Rainer on Leadership

https://youtu.be/BeJO6JjFXJ8

Pastors often ask us what they need to do to reach Millennials, Gen Z, and younger generations. On today's episode, Thom and Sam talk to Esteban Shedd and Loren La Luz from Streetlights about the Streetlights New Testament and why it’s important to find new ways to help the younger generation connect to God’s Word and the Church.

What is Streetlights?

Why did you start this ministry and what is happening now?

We are seeing younger people leaving the church. Why do you feel that’s happening?

Tell us about your audio Bible and why you chose the New Living Translation.

 

Esteban Shedd, Streetlights Co-Exe. & Creative Director l Teacher l Musician

Esteban Shedd leads the various creative endeavors of Streetlights. Specifically, Esteban loves teaching creatively and mobilizing others towards Gospel ministry. As a Chicago native, he wants to see his city know and love Christ, but this vision goes beyond Chicago as he sees the opportunities internationally for Gospel mission - especially in large urban centers. He is a husband to his wife Iris and a father to 4 children.

Loren La Luz, Streetlights Co. Exe. & Finance l Communicator l Musician

Loren’s day-to-day tasks at Streetlights consist of caring for the staff, caring for the finances, building relationships with our supporters and partners, drumming, and helping on cameras here and there. His family is from Puerto Rico but he was born in Chicago. He has been married to his wife for 12 yrs and they have  6 beautiful children. 

 

Resources:

Brown Church Development Group

Streetlights New Testament

Streetlights App for iOS

Tyndale House Publishers

The One Year Chronological Study Bible

Belay

Church Answers University - Register before August 1, 2022, and enroll for only $75!

 

Episode Sponsors:

Studies show that nothing catalyzes spiritual growth like spending time in the Word. 

This Bible was created to bring together five useful tools:  

One Year format - 365 daily readings

Chronological order

The 14 eras framework

Study notes and helps

and the NLT translation

All in one affordable package (list price $29.99 hardcover, $24.99 softcover). 

Releases September 2022!  Already available for pre-order wherever books are sold.

 

BELAY - Accomplish More. Juggle Less.

Virtual Assistants. Bookkeepers. Web Specialists. Social Media Managers.

Everything you need to transform your work.

Visit

https://youtu.be/VCQasIkc5wg

At some point in ministry, most church leaders will face the reality of one or more toxic church members. Thom and Sam examine this challenge and offer tough but challenging steps to deal with this problem.

Remember the power of prayer.

Develop allies.

Practice Matthew 18.

Confront the toxic member again with a specific plan.

Help the church to heal.

 

Resources:

Church Growth Services

Belay

The One Year Chronological Study Bible

Tyndale House Publishers

Church Answers University - Register before August 1, 2022, and enroll for only $75!

 

Episode Sponsors:

BELAY - Accomplish More. Juggle Less.

Virtual Assistants. Bookkeepers. Web Specialists. Social Media Managers.

Everything you need to transform your work.

Visit https://go.belaysolutions.com/raineronleadership

 

Studies show that nothing catalyzes spiritual growth like spending time in the Word. 

This Bible was created to bring together five useful tools:  

One Year format - 365 daily readings

Chronological order

The 14 eras framework

Study notes and helps

and the NLT translation

All in one affordable package (list price $29.99 hardcover, $24.99 softcover). 

Releases September 2022!  Already available for pre-order wherever books are sold.

https://youtu.be/QeSgeMoobSE

It’s unreasonable to expect everyone to agree with everything you say. In fact, if you’re doing your job well as a pastor, taking firm stances and having a clear vision, then you will likely have dissent. In most cases, this dissent is not an omen of malevolence, but rather a sign of trust. Thom and Sam discuss why it's not a bad thing that everyone doesn't always agree with you. 

Over a long tenure, you won't even agree with yourself.

Apathetic compliance can create a dangerous echo chamber.

Unheard dissent can become explosive.

You're not perfect and need the accountability.

 

Resources:

"Why I Don’t Expect Everyone in My Church to Agree with Everything I Say" by Sam Rainer

Belay

New Believer’s Bible

Video - New Believer’s Bible

Tyndale House Publishers

Church Answers University

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Collaborate with ministry leaders around the world! Join us at Church Answers Gold!

 

Episode Sponsors:

BELAY - Accomplish More. Juggle Less.

Virtual Assistants. Bookkeepers. Web Specialists. Social Media Managers.

Everything you need to transform your work.

Visit https://go.belaysolutions.com/raineronleadership

 

The New Believer’s Bible is uniquely designed to help new Christians read, study, and understand the Bible.

It includes features that help Christians develop and deepen their faith, while providing a foundation for their new life in Christ.

At the heart of this Bible is the trusted and easy to understand New Living Translation.

