The question is, who do you think Jesus is?

In his new book Dangerous Jesus, award-winning rapper Kevin “KB” Burgess reintroduces us to the true Jesus, the one who’s infused with power from on high . . . the one who’s a threat to the status quo . . . a threat to our division . . . a threat to our rebellion. His truth is so good, it sets people free.

Pick up a copy of Dangerous Jesus today from your favorite bookseller or visit WhoIsKb.com to learn more.

How to identify — and learn what you can do to avoid — costly financial mistakes churches make

No matter what organization you lead, finances are paramount to your success – and church finances aren’t any different. 

Poorly managed church finances can hurt a pastor’s ability to lead church members and reach the local community. After all, very little will wreck the movement of God more than weak financial policies and workflows. 

Thankfully, it’s much easier to make changes now – before your church is in the headlines – than to try to reestablish those relationships after they’ve been torpedoed by a costly financial misstep.

BELAY’s modern church staffing solutions have been helping busy church leaders delegate important financial details for over a decade. Their fractional, U.S.-based contractors provide Accounting and Virtual Assistant services to level up your church through the power of delegation.

To help you figure out where to start, BELAY is offering its resource, 4 Costly Financial Mistakes for Churches, to our listeners for free to help you identify the four biggest things we see wreck churches when it comes to their finances – and what you can do to avoid them.

The post Four Reasons Why Evangelism Died in Many Churches (and How to Reverse the Trend) appeared first on Church Answers.

Generational conflicts are so common they’re cliche. Churches are notorious for infighting among generations, but many churches are doing multi-generational ministry well. Thom and Sam discuss how Millennials and Boomers can thrive together in the same church. 

1. Boomers are numerous and generally have a positive view of the church.

2. Retiring Boomers are prime candidates for serving in part-time church positions.

3. Most children’s ministries could use more volunteer grandpas and grandmas.

4. On the whole, Boomers provide a level of financial stability in the church.

5. Generational ministry is biblical!

6. And don’t forget Generation X.

There are several reasons why security is critical at our church. First and foremost, it helps to prevent potential harm to individuals on our property. This includes protecting against physical threats, such as violence or theft, as well as safeguarding against potential accidents or emergencies.

In addition to protecting against physical harm, security is also important for maintaining the integrity and reputation of our church. By having a secure environment, we can help to ensure that our church is a welcoming and safe place for all who visit. This can also help to prevent damage to our facilities or theft of valuable property.

Finally, security is essential for maintaining the trust and confidence of our members and the wider community. By demonstrating a commitment to safety, we can help to foster a sense of community and belonging within our church.

Our partner, Smart Church Solutions focuses on everything related to church facility management and has developed a free gift for your church relative to emergency preparedness. You can download that resource for free in the show notes or by going to www.smartchurchsolutions.com/security.

NLT Student Life Application Study Bible, Filament Enabled Edition

The visually engaging NLT Student Life Application Study Bible brings learning to life for those who want to get serious about their study of Scripture. It invites readers into an ever-deeper knowledge of God and his work in the world. 

This Bible uses the clear and accurate New Living Translation to help you connect what the Bible says to the way we live today.

This study Bible is equipped with the Filament Bible app, enabling you to go further in your study. Scan any page number with your mobile phone or tablet to connect to a vast library of related content.

The post Why Millennials Need Boomers More Than Ever in Their Churches appeared first on Church Answers.

Five Updates on Pastoral Tenure:

1. Overall tenure is increasing.

2. But a significant number of pastors left during or shortly after the pandemic.

3. Bivocational pastors have longer tenures.

4. The paucity of available pastors will affect tenure.

5. The “five–year-test” may become the “seven-year test.”

NLT Student Life Application Study Bible, Filament Enabled Edition

The visually engaging NLT Student Life Application Study Bible brings learning to life for those who want to get serious about their study of Scripture. It invites readers into an ever-deeper knowledge of God and his work in the world. 

This Bible uses the clear and accurate New Living Translation to help you connect what the Bible says to the way we live today.

This study Bible is equipped with the Filament Bible app, enabling you to go further in your study. Scan any page number with your mobile phone or tablet to connect to a vast library of related content.

There are several reasons why security is critical at our church. First and foremost, it helps to prevent potential harm to individuals on our property. This includes protecting against physical threats, such as violence or theft, as well as safeguarding against potential accidents or emergencies.

In addition to protecting against physical harm, security is also important for maintaining the integrity and reputation of our church. By having a secure environment, we can help to ensure that our church is a welcoming and safe place for all who visit. This can also help to prevent damage to our facilities or theft of valuable property.

Finally, security is essential for maintaining the trust and confidence of our members and the wider community. By demonstrating a commitment to safety, we can help to foster a sense of community and belonging within our church.

Our partner, Smart Church Solutions focuses on everything related to church facility management and has developed a free gift for your church relative to emergency preparedness. You can download that resource for free in the show notes or by going to www.smartchurchsolutions.com/security.

The post Five Updates on Pastoral Tenure appeared first on Church Answers.

Kyle Thompson is the host of the Undaunted Life podcast, created specifically for men seeking to push back spiritual and cultural darkness. The Undaunted Life podcast is in the top six percent of all podcasts and growing daily. You can reach him and see more about his ministry at www.undaunted.life.

Getting Men in Your Church to Make a Difference:

1. Who is Kyle Thompson?

2. What is the state of effective men’s ministries in churches in America today?

3. How can we better equip men in Christian apologetics?

4. What is the number one message dads should communicate to their children, particularly their sons?

5. What is biblical masculinity?

There are several reasons why security is critical at our church. First and foremost, it helps to prevent potential harm to individuals on our property. This includes protecting against physical threats, such as violence or theft, as well as safeguarding against potential accidents or emergencies.

