Rainer on Leadership

Experienced pastors are not immune from mistakes. On this episode, Thom and Sam discuss some common blindspots for mid-career pastors. These mistakes are not career killers, but they can set back a ministry. While all pastors can fall into these traps, those who are mid-career are particularly susceptible. 

1. Going to a bigger or better church will reduce stress levels.

2. Flattening the learning curve for new trends because experience is adequate.

3. Relaxing standards of accountability because church trust level is higher.

4. Responding defensively to critics because of previous hurt.

5. Forgetting all your children need more attention, not less.

6. Failure to embrace continuing education.

 

Resources:

Church Consultation University

Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

Know Your Community

* How Your Church Can Reach People In a Post-COVID World Ebook

 

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.

 

If you're a church, school, nonprofit, values-based business, or family office, Vanderbloemen would be honored to serve you. Their team's goal is to empower yours by aligning your people solutions for growth: hiring, compensation, succession, and culture. Hire the right people. Pay them well. Plan for the future. Build a culture that lasts. Learn more at Vanderbloemen.com

 

Imagine a church on life support one year that has moved to thriving within a few years. Though you've heard of church turnarounds, you've rarely heard a story this dramatic. Sam and Thom interview Jonathan Smith with Texas Baptists to hear about this God-sized story.

Tell us the background of this church up to the point of its near-death experience.

How long did it take to get to the point in the title of this podcast?

What were some of the key factors in the turnaround?

What were some of the biggest obstacles to the turnaround?

What are some key transferable principles from this story for other churches?

 

Resources:

Texas Baptists

Know Your Community

 

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.

 

If you're a church, school, nonprofit, values-based business, or family office, Vanderbloemen would be honored to serve you. Their team's goal is to empower yours by aligning your people solutions for growth: hiring, compensation, succession, and culture. Hire the right people. Pay them well. Plan for the future. Build a culture that lasts. Learn more at Vanderbloemen.com

 

One of the greatest challenges of parenting is navigating the crucial conversations that we must have with our kids. On today’s episode, Thom and Sam talk to Jimmy and Kristin Scroggins about having hard conversations with our kids that point them to Christ. 

1. Why did you write this book? What inspired you to write it?

2. Talk about the tough conversations you’ve had with your own children. How did you handle those?

3. What are the “3 Circles?” What led you to start using the 3 Circles Gospel tool with parenting?

4. What role does the church play in this conversation of parenting? How can “Full Circle Parenting” help pastors and church leaders better equip parents?

 

Jimmy and Kristin Scroggins have been married for more than twenty-five years and have eight children and 2 grandchildren. Jimmy pastors Family Church in West Palm Beach, Florida. 

 

Resources:

Full Circle Parenting: A Guide for Crucial Conversations (3 Circles) by Jimmy Scroggins and Kristin Scroggins

Turning Everyday Conversations into Gospel Conversations (3 Circles) by Jimmy Scroggins

Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

 

Episode Sponsors:

If you're a church, school, nonprofit, values-based business, or family office, Vanderbloemen would be honored to serve you. Their team's goal is to empower yours by aligning your people solutions for growth: hiring, compensation, succession, and culture. Hire the right people. Pay them well. Plan for the future. Build a culture that lasts. Learn more at Vanderbloemen.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.

Jonathan “The Voice” Howe returns for an episode. We find out what he's been doing. 

What Jonathan is doing now.

Some of our favorite memories of working and traveling with Jonathan.

How Jonathan helped launch Rainer on Leadership.

What has changed over the past ten years?

Favorite restaurant meals over the years.

 

Resources:

SBC This Week with Jonathan Howe and Amy Whitfield

Know Your Community

How Your Church Can Reach People In a Post-COVID World Ebook

Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

 

Episode Sponsors:

If you're a church, school, nonprofit, values-based business, or family office, Vanderbloemen would be honored to serve you. Their team's goal is to empower yours by aligning your people solutions for growth: hiring, compensation, succession, and culture. Hire the right people. Pay them well. Plan for the future. Build a culture that lasts. Learn more at Vanderbloemen.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.

 

On today’s episode of Rainer on Leadership we are celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the hymn, IN CHRIST ALONE. Thom and Sam discuss the song’s success with writer Keith Getty and learn what’s next for Getty Music.

Keith and Kristyn Getty occupy a unique space in the world of music today as preeminent modern hymn writers. In re-inventing the traditional hymn form, they have created a catalog of songs teaching Christian doctrine and crossing the genres of traditional, classical, folk, and contemporary composition which are sung the world over.

In Christ Alone was released in America in September 2001 and it is estimated that over 100 Million people in churches sing this song each year. 20 years and this song continues to grow in use having occupied the number 1 slot in the CCLI UK chart and a top 15 slot in CCLI in the USA for the majority of that time.

Thom and Sam discuss the following with Keith and Kristyn:

Congratulations on the 20th anniversary of “In Christ Alone!” Tell our listeners a little about how you wrote this song and its far-reaching impact on Christians and churches across the world.

Tell us about the 2021 Sing! “In Christ Alone” Worship Conference this September 13-15 and its theme, “Reset. Restore. Reunite.”

Where do you see Christian hymns in the next 20 years? What is next for Getty Music?

 

Resources:

Sing! Getty Music Conference

Getty Music

Know Your Community

How Your Church Can Reach People In a Post-COVID World Ebook

* Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

 

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.

 

If you're a church, school, nonprofit, values-based business, or family office, Vanderbloemen would be honored to serve you. Their team's goal is to empower yours by aligning your people solutions for growth: hiring, compensation, succession, and culture. Hire the right people. Pay them well. Plan for the future. Build a culture that lasts. Learn more at Vanderbloemen.com

 

The rural church is brimming with opportunities. Indeed, it may be one of the most fruitful mission fields in the world. Thom and Sam interview B. J. Rutledge about his leadership in a rural church that defied all expectations. You will not want to miss this episode.

