Rainer on Leadership

Toni Nieuwhof joins Thom and Sam to share what every church leader needs to know about the messiness of divorce.

Toni Nieuwhof is an attorney, pharmacist and church leader who, along with her husband, Carey Nieuwhof, founded Connexus Church north of Toronto Canada. Already a published author in the legal field, Toni’s first general release book on marriage will be published in 2021. Toni has spoken in front of leaders in Canada, the US and around the world about marriage and relational health. Her practice as a divorce attorney and her extensive experience in ministry have given her a unique vantage point and a passion for serving couples who want to leave their unhappiness behind, not their marriage.

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

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

* Before You Split: Find What You Really Want for the Future of Your Marriage by Toni Nieuwhof

* ToniNieuwhof.com

* Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

 

 

Episode Sponsor:

 

The mission of Southeastern Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping Christians to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. One way we like to do that is by giving away free resources. You can get a free copy of Thom Rainer's E-Book, "How Your Church Can Reach People in the Post-Covid World" by visiting pastorscenter.org/free-books

 

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here on Church Answers.

Are you looking to be more positive in the new year? Today we look at how destructive negativity can be for you and your team. On today’s episode of Rainer on Leadership, Thom and Sam discuss the 100 factor of negativity.

* Every negative word has the power of one hundred positive words.

* Negativity has many variants: Cynicism, speculation, misinformation, and selectivity.

* Assume the best. Optimists take people to a better place.

* Keep score. Not of others. Of yourself. 

* Avoid correcting others on social media. 

* Have a weekly strategy of positivity.

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

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

* The 100 Factor of Negativity Article - ChurchAnswers.com August 19, 2020

* Belay

* Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

 

 

Episode Sponsor:

 

The mission of Southeastern Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping Christians to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. One way we like to do that is by giving away free resources. You can get a free copy of Thom Rainer's E-Book, "How Your Church Can Reach People in the Post-Covid World" by visiting pastorscenter.org/free-books

 

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here on Church Answers.

We are about to welcome in a new year! In today’s episode of Rainer on Leadership, Thom and Sam discuss five things you should do as you lead your church to a new year. 

Emphasize again the church's vision and/or purpose.

Review your outwardly focused plans for the new year.

Check in with key leaders and/or influencers in the church.

Become a continuous learner.

Lead from a posture of hope.

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

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

* Invite Your One

* Pray and Go

* Cosco & Associates

* Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

 

 

Episode Sponsor:

 

The mission of Southeastern Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping Christians to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. One way we like to do that is by giving away free resources. You can get a free copy of Thom Rainer's E-Book, "How Your Church Can Reach People in the Post-Covid World" by visiting pastorscenter.org/free-books

 

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here on Church Answers.

You will likely have more guests on Christmas Eve than any other service throughout the year. Here are several reasons why people love traditional Christmas Eve services.

* You will likely have more guests on Christmas Eve than any other service throughout the year

* Nostalgia is a powerful emotion around the holidays

* The community expects a more traditional experience at Christmas

* Candlelight services are popular among almost every demographic group

* Any church can do a traditional Christmas Eve service 

* Always share the gospel in a Christmas Eve service 

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

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

* PushPay

* Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

 

 

Episode Sponsor:

 

The mission of Southeastern Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping Christians to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. One way we like to do that is by giving away free resources. You can get a free copy of Thom Rainer's E-Book, "How Your Church Can Reach People in the Post-Covid World" by visiting pastorscenter.org/free-books

 

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here on Church Answers.

We have an incredible interview with Kristyn Getty to talk with her about the new album from Keith and Kristyn Getty, Evensong, which reached number 1 on Billboard in the Kid’s Album category. 

* New album released in early October: Evensong: Hymns and Lullabies at the Close of Day.  

* Born out of the thoughts, songs, and prayers the Gettys use to close each day with their own family, this project features a mixture of lullabies and hymns to help families and individuals alike declutter the mind and comfort the heart.

* In the week of its debut, Evensong topped the Billboard Charts at #1 in the Kid’s Album category, surpassing the storied soundtrack to Disney’s Frozen 2 for the first time in 36 weeks as the most popular Children’s project in the United States.

* “During these uncertain times, the need for restful contemplation and focusing on the Word of God is more important than ever for Christians throughout the world. I hope these songs help people dwell on the Lord and His promises; to release a burdened mind, to calm a restless heart and point us towards real peace in Christ”

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

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

* Evensong project from the Gettys

* Smart Church Solutions

* Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

 

 

Episode Sponsor:

 

The mission of Southeastern Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping Christians to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. One way we like to do that is by giving away free resources. You can get a free copy of Thom Rainer's E-Book, "How Your Church Can Reach People in the Post-Covid World" by visiting pastorscenter.org/free-books

 

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here on Church Answers.