In addition to protecting against physical harm, security is also important for maintaining the integrity and reputation of our church. By having a secure environment, we can help to ensure that our church is a welcoming and safe place for all who visit. This can also help to prevent damage to our facilities or theft of valuable property.

Finally, security is essential for maintaining the trust and confidence of our members and the wider community. By demonstrating a commitment to safety, we can help to foster a sense of community and belonging within our church.

Our partner, Smart Church Solutions focuses on everything related to church facility management and has developed a free gift for your church relative to emergency preparedness. You can download that resource for free in the show notes or by going to www.smartchurchsolutions.com/security.

Enhance your Bible study through the free Filament Bible app

What makes these Bible portions unlike any other is that as they are paired with the Filament Bible app on your device, they become the most convenient and interactive journaling Bible experience available. The Filament Bible app features thousands of study notes, devotionals, videos, reading plans, and more, which display when you scan to identify the page you’re on. 

The Filament Bible app includes:

The Filament Bible app turns these journals 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 these journals without the app, but when you want to dig deeper, grab your phone or tablet and open the Filament Bible app. It’s so easy to use.

The post Getting Men in Your Church to Make a Difference: Interview with Kyle Thompson appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Sam discuss five trends they see in churches with under 250 in attendance.

1. More church leaders are seeking conversion growth.

2. Discouragement is still pervasive.

3. Demographics are moving in favor of many of these churches.

4. The big challenge is changing to reach both the existing and new communities.

5. Too many leaders are unaware of the church’s deferred maintenance.

Enhance your Bible study through the free Filament Bible app

What makes these Bible portions unlike any other is that as they are paired with the Filament Bible app on your device, they become the most convenient and interactive journaling Bible experience available. The Filament Bible app features thousands of study notes, devotionals, videos, reading plans, and more, which display when you scan to identify the page you’re on. 

The Filament Bible app includes:

The Filament Bible app turns these journals 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 these journals without the app, but when you want to dig deeper, grab your phone or tablet and open the Filament Bible app. It’s so easy to use.

There are several reasons why security is critical at our church. First and foremost, it helps to prevent potential harm to individuals on our property. This includes protecting against physical threats, such as violence or theft, as well as safeguarding against potential accidents or emergencies.

In addition to protecting against physical harm, security is also important for maintaining the integrity and reputation of our church. By having a secure environment, we can help to ensure that our church is a welcoming and safe place for all who visit. This can also help to prevent damage to our facilities or theft of valuable property.

Finally, security is essential for maintaining the trust and confidence of our members and the wider community. By demonstrating a commitment to safety, we can help to foster a sense of community and belonging within our church.

Our partner, Smart Church Solutions focuses on everything related to church facility management and has developed a free gift for your church relative to emergency preparedness. You can download that resource for free in the show notes or by going to www.smartchurchsolutions.com/security.

The post Five Trends We See in Churches Under 250 in Attendance appeared first on Church Answers.

While we encourage church leaders to be peacemakers, if at all possible, there are times when a battle is necessary. Thom and Sam look at five of those scenarios.

1. When essential doctrines are being compromised.

2. When abuse is evident.

3. When the unity of the church is really at stake.

4. When your family is attacked.

5. When bullies don’t stop bullying.

Enhance your Bible study through the free Filament Bible app

What makes these Bible portions unlike any other is that as they are paired with the Filament Bible app on your device, they become the most convenient and interactive journaling Bible experience available. The Filament Bible app features thousands of study notes, devotionals, videos, reading plans, and more, which display when you scan to identify the page you’re on. 

The Filament Bible app includes:

The Filament Bible app turns these journals 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 these journals without the app, but when you want to dig deeper, grab your phone or tablet and open the Filament Bible app. It’s so easy to use.

The post When Is It Time to Fight in a Church? appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Sam are joined by Mike Stadelmayer, president of Church Growth Services, to discuss how church finances are changing, especially in light of the pandemic of recent years. In this third episode, the three men address the issue of capital giving with limited resources.

1. Understanding capital projects in a church

2. The sneaky surprise of deferred maintenance

3. What can be expected of a capital campaign in a church

4. What the future holds for church finances and giving

Resources:

Church Growth Services

Church Growth Services Grow Generosity Academy

Listen to Part 1: Post-Quarantine Church Finances

Listen to Part 2: How to Increase Budget Giving in a Challenging Environment

Episode Sponsor:

 Church Growth Services

The post A Special Three-Part Series with Church Growth Services: Changes in Church Finances Every Leader Needs to Know – Part 3: Increasing Capital Giving in a Challenging Environment appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Sam are joined by Mike Stadelmayer, president of Church Growth Services, to discuss how church finances are changing, especially in light of the pandemic of recent years. In this second episode, Mike shares with Sam and Thom how churches can increase budget giving in the midst of several challenges.

1. Naming the challenges of budget giving

2. The need of a budget with a purpose and a vision

3. Bringing an expert to help with the process

4. The place of stewardship stories

Resources:

Church Growth Services

Church Growth Services Grow Generosity Academy

Listen to Part 1: Post-Quarantine Church Finances

Episode Sponsor:

 Church Growth Services

The post A Special Three-Part Series with Church Growth Services: Changes in Church Finances Every Leader Needs to Know – Part 2: How to Increase Budget Giving in a Challenging Environment appeared first on Church Answers.