BJ Rutledge is the lead pastor of Grace Fellowship Church in Paradise, Texas. The church is enjoying phenomenal success reaching thousands of people with the gospel. Some have called it, “The miracle in the cow pasture.” BJ is married to Janet, and they have 3 children and 5 grandchildren.

Thom and Sam discuss the following questions with BJ:

How did you end up in a rural town called Paradise, Texas, population 459?

What are some unique keys to leading a rural church?

Now that Grace Fellowship Church averages 1,800 people pre-COVID, many pastors might say your story is an anomaly that can't apply to them. How would you respond?

What were some of your greatest challenges in leading Grace?

What final words would you like to share with pastors and other leaders about rural churches?

 

Resources:

* Know Your Community

* Camel video

* How Your Church Can Reach People In a Post-COVID World Ebook

* Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

 

Episode Sponsors:

If you're a church, school, nonprofit, values-based business, or family office, Vanderbloemen would be honored to serve you. Their team's goal is to empower yours by aligning your people solutions for growth: hiring, compensation, succession, and culture. Hire the right people. Pay them well. Plan for the future. Build a culture that lasts. Learn more at Vanderbloemen.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.

 

Not every cultural issue deserves the attention of church leaders. Some issues, however, are unavoidable. Other issues desperately need the voice of the church. How can you discern when to speak and what to say? It seems just about anything can become a hot-button issue. On this episode, Thom and Sam discuss some tips for handling controversial subjects. Now more than ever, people need clarity from church leaders. 

Part of shepherding a congregation is being aware of hot button issues.

You don't have to speak to every issue, especially when you have little knowledge or experience about a topic. Silence is an option; often it is the best option.

Sometimes you need to speak about something even if you don't know much about it. Seek help from those who know.

Always do what is best for the community and your church, not yourself. In some cases, you may take a lot of heat for standing up for what is right.

Read and listen broadly to a variety of experts on a variety of topics, especially those who have a different background or viewpoint than you.

Formulate your position with truth, justice, and optimism. Whiners and complainers are not leaders.

 

Resources:

Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin

* Know Your Community

* Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

 

Episode Sponsors:

If you're a church, school, nonprofit, values-based business, or family office, Vanderbloemen would be honored to serve you. Their team's goal is to empower yours by aligning your people solutions for growth: hiring, compensation, succession, and culture. Hire the right people. Pay them well. Plan for the future. Build a culture that lasts. Learn more at Vanderbloemen.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.

 

For most churches, the summer months can be a lull. Families vacation and people tend to be in and out of the church more. It's rare to have high attendance Sundays in the summer, but there are ways to make the most of the season. These five tips will help you navigate the summer months.

1. Research your church and community demographics.

2. Take key church leaders on field trips in the community.

3. Build your local network and reach out to other experts. Take area pastors to lunch.

4. Study global cultures, especially those with unreached and unengaged groups.

5. Create a helpful and healthy schedule that will carry you into the fall.

 

Resources:

Know Your Community

Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

 

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.

 

If you're a church, school, nonprofit, values-based business, or family office, Vanderbloemen would be honored to serve you. Their team's goal is to empower yours by aligning your people solutions for growth: hiring, compensation, succession, and culture. Hire the right people. Pay them well. Plan for the future. Build a culture that lasts. Learn more at Vanderbloemen.com

 

Being a humble pastor is challenging. On today’s episode, Thom and Sam talk to Dr. Jim Shaddix about the importance of preaching with humility.

Dr. Jim Shaddix

Jim Shaddix serves as Professor of Preaching at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC, occupying the W. A. Criswell Chair of Expository Preaching. He also serves as a Senior Fellow for the Center for Preaching and Pastoral Leadership, which exists to resource pastors in local churches. Jim has pastored churches in Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Colorado, and also served as Dean of the Chapel and Professor of Preaching at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, LA. He is the author of several books including The Passion Driven Sermon and Decisional Preaching. Jim and his wife, Debra, focus much of their attention on discipling and mentoring young leaders and spouses. They have three grown children and ten grandchildren.

Preaching with humility is inherent

Preaching with humility is essential

Preaching with humility is hard

Preaching with humility is easy

 

Resources:

* https://www.jimshaddix.com/

Blog post - “Preaching with Humility” by Dr. Jim Shaddix

Know Your Community

Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

 

 

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.

 

If you're a church, school, nonprofit, values-based business, or family office, Vanderbloemen would be honored to serve you. Their team's goal is to empower yours by aligning your people solutions for growth: hiring, compensation, succession, and culture. Hire the right people. Pay them well. Plan for the future. Build a culture that lasts. Learn more at Vanderbloemen.com

 

In this episode, Thom and Sam look at worship attendance from the perspective of a spiritual discipline. Is attendance really a spiritual discipline, and what are the implications if it is?

Gathering with other believers is not usually viewed as a spiritual discipline.

The most commonly mentioned spiritual disciplines are prayer, fasting, and Bible reading.

From Acts 2:42 following, the church is urged to gather.

Gathering is sometimes called "attendance" and, thus, has detractors.

We are watching the debate on whether virtual meetings are true gatherings.

 

Resources:

Belay

* Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

 

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.

 

If you're a church, school, nonprofit, values-based business, or family office, Vanderbloemen would be honored to serve you. Their team's goal is to empower yours by aligning your people solutions for growth: hiring, compensation, succession, and culture. Hire the right people. Pay them well. Plan for the future. Build a culture that lasts. Learn more at Vanderbloemen.com