Are you contemplating leaving pastoral leadership for other areas of Christian ministry? Sam has an intimate conversation with Thom regarding the reasons behind his conscious and prayerful decision to stop preaching.

* Overcoming the concern that I was not being obedient to my call

* I had not been a pastor for many years, only supply and interim preaching

* My sense of call to be a church member

* The desire to be active in my sons' churches

* The volunteer ministries of which I am a part

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

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

* Radical Mentoring

* BELAY

* Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

 

 

Episode Sponsor:

 

The mission of Southeastern Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping Christians to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. One way we like to do that is by giving away free resources. You can get a free copy of Thom Rainer's E-Book, "How Your Church Can Reach People in the Post-Covid World" by visiting pastorscenter.org/free-books

 

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here on Church Answers.

Thom and Sam Rainer discuss practical ways to effectively minister to church members we can’t visit during this difficult time of quarantine and social distancing. 

* Call them.

* Make certain the church sends a digital prayer list every week.

* Organize small groups to call them and write them.

* Stay in touch with their family members.

* Seek to start a new caring ministry.

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

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

* Cosco & Associates

* DivorceCare and GriefShare

* Pray and Go

* Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

 

Episode Sponsor:

 

The mission of Southeastern Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping Christians to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. One way we like to do that is by giving away free resources. You can get a free copy of Thom Rainer's E-Book, "How Your Church Can Reach People in the Post-Covid World" by visiting pastorscenter.org/free-books

 

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here on Church Answers.

Pastor Steven Kyle from Hiland Park Baptist Church, has revitalized the church where he is serving with incredible growth.  After growing a declining church from approximately 600 to over 2000, and expanding with two other multi-site campuses and revitalizing both dying churches, disaster hit. Twice. First Hurricane Michael, then Covid-19.

* How did you plan for disaster relief and recovery before it was needed in the church and community?

* Even though your buildings and campuses were damaged and unusable, how did the church continue to gather and minister?

* What did you learn about rebuilding in a disaster in regards to insurance coverage and construction?

* What systems did you put in place prior to and after the disaster that affected/stabilized giving during the disaster?

* You have a very large church staff. How were you able to minister to your staff and their families in the aftermath of the hurricane?

* How did your daily ministry change?

* What did you learn from the Hurricane Recovery that is helping you in these pandemic days?

* How do you define a win in a disaster recovery environment?

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

* Church Future Indicator

* Cosco & Associates

 

Episode Sponsor:

 

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 new Master of Arts in Church Revitalization in partnership with Church Answers and the Revitalization Network. This 37-hour degree is designed to help students move established churches from flatlining to flourishing.

Learn about this program and more by visiting sebts.edu. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there.

 

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here on Church Answers.

On this episode of Rainer on Leadership, Thom and Sam are joined by Kevin Harris, President of Radical Mentoring. We take some time to discuss how your church could benefit from a strong mentoring ministry. 

In 2002, Kevin Harris, underwent a dramatic change as husband, father, and Jesus-follower through his experience as a mentee in a Radical Mentoring group. He is now the President of Radical Mentoring, a non-profit focused on equipping churches and mentors with resources and coaching to create disciple-making environments where the next generation can develop deep relationships with God and others. Before joining Radical Mentoring, Kevin led a sales team at Wells Real Estate Funds and served in sales positions at CNL and Atlas Energy. He and his wife Susan have two boys and live in Atlanta, GA.

* Why is it important for churches to have a mentoring ministry?

* What is the difference between mentoring, discipleship, and leadership development?

* What’s the ideal outline/process for disciple-making?

* What makes mentoring groups successful?

* What Kingdom impact are you seeing from the churches you serve?

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

* Radical Mentoring

* Radical Mentoring Known Collective

* Mentoring Launch Checklist

* Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

* How Your Church Can Reach People In A Post COVID World

 

Episode Sponsor:

 

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 new Master of Arts in Church Revitalization in partnership with Church Answers and the Revitalization Network. This 37-hour degree is designed to help students move established churches from flatlining to flourishing.

Learn about this program and more by visiting sebts.edu. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there.

 

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here on Church Answers.

Members of the Church Answers community have filled our inboxes with questions dealing with unusual situations. Thom and Sam take an interesting look at five of these unusual situations for pastors.

* Deciding to pay the salary of a dying minister on staff to his family after he dies

* Being gifted a for-profit business

* Running a movie theater

* Being asked to do the funeral for a dog

* Being sent screenshots of text messages between two married (to other people) church members who were having an affair

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

* ChurchAnswers.com

* EST. Church Podcast

* Church Future Indicator

* Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership

* Chemistry Staffing

 

Episode Sponsor:

 

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 new Master of Arts in Church Revitalization in partnership with Church Answers and the Revitalization Network. This 37-hour degree is designed to help students move established churches from flatlining to flourishing.

Learn about this program and more by visiting sebts.edu. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there.

 

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here on Church Answers.