Rainer on Leadership

https://youtu.be/MhJeE4juaaw

There are certain aspects of pastoral ministry that pastors simply do not like. While every pastor is different, our survey found the top ten facets of pastoral ministry like the least. Sam and Thom look at a survey we did ten years ago, and compare it to a recent survey.

1. Business meetings

2. "Supporters" who don't support the pastor publicly

3. Funerals of non-Christians

4. Treating spouses like paid staff

5. Counseling

6. Anonymous critics

7. Persistent critics

8. Announcements in the worship service

9. Weddings

10. Dealing with budgets and finances

 

Resources:

Inspire Bible Collection

Tyndale House Publishers

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

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

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

 

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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, and any other art supplies can be used in these special editions of Inspire.

Learn more at inspirebible.com

 

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/ph-M6CSAbzg

Every church has an organizational culture. Some churches have a culture of optimism. You can feel the energy in worship. Others are pessimistic. You can sense the deadness when you walk into the sanctuary. What is the difference between churches that approach obstacles with a “can do” attitude over others that have a “can’t do” attitude? What makes a church have a lively optimism over a dead pessimism?

Church size is not an issue for an optimistic church. The “can do” church is always the right size.

The “can’t do” church sees the people it doesn’t have as a problem. The “can do” church sees the people it has as an opportunity.

The “can’t do” church is stuck in the past or asleep dreaming about the future. The “can do” church believes now is the time to act.

The “can’t do” church believes more money is needed. The “can do” church does ministry with whatever resources God has provided.

 

Resources:

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Article “The Difference between a “Can Do” Church and a 'Can’t Do' Church” by Sam Rainer

Know Your Community

Spanish Know Your Community 

Use promo code RAINER for 30% off your purchase of Hollywood Heroes - How Your Favorite Movies Reveal God by Frank Turek and Zach Turek

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.

 

Hollywood Heroes - How Your Favorite Movies Reveal God by Frank Turek and Zach Turek

Hollywood Heroes will change the way you watch movies and transform the way you understand our ultimate hero—Jesus Christ.

In Hollywood Heroes, authors Dr. Frank Turek and his son Zach Turek:

 o   Highlight a collection of characters from the wo...

Why must everything be so black and white? Like many of us, Derwin Gray is weary of the racial divide in our society. He longs to see hurts healed, wrongs corrected, and trust replace distrust. In today’s episode, Thom and Sam talk to Derwin about what the Bible has to say about how to heal our persistent racial divides.

1. What is colorblind theology? How has it prevented the church from taking steps toward reconciliation?

2. What is the distinction between “colorblind” and “color-blessed”? How have you seen examples of each within the church?

3. What encouragement would you offer to pastors and church leaders who want to preach against the sin of racism but have received backlash from their congregations?

4. How does accepting the supremacy of Christ help us in healing our racial divide?

5. What gives you hope for our country despite the racial injustice and disunity in its history?

 

Dr. Derwin L. Gray is the co-founder and lead pastor of Transformation Church (TC), a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped church located in the Charlotte, North Carolina, metro region. He is a popular conference speaker and the author of Hero: Unleashing God’s Power in a Man’s Heart; Building a Multiethnic Church; The Good Life; God, Do You Hear Me?; and Limitless Life. Derwin earned a master of divinity degree with a concentration in apologetics from Southern Evangelical Seminary under the mentorship of the renowned theologian Dr. Norman Geisler. He also earned a doctor of ministry degree in the New Testament in context at Northern Seminary. Derwin met his wife, Vicki, at Brigham Young University, and they have been married since 1992. They have two adult children, Presley and Jeremiah.

 

Resources:

How to Heal Our Racial Divide: What the Bible Says, and the First Christians Knew, about Racial Reconciliation by Derwin Gray

https://www.derwinlgray.com/

Use promo code RAINER for 30% off your purchase of Hollywood Heroes - How Your Favorite Movies Reveal God by Frank Turek and Zach Turek

Tyndale House Publishers

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

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:

Hollywood Heroes - How Your Favorite Movies Reveal God by Frank Turek and Zach Turek

Hollywood Heroes will change the way you watch movies and transform the way you understand our ultimate hero—Jesus Christ.

