Rainer on Leadership

Every single day, someone you know is thinking about committing suicide. Ten million Americans will consider killing themselves in the upcoming year. On today’s episode, Thom and Sam talk to Dr. Matthew Sleeth about how Christians—and our churches—can offer hope and be part of the solution.

Dr. Matthew Sleeth

Matthew Sleeth, MD, a former emergency room physician and chief of the hospital medical staff, resigned from his position to teach, preach, and write about faith and health. Dr. Sleeth has spoken at more than one thousand churches, campuses, and events, including serving as a monthly guest preacher at the Washington National Cathedral. Recognized by Newsweek as one of the nation’s most influential Christian leaders, Dr. Sleeth is the executive director of Blessed Earth and author of numerous articles and books, including Hope Always: How to Be a Force for Life in a Culture of Suicide, which released from Tyndale House Publishers in May 2021. Matthew lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with Nancy, his wife of forty years. Their grown children serve with their families in full-time parish ministry and as medical missionaries in Africa

1. We’ve heard suicide described as an epidemic in the U.S. Would you share some of the facts about the prevalence of this issue among Americans today?

2. Are Christians equipped to handle a suicide epidemic?

3. What do you think is the primary challenge for pastors and other ministry leaders trying to make a difference in today’s culture of suicide?

4. What are some practical ways we as the church can cultivate communities of hope amidst all the trauma and trials people face in today’s world? 

 

Resources:

Hope Always: How to Be a Force for Life in a Culture of Suicide by Dr. Matthew Sleeth

Dr. Matthew Sleeth

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,

Almost every pastor at some point will be confronted by a church bully. This person is usually a control freak, and turns on the pastor when the pastor does not do his bidding. Thom and Sam look at five traits of pastors who have overcome these bullies.

1. They understand the principle of "allied patience."

2. They are willing to play the long game.

3. They have prayer coverage.

4. They are willing to risk short-term losses.

5. They fight with grace.

 

Resources:

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

Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

* Belay

 

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

 

Churches are not reaching people for Christ because they are not trying to. On today's episode, Thom and Sam discuss what church leaders are doing to recover evangelism.

The death of evangelism due to liberalism

The death of evangelism due to factionalism

The death of evangelism due to lack of intentionalism

The action of focused intentionality

The principle of "one thing"

The power of the pulpit

 

Resources:

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

Why CONSERVATIVE CHURCHES ARE GROWING: A Study in Sociology of Religion with a new Preface by Dean M. Kelley 

High Expectations: The Remarkable Secret for Keeping People in Your Church by Thom S. Rainer

Pray & Go

Invite Your One 

Vanderbloemen

Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

Belay

 

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

 

Many churches dropped membership classes during the pandemic. Now is the time to restart them. In fact, church membership classes are more important than ever. On this episode, Thom and Sam discuss several reasons why churches must keep providing these classes post-COVID.

These classes help minimize church conflict with front-end teaching.

Volunteerism is down. Increase the quality of volunteers with a membership class.

Potential members are now less inclined to push back on attending a class.

People need to re-establish habits as we emerge from the pandemic.

With COVID, managing expectations is critical.

 

Resources:

An Example of a Brief Church Covenant

High Expectations: The Remarkable Secret for Keeping People in Your Church by Thom S. Rainer 

Know Your Community 

The Complete Membership Class Toolkit

Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

Belay

 

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

 

We know that you want to make a difference in the lives of others. That’s why Southeastern is committed to helping you get the training you need to pursue your ministry from anywhere around the world. We offer over 50 degrees from the associate to the PhD level. 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 popularity of mid-size churches is growing. Mid-size churches are too big for one person to lead but not big enough for a full staff. These churches have unique leadership challenges and opportunities. On this episode, Thom and Sam discuss some tips for leaders in mid-size churches. Metrics, delegation, and the ability to pivot are especially important.

Shift your mindset: Mid-size churches are too big for one person to lead but not big enough for a full staff

Monitor the right metrics and use quarterly trends to help guide decisions

Be willing to pivot when programs or ministries struggle

Delegate as you encourage and equip

Have a specific local focus that sets your church apart

 

Resources:

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

Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

Belay

EST.Church podcast

Know Your Community Report

 

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

 

We know that you want to make a difference in the lives of others. That’s why Southeastern is committed to helping you get the training you need to pursue your ministry from anywhere around the world. We offer over 50 degrees from the associate to the PhD level. 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.

Thom and Sam discuss five reasons for the amazing phenomenon of the smaller church becoming the church of choice today. Reason number four may surprise you.

