I write with trepidation. Any mention of politics can get you in trouble. Throw politics into the context of the local church, and the mood can quickly turn caustic. Elections are contentious. They have been for most of our nation’s history. The tensions surrounding this year’s election season should not be a surprise. There are important issues people should care about deeply. Elections matter, and voting is important. In some ways, politics has always had a presence in the church. A Read more […]
The lockdowns did not shorten the workweek. Many people in a variety of professions are working more hours. I wanted to know how COVID-19 affected the workweek of pastors. At Church Answers, I asked a simple question of our community of pastors and church leaders. How many extra hours have you worked per week during the pandemic? The sample size was small and limited to our community of people at Church Answers. It’s not a scientific poll, but it does provide insight into what is happening Read more […]
The weariness produces physical aches. The weight of stress can smother you. Every week feels like a marathon. Some of my pastor friends have been pushed out of their churches. Others wonder if they are next. The church down the road sold their campus to a developer. You feel the pressure of long-distance shepherding. Not everyone can be present. You make phone call after phone call checking on people you love. There are not enough hours in the day. Pastoring a church has always been a demanding Read more […]
When pastors and deacons work together, the ministry of the church thrives. When they are at odds, ministry struggles. Deacons are called to be unifiers in the church. Pastors should treat deacons positively and with respect. When hostility exists between pastors and deacons, the church will drift away from the mission. Too often deacons are forced into roles they are not passionate about. You can breathe life into the deacon body by giving them responsibilities in the areas they love. In this episode, Read more […]
We had a predictable rhythm to our worship services. It was a good pattern that served our church. Then the pandemic hit, and we had to rethink everything. Overnight, the way we did worship no longer worked. After a brief closure, we reopened in-person services to an entirely new format. Here is what we did. Here is what we’ve learned. We have five services in two languages across two sites. To minimize the impact of change and to account for social distancing measures, all our services Read more […]
By now, you’ve heard the call to capture the opportunity of a blank slate. The current pandemic is prompting every church to reconsider approaches to ministry. Practically, how do you start this process? One consideration is a “whiteboard session.” The term refers to a meeting in which a group of people collaborate with an open mind. The whiteboard reference implies starting fresh with nothing on the board—a “blank slate” if you’re referencing a chalkboard. The two keys to a Read more […]
As a pastor, you are part of the body of Christ. Within the body, friendship is important, even for pastors. Pastors should have friends in the church and model friendship for the church. Friendship takes time, and the expectation of instant friendship in the church is not healthy. The lead pastor should be friendly with staff, but being a friend to subordinates is challenging. The staff needs you to be a great boss first and a friend second. If you want friends in the church as a pastor, you have Read more […]
Every negative word has the power of one hundred positive words. This idea comes from one of my mentors, Brad Waggoner. He challenged me to rethink the way I communicate, both personally and professionally. Think of encouragement and discouragement on different sides of a scale. One hundred pieces of encouragement weigh the same as one piece of discouragement. In your marriage, in work relationships, and in the church, the 100 factor of negativity is always in effect. If you are consistently Read more […]
How deep is too deep for pastoral involvement in social media? In this episode, we discuss how pastors can lead through social media. Twitter and other places can be a cesspool, so dive in with caution. Do not use your children as a platform builder online. Be a kingdom builder online. Focus more on encouragement than anything else. Watch out for things that get on your nerves but are not sin issues. A good rule of thumb for shepherding online is to be 99% encouraging and only 1% corrective. Don’t Read more […]
Every pastor experiences a season of weariness and being tired. On this episode, we discuss how pastors can lead while tired. When you’re tired as a church leader, it is important to know what to share with your spouse. When you’re tired as a pastor, you must lead from a place of optimism and not negativity. Isolation is never good when you’re tired as a church leader. Develop friends who can help you filter and discern what’s next. When you’re tired one key to a less stressful week is getting your Read more […]
There are two types of sleep: BC and AD. Before Children and After Death. God does not take naps, but you might need one. Far too many pastors do not get a proper cycle of rest. In the fourth commandment, God set up a pattern of work and rest. This pattern goes back to the creation account in which God rested on the seventh day. Notice the connection between rest and salvation in Psalm 62: “I am at rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.” True rest is found only in God’s salvation. Read more […]
A first impression is made in as little as seven seconds. Within a few moments, guests are beginning to form ideas—positive or negative—about your church. The first person a guest meets will influence the first impression. When a guest walks into the building, the first item they see will prompt them to form opinions about the church. These first impressions are universal. Businesses and schools deal with them. Everyone has first impressions. Even when you consciously try to be impartial, Read more […]
Preaching is not the same as shepherding. The transition from preaching to pastoring involves building credibility through relationships. Pastors should be accessible to their congregation. Create a “GIP” list to start building relationships. The GIP list includes the top givers, influencers, and problem makers. When you meet with church members, ask them two questions. How did you come to know Jesus? How did you come to our church? Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources Read more […]
I once caught a deacon throwing choir robes out of the second story window into a giant fire on the ground below. “What’s going on?” “Fire hazard.” By the looks and smell of the robes, I agreed and went about my business. There were probably one hundred burning robes in the fire—enough for every person in the church to take home three or four. I wondered if the choir was ever that large, or if the church ever had a choir. No one knew. The remnant of my first church numbered Read more […]
There is an ever-looming shuffle of lead pastoral positions. With that in mind many of our listeners will find themselves interacting with the “former pastor”. It is an inevitable reality of leading an already established church. In this episode Josh and Sam tackle some of the nuances that come from interacting with your predecessor and some of the ways in which you can make that relationship something of value and joy. Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Read more […]
If you are a pastoral candidate or a new pastor, how do you discover the real story of a church? In this episode, we walk through how you can read a church. Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Initiative! You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate. Pastors are Read more […]
As my Dad began his “retirement” plan a few years ago, a dream surfaced. We thought about a company that would serve the local church with a unique digital approach. It was unchartered territory, but we went for it. I’ve learned a lot watching him guide us into these blue oceans. Last week we moved into new waters again. We launched the brand new www.ChurchAnswers.com. Our team has done an incredible job bringing all our resources into one place. It’s the new hub for growing your church, leading Read more […]
Micah and Sam share some thoughts about what has been lost during this time of quarantine. Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Initiative! You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate. Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve Read more […]
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 reopening. Much has changed in the last one hundred years. Prayer has not. Planning and preparation are critically important. Likely, you’ve already spent hours in meetings discussing what to do. The spiritual and physical health Read more […]
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. Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Initiative! You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate. Pastors Read more […]
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. Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Initiative! You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so Read more […]
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. Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Initiative! You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members Read more […]
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 order to understand current thought. While the study of leadership can be traced back to such thinkers as Machiavelli, this field is relatively new. It is only in the last fifty years that the academy has recognized leadership studies Read more […]
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 Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Initiative! You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate. Pastors Read more […]
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 restaurants were open. The next they were closed. We had to rethink church completely. Churches everywhere made the quick move online. Physical distance become the norm for ministry. Ideas sprang up on how to manage the crisis. Drive-in Read more […]
On this episode, we share the ways we’re keeping our sanity during the pandemic. Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Initiative! You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate. Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve Read more […]
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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i52dJK_OUIM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ss6a-oNG1U Read more […]
On this episode, Josh and I talk about church furniture and what that might (or might not) mean about church ministry. Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Initiative! You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate. Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most Read more […]
The thought of an ungathered Easter is hard. An empty tomb calls for a full church. This season is a reminder that what fills me as a pastor is not a lot of butts in the seats. What fills me is the Holy Spirit. Social distancing is a new way of living—at least for a while. We’re not so much socially distant as we are physically distant. We can still socialize, just not in close proximity to each other. That’s hard. The church is called to an incarnational ministry. God came in the flesh. Read more […]
On this episode, we share insights to shepherding the established church during a time of crisis and turmoil. Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Initiative! You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate. Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective Read more […]
The pandemic has thrust change upon the church. One of the more jarring changes involves finances. In many established churches, the majority of funds come through in-service giving, not online giving. The first week of service stoppages was a wake-up call. Some churches only received a small portion of weekly needs. Focus on what you can control. Most of us do not control the national strategies of dealing with the Coronavirus outbreak. It’s easy to get swept into the latest headline or data Read more […]
In these two special release episodes, we share some thoughts regarding online services, online giving, pastoral care, keeping children engaged, and other choices we are making as we learn to minister in an online world. Part 1: Part 2: Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Initiative! You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip Read more […]
Josh, Micah, and Sam discuss some of the nuances around officiating funerals. Listen to this episode for some practical advice and funny stories. Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Initiative! You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate. Pastors are saying Read more […]
Josh and Micah discuss the ways they keep themselves from growing stagnant. They cover how you can take the initiative in personal development. Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Initiative! You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate. Pastors are saying these Read more […]
Revitalizing a church can be a long, thankless experience. You lead a church to change in a way that makes people uncomfortable. You move a church down a different and challenging path. People complain. Some leave. It’s hard. But without revitalization, many churches will die. Both small and large churches need revitalization. In fact, between 65% and 90% of churches in North America require some form of revitalization. Unfortunately, there is a lot of negativity surrounding hurting, Read more […]
In our county someone tested positive for Coronavirus this week. We’ve been preparing contingency plans at West Bradenton—both expected and worst-case scenarios. Below is a copy of our email newsletter that went out to our church today. Feel free to copy whatever you need to communicate to your church. West Bradenton Family: I’m assuming you have heard the reports about the Coronavirus. At the time of this writing, there are three cases in our region. While the threat is low, we are Read more […]
What is the line between borrowing and stealing when it comes to pastoral ministry? On this episode, we talk it through and try to give some guidance. Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Initiative! You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate. Pastors are saying Read more […]
Your church’s address is not an accident. God sovereignly placed your church in your location to reach the people around you. Do you know them? Jesus’ Great Commandment (Matthew 22:34-40) gives clear instructions: Love your neighbor. Knowing your neighbor is the first step to loving your neighbor. Do you really know your community? Do you know your neighbors? Four questions can be quite revealing. 1. How many people live within twenty minutes of your church? Typically, church leaders Read more […]
In this episode, Josh Ties of Idea Network joins Josh King to discuss the feelings many church leaders have in which they are part of a tribe and yet do not feel as though they fit into it. Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Initiative! You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s Read more […]