In Hollywood Heroes, authors Dr. Frank Turek and his son Zach Turek:

 o   Highlight a collection of characters from the world’s most popular movies to show how their fictional stories reveal factual truths about God

o   Assert that our culture’s obsession with superheroes reflects our desire for something only God can do—making everything right in the end;

o   Offer a practical way for young adults to share the Gospel with their peers, based on a shared interest in superhero movies; and

o   Give pastors, youth group leaders, and parents an engaging resource for sharing the Gospel message...

https://youtu.be/pJuEMcYqc4w

Can you think of a church that once had a great reputation that is now hardly ever mentioned? Even worse, if it is mentioned, it is done so negatively. There are three big reasons great churches fail. Sam and Thom discuss all three in detail.

1. Hubris

2. Denial

3. Nostalgia

 

Resources:

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Immerse Bible

Tyndale House Publishers

Article “How and Why I Could Fall” by Thom S. Rainer

Crash Course: The American Automobile Industry's Road from Glory to Disaster by Paul Ingrassia

Know Your Community

Spanish Know Your Community

Know Your Church

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

Article, "Major Shift in the Top Ten Best-Selling Bible Translations the Past Year"

 

 

 

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.

 

There is a growing body of evidence that most Christians today are struggling to meaningfully connect with the Bible.

The Immerse Bible reading experience takes you on a new and unique journey through the Bible. Immerse delivers Scripture as it was originally created: without chapter or verse breaks. This makes for uninterrupted reading of God’s Word. The result is a clean and simple page formatted for one thing: longform reading.

Created with the look and feel of a paperback book, in the clear and trusted New Living Translation, Immerse enables you to easily read and understand the Bible.

As people around the world search for new ways to connect with others,

https://youtu.be/guDMYqZYYM0

Part of shepherding your church is understanding the major cultural influences impacting people in your congregation. News media can have a big effect on the perspectives of your members. How can you be proactive to prevent as much polarization as possible? What news sources are good to track? Thom and Sam answer these questions on this episode. 

Different generations receive news differently. Older generations are more inclined to watch network news, while younger generations receive much of their news on social media. More watch the news than read it. 

Preaching the news will not help facilitate discipleship in your congregation. Shepherd your people online and stick to encouraging others via social media. 

Don't be afraid to talk to someone if you notice or hear something from them that is potentially damaging to the church.

Get out of the echo chamber and help people understand how to prioritize what is important. 

Not every issue deserves a comment from you, especially issues in which you have limited knowledge and experience. 

Consume a broad spectrum of news sources: WSJ, NYT, WaPo, CNN, Fox News, local newspapers and broadcasts, and key leaders and thinkers on social media. 

Resources:

Immerse Bible

Tyndale House Publishers

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

Bob Newhart - “Stop it”

Wall Street Journal

The New York Times

The Washington Post

CNN

Fox News

BBC

The Economist

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

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

 

 

Episode Sponsors:

There is a growing body of evidence that most Christians today are struggling to meaningfully connect with the Bible.

The Immerse Bible reading experience takes you on a new and unique journey through the Bible. Immerse delivers Scripture as it was originally created: without chapter or verse breaks. This makes for uninterrupted reading of God’s Word. The result is a clean and simple page formatted for one thing: longform reading.

Created with the look and feel of a paperback book, in the clear and trusted New Living Translation, Immerse enables you to easily read and understand the Bible.

As people around the world search for new ways to connect with others, Immerse is a Bible to read and then discuss with friends who have read the same passages.

Using this unique edition, members can read through a major section of the Bible like the New Testament by following the 8 or 16-week reading plan.

Check out the Immerse Bible.

