by Sam Rainer | Oct 16, 2013 | Uncategorized
We’ve made the distinction between leadership and management too stark. Are they separate? Yes. Is there much overlap between them? Absolutely. Is there such a thing as a pure leader, one who never manages? Maybe, though I struggle for an example. Is there such a... 
by Sam Rainer | Oct 13, 2013 | Uncategorized
Healthy churches have many points of tension. For example, churches grow by adding new believers. New believers are immature (and typically passionate), which means church programming must balance between immature congregants and mature congregants. Most every pastor... 
by Sam Rainer | Oct 3, 2013 | Uncategorized
Shepherding a church comes with plenty of highs and lows. Some days feel like a roller-coaster ride right after eating two pounds of funnel cake. But leading a church isn’t just peaks and valleys. Plateaus exist. Plateaus can last for a long season. In fact, plateaus... 
by Sam Rainer | Aug 22, 2013 | Uncategorized
On Tuesday my brothers (Art and Jess) and I launched Rainer Publishing. We’re an e-book publishing company with an emphasis on local church health. Our goal is to provide clear and concise books that church leaders and laity will enjoy reading. Here’s a selection of... 
by Sam Rainer | Aug 18, 2013 | Uncategorized
There are as many definitions of a healthy church as there are people who have attempted to define one. The emphasis of church health often falls on numerical growth, but weekly attendance averages are inadequate metrics of health on their own. Doctrine is key, but...