Every Tuesday morning the West Bradenton staff gather for a short time of worship before we begin our meetings. There is nothing elaborate about Tuesday worship. We follow a simple structure each week. 1. Our worship pastor leads a song from the upcoming Sunday setlist. 2. Someone shares a devotional thought. 3. We pray for each other. Then we pray for our church requests and mission partners. 4. I share the direction of my sermon for the upcoming Sunday. Don’t let the simplicity Read more […]
In this episode, we tackle the concept of authenticity in and out of the pulpit regarding the preacher’s voice and style. Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Initiative! You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate. Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, Read more […]
When the disciples gathered on the mountain in Galilee right before Jesus ascended, some of them doubted. The source and degree of this doubt are left unknown. Their response in the doubt is critically important. They worshiped. Then Jesus came near. The lesson is simple: Worship through doubt, and Jesus will come near. This group on the mountain was more than worshipers. The disciples were also called to be leaders in what became the church. The doubters had to lead. In Acts 1, Jesus makes Read more […]
What is church discipline and when is it necessary? The established church can present several challenges when working through correction with wayward members. Special EST.church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Initiative! You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate. Pastors Read more […]
There is hope. God can save your church. Rainer Publishing is excited to release Thom Rainer’s latest book, Anatomy of a Revived Church. Thom Rainer reveals seven findings of revived churches. Through new research, he figuratively dissects hundreds of churches that were on the path toward death. But they turned around. They revived. They did so in the face of naysayers who told them it could not be done. From the book: What is the central thesis of our anatomy of revived churches? Read more […]
The Bible is not a haphazard collection of religious thoughts. One common theme emerges from sixty-six books—volumes of law, historical works, poems, first-person narrative accounts, parables, wisdom literature, and apocalyptic prophecies. This theme is adoption through redemption. God the Father brings us into His family through the redeeming work of His Son, Jesus. The Holy Spirit then seals our adoption for eternity. Written by kings and outlaws, the Bible was not thrown together without Read more […]
In my last post, I revealed a problem. A phenomenon is impacting churches of all sizes and affiliations in the United States. The frequency of attendance is dropping among congregants. Attendance frequency measures how often a person comes to church. For example, an “active” member was once considered someone who came twice, or even three times a week. Today an active member is considered someone who comes twice a month. The problem of decreasing attendance frequency is pervasive, and Read more […]
A phenomenon is impacting churches across the United States. Maybe your church is an anomaly. But most churches—regardless of size and denominational affiliation—are experiencing a decrease in attendance frequency. Attendance frequency measures how often a person comes to church. For example, an “active” member was once considered someone who came twice, or even three times a week. Today an active member is considered someone who comes twice a month. Many reasons exist for this decline—from Read more […]
I have a high view of church membership. The book of Romans refers to followers of Christ being members of a body. I believe it to be a helpful way in which we can encourage one another and hold each other accountable. At my church, we emphasize two key areas with church membership. The first is doctrine. The second is expectations. We ask members to work towards fulfilling seven expectations, which is also our church covenant. The seven expectations involve worship, growing, serving, giving, praying, Read more […]
Some church leaders love to swim in a sea of spreadsheets. If you are among them, then October is likely your favorite month. The vast majority of churches budget on a calendar year, which means the spreadsheets come out in full force about the same time as pumpkin spice lattes. Creating a church budget is a laborious—and somewhat thankless—task. At West Bradenton, our stewardship committee is hard at work refining the 2020 budget. It takes several weeks to finalize our annual budget. Every Read more […]
The best leaders for the church are those who demonstrate a willingness to serve first. Is servant leadership necessary in every situation? No, but pastors and church leaders should have a default posture of service. If you’re unwilling to be a servant leader, then you are not fit to have authority and influence within the body of Christ. Serve first; lead second. It should be the leadership theme of every pastor. I understand the tension with servant leadership. Serving a church means sacrificing. Read more […]
In this week’s show: We discuss the idea of competition and ministry. Is it healthy for us to compete with one another? Is it ever appropriate for churches and church leaders to have a sense of competition with one another? Special Est.Church discount – Available only to our listeners! Four Steps to Revitalizing Your Church with Thom Rainer More than seven hours of step-by-step training & instructionDownloadable notes, practical examples, audio files, and related bonus contentFive Read more […]
Vision is overrated. Too many leaders put too much weight on their vision and not enough on other important matters of leadership. Culture, discipline, accountability, and creativity are just as important as vision. That being said, leadership does not happen without vision. Vision is meant to inspire, engage, and capture the heart. In the church, vision statements are common, but not enough of them move the congregation to action. How do you know when vision is working? When it’s Read more […]
Both extroverts and introverts can lead well. Both can lead poorly. Personality is only one part of leadership. However, your personality as a leader comes with intrinsic advantages and challenges. For example, the extroverted pastor tends to work a room better than an introvert. The introverted pastor tends to listen better one-on-one. Partly because they are more outgoing, I believe extroverted pastors get the benefit of the doubt in leadership—more so than introverted pastors. Many have Read more […]
Through Church Answers, I receive a lot of questions about churches. I also ask a lot of questions when I’m consulting and coaching. Over the years, I’ve refined the types of questions I ask and the way I ask questions. Some questions don’t elicit much of a response. Other questions cause people to pause and think. Then there are the questions that get people talking. Some of the best learning experiences as a leader come when you ask a good question and listen. After twenty years of researching Read more […]
Our staff meetings lacked something, but we couldn’t put our finger on it. The time together was not a disaster. There were ups and downs, good days and tense days. Things got done. But spiritually, something was missing. That’s when our new senior adult minister, Jim, pointed to our problem—prayer. We were praying in every meeting, but we weren’t praying for specifics in each other’s lives. He came up with a plan. His plan revitalized our staff meetings. The plan was simple. Every Read more […]
In this week’s show: When should you consider moving to a larger church? We share some of the reasons why you should move and why you shouldn’t move. The grass isn’t always greener, but it can be tempting! Special Est.Church discount – Available only to our listeners! Four Steps to Revitalizing Your Church with Thom Rainer More than seven hours of step-by-step training & instructionDownloadable notes, practical examples, audio files, and related bonus contentFive Read more […]
Easter is big. Most churches pour more energy into the resurrection celebration than anything else. We should! Jesus’ resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. My body feels like it hums following a full day of Sunday preaching. I’m not sure if it is physiological, but the rush of preaching makes it hard for me to sleep on Sunday nights. I preach three back-to-back services, then I get wired, and then I crash sometime after midnight. I enjoy Mondays, but I’m usually not all Read more […]
There are two kinds of restaurants. Those that embrace children, and those that tolerate children. If you’re a parent, especially if you have multiple small children, then you know this reality. When my family of six storms a restaurant, I can tell immediately whether the establishment will embrace my children or tolerate them. In a recent occurrence, the host looked at my brood with eyes wide: “Oh, my. You have . . . a lot of kids.” I was not offended. Serving large families at Read more […]
The Houston Chronicle recently published a series of articles on sexual abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention. My church belongs to the convention. Robert Downen and the authors of this report deserve our thanks. They exposed our sin. Let me state the obvious, something I haven’t heard from our leadership. One of the reasons the SBC has not acted up to this point is because a few of the leaders—those in power—were the very ones guilty of the offenses or of covering them up. The autonomy Read more […]
You can sit during these meetings if you like. Standing meetings are different than stand-up meetings. A standing meeting is one that repeats in a regular pattern and is an obligation for people to attend. I have a standing meeting every Monday at 4:00 p.m. with my worship pastor. We discuss the previous Sunday’s services and also the upcoming Sunday services. On occasion, we’ll use the timeslot to create worship strategies or examine something new. Our church staff also meets regularly—every Read more […]
The magical age for ministry is somewhere between 38 years-old and 56 years-old. I use the word “magical” because far too many churches look at the age of a ministry candidate as some sort of magic bullet. Any younger than mid-thirties and you’re too young. Any older the mid-fifties and you’re too old. I’ve read a lot of articles and posts defending those who are on the younger side. Some megachurch hires a 26-year-old lead pastor, and it’s championed as innovative. However, I don’t Read more […]
Some pastors are naturally approachable. They have a certain charisma that draws people. Other pastors draw in people like an open casket viewing. People approach but with nervous hesitation. Most of us are somewhere in between these two extremes. Your approachability as a pastor is not limited to Sunday mornings, but it’s a key time when people will develop perceptions about you. I’ve heard one comment over and over from people who meet me for the first time after I preach: “You’re Read more […]
I’ve noticed a recent trend among churches. The evidence is more anecdotal, but I have no doubt the phenomenon is occurring on a national scale. While more than half of all churches are in some form of attendance decline, a segment of these declining churches experiences either stability in giving or an increase in giving at the same time people are leaving. This phenomenon is even more amazing when considering general giving trends. Overall, charitable giving is on the rise in the United Read more […]
It’s that time of year when people partake in the annual ritual of making well-intended promises. Most of them end up being broken by February. I also realize the presumptuous nature of this post—as if I could tell you what promises to make (and then inevitably break). However, I do believe every pastor should consider these ten resolutions. Perhaps they will get you thinking. I will pray for church members daily. Start by praying for your biggest antagonists. One of the best resolutions you Read more […]
It’s a common question I get from people I am coaching and mentoring. What should I include in my ministry resume? There are definitely a few dos and don’ts. I’ve listed below some essentials of a great ministry resume. Keep your resume to two pages. A one-page resume is too short and connotes a lack of experience. Anything longer than two pages is unwieldy and not likely to be read in full. In some cases, three pages may be necessary for those with much ministry experience, but Read more […]
You wrote a book, an article, or a blog post. You crafted a speech or talk. You wrote a song. You painted a picture. You created a message you want to share with a specific audience. The days of pitching your idea to someone else to share are gone. The historical filters simply don’t exist anymore—at least the way they did in the past. Today, publishers expect you to promote your own book. Currently, the music industry is completely disrupted. And in-person conferences are diminishing, Read more […]
A need for revitalization does not necessarily mean an entire church is unhealthy. Even the healthiest of established churches have at least one area requiring work, if not several. Sometimes the entire church needs revitalization. In other cases, a particular area of the church needs revitalization. In fact, the majority of established churches could use some degree of revitalization. Around 65% of churches are in plateau or decline. This one statistic reveals close to 7 out of 10 churches Read more […]
My journey into church consulting began almost twenty years ago as a teenager. My father would hand me stacks of congregational surveys and ask me to crunch numbers. The pay was minimal, but at least the job came with free rent. What my father, Thom Rainer, founded in 1989 has changed over the years. When the company began, it was called Church Growth Visions. During his time at Southern Seminary, the company became Rainer Group. When he went to LifeWay Christian Resources, he handed Read more […]
We made it! This week we released episode 100 on the Est.Church Podcast. I’ve had a ton of fun co-hosting with Micah and Josh the last couple of years, and I’m looking forward to the next 100 episodes. In this episode we share some of the highs and lows in each of our ministries. Thanks for listening! Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
All churches have leadership challenges, regardless of size. Small churches are not easier to lead than large churches. Large churches are not easier to grow than small churches. But they are different. When pastors move from one size church to another, they have to adapt. One common pastoral transition is to move from a church of fifty congregants to a church of one hundred fifty. I won’t get into whether a pastor should make this move or not. Let’s assume the move is God’s will. Read more […]
https://www.speakcdn.com/assets/2079/180930_gospelinlife_materialism.mp3 I’m preaching a series on how the gospel impacts all areas of our lives. This sermon covers the topic of materialism. The key to happiness is found in dependence on God. You can’t ask Jesus for anything until you give Him your everything. If your security is in your stuff, then your worship is not in God.