 

https://youtu.be/-6k-QTn0iMk

Millions of people are quitting their jobs every month in what many are calling "The Great Resignation." Pastors are not immune from this trend. Thom and Sam discuss how pastors, staff, and church leaders are undergoing a "Great Reshuffling," a term they prefer since you don't really resign from serving the church. What does this trend mean for the future of the church?

1. Consider the push, pull, and pray factor before leaving your church.

2. The demographic reality is not enough Millennial and Gen X pastors exist to replace retiring Boomers.

3. The trend of fewer people wanting to be a pastor will continue.

4. There will be more church adoptions out of necessity.

5. Younger pastors at small and mid-size churches will lead many of these adoptions.

6. As people settle, neighborhood churches have the potential to grow quickly.

7. The number of co-vocational and bi-vocational pastors will trend up, while full-time specialty positions in the church will trend down.

 

Resources:

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Church Growth Services

Filament Bible Collection

Tyndale House Publishers

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

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

 

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.

​​Filament Bible Collection

Bible Reading Reimagined

Includes mind-blowing study notes, devotionals, videos, worship music, and more are curated for the page you are reading through the Filament Bible app.

Learn more without carrying more.

Filament Bibles offer a rich reading experience that is seamlessly connected to vast and varied in-depth content related to what you are reading by simply scanning the page number with your phone or tablet.

These reimagined Bibles, illuminated with Filament,

https://youtu.be/Sk2RinLJZMk

Many pastors get the Monday blues. Sundays can be emotionally draining and physically exhausting. Making Monday a day full of meetings is not wise for most pastors. Thom and Sam discuss five ways you can be strategic about making Monday a day of recovery. Even if Monday is not a day off, there are some ways you can steward the time to be a better pastor. 

1. Minimize major decisions on Monday and maximize prayer.

2. Do not schedule many meetings with people, if any at all.

3. Read, study, and get a head start on your sermon. Close your email and other messaging systems for several hours.

4. Work from home on Mondays.

5. Make Monday your long workout day.

Bonus: Make afternoon phone calls to under-contacted church members like widows, widowers, and low-maintenance members.

Resources:

Filament Bible Collection 

Tyndale House Publishers

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

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

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

Episode Sponsors:

​​Filament Bible Collection

Bible Reading Reimagined

Includes mind-blowing study notes, devotionals, videos, worship music, and more are curated for the page you are reading through the Filament Bible app.

Learn more without carrying more.

Filament Bibles offer a rich reading experience that is seamlessly connected to vast and varied in-depth content related to what you are reading by simply scanning the page number with your phone or tablet.

These reimagined Bibles, illuminated with Filament, are available at the same low price as everyday print-only alternatives, combining readability, portability, and affordability to create a spectacular Bible experience.

 

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/-n7AUYcxqB4

Thom and Sam consistently advocate long pastoral tenure. Every church will have its critics and its problems. We usually urge pastors to stick it out. But there are times pastors need to count the cost and ask if it's really worth it to stay. Could it be that God is using the situation to nudge the pastor to move on? By the way, we are grateful to the listener who recommended we tackle this topic. We are always glad to hear from you.

1. Count the cost if the financial burden is great.

2. Count the cost if the emotional toll is great.

3. Count the cost if relationships are strained.

4. Count the cost if church unity is at stake.

5. Count the cost on your family.

 

Resources:

* Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Filament Bible Collection

Tyndale House Publishers

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

Contact us at https://churchanswers.com/contact/

 

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.

 

​​Filament Bible Collection

Bible Reading Reimagined

Includes mind-blowing study notes, devotionals, videos, worship music, and more are curated for the page you are reading through the Filament Bible app.

Learn more without carrying more.

Filament Bibles offer a rich reading experience that is seamlessly connected to vast and varied in-depth content related to what you are reading by simply scanning the page number with your phone or tablet.

