by Sam Rainer | Nov 14, 2008 | Uncategorized
A new season of ministry brings no shortage of emotions. In my recent transition to Sarasota Baptist Church, I was excited, stressed, and itching to accomplish something. Any major transition in life can put people on edge. Leaders, in particular, face the challenge... by Sam Rainer | Nov 12, 2008 | Uncategorized
For my book, co-authored with my father, our research team interviewed 394 rechurched young adults to find out why they returned to church. One myth that could be easily dismissed is that they were too angry at the church to return. In fact, the rechurched told us in... 
by Sam Rainer | Nov 5, 2008 | Uncategorized
From the Pew Research Center: people perceive others have more than they really do. Presented with a list of high-end consumer goods and services, and asked whether they have them and whether they believe most other people have them, most Americans tend to... by Sam Rainer | Nov 4, 2008 | Uncategorized
Having pastored a small, rural church, I had a taste of some of the unique leadership challenges of these congregations. Some are full of love but stuck in a time warp. Others are struggling in declining communities. Some intentionally use their smallness to reach... by Sam Rainer | Oct 29, 2008 | Uncategorized
Some of my favorite conversations are the most random. I hear from the woman cutting my hair that she is searching for a church where she can receive help for her spiritual journey. As I listen to a guy in a hospital waiting room, he mentions that he wants to know...