Few pastors preach all 52 Sundays in a year. Should you use outside preachers when you are out of the pulpit? How much should you pay and how often should you use them? We talk about guest preachers in this episode. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
A new movement is beginning to take shape in North America. More pastors and church leaders are focusing on church revitalization. People are starting to do something with these churches that are on every street corner. I’m excited. While it’s too early to tell how widespread a revitalization movement will become, I have high hopes. For the last several decades, we’ve written off too many churches, assuming they are destined to die. We don’t write off individuals in this way, Read more […]
Talking with a pastor search team can be one of the most exciting and confusing times in the career of an established church pastor. In this episode, we cover a few tips and red flags to help you during this season of ministry. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
No church should die. Ever. Perhaps a church is far gone, deep into a toxic state of disunity. Perhaps a church has decades of declines. Perhaps a church has veered far from doctrinal convictions. Would the death of these churches advance the kingdom? Would their death glorify God? No. If God can save any person, then He can save any church. If we believe in redemption for people (anyone!), then we must also believe the same for churches. This conviction is driving the launch of Read more […]
In a lot of churches, deacons get a bad rap. If they do too much, then people believe they’re trying to take over the church. If they do too little, then people call them lazy. Just about every pastor has a bad deacon story. Indeed, I’ve got a couple myself from a previous church. I hear and read a lot about controlling deacons and apathetic deacons. The reality is most deacons in most churches do good work. While churches and denominations have varying viewpoints on the role of Read more […]
The call to shepherd a church is a call to shepherd the community. When God led me to West Bradenton, He not only gave me a responsibility for pastoring a church but also a responsibility to serve our community. Churches are not islands in the community, set up to isolate believers from the ails of society. The walls of the church are not protective barriers to community problems. Quite the opposite—the church should be the vehicle by which people are sent into the hardest, darkest parts Read more […]
He’s older now. Retired, but not done. He doesn’t move quickly, and his hearing is not great. For thirty years he shepherded our church. Now he leads a Life Group. We call him “Brother Bob.” All of Bradenton calls him that. He’s a passionate evangelist for evangelism. Give him a minute of your time, and you’ll hear him share the gospel. Boldly. Without apology. He was at Vacation Bible School every day last week. He brought three children. Two of them accepted Christ. In Read more […]
“Some churches just need to die.” I’ve heard some variation of this quote several times. It’s false. Certain congregations may indeed die but not because they need to die. If God can save any person, then He can save any church. I believe any church, no matter how far gone, has the potential to be saved. Many established churches are in need of revitalization. There are degrees of revitalization, of course. In some cases, revitalization is needed in parts of the church while Read more […]
For far too long, we’ve been wrong. We were wrong about slavery. We were wrong about Civil Rights. Now many of us are wrong about the #MeToo movement. The Southern Baptist Convention has been wrong about horrifying sins. Obvious sins. Massive sins affecting generations. Right now, we’re a dumpster fire, and we keep fueling it with shovels of manure. We’re full of it, and the world is watching. That’s not hyperbole. We need repentance, not excuses. God’s wrath is upon us. Our Read more […]
Sermon illustrations can be helpful, but many preachers feel inadequate in the area of selecting and delivering them. Sam, Micah, and Josh share a few of the best resources for finding sermon illustrations, as well as some “do nots” on the topic. This episode is brought to you by Ministry Grid and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
Should churches count and add the online viewers of services like Facebook live to their worship numbers? We discuss this modern trend and the temptations behind it. This episode is brought to you by Ministry Grid and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
Memorable moments happen in real time and at ground level. When you talk to long-time church members about a deep love for their pastor, they speak of presence—the times when the pastor was there. Why do you love your pastor? Nobody answers the question, “Stage presence” or “social media following” or “writing ability” or “leadership acumen.” Most often, church members answer with a personal anecdote of when the pastor was simply there, present in real time and at ground Read more […]
How can you help people while at the same time being strategic? What are best practices with benevolence ministry in the church? This episode is brought to you by Ministry Grid and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
Not all my readers are Baptists. For those of you who do not hold to my convictions, I’m not trying to stir the theological pot. For those of you who practice immersion, however, I want to provide some practical tips. I believe the few minutes just before a baptism should be intentional and strategic. First, I’m assuming a careful process leading up to the baptism. It should be taught. The person being baptized should talk with a trusted church leader or pastor. This person should Read more […]
If you’re a ministry leader, you likely get the request often. It’s an understandable—and often legitimate—request. Most church leaders field a lot of requests from ministries wanting to be mission partners. I can’t blame them. If you believe in your ministry, then you should want as many mission partners as possible. Churches are often the first place people seek help, and I understand the desire to raise a lot of support. The Internet age makes it much easier for independent Read more […]
Sundays require stamina. We have four worship services—one in Spanish and three in English. I preach the three English-speaking services: 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. I have to train my body and mind to keep the energy up throughout the morning. Often, I have at least one, if not two other speaking responsibilities following the three morning services. It may seem strange, but I have to be strategic with the time between each of the services. People approach me in rapid-fire Read more […]
https://www.speakcdn.com/assets/2079/180408_launch_boldness.mp3 I’m preaching a series through the first half of the book of Acts called “Launch.” This sermon covers Acts 4:1-37. Being a good person is not the same as being a bold believer. Bold believers stand where they are saved. Bold believers seize the opportunity to share God’s love with others.
I’m joining my podcast co-hosts, Fries and King, in Dallas for a one-day event. If you are an established church pastor, then this event is for you! Come hang out with others who are as passionate as we are about the established church. Click here to learn more about the first Est.Church Conference. Leading the established church requires a different kind of approach. Have you tried to initiate change but keep getting stuck? Learn from others here! We want your whole team at Read more […]
https://www.speakcdn.com/assets/2079/180401_easter_foolish.mp3 My Easter text was 1 Corinthians 1:18-21. The god of human opinion will divide us, but the foolishness of God will unite us.
How can a pastor encourage people to get plugged into missions both here and there? This episode is brought to you by Ministry Grid and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
Easter Sunday is now over. Pastor, you’re probably a little tired. Church leader, your energy level might be lower than usual for the next twenty-four hours. It’s expected. Most churches pour into Easter Sunday. They should. Easter is one of the major highlights of the church calendar. Jesus’ resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. The calling of a pastor is one of continuing the resurrection celebration. Easter is the “big day” in many ways, a grand celebration Read more […]
https://www.speakcdn.com/assets/2079/180325_launch_triumph_and_tears.mp3 My Palm Sunday text was Luke 19:28-44. Our victory is possible only through the sacrifice of Christ. King Jesus gives victory to those who worship Him. Victorious worship is sacrificial and contagious. King Jesus weeps for those who war against Him.
How and when do you install a new leader after a transition or a change? This episode breaks down that important step and the considerations that need to be made. This episode is brought to you by Ministry Grid and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
My body hums on Sunday evenings. Literally, I feel like a low frequency buzz emanates from my extremities. I preach in three back-to-back-to-back services, and on many Sundays I have additional speaking requirements in the afternoon and evening. By the time I come home on Sunday evening, my mind is fried. My soul is fulfilled, but I reach the physical limitations of my body. I wake up on Mondays excited about the next round, but my body is usually sluggish. It’s part of the adrenaline Read more […]
https://www.speakcdn.com/assets/2079/180318_launch_devotion.mp3 I’m preaching a series through the first half of the book of Acts called “Launch.” This sermon covers Acts 2:42-47. Devotion is the catalyst for growth and sacrifice. A devoted church gets the attention of the neighborhood. A devoted church is hungry every day.