Combine that with notes and resources that answer the “Where do I go from here?” question and you have a Bible that is perfect for helping new believers, people returning to the faith, and even seasoned believers to take that next step in their faith through God’s Word.

Click here to learn more!

https://youtu.be/DWSR4trSeQM

The Bible tells us to remember the prisoners as if we were in prison with them (Heb. 13:3), and the first request of persecuted Christians is that we PRAY for them. In today's episode, Thom and Sam talk to Todd Nettleton, Chief of Media Relations and Message Integration for the Voice of the Martyrs–USA about a wonderful tool to help Christians answer the first request of our persecuted family by helping us to pray specifically and knowledgeably for them.

Can you tell us a little bit about The Voice of the Martyrs…what the organization does, and how the ministry started?

Why should Christians be praying for brothers and sisters who are enduring persecution for their faith?

What is the significance of a Bible for a believer living in a hostile or restricted nation?

Can you share the story of one of the persecuted Christians you’ve met?

 

Todd Nettleton is the Chief of Media Relations and Message Integration for the Voice of the Martyrs–USA and host of The Voice of the Martyrs Radio. He serves as a voice for persecuted Christians, inspiring Christians with the faithfulness of Christ’s followers in 70+ nations where they face persecution for wearing His name. During more than 20 years serving at VOM, Todd has traveled the world and conducted face-to-face interviews with hundreds of Christians who’ve endured persecution in more than 30 nations. He is the host of The Voice of the Martyrs Radio and author of When Faith Is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians (Moody 2021). A graduate of Bartlesville Wesleyan College (now Oklahoma Wesleyan University) Todd has done postgraduate study at the University of Oklahoma. 

 

Resources:

New Believer’s Bible

Video - New Believer’s Bible

The Voice of the Martyrs

Pray Today app for iOS

VOMRadio

VOM Church Leadership Network

When Faith Is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians by Todd Nettleton

Belay

Church Answers University

Collaborate with ministry leaders around the world! Join us at Church Answers Gold!

 

Episode Sponsors:

The New Believer’s Bible is uniquely designed to help new Christians read, study, and understand the Bible.

It includes features that help Christians develop and deepen their faith, while providing a foundation for their new life in Christ.

At the heart of this Bible is the trusted and easy to understand New Living Translation.

Combine that with notes and resources that answer the “Where do I go from here?” question and you have a Bible that is perfect for helping new believers,

https://youtu.be/yW0CAuXn1Wg

I have yet to see a church drift towards greater health. The current of apathy always pulls away. But what causes this drift? What are some early warning signs of an unraveling in a congregation? Thom and Sam discuss some key indicators often preceding a decline in church health. 

People in the church, especially leaders, talk more about themselves than Jesus.

God's mission is no longer a central feature of worship services.

Less of the operating budget is dedicated to outwardly focused ministry and mission.

New believers are perceived as disturbing the peace of the body.

More resources are dedicated to older generations than younger generations.

Few care about the persecuted church.

Hospitality is not emphasized and receives little attention.

 

Resources:

Tyndale House Publishers

DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible

Brown Church Development Group

Belay

Envelope3

Persecution.com - Voice of the Martyrs

The Church Revitalization Checklist by Sam Rainer

I Am a Christian: Discovering What It Means to Follow Jesus Together with Fellow Believers by Thom S. Rainer

Collaborate with ministry leaders around the world! Join us at Church Answers Gold!

 

Episode Sponsors:

DaysSpring and Tyndale have partnered together to bring you this encouraging Bible in the NLT translation.

The DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible amplifies twelve indisputable truths about who you are in Christ such as you are known, you are blessed, and you have a reason for hope.

These truths equip you to recognize and embrace your treasured place in God’s heart.

Armed with this knowledge, you will be able to face any challenge, step into your toughest calling, and live the adventure God has for you.

These Bibles include

250 Dayspring reflections

52 full-page devotionals

And a full-color interior

Link: https://www.tyndale.com/sites/hopeandencouragementbible/

 

BELAY - Accomplish More. Juggle Less.

Virtual Assistants. Bookkeepers. Web Specialists. Social Media Managers.

Everything you need to transform your work.

Visit https://go.belaysolutions.com/raineronleadership

https://youtu.be/qgF1ZgVxcJs

Unless you work for an organization like the CIA, then transparency is often among the top characteristics requested of leaders. Of course, even organizations built on the foundation of secrecy have gotten into trouble for a lack of transparency. Transparency is a healthy leadership characteristic. But why? In the context of a local church, what does a transparent pastor encourage, as opposed to one who is not?

Transparent leaders encourage generosity, while secretive leaders raise unnecessary financial questions.