These reimagined Bibles, illuminated with Filament, are available at the same low price as everyday print-only alternatives, combining readability, portability, and affordability to create a spectacular Bible experience.

 

https://youtu.be/etSDqc0gtkA

A crisis that can get overshadowed by COVID, but is plaguing our communities is the opioid epidemic. Opioids and other addictions are destroying individuals, families, and communities. What role does the church play in bringing help and hope amidst such a destructive force? How can churches step into this space and bring Christ’s healing and freedom to people who are enslaved by their addictions? On today’s episode, Thom talks to Steve Arterburn about this crisis and how churches can help.

Stephen Arterburn is the founder and CEO of New Life Ministries--the nation's largest faith-based broadcast, counseling, and treatment ministry--and is the host of the nationally syndicated "New Life Live!" daily radio program heard on over 180 radio stations nationwide. Steve is also the founder of the Women of Faith conferences, attended by over 3 million women.

Steve is also a nationally known public speaker and author. He is written over 60 books and is also the developer and editor of ten Specialty and Study Bibles including The Life Recovery Bible, which has sold over 3,000,000 copies. It is the 2nd all-time best-selling Study Bible at Tyndale.

Stephen serves as the Teaching Pastor at Northview Church in Carmel, Indiana where he resides with his wife, Misty, and their family.

1. Why did you start a ministry focused on reaching people who were in bondage from addiction?

2. What is the backstory for the Life Recovery Bible and what role do you see this Bible playing in people’s recovery journey?

3. Why is it important for the church to play a vital role in ministering to people and families who have been ravaged by addiction?

4. If a pastor or a church feels called to this ministry what should they be prepared for and how should they prepare?

 

Resources:

How to Heal Our Racial Divide by Derwin Gray

New Life Ministries

Life Recovery Bible

Every Man’s Bible

* Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Tyndale House Publishers

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

 

Episode Sponsors:

How to Heal Our Racial Divide by Derwin Gray 

Like many of us, Derwin Gray is weary of the racial divide in our society. But he’s also the founding pastor of a successful and growing multiethnic church – Transformation Church in the metro area of Charlotte, North Carolina.

In How to Heal Our Racial Divide, what Derwin shares brings the entire message of the gospel to life. Be inspired by the richness of a thriving church that embraces God’s vision and discover the steps to lead your church toward the multiethnic call of Scripture.

Together our churches and the body of Christ can be the change God yearns to see in our world. For more information on How to Heal Our Racial Divide, visit Tyndale.com.

You can find the direct link to Derwin Gray’s new book in today’s show notes.

 

https://youtu.be/vf2SxRI0Bzo

Social media is an unavoidable method of communication. Ignoring social media completely is a mistake. You must shepherd people online as well as in person. Much of social media is benign, but some of it can become toxic. How should you handle harmful posts when you encounter them?

Do not feel pressure to respond to every issue that pops up online.

Ignore toxicity from people you do not know

Avoid contributing to the toxicity at all costs.

A pattern of toxic posts from a church leader must be addressed.

Stand up to online bullies but do not engage in back-and-forth insults with them.

Stay in your lane. Do not feel obligated to jump into discussions outside your expertise. 

 

Resources:

How to Heal Our Racial Divide by Derwin Gray

Brown Church Development Group

Tyndale House Publishers

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

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.

 

How to Heal Our Racial Divide by Derwin Gray 

Like many of us, Derwin Gray is weary of the racial divide in our society. But he’s also the founding pastor of a successful and growing multiethnic church – Transformation Church in the metro area of Charlotte, North Carolina.

In How to Heal Our Racial Divide, what Derwin shares brings the entire message of the gospel to life. Be inspired by the richness of a thriving church that embraces God’s vision and discover the steps to lead your church toward the multiethnic call of Scripture.

Together our churches and the body of Christ can be the change God yearns to see in our world. For more information on How to Heal Our Racial Divide, visit Tyndale.com.

You can find the direct link to Derwin Gray’s new book in today’s show notes.