The three of us are finally back together! We discuss how you can continue your education while pastoring a church. Do pastors really need an M.Div.? Is doctoral work worth it? We share our wounds and our victories in trying to get a degree while pastoring a church. This episode is brought to you by Ministry Grid and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
Leadership requires initiative. Healthy relationships require initiative. A pastor without initiative will struggle to feed sheep. In John 21, Jesus gives Peter the three-fold command to “Feed my sheep.” The context of this command is the question of love. Pastor, do you love Jesus? Then you will take the initiative to feed his sheep. You’re the leader. You must take the initiative, especially with relationships in the church. Many pastors rigorously protect their study time in Read more […]
https://www.speakcdn.com/assets/2079/180311_launch_certainty.mp3 I’m preaching a series through the first half of the book of Acts called “Launch.” This sermon covers Acts 2:14-41. When uncertainty shakes you, God’s certainty secures you. The time you have left is uncertain, but the place of eternity is certain. Death will hold you captive when you try to control it. Death loses its power when we believe in the resurrection of Jesus. The certainty of grace gives you Read more […]
Every church has a pace built into the culture of its people. Some churches move more slowly. Some move more quickly. While most established churches likely need to pick up the pace, a slow pace does not necessarily mean the church is complacent. Complacent churches are self-satisfied and are unwilling to address problems. Unfortunately, far too many churches are complacent. But don’t confuse complacency with a slow pace. Some congregations are willing to move forward; it just takes Read more […]
Your body needs regular exercise to stay in shape. Your mind needs to be stretched and challenged to stay sharp. For leaders to grow, regular workouts are necessary. Pastors lead within a dynamic environment—the church. You may not think of your church as “dynamic,” but it is. A church of fifty people means at least fifty opinions exist on any given decision. Even the most entrenched congregations provide ample opportunities for leadership exercises. The church may not want to change, Read more […]
Our church is committed to Wednesday evening programming. I know the Bible does not mandate midweek programming. I realize the Wednesday timeslot has its origin in the historical “Three to Thrive” movement of the early twentieth century (come to church on Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night). Since we don’t have a Sunday evening service, we are no longer in the three to thrive pattern; we’re satisfied with two will do. For years, I wrote three separate messages for Read more […]
Every pastor has critics. It’s an inevitable part of leadership. Some criticism is constructive. Even when it’s not constructive, you can almost always learn something. Other criticism is just a visceral reaction. A personal attack was not intended; someone just said something in the heat of the moment. Some criticism is malicious and sinful. Other times, people are using criticism in a self-serving way. If you don’t want to expend the energy to filter criticism appropriately, Read more […]
https://www.speakcdn.com/assets/2079/180211_hh_adopted_and_blended.mp3 I’m preaching a six-week series called “Healthy Homes.” There are many different types of homes that make up the church body, and we want all of them to be healthy. This sermon covers the topic of adoption. None of us have a right to grace, but adoption is available to all. Family is God’s idea, and adoption is part of His plan. Adopted children are a reflection of the gospel. Blended homes demonstrate Read more […]
Dayton Hartman joins the show to discuss his new book: Lies Pastors Believe. He discusses how we can elevate ourselves, subvert the gospel, and undermine the church. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
The church is not a destination point for crowds. The church is a vehicle engineered by God to send people into neighborhoods and to the nations. On Sunday West Bradenton launched a campaign to become a neighborhood church for the nations. Check out the video and see where God is taking us! We want to launch a movement. Far too few churches in our nation focus on the needs of the immediate communities around them. We want to inspire other congregations to become Read more […]
It’s you. You’re the reason—hidden in plain sight. I’m writing to you, lead pastor. The hidden reason churches nail worship is because the lead pastor leads out in worship. Most churches will only worship to the level of the lead pastor. If you’re the stoic stander, then your church will be full of Sunday morning totems. If you raise your hands, then people in the church will follow your lead. When lead pastors immerse themselves in worship, churches do the same. Stop blaming Read more […]
I once attempted to use an example from accounting in my sermon. No one understood me, and the accountants in the church said I mixed up my terms. Apparently, debits and credits are not as straightforward as I thought, which is why—I guess—that accountants have jobs. Sermon illustrations are tricky. You try to be funny, but you’re corny. You try to be inspirational, but you’re cheesy. You try to be serious, and you have a booger in your nose. Sermon illustrations are the flavoring Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/180121_hh_widows_and_orphans.mp3 I’m preaching a six-week series called “Healthy Homes.” There are many different types of homes that make up the church body, and we want all of them to be healthy. This sermon covers the topic of widows, widowers, and orphans. God has a special concern for the care and protection of the most vulnerable. The way you live reflects what you believe. Your persistence has more power from a place of Read more […]
Statistics never tell the whole story, but they can validate a story exists. A chart detailing a decline in worship attendance cannot explain why the church is dying, but it does reveal the decline is actually occurring. During a recent church consultation, we interviewed a long-time member who refused to believe the church was declining. Even when we showed her a chart of their own numbers, she said, “You must have the wrong numbers.” If facts are our friends, then stats are our teachers. Read more […]
We share some opinions and insight about how pastors should handle themselves on social media. We talk about things like using the humble brag and dealing with conflict. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
Every Monday at 4:00 p.m., I meet with both my worship pastors. We review the previous Sunday. We discuss the upcoming Sunday. We laugh together. We hold each other accountable. Sometimes I sing their worship set back to them because I have the voice of a senile cat and it annoys them. This meeting is critical for several reasons. Music and preaching are complementary, not separate. Some lead pastors have the perspective of “You do your thing, and I’ll do mine” with worship Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/180107_hh_married_with_children.mp3 Last Sunday I started a new series called “Healthy Homes.” There are many different types of homes that make up the church body, and we want all of them to be healthy. This sermon covers the topic of parenting. What makes a good parent? Do you have a clear answer? A healthy home includes God-centered parents, not child-centered parents. The gospel keeps us from smothering and controlling our children. Read more […]
I enjoy a little friendly competition. Last October I used my kids as a front to scope out another local church’s Fall Fest. That, and they had a large amount of free candy. My affinity for candy corn sucked me into their festivities. The pastor and I are friends. The “competition” is really nothing more than us poking fun while cheering for each other. The reality is many churches don’t compete on friendly terms. In fact, in a given city or zip code, the likelihood is many pastors Read more […]
Micah interviews Dr. Alvin Reid and uncovers some of his insights into evangelism and local missional work. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
I started blogging over eleven years ago, and 2017 was a record year. Thank you, readers, for visiting, sharing, and commenting on posts. It seems like several bloggers list their top ten posts this time of year. I’ll join the fray. I’ve got a few changes in store for 2018, including a redesign of this site. For now, on the first day and first post of the New Year, I’ll list my top posts of 2017. The Ten Commandments of a Pastor’s Vacation How Pastors Can Discern Their True Read more […]
Merry Christmas from the Rainer clan! I don’t blog much about my family, but I want to brag about them for Christmas. They deserve it, even if my wife will never see these words since she checks out my posts once every couple of years. My family loves (really!) ministry, especially through the local church. Shepherding my family and my church are intertwined. Some might advocate separating the two, but it’s impossible, since my household is part of the local church. When I leave Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/171217_tbtbatb_the_birth.mp3 I’m in the middle of a three-week Christmas series, The Beginning, the Birth, and the Baby. The text is Matthew 1:18-25. The birth of Jesus reveals two surprises about God coming to us: Humility and vulnerability The virgin birth is essential to the miracle of grace. Why is the virgin birth essential to our faith? Three implications: The miracle of grace is not painless. The miracle of grace requires our Read more […]
How do established church pastors encourage and prioritize Biblical engagement in the lives of their people? This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
Christmas Eve is the most likely time an unchurched person will walk into your worship space. It’s a huge opportunity. My fear is some churches go through the motions since Christmas Eve is the peak of busy season and volunteers are short in supply. Your Christmas Eve service is worth the effort. Families are often together during this time. That uncle who refuses to go to church will often capitulate and go to a Christmas Eve service, since the rest of the family is going together. Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/171210_tbtbatb_the_beginning.mp3 I started a new three-week Christmas series, The Beginning, the Birth, and the Baby. This sermon is the first in the series. The text is John 1:1-18. Jesus is the beginning, so you can take Him at His Word. Jesus is both the goal and the guide to your relationship with God. The end of your search for meaning is found in the beginning.
What do you do with Santa? Micah and Josh talk through the issues pastors face with the non-biblical extras that come along with the holidays. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
My Kid’s Minister, Jenny Smith, has created an excellent online Family Advent Calendar. Christmas is a busy season for families, which is why I like this simple tool. The purpose is to give your family intentional times to discuss Jesus. It’s easy to use. Just click on the star that corresponds to each date and follow the instructions. Each day includes Scripture to read together, discussion questions, an online activity, and a prayer prompt for your family. The devotional should Read more […]
On Wednesday December 13th our church will send several small teams to visit with widows and widowers, especially those who are homebound and cannot gather regularly with our church. We call the effort “Christmas Chats.” The idea is simple: Bring them a gift and sit in their homes and talk. Frankly, not as many people will show up to do this ministry as on other Wednesdays. I get it—going to an older person’s home feels strange, particularly if you don’t know them. For those Read more […]
Author Daniel Im joins EST to discuss discipleship in the established church and the impacts small changes can have on the church’s overall discipleship strategy. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
Preaching is a grind I welcome every week. Expositing God’s Word is one of the toughest but most rewarding aspects of being a pastor. You can’t treat preaching like a sprint, rushing to get a response on Sundays. It’s more like a marathon, a paced lope in which long strides are made over time. Illustrations are not the most important part of a sermon. The meat is the exposition of the text—always. The illustrations add spice and flavor. Nobody wants to eat just spices for dinner. Read more […]
A couple of years ago, I wrote a similar post. But I believe these words bear repeating. It’s important to express thankfulness more than once. Everyone needs to hear the words “I love you.” I tell my wife and my children all the time. The phrase is more than trite acknowledgment. It’s consistent assurance I will stick to my covenantal commitment in the relationship. Churches are no different. They need to hear “I love you” from their pastors regularly. Here are ten things Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/171112_tgr_the_result_of_the_promise.mp3 I’m preaching verse-by-verse through the book of Galatians. This sermon covers Galatians 4:21-31. There are two ways to approach God: His promise or our work. One leads to freedom, and the other leads to slavery. The result of the God’s promise is not our comfort; rather it’s the freedom through salvation only Christ can give.