Transparent leaders encourage the church to take risks, while secretive leaders make people afraid to fail.

Transparent leaders encourage levity, while secretive leaders create channels of gossip and rumors.

Transparent leaders encourage accountability, while secretive leaders breed a culture of distrust.

 

Resources:

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

“The Voice is Back! An Interview with Jonathan Howe”

Church Growth Services

DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible

“The Levity Effect” by Adrian Gostick and Scott Christopher

Tyndale House Publishers

Collaborate with ministry leaders around the world! Join us at Church Answers Gold!

 

Episode Sponsors:

Southeastern is committed to helping you get the training you need to pursue your ministry from anywhere around the world. That’s why we’re waiving the application fee to any of our programs for Church Answers listeners. Use the code “CHURCHANSWERS” and we’ll waive the fee. No matter what stage of life’s journey you find yourself in, we want to help you take your next step in getting equipped to disciple and teach others. In coming to Southeastern, you’ll find that seminary isn’t just about theological education; it’s about ministry preparation. Explore degrees, schedule a visit, or apply today at sebts.edu.

 

DaysSpring and Tyndale have partnered together to bring you this encouraging Bible in the NLT translation.

The DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible amplifies twelve indisputable truths about who you are in Christ such as you are known, you are blessed, and you have a reason for hope.

These truths equip you to recognize and embrace your treasured place in God’s heart.

Armed with this knowledge, you will be able to face any challenge, step into your toughest calling, and live the adventure God has for you.

These Bibles include

250 Dayspring reflections

52 full-page devotionals

https://youtu.be/IPirUlLi_Lg

Through our research, we’ve heard from the unchurched about things believers do that make them bristle the most. On this episode, Thom and Sam discuss a few of the most abrasive turn-offs.

Confuse me with gossip and bad behavior.

Mislead me with inconsistent messaging about your church.

Patronize me with trite spiritual answers to real problems.

Avoid me because I don't believe the same things you do.

Bore me with lackluster worship and ministries.

 

Resources:

DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible

Tyndale House Publishers

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Collaborate with ministry leaders around the world! Join us at Church Answers Gold!

 

Episode Sponsors:

DaysSpring and Tyndale have partnered together to bring you this encouraging Bible in the NLT translation.

The DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible amplifies twelve indisputable truths about who you are in Christ such as you are known, you are blessed, and you have a reason for hope.

These truths equip you to recognize and embrace your treasured place in God’s heart.

Armed with this knowledge, you will be able to face any challenge, step into your toughest calling, and live the adventure God has for you.

These Bibles include

250 Dayspring reflections

52 full-page devotionals

And a full-color interior

Link: https://www.tyndale.com/sites/hopeandencouragementbible/

 

Southeastern is committed to helping you get the training you need to pursue your ministry from anywhere around the world. That’s why we’re waiving the application fee to any of our programs for Church Answers listeners. Use the code “CHURCHANSWERS” and we’ll waive the fee. No matter what stage of life’s journey you find yourself in, we want to help you take your next step in getting equipped to disciple and teach others. In coming to Southeastern, you’ll find that seminary isn’t just about theological education; it’s about ministry preparation. Explore degrees, schedule a visit, or apply today at sebts.edu.

 

 

https://youtu.be/cOaY_GMMaNg

Pastors typically go through five major tenure stages at a church. Sam and Thom look at the implications of each stage.

1. Honeymoon: Years 0 - 1

2. Trials and Crisis: Years 1 - 3

3. Realignment: Years 3 - 5

4. Growth: Years 5 - 12

5. Mystery: Beyond 12 Years

Resources:

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Streetlights New Testament

Streetlights video

Tyndale House Publishers

Vanderbloemen

“The Berry Bucket and How It Often Causes Church Conflict” - Rainer on Leadership Podcast

More about the Berry Bucket principle - Books by Carl George

Collaborate with ministry leaders around the world! Join us at Church Answers Gold!

 

Episode Sponsors:

Southeastern is committed to helping you get the training you need to pursue your ministry from anywhere around the world. That’s why we’re waiving the application fee to any of our programs for Church Answers listeners. Use the code “CHURCHANSWERS” and we’ll waive the fee. No matter what stage of life’s journey you find yourself in, we want to help you take your next step in getting equipped to disciple and teach others. In coming to Southeastern, you’ll find that seminary isn’t just about theological education; it’s about ministry preparation. Explore degrees, schedule a visit, or apply today at sebts.edu.

 

The NLT Streetlights New Testament is a visually compelling, easy-to-understand resource for churches, ministries, and individuals.

Linking to remarkably creative audio and video resources, the NLT Streetlights New Testament explains Christian truth to young people and serves as a basic discipleship tool for ministries. Its unique tone and approach to the gospel have strong appeal for those in an urban culture.

