by Sam Rainer | Jun 17, 2014 | Uncategorized
According to the Social Security Administration, the oldest male name in the United States is Elmer, with a median age of 66. I want to make a point about how younger pastors relate to older generations in the church, so I’ll use Elmer as my example. Let me tell you... 
by Sam Rainer | Apr 10, 2014 | Uncategorized
People talk. They talk behind your back. They talk about you. They talk about your leadership decisions. It’s normative. Expect it. And don’t call this talk gossip. Most of the time it’s not. If you’re a leader, then you probably lean towards being a control freak.... 
by Sam Rainer | Apr 6, 2014 | Uncategorized
This column originally appeared in a local magazine in the region where I pastor. Last month I began writing a regular column for the magazine. At times, I’ll post them on this blog. I have vague memories of “stealing” from the church pantry as a child. My father... 
by Sam Rainer | Apr 3, 2014 | Uncategorized
Is your church healthy or not? It’s a difficult question to answer. When people ask, I often reply, “What is your definition of ‘healthy?’” There are many metrics that point to—or signal—the health of a congregation. If attendance has declined for 50 years and the... 
by Sam Rainer | Mar 30, 2014 | Uncategorized
Not every church leader will face a vision-crushing blow. But they exist. They hurt like a heavy-weight sucker punch. You didn’t see it coming, and it was hard like an Acme anvil. Church leaders (especially us pastors) can overreact. We can cry wolf when it’s just...