In this episode, Micah and I share tips for keeping a schedule in the busiest season of the year. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
I sat in an empty conference room going through church files. One box contained hundreds of leads from a long-gone Tuesday night outreach program. I called in a couple of deacons. “What should we do with these?” It may be the dumbest ministry question I’ve ever asked. “I don’t know. We haven’t done this program in years.” Rather than creating a plan to follow-up with some of them, the files went back in the box. The box went back on the storage shelf. God transitioned Read more […]
In this episode, Micah and I discuss the benefits of continuing education while pastoring an established church. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
In my 12 years of serving on staff at churches, and in my 18 years of ministry, I’ve noticed a trend that disturbs me. At first, I didn’t do much to solve the problem. I should have done more. Now I voice concern, and I hope I’m a helpful voice. Women on church staff tend to make less than men for similar roles. Depending on how researchers do the math, the current pay gap for women on church staff is between twenty-four cents and seven cents, meaning women make anywhere between Read more […]
Here we are: Episode 52! We’ve been at it a year now. We appreciate all of our listeners, even you curmudgeons. In this episode, Josh, Micah, and I discuss the more prevalent forms of church polity. We talk elders, committees, and staff leadership. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
I puked in a live mic once. The sound guy was asleep, so he didn’t notice I had turned green. I simply said, “And that concludes my sermon,” walked off stage, passed out, and exorcized a spaghetti dinner. Nobody walked the aisle that Sunday. You get sick. In many cases, you still have to preach, though I recommend a fill-in if you have the stomach bug. And sometimes life sucks, but “I’m in a crappy mood” is not a good excuse for pulpit hooky. Even when I’m feeling my Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/171022_tgr_receiving_the_holy_spirit.mp3 I’m preaching verse-by-verse through the book of Galatians. This sermon covers Galatians 3:1-9. Spirituality detached from the Holy Spirit is neither from God nor His Truth. Knowing God: The Holy Spirit initiatives and completes your salvation. Knowing Truth: The Holy Spirit shows you how Scripture is alive.
Our staff reads a couple of books together each year. The pace is slow, and we cover a chapter a week. Right now, we’re going through Whitney’s Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Our Life Groups pastor leads the discussion and asks questions. Not everyone likes to read, and you don’t want staff meetings to turn into a book club. However, the discipline of reading together is worthwhile. Before diving into a book, consider these guidelines. Pick out a book that will Read more […]
We’ve reached a milestone: Episode 50! Josh, Micah, and I discuss how we craft our sermons every week. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
I’m weird. I like meetings. They are an opportunity to interact with people. Being an extrovert, I enjoy the collaboration of teamwork. Not all meetings are created equal. Church staff meetings can wander into theological briars and get stuck. Discussions about facility requests can circle on a roundabout like Clark Griswold in London. Some church staff probably think the “lead” in lead pastor needs to change to “tangent” (I’m guilty!). There are several approaches to Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/171008_tgr_freedom_thru_faith.mp3 I’m preaching verse-by-verse through the book of Galatians. This sermon covers Galatians 2:1-10. When you lose the Truth of the gospel, you lose the freedom of the gospel. Freedom is not about what you do, but rather about what Jesus did. Whatever is false leads to slavery.
In episode 49, Josh, Micah, and I discuss budget planning and how to think through a budget strategy for churches of all sizes. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
I am in the third year of serving as lead pastor at West Bradenton. Thankfully, my first two years were more joy than angst, defined by encouragement and not disillusion. But even in a healthy church, the third year can bring frustration—for both pastor and congregation. In the first year, the congregation tends to project certain qualities onto the pastor. “He kinda sounds like my pastor from my hometown. I liked him growing up, so maybe they will be similar.” Inevitably, people Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/171001_tgr_called_by_grace.mp3 I’m preaching verse-by-verse through the book of Galatians. This sermon covers Galatians 1:11-24. To be called by grace is to be sovereignly saved and willingly sent. How do you know you are called by grace? You recognize both God’s sovereignty and your responsibility. You risk your safety for the rescue of others.
On Sunday, we commissioned two cross-cultural missionaries from West Bradenton. They are friends. They are family. We’re sending them to work among a hard people in a hard place. They are the first missionaries appointed to reach this unengaged people group. It hurts. With God’s mission, we should celebrate the sending, but the leaving hurts. This couple is young—just married. They are faithful—among the best of our church. Most churches would say they are the target, the ideal Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170924_tgr_rescue.mp3 Last Sunday, I began a new verse-by-verse series through the book of Galatians. Jesus rescues you so you can risk sharing this rescue with others. Jesus takes the initiative to rescue you. But this rescue does not lead to a life of safety.
I taught our Discover class on Sunday. The class is designed for those who want to join or who are interested in learning more about our church. I have a high view of church membership, and I hope to lead my church to have the same view. As we assimilate new people into the body of Christ, the goal is to maintain a culture of high expectations of every church member. I believe the best starting point for setting these expectations is a new member class. Whatever descriptor you use for Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170917_thankfulness.mp3 Following Hurricane Irma, I preached a sermon about thankfulness from Psalm 100. To worship God is to be consumed with thankfulness. Our worship is an expression of victory. There is no gap between worship and work. Thankful worship recognizes the assurance of the Creator. The depths of thankfulness cannot be expressed alone. The basis for perseverance is God’s eternal goodness and love.
A lot of people ask “Why?” after a storm hits. With Irma, I am no exception. We escaped the worst of the hurricane, but our area was still hit hard. Why did Irma bring such pain to Florida, specifically my city Bradenton? I have to believe Irma was less about God’s judgment and more about the church’s opportunity. Hurricane Irma hit the Bradenton area on Sunday night. On the previous Tuesday, our staff created a response plan in collaboration with our deacons. Was it a perfect Read more […]
Many of you have asked how you can help. There are four ways you can help: You can give to our church. We’re on the front lines, and we have people ready to help as soon as the storm passes. We will need support to get the job done. If you want to volunteer with relief efforts in Florida, then you can sign up with the North American Mission Board. If you are a member of West Bradenton and want to help right after the storm, email Jenny@WestBradenton.org. Read more […]
The following is a guest post by Daniel Im, the author of No Silver Bullets: Five Small Shifts that will Transform Your Ministry. This article was adapted from the book. Charles Spurgeon once said, “Every Christian here is either a missionary or an impostor.” Think about it. Christians who say they love Jesus but do not advance the kingdom of God are fakes. When we live out our core identity as missionaries, the Lord matures us. However, if we focus on behaviors directly tied Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170827_sitp_worship_and_warning.mp3 I’m preaching a series called “Summer in the Psalms.” In Psalm 95, we learn about worship and a warning. True worship begins with submission to God. Submission in worship means acknowledging God on His terms. Submission in worship means moving towards God through His Truth. Without submission in worship, true rest is not possible.
In episode 43, Josh interviews Steve Bezner, a pastor in Houston. They discuss the recent devastation left by Hurricane Harvey and how an established church can prepare and respond to natural disasters. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Trained Up, and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
Most had written us off. Like a bad asset on a balance sheet, our value was reduced to nil. Few showed up to monthly meetings. I don’t blame them. We’re a small local association—just twenty-four churches. We’ve struggled to revive our partnership. The comment floated more than a few times: “Is it worth it?” I’ve had the same thoughts. In our denomination, an association is a group of local churches tied to a specific geographic area. Think of it as a network of churches Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170820_sitp_godspresence11am.mp3 I’m preaching a series called “Summer in the Psalms.” In Psalm 139, we learn about God’s presence. God’s presence holds you together. God’s presence should threaten and convict you. God’s presence should comfort and delight you.
In episode 42, we talk about the importance and impact of the pulpit ministry. There are a number of things to think through as we consider the role and power of the person who preaches regularly in an established church. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Trained Up, and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
Hand-written notes are rare. Electronic communication has all but erased the whimsy of cursive writing. The average adult writes something by hand about every 41 days, much less a hand-written note snail-mailed to a friend. The average home receives a personal letter in the mail every seven weeks. In our wired world, hand-written notes seem to be a waste of time and money. Who would have thought 50 years ago that a postage stamp would cost much more than wireless texting through the Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170813_sitp_obedience.mp3 I’m preaching a series called “Summer in the Psalms.” In Psalm 81, we learn about obedience. Even the best of the world will send you into the wilderness. True satisfaction is found in obedience to God. When you obey, you meet God in the wilderness. When you obey, God brings good out of the most unexpected and unpromising situations. The wilderness will make you more sour or more sweet.
In this episode, we talk about forming a vision and leading your church to grasp the vision God has for it. After listening, jump on social media and let us know what your church’s vision statement is. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Trained Up, and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
As you lead an established church to greater health, you will have to demonstrate a great deal of balance. Being an established church pastor is an exercise in paradox. Look at a few of the tensions you must keep in balance. Spiritual and Pragmatic. You must give priority to prayer. You must be open to new methodologies that will help your church become healthier. You will need to be a consumer of the latest practical writings on church health, but you must also be aware that only a Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170806_sitp_integrity.mp3 I’m preaching a series called “Summer in the Psalms.” In Psalm 15, we learn about integrity. Believers who approach God with integrity will be able to stand before Him. Integrity is a daily pattern of honesty. Integrity does not take advantage of gray areas. Integrity can be painful. Integrity requires sacrifice.
In this episode, we interview Pastor Russ Barksdale about the major and minor systems needed in a healthy growing church. We also touch on how to get started and what to do when you want to quit. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Trained Up, and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170730_sitp_power.mp3 I’m preaching a series called “Summer in the Psalms.” In Psalm 33, we learn about God’s power. The more you submit to God’s power, the better you worship Him. God’s absolute power is comprehensive, inescapable, lasting, and ideal. Our response of worship: Freshness, skill, and fervor.
On this episode, I interview Jordan Richmond, a worship pastor at Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, FL. We discuss the ideal volume for music in worship services. Jordan talks about why people are so hypercritical about church music. He also answers the question, How should we define worship? This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Trained Up, and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, Read more […]
Shepherding requires pastors to enter into the lives of people. If you are a pastor, then you cannot lead from the platform alone. When people only hear from you when you’re behind the pulpit, it becomes more of an ivory tower and less of a sacred desk. You can’t hang out with everyone all the time, even in a small church. But it’s likely you need to hang out more often with at least some in your church. I like to watch baseball. I happen to live in an area with a major league Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170723_sitp_confession.mp3 I’m preaching a series called “Summer in the Psalms.” In Psalm 32, we learn about God’s forgiveness. The most joyful people in the world are the most repentant. Uncovered sin is covered by God. Repentance without change is self-pity. God’s forgiveness follows your confession.
