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Articles by Sam Rainer
Insights, ideas, and real-world help for pastors leading established churches. Sam shares practical guidance rooted in local church ministry, research, and everyday leadership in the trenches.
Ten Pastoral Prayers Before You Reopen Your Church Campus
Many churches are in the process of reopening. Pastors and church leaders are answering questions last asked during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. One hundred years ago, many churches closed their campuses for a season. One hundred years later, we are reliving the…
Est.Church Podcast: Thinking through Coming Back
Many churches are beginning the process of reopening. In this episode, we discuss the factors we should consider as we lead our churches back to in-person meetings. [spreaker type=player resource=”episode_id=26291095″ theme=”light”…
Est.Church Podcast: Bylaws During the Pandemic
What should a church do about the bylaws during a crisis like the coronavirus pandemic? In this episode, we weigh in and share what our churches are doing and what you may need to do in the future. [spreaker type=player resource=”episode_id=26291094″…
‘t Meet
One of the big questions today is whether or not the church should partake in the Lord’s Supper and Baptism while we are unable to gather. In this episode, we weigh in and try to offer some level-headed and respectful perspectives. [spreaker type=player…
Five Seminal Leadership Books Every Pastor Should Master
For a book to be seminal, it must rise above the other works of the time. Not only must a seminal work stand out, it must also change paradigms and become an influencer of later developments. A seminal book is not necessarily current, but it is one you must master in…
‘s Horrible Start and Where We Are Headed
On this episode, Sam and Josh discuss just how 2020 started despite any of our previous predictions and what they think may lay in store for established churches [spreaker type=player resource=”episode_id=25254794″ theme=”light”…
Old Tech and New Tech Solutions You Should Keep Doing after the Pandemic Ends
When the pandemic hit, our church made two announcements within twenty-four hours. The first relayed the message our services were in-person as usual. The second quickly reversed that decision. The news seemed to move at lightning speed. In one moment, schools and…
Est.Church Podcast: De-stressing During the Pandemic
On this episode, we share the ways we’re keeping our sanity during the pandemic. [spreaker type=player resource=”episode_id=25254793″ theme=”light” autoplay=”false” playlist=”false”…
West B: Good Friday and Easter Services
Thank you West B worship team! An ungathered Easter is not ideal, but you got our church worshiping together this weekend. Both the Good Friday service and the Easter service were incredible.