1. The demographic reality: the younger the generation, the more likely they are to prefer smaller gatherings.

2. The COVID reality: people gathering for worship have come to appreciate smaller gatherings more.

3. The facility reality: more church leaders are viewing large worship facilities as wasteful.

4. The neighborhood church reality: this type of congregation is making a big rebound.

5. The Boomer reality: this generation gave us the large church gathering, and they are diminishing in number.

Resources:

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

Belay

* Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

Episode Sponsors:

We know that you want to make a difference in the lives of others. That’s why Southeastern is committed to helping you get the training you need to pursue your ministry from anywhere around the world. We offer over 50 degrees from the associate to the PhD level. 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

 

Most leaders will not want to be in a position where they have to apologize publicly, but it is likely to be necessary at some point. Thom and Sam look at key issues to consider when you need to apologize publicly.

Make certain it is the right time and the right place.

Go directly to the heart of the issue without excuses.

Do not use prefatory comments like, "If I offended anyone . . . "

Keep in mind most sincere apologies will be brief.

If you are apologizing on behalf of your church or organization, take the blame yourself.

Ask for forgiveness.

 

Resources:

Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

Belay

 

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

 

We know that you want to make a difference in the lives of others. That’s why Southeastern is committed to helping you get the training you need to pursue your ministry from anywhere around the world. We offer over 50 degrees from the associate to the PhD level. 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.

 

Nobody is certain of the future, but this year is more uncertain than most. On today’s episode of Rainer on Leadership, Thom and Sam discuss ways to lead your church forward in an uncertain year.

Nobody is certain of the future, but this year is more uncertain than most.

The importance of spiritual disciplines and discipleship remains, but they alone are not leadership. 

Identify your new baseline with attendance and giving.

Prioritize quarterly and six-month strategies above long-term vision.

Be intentional about enhancing a celebration culture but don't neglect the care of those who are hurting.

Now is the time to seek outside counsel and inside accountability. 

Resources:

How Your Church Can Reach People in a Post-COVID World

The Complete Church Consultation

Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

Belay

Episode Sponsors:

We know that you want to make a difference in the lives of others. That’s why Southeastern is committed to helping you get the training you need to pursue your ministry from anywhere around the world. We offer over 50 degrees from the associate to the PhD level. 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

 

Like people in other professions, pastors are exhausted and struggling with decision fatigue. A great reshuffling is occurring. Many pastors and church staff  are considering a transition. On today’s episode of Rainer on Leadership Thom and Sam interview Dee Ann Turner about how you can successfully transition to a new role. 

 

Dee Ann Turner CEO, Dee Ann Turner & Associates, LLC

Dee Ann is a 33-year veteran of Chick-fil-A, Inc. Prior to retirement in 2018, she was Vice President, Talent and Vice President, Sustainability for Chick-fil-A, Inc. Selected as the company’s first female officer in 2001, she was instrumental in building and growing Chick-fil-A’s well-known culture and talent systems. Today, she leads her own organization, Dee Ann Turner & Associates, LLC, writing books, speaking to over 50 audiences per year and consulting and coaching leaders globally. She is the author of the best-seller, It’s My Pleasure: The Impact of Extraordinary Talent and a Compelling Culture. Her latest book is Crush Your Career: Ace the Interview, Land the Job and Launch Your Future.

Dee Ann has been married to her husband, Ashley, for 37 years and they are the parents of three grown sons. 

 

1. Many pastors are considering a transition to another career or a bi-vocational role in 2021. What advice would you give them as they make this transition?

2. How do you distinguish a job from a calling?

3. What are your top tips for finding and interviewing for a job?

4. Discuss how important it is to leave a job well. Do you have any advice for pastors and church leaders who are making this move?

 

Resources:

Crush Your Career: Ace the Interview, Land the Job, and Launch Your Future by Dee Ann Turner

Dee Ann Turner

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

 

We know that you want to make a difference in the lives of others. That’s why Southeastern is committed to helping you get the training you need to pursue your ministry from anywhere around the world. We offer over 50 degrees from the associate to the PhD level. 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,

1. They have not been trained to handle personal finances.

2. They don't practice money milestones.

3. They are busy serving others.

4. They have an attitude of "It can wait."

5. They don't have an "emergency kit."

 

Resources:

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

"The Essential Emergency Binder"

More Than Money Podcast

ArtRainer.com

The Money Challenge

More Than Money Podcast Episode #23

Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

Belay 

 

Episode Sponsors:

The mission at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. The school offers more than 40 different degree programs, including the 37-hour Master of Arts in Church Revitalization in partnership with Church Answers and Revitalize Network. We are also partnering with Southeastern Seminary to make available for FREE a new ebook, How Your Church Can Reach People in a Post-COVID World by Thom S. Rainer. Learn about both of these offerings and more by visiting www.sebts.edu. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there.

 

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