Every pastor and minister needs to understand the culture in which they serve. In this episode, the guys talk a little about how to see the needs in your neighborhood and meet those needs with the gospel. This episode is brought you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. With Southeastern learn how you can GO to reach your community, your nation, and your world. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there. Connect with pastoral Read more […]
Every Monday morning, I swivel in my desk chair—praying, pondering. Yellow legal pads fill with chicken scratch in a language only I understand. About fifty Mondays a year, around 3:00 p.m., I start to wonder if I’ll have anything worthwhile to say the following Sunday. The other two Mondays I’m on vacation. I know it’s the Holy Spirit, but many weeks it feels like sheer luck. My sermon comes together, and cogent points begin to form. I’ve heard of some pastors using their Read more […]
Pastor, have you taken a break? In this episode, the guys talk about how to take a vacation and actually unplug. Sabbaticals are also brought up. Don’t get worn out; listen to this episode. This episode is brought you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. With Southeastern learn how you can GO to reach your community, your nation, and your world. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there. Connect with pastoral resources Read more […]
I spent the last few years researching legacy churches, specifically four churches in the Southern Baptist Convention: Bellevue Baptist, FBC Dallas, FBC Jacksonville, and FBC Orlando. At some point, I’ll get around to publishing something about them that is more manageable than a 300-page dissertation. In the meantime, I’ll share four quotes from their senior pastors. These quotes came from personal interviews I did with them for the study. Steve Gaines on why he is Read more […]
What is it like for a pastor to leave a large church to take a much smaller church? We talk with Pastor Andrew Werley (Steamboat Springs, CO) about that and ministry in a resort community. This episode is brought you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. With Southeastern learn how you can GO to reach your community, your nation, and your world. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there. Connect with pastoral resources Read more […]
“Sometimes the being is more important than the doing.” My mentor shared this wisdom at our last meeting. He’s in his mid-80s, about 50 years ahead of me. He retired from a church in Indiana and moved to Bradenton several years ago. I inherited him with my church when I was called as pastor two years ago. God gave me a spiritual heavyweight of encouragement with him. He sits a few rows from the back—prayerfully listening every week. Most in our church do not realize the wealth of Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170702_sitp_the_good_shepherd.mp3 Last Sunday I started a new sermon series. It’s creatively titled “Summer in the Psalms,” because it’s summer, and I’m preaching selected Psalms. In Psalm 23, we learn our comfort in the Good Shepherd is rooted in His glory. In this sermon, you will learn not only how the Good Shepherd cares for His sheep, but also why the Good Shepherd cares for them.
What should you do if you have a leader who disagrees with your vision? What if they are disrespectful in how they disagree? When should you include other people in the conflict? This episode is brought you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. With Southeastern learn how you can GO to reach your community, your nation, and your world. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there. Connect with pastoral resources from proven Read more […]
I’m on vacation this week, enjoying time with my family. I realize vacations are a luxury. Plenty of bi-vocational pastors do not get vacations. Some full-time pastors get so much grief from their churches over vacation, they simply skip them. Time away is important. If your church is gracious enough to give vacation time, then you should use the time to recharge. For fun, I’ve put together a list of “shalts” and “shalt nots” for the pastor’s vacation. Thou shalt take Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170625_communion.mp3 The Lord’s Supper is a picture of intimacy with God. The meal was prepared by God from the beginning of time. Close proximity to Jesus doesn’t save you. The Lord’s Supper is not about how we love God. It’s about how God loves us.
What should you do with people on the church membership roll who may not be Christians? How should you approach cleaning up the church membership roll? This episode is brought you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. With Southeastern learn how you can GO to reach your community, your nation, and your world. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there. Connect with pastoral resources from proven practitioners at LifeWay Read more […]
Few church programs are as ubiquitous as VBS. Churches across all denominations prepare for the summer influx of kids. It’s fun. You actually get to dance in the sanctuary! It’s also fruitful. Kids are saturated with the gospel for a week. “I was saved at VBS” is a common testimony I hear among adults. If you’re a lead pastor, it’s tempting to take off that week because you’re not really needed to lead VBS. Many churches have longstanding volunteers and leaders who basically Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170618_dntg_fathers_day.mp3 On Father’s Day this year, I taught from John 3:27-30. As the groom, Jesus reminds us that our role as a father is not based on self-fulfillment but on self-denial. The purpose of fatherhood is to point to our heavenly Father. The more we reflect God’s love with our children, the more we honor God the Father in our fatherhood.
What should you do if you come across a tough text to preach? How do we navigate those topics that we know will be controversial? Micah, Josh, and I discuss preaching tough texts and tough topics in the Bible. This episode is brought you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. With Southeastern learn how you can GO to reach your community, your nation, and your world. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there. Connect with Read more […]
Last week, the Southern Baptist Convention overwhelmingly approved a resolution condemning the alt-right movement. Chris Moody did a good job putting together a brief report of what happened. Nathan Finn also offered a worthy read from the perspective of someone in the room. Dwight McKissic deserves credit for drafting the original resolution. Following the resolution, H. B. Charles preached beautifully as always, and he offered his thoughts here. I don’t often write about specific Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170611_dntg_ezekial_sees.mp3 This sermon series is based on Old Testament characters. The point of the series is to explain how God draws us near. This sermon covers the character of Ezekiel. Even the deadest of the dead can live. God offers new life for the hopeless. Hope builds when you trust in the eternal.
What role if any do networks, associations, and denominations play in the life of the local established church? Do they have any benefit for the lead pastors? Micah, Josh, and I discuss the positives and negatives of these groups. This episode is brought you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. With Southeastern learn how you can GO to reach your community, your nation, and your world. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get Read more […]
I’m in Phoenix this week sweating it out at the annual meeting for Southern Baptists. In essence, the gathering is a giant, two-day church business meeting with thousands of people. Robert’s Rules of Order keeps the chaos at bay. Every year I’m here, ballot in hand. I love my tribe. Many of my readers may not be familiar with the Southern Baptist Convention. That’s understandable—there are plenty of other networks, associations, and denominations that do kingdom work. For this Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170604_dntg_sarah_laughs.mp3 This sermon series is based on Old Testament characters. The point of the series is to explain how God draws us near. This sermon covers the character of Sarah. A personal encounter with an all-powerful God changes you. God does not bless you without changing you. God brings us close with impossible wonder.
You are as responsible for how you leave a church as you are for how you lead it. In this episode Micah, Josh, and I discuss the complexities involved in the decision to leave a church. We cover topics like when you should announce, what you should do in the interim, and what your first priority at the new post should be. This episode is brought you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. With Southeastern learn how you can GO to reach your Read more […]
My brother’s new book was just released. You should check it out! Below is a short description of the book. Many people in our churches are experiencing significant financial stress. This stress is impacting careers, ministries, marriages, families, and generosity. They are afraid of their current financial situation, and they are afraid of what their future financial picture will look like. This is not God’s desire for us. God does not want money to burden and enslave us. God Read more […]
How much should pastors know about the giving patterns of church members? Is there ever a time when the specific amounts should be known by the pastors or elders? Micah, Josh, and I talk through this topic and explore ideas on how a pastor can encourage accountability when it comes to the stewardship of the church. This episode brought to you by the Christian Standard Bible. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, Read more […]
When a World War II veteran wants to open up, I listen. There are too few of them left. The ones still with us don’t often speak of their experiences. And as a Millennial, I’m far removed from their generation and know little about the world that shaped them. So, I listen to learn. I listen to their memories. A memorial is established to remind people of something. The Bible has several such memorials. In the Old Testament, the Passover was established as a memorial of God’s deliverance. Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170521_dntg_elijah_listens.mp3 This sermon series is based on Old Testament characters. The point of the series is to explain how God draws us near. This sermon covers the character of Elijah. In the commotion of sin, grace is found in the quietness of God’s voice. Your sin is loud and distracting. Your sin creates an elevated sense of self-importance. We often want to find God in the dramatic when all we need is His whisper. A Read more […]
Trevin Wax from LifeWay guest hosts the show and discusses the philosophy behind the new Christian Standard Bible. They also discuss the implications of a church having an official Bible translation and why it can be helpful. This episode brought to you by the Christian Standard Bible. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
This week I defend my dissertation. Finally. Assuming all goes well, I’ll earn a Ph.D. in leadership. I look forward to playing with my children and sleeping once again. I’m grateful to Dallas Baptist University and Dr. Adam Wright, my committee chair—incredible influences shaping me into a better leader. If you’re considering a school, then DBU should be on your list. My topic and dissertation title is “Legacy Church Leadership in the Southern Baptist Convention.” At some Read more […]
How can pastors know who to trust in the church? Is it ok for a pastor to be friends with people in the congregation? We break down this sometimes emotional but necessary topic for local church pastors. This episode brought to you by the Christian Standard Bible and Simple Church Tools. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
A statistic looms over my denomination: About 80% of our churches are either declining or plateaued. I want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. I’m doing my best to shepherd my church to be more effective at reaching and keeping people. It’s not easy, but I love every day of the effort. We should celebrate the 20% of growing churches in our denomination, but this post is about the larger group—those declining and plateaued. The urgency is palpable when people quote Read more […]
On this episode, we break down the actual delivery of a sermon. We touch on topics such as safety blankets and rituals, pre-preaching thoughts, and what to eat before preaching. This episode brought to you by the Christian Standard Bible and Simple Church Tools. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
On Sunday, our church gathered at a local beach and baptized thirteen people. It’s one of my favorite corporate gatherings every year. Combine food, sand, salt water, and baptism—now that’s something this Baptist can get excited about. But our beach baptism Sundays are more than a time of fellowship. They are strategic. Here is why. Beach baptisms are public. When we’re at the beach baptizing people, it’s obvious. Others will gather, mingle, and watch with our church. They Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170430_dntg_job_suffers.mp3 This sermon series is based on Old Testament characters. The point of the series is to explain how God draws us near. This sermon covers the character of Job. Even when suffering causes us to feel far from God, He is drawing us near. God is both powerful and good. If God does not exist, then there is nothing to complain about when you’re suffering. Satan is defeated through suffering.