The feature content focuses on helping the reader engage the Word of God. The Corner Talk features answer these key questions: Who is God? Who am I? What do I do?

This New Testament also includes QR codes that link to the entire Streetlights New Testament Audio Bible, as well as to visually compelling teaching videos.

Learn more at https://www.tyndale.com/sites/streetlightsnewtestament/

 

https://youtu.be/Wgfk1oOL5NM

The Bible is more accessible than ever, yet Bible reading and Bible literacy are on the decline. Many Christians struggle to read Scripture, often ending up confused, bored, and full of unmet expectations. What has gone wrong? How can we change this dynamic? In today’s episode, Thom and Sam talk to Glenn Paauw, Senior Director of Content for the Institute for Bible Reading about how church leaders need to fundamentally rethink how they invite their congregation into the Bible. 

1. Why are people not reading their Bibles?

2. What are some bad Bible reading habits that we’ve created out of good intentions?

3. How does Immerse work?

4. How can Immerse help churches become Bible reading communities?

5. Can churches use Immerse for evangelism and outreach?

Glenn Paauw serves as the Senior Director of Content for the Institute for Bible Reading, a ministry focused on inviting people into God’s transformative story by changing the way they read the Bible. The focus of his 35 years in Bible ministry has been publishing, researching, speaking, and writing on the topic of reading and living the Bible well. His book Saving the Bible From Ourselves is available from InterVarsity Press.

 

Resources:

Streetlights New Testament

Streetlights video

Immerse Bible Collection

Saving the Bible from Ourselves: Learning to Read and Live the Bible Well by Glen Paauw

Institute for Bible Reading

“Major Shift in the Top Ten Best-Selling Bible Translations the Past Year” by Thom S. Rainer

Tyndale House Publishers

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Collaborate with ministry leaders around the world! Join us at Church Answers Gold!

 

Episode Sponsors:

The NLT Streetlights New Testament is a visually compelling, easy-to-understand resource for churches, ministries, and individuals.

Linking to remarkably creative audio and video resources, the NLT Streetlights New Testament explains Christian truth to young people and serves as a basic discipleship tool for ministries. Its unique tone and approach to the gospel have strong appeal for those in an urban culture.

The feature content focuses on helping the reader engage the Word of God. The Corner Talk features answer these key questions: Who is God? Who am I? What do I do?

This New Testament also includes QR codes that link to the entire Streetlights New Testament Audio Bible, as well as to visually compelling teaching videos.

Learn more at https://www.tyndale.com/sites/streetlightsnewtestament/

 

Southeastern is committed to helping you get the training you need to pursue your ministry from...

https://youtu.be/-plZvOOq9Dw

Money is one of the most sensitive subjects in the church. It’s also one of the most visible. Churches can struggle with the right amount of financial oversight. On this episode, Thom and Sam discuss four key safeguards for better financial oversight in the church. 

Three areas often missed: Major spending outside the budget, using part of the budget for unintended purposes, and hiding personal expenses

Safeguard #1: Have a consistent process for counting the weekly offering, inputting data, bookkeeping, preparing financial records

Safeguard #2: Have multiple checkpoints with multiple people involved.

Safeguard #3: Maintain transparent and consistent reporting.

Safeguard #4: Maintain strong leadership accountability and do not make any exceptions.

 

Resources:

Church Growth Services

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Inspire Bible Collection

Tyndale House Publishers

4 Steps to Revitalization - Enter code 4StepsROL to get this resource for $131 (60% off!) through May 7, 2022

Collaborate with ministry leaders around the world! Join us at Church Answers Gold!

 

Episode Sponsors:

Southeastern is committed to helping you get the training you need to pursue your ministry from anywhere around the world. That’s why we’re waiving the application fee to any of our programs for Church Answers listeners. Use the code “CHURCHANSWERS” and we’ll waive the fee. No matter what stage of life’s journey you find yourself in, we want to help you take your next step in getting equipped to disciple and teach others. In coming to Southeastern, you’ll find that seminary isn’t just about theological education; it’s about ministry preparation. Explore degrees, schedule a visit, or apply today at sebts.edu.

 

Inspire is the bestselling Bible line for coloring and creative journaling

The Inspire Bible Collection includes a variety of single-column New Living Translation Bibles and portions books featuring hundreds of beautiful line-art illustrations for coloring and wide margins for Bible journaling

Each edition features over 400 unique Scripture line-art illustrations for coloring

Square-trimmed coloring-book-style Scripture portions books contain full books from the Bible and are printed on thick art paper. They include all of the favorite features from Inspire, including wide margins for creative journaling and Scripture line-art illustrations for coloring. Markers, paint,