Three notable articles I read this week: Jenny Funderburke – What if my kid doesn’t have any friends at church? “Friendships between kids can be challenging regardless, but church is a different dynamic because of the limited amount of time kids spend there each week. It can be hard to make significant friendships in an hour or two a week. There are, however, things that you and I can do as parents that can better or even worsen the situation.” Daniel Darling – Some thoughts Read more […]
Since I transitioned from the corporate world over a decade ago, I’ve been asked several times, “What’s the biggest surprise about being in ministry?” They are many, like having to lead worship from a karaoke machine at my first church (I’m not musically gifted, at all). Or dealing with insurance claims after our church was struck by lightening… twice in a month (I double-checked my theology after the second strike). Ministry is synonymous with surprises. Among the biggest Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170423_dntg_jacob_wrestles.mp3 Last Sunday I began a new series on Old Testament characters. The point of the series is to explain how God draws us near. This sermon covers the character of Jacob in Genesis. God draws us near by exposing the true struggle in our lives. When we wrestle with God, we want something from God instead of God Himself. When we wrestle with God, our wounds are a sign of His grace. When we wrestle with God, we Read more […]
How much should you change your worship services for holidays such as Christmas and Easter? Josh, Micah, and I discuss what we do and offer some suggestions. This episode brought to you by the Christian Standard Bible. One of the most common questions I get as a pastor is, “What translation of the Bible should I use?”’ The Christian Standard Bible is my answer for two main reasons. First, it’s accurate and the most up-to-date translation available. Second, Read more […]
Leadership literature is chock-full of ways in which an average leader can become great. We all believe we’re good. Greatness is just a book, a conference, or a degree away. Indeed, I believe run-of-the-mill leaders can become better with training. A desire to learn, self-awareness, and a solid work ethic go a long way. Some leaders, however, are just bad. They don’t lead well. Poor decisions are normative. I believe most pastors want to lead their congregations in a way honoring Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170416_made_alive.mp3 On Easter Sunday, I preached Ephesians 2:1-10. You can’t have a full life until you come to grips with an empty tomb. Jesus saves you from yourself. Jesus’ resurrection reveals how death becomes life. Jesus’ resurrection validates His message. Jesus’ resurrection demands a response.
On this episode, we discuss the United Airlines scandal and the ways pastors can learn from what happened, specifically with church policies. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
It’s fairly often that people apologize to me for something that happened in a church service. I’ve heard lots of great apologies. “I’m sorry I fell asleep.” “I’m sorry I had to rush out.” “I’m sorry my kid lit his hair on fire.” I love church—both the people of God and the worship services. I love the oddities that can happen during a church service. I’ve had fire alarms go off during a Father’s Day sermon (thanks to an intern who attempted to make Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170409_i_will_sacrifice.mp3 I concluded my sermon series “I Will . . .” last Sunday. This series covers seven expectations of every church member, and this week’s topic is “Sacrifice.” You’re not ready to live unless you’re willing to die. When you are sacrificial, it changes the way you live. Victory comes through sacrifice.
On this episode, we discuss the issue of leadership development in the church. In what ways can an established church pastor invest in other people to develop them as learned and skilled ministers? The guys discuss this and how it relates to seminary training. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
What would happen if all our church volunteers were suddenly raptured, and the staff was left behind? The staff at West Bradenton Baptist (where I serve) put together a little video to find out. This sketch was part of our annual volunteer appreciation dinner a couple weeks ago. And yes, it’s as cheesy as you might expect. And just in case you need more. Here are the outtakes, which are twice as funny as the original. Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170402_i_seek_unity.mp3 I’m preaching a sermon series called “I Will . . .” This series covers seven expectations of every church member, and this week’s topic is “Seek Unity.” A unified church is driven by love. If you are a Christian, then you should live and love like a Christian. The church should be the best example of unity in diversity. Sin always leads to loneliness and disunity. The toughest people to love are the Read more […]
On this episode, we discuss the issue of church polity. Is it worth it to lead change in this area? We discuss how to shift your church toward a healthy church government and some of the obstacles you may encounter. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
If you’re not listening well, then you’re not leading well. Leaders who don’t listen head down the road of either oblivion or tyranny. The oblivious leader is lazy. The tyrant is selfish. Obviously, most leaders—even the bad ones—are not this extreme. In the church, however, listening is especially important because of the nature of spiritual growth. How can you guide someone to be more like Christ if you don’t listen carefully to what they say? I know I’m guilty of thinking Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170326_i_will_pray.mp3 I’m preaching a sermon series called “I Will . . .” This series covers seven expectations of every church member, and this week’s topic is “Pray.” God listens to our prayers when we make it about Him, not us. What does prayer reveal? Prayer reveals God’s protection and provision. Where and when should you pray? You should pray constantly to pursue what is good. Why should you pray? Righteous prayer Read more […]
Three notable articles I read this week: John Gardner – What’s up with all the roaring? “Maybe it’s just me, but every so often, it seems like a particular word or phrase becomes ‘trendy’ in contemporary Christian worship music. For instance, 10-15 years ago, it was variations on the phrase ‘wings like eagles’ . . . Today, I’m getting the same vibe from the words ‘roar’ and ‘roaring.’ It’s everywhere right now! Is it a biblical word?” Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra Read more […]
How do you hire staff? What should you do with them and what happens when the relationship needs to end? On this episode, we talk about the important decisions of hiring and firing staff. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
Every pastor gets overwhelmed. The pressures of ministry are real and many, and seasons of stress are bound to occur. Personally, I’ve dealt with legitimate death threats (twice). The weeks surrounding each of those times were intense. I’m sure many of you have stories of severe storms in which the stress was overwhelming. However, when ongoing stress starts to define a pastor, it becomes a contagion that spreads to others. Unresolved stress can ruin church leadership. In fact, it Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170319_i_will_grow.mp3 I’m preaching a sermon series called “I Will . . .” This series covers seven expectations of every church member, and this week’s topic is “Grow.” The healthiest churches inwardly are the ones most focused outwardly. Healthy spiritual growth only occurs where sacrifice is present. Healthy spiritual growth includes reaching people who are not like you. A healthy church community is different than any Read more […]
Andrew Hebert (@andrewhebert86) joins Sam and Josh on the show to discuss the ins and outs of church staff meetings. We share some ideas on how to improve your meetings and get the most out of them for both you and the staff. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
A large wave of retiring pastors is moving towards the church. Boomer pastors are currently between the ages of 53 and 71. They won’t all retire at once, so this wave won’t crash into the church like a tsunami. But the American church is not prepared to replace these pastors as they retire. Just 1 in 7 pastors leading congregations are under 40, and the average age of Protestant senior pastors has risen to 54 from 44 in the last 25 years—a full decade older! Additionally, Millennials Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170312_i_will_serve.mp3 I’m preaching a sermon series called “I Will . . .” This series covers seven expectations of every church member, and this week’s topic is “Serve.” An enduring church serves like Jesus. If God has saved you, then you are sent by Jesus. To live sent, you must be willing to sacrifice. Your home address is not an accident. Every local church has a global mandate.
Andrew Hebert (@andrewhebert86) joins Sam and Josh on the show to discuss baby dedications. We talk about how you can institute an effective and helpful child dedication. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
Few models exist on how to handle the moral failure of a staff person. Indeed, there is little consensus among pastors about what to do, even with something as explicit as adultery. In a recent survey, LifeWay Research asked pastors, “If a pastor commits adultery, how long, if at all, should the pastor withdraw from public ministry?” As you will see, the answers vary greatly. Surprisingly, 1 in 4 pastors (not church members) are unsure of how long a pastor should withdraw Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170305_i_will_give.mp3 I’m preaching a seven-week sermon series: “I Will . . .” This series covers seven expectations of every church member, and this week’s topic is “Give.” A faithful church gives to a faithful God. God does not underwrite thieves. Every gift matters to God. Sacrificial giving changes you. When you give faithfully, you find a home with God.
Listen in as Pastor Eric Thomas (First Baptist Norfolk, VA) speaks about tenure, following legacy pastors, and checking his ego in the established church. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
Phone calls are an important connection point with church guests. Not all guests will give you their phone numbers. For those who do, here are some guidelines to consider. What to Do When Calling Church Guests Clearly identify yourself. Make sure you mention your name and the name of your church. It’s easy to forget this step! Double-check the name of the person you are calling. I tend to make my phone calls in batches. After I’ve made several phone calls, I can lose track who Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170226_i_will_worship.mp3 I began a new series on Sunday: “I Will . . .” This series covers seven expectations of every church member, and this week’s topic is “Worship.” A worshiping church desires God, not something from God. Bad worship is using anything other than Jesus to get closer to God. Good worship is an awareness you are in the presence of God. We don’t worship the value of creation. We value the worship of the Read more […]
Micah, Josh, and I discuss the invitation time in worship services. How do pastors abuse it? Should you keep a response time? Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
A few years ago, I encountered my first transgender guest at church. Our transgender guest was similar to other guests. He was looking to fill a void in his life. The dark problems plaguing his soul were many of the same problems others experienced. For one, he was an alcoholic, trying to gulp away pain. Like others, he struggled with an identity. The transgender guest really wanted to be something else, then he didn’t, sometimes in the same conversation. A fluid identity is a curse. Read more […]
Should pastors attempt to build a personal platform? Does your church have a brand? Sam and Josh talk about church signs, Twitter followers, and shaping perceptions. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
Much about church giving is changing. Worship attendance, conversions, and baptisms are often the most scrutinized metrics, but giving trends are close behind. Below are five macro trends that are affecting most churches in the United States. Trend 1: Millennials will have less giving potential than their parents. Unless an unexpected economic shift occurs, Millennials will continue to be poorer than their parents. Numerous reasons are the cause. Tuition at colleges has tripled since Read more […]
Three notable articles I read this week: Greg Atkinson – 6 markers of especially welcoming churches. In this article, Greg provides six ways every church can be more welcoming. Ronnie Floyd – Pastor, talk to your church about America. “Pastor, stop thinking you are being political if you talk about America. Clearly understand that your role is to give biblical light to this time in America. You are not a pundit on a night-time television show or drive time radio, you are a man Read more […]
Micah is back on the podcast! We break down the joys and difficulties with visiting members in the hospital. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
Heroin is literally killing our city. The county where I live is the epicenter of Florida’s heroin epidemic. The area around our church is among the hardest hit. A few months ago, I sat in a community town hall hosted by the Department of Children and Families. The purpose of the town hall was to address the problem of heroin addiction and the effects on children. The removal rates of children in our community are three to four times higher than the state average. The town hall was Read more […]
In this podcast, Josh and I explore the idea of requiring new members classes in the established church. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
Visiting people in the hospital is difficult. It’s tough when church members struggle in physical weakness. However, some of my most fruitful ministry has occurred in hospital rooms. When I started pastoring, I didn’t think much about the strategy of a hospital visit. I just went. In most cases, a simple ministry of presence is the key. However, there are some strategic questions to ask before visiting someone in the hospital. Perhaps these questions will help you experience more fruit Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170129_adhh_heaven.mp3 This sermon is the last part of a four-week series called “Angels, Demons, Heaven, and Hell.” The series concludes with the topic of heaven. Heaven is dwelling in the presence of God with perfect rest and worship. In heaven, perfect obedience leads to perfect rest. In heaven, perfect rest leads to perfect worship.
Three notable articles I read this week: Eric Geiger – 6 types of “dangerous charisma.” Charismatic leadership can be powerful, but it’s also dangerous. Michael Kelley – 2 reasons why we should keep using the word “saved.” “There has been, I think, in the last several years, an implicit effort to ‘update’ some of the language of the church. That’s all well and good, I suppose, but the danger in updating language like this is that you start to lose the sense of what Read more […]
Jordan Richmond from Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, Florida joins us to talk about the relationship between worship pastors and lead pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
I struggle with mistakes. It’s not that I fear mistakes. On the leadership risk tolerance scale, I lean towards taking more risks. Messes, mistakes, and outright failures come with taking regular, calculated risks. My struggle is not the fear of making a mistake. My struggle is the responsibility of owning the mistake. My desire to be right supersedes my desire to take risks. In other words, I’m fine with admitting failure so long as I don’t have to deal with the problems it can Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170122_adhh_hell.mp3 I’m in the third week of a four-week series called “Angels, Demons, Heaven, and Hell.” This week is on the topic of hell. The unrighteous experience hell. The righteous in Christ experience heaven. Hell is a literal place. Hell is eternal and irreversible. Hell is just punishment. Hell is banishment.
The Kid Ministers from Sachse’s Church and West Bradenton join the show to talk about how pastors can help or hinder the children’s ministry. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170115_adhh_demons.mp3 I’m in the second week of a four-week series called “Angels, Demons, Heaven, and Hell.” This week is on the topic of demons. You will either be overwhelmed by darkness or overcome by the power of Christ. Demons are hostile to God’s work and limited in power. In a spiritual war, there is no neutrality between light and dark. What should you do if facing a spiritual attack? Don’t fear, pray out loud, repent Read more […]
Sam and Josh talk through setting goals and ways to help set benchmarks with your staff or ministry leaders. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
It’s one of the most pervasive Christian lies: “I’ll pray for you.” Sure, some of us remember, but many of us do not. I’m certain most of us have good intentions. Then we forget. Perhaps the word “lie” is too strong for any one instance. But if we consistently tell people we’ll pray and never do, then we’re lying. I’m guilty of this lie, likely more than I realize. In the moment, my intentions are good. I want to assure the person. I want them to know I care. Then Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170108_adhh_angels.mp3 I began a new series last week called “Angels, Demons, Heaven, and Hell.” The series started with the topic of angels. The existence of angels points us to the reality of God’s will. Angels reveal the reality of God’s love. Angels reveal the reality of God’s protection. Angels reveal the reality of God’s holiness.
Three notable articles I read this week: Joshua Straub – 7 ways to prioritize your family in 2017. “Family was his priority. That’s why, in 2017, I thought it would be good to spell out 7 ways we can ‘embrace the moment’ as a reality, not a cliché.” Jeremy Roberts – 6 adjustments pastors should make to their schedules in 2017. “It is time to have a fresh start, reassess what you do, why you do it, where you’re going, etc. As you enter a new year, I encourage you to Read more […]
Sam and Josh interview Thom Rainer, president of LifeWay Christian Resources, and they discuss what a healthy church will look like in 10 years. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
“A family from your church wants to join our church.” The other pastor was genuine in his request, and it’s not a conversation I have often. First, we don’t have many people transferring into our church from other churches. Second, we don’t have many people transferring out either. In this instance, the reasons were noble for leaving our church and going to another church. I’m glad we had a conversation about it. Transfer growth occurs when a church member moves his or Read more […]
This month, I will sit down with each staff person at West Bradenton and work through a list of goals for 2017. The meetings will be mundane and unemotional, but completely necessary. Without these goals, the pathway through the year lacks clarity, like a group of people navigating a trip with unstated directions in their heads and no agreed upon route to a particular destination. That’s how horror movies begin. Annual goals should be more tactical and less visionary. Tactics are the Read more […]
We’re spending time with family this week, so I’m making this post simple. Luke 19:10 sums up the whole point of Christmas: “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.” – Jesus Christ Let’s share this message with the world.
Micah interviews pastor Ron Edmondson, and they discuss leadership issues in the established church. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
The church does not speak enough about mental illness. It’s a significant issue that remains largely silent in most churches. The church can do more. The church should do more. In fact, research reveals that 65% of family members in a household of someone with acute mental illness believe the church should talk more openly about the subject so the topic will not be taboo. Yet two-thirds of pastors rarely or never highlight mental illness in their sermons or large-group gatherings. The Read more […]
Matthew 2:1-12: When you confess Jesus is King, you must submit to His sovereignty. It’s easy to miss God’s obvious glory if you’re focused on yourself. Jesus is not a king made in our image. We are made in His image.
We all have the obligation to invest in others. It is our privilege to spend time and energy on other new or younger pastors. In today’s episode, we talk through what that looks like, how we have benefited, and what we are doing to help others along the way. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
Christmas Day is on a Sunday this year. We knew it was coming. It will happen again in 2022. Additionally, any time Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, New Year’s Day is also a Sunday. The good thing about the calendar is it doesn’t change without an act of God. We have time to plan. My church will gather on Christmas Day. We enjoy worshiping together! Will fewer people show than on a typical Sunday? Probably. But many in our congregation want to be there. Kevin DeYoung provided an Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/161204_risky_christmas_genealogy.mp3 Matthew 1:1-17: God’s promise of grace becomes reality in the person of Jesus Christ. The grace of God breaks through all our sins. The grace of God grafts all kinds of people into His Kingdom. The grace of God includes the excluded.
What should be your leadership focus be on the 6 month, 2-3 year, and 3-5 year marks? We cover topics like bylaws, big changes, and when to tackle them. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
Oppression pushed the group of believers to meet in a field. The preacher dismissed previous warnings as he stepped up on a table in front of a small crowd. He knew imprisonment was likely. As soon as he finished his sermon, two men appeared from the woods and seized the preacher. “What are you doing here?” “I am preaching the gospel of Christ.” “Who gave you this authority?” “The Author of the gospel.” The authorities extended a few abusive epithets and then Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/161127_wounded_death.mp3 God is emotionally invested in you. Tears are a sign of spiritual maturity. Anger at death leads to the resurrection. It’s right to feel but wrong not to believe.
Three notable articles I read this week: Selma Wilson – 3 dangers of being a thankless leader. “But before we close the door on Thanksgiving and open the door to Christmas, I am reminded how quickly we can move past being thankful leaders. Before we get caught up in our own score card, let’s look at some dangers of being a thankless leader.” Mike Harland – What to do when you don’t like the songs. “Are your Sunday lunches more like a critic’s review of the music? Or the Read more […]
If you serve in ministry, then you will likely encounter some mean people at some point. In this episode, we work through how to handle difficult people or groups within your church. Particularly, we explore the idea of dealing with mean communication. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
It’s busy season in ministry right now. From the Fall Festival to New Year’s Day, a pastor can feel the stress build like air in a balloon animal—one more twist and something may pop. A hectic ministry schedule is expected this time of year. One holiday rolls into the next, and the church calendar is filled with special events. When church members take vacation at the same time, the emails and phone calls seem to increase. It’s not a conspiracy, I promise. If you’re not careful, Read more […]
Three notable articles I read this week: Michael Kelley – Should you “thank” your way into Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving becomes a discipline to practice on those days and during those seasons when we don’t feel particularly grateful for anything that’s happening at the present. When we choose to obey the command not just once but over and over again, we will find that our souls will be lifted and our emotions will follow. Brandon A. Cox – 7 ways a pastor should think like an Read more […]
What’s behind the conflicts that involve worship, preaching, and style in the established church? We talk through what may be causing those conflicts and how you might think better about it. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
Discipleship is a key purpose of the church, but defining how to make a disciple is a bit like nailing potluck Jell-O to a church flannel graph. Moving a baby Christian towards maturity is no easier than raising a child. Lots of parents have lots of opinions on how to raise children. Just as many church leaders have differing takes on what it means to train a dedicated disciple within the body of Christ. Discipleship is messy. You change a lot of figurative diapers. It’s an oversimplification, Read more […]
Singleness is not incompleteness. The wounds of singleness are loneliness and frustration. The purpose of singleness is not prolonging adolescence. Single people reveal the church’s love for Christ.
In this episode, we talk through our relationship with the megachurch down the road. Is the megachurch hurting the smaller local church? Is this a problem with the pastors or leadership? What can normal size churches do? Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
How can you equip your congregation to give generously? Here are seven items to consider. Teach why sacrificial giving is necessary for God’s mission. If what you are giving does not change your lifestyle, then it’s not sacrificial. Not all giving is sacrificial, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Leaving a great tip is generous, but the extra $20 doesn’t change how you live. God’s mission requires a body of believers to give in such a way that it changes them. Sacrificial Read more […]
Addiction begins as a worship problem and ends up replacing God with idols. The spiritual desires driving addiction are more powerful than the physical desires. We don’t worship the value of creation; we value the worship of the Creator. Addiction always over-promises and under-delivers.
In this week’s episode, we discuss some of the lessons we’ve learned pastoring established churches. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
Several years ago, I started using Facebook, then Twitter. My first reaction to Facebook was, “This is silly.” I figured it was a waste of time. My first reaction to Twitter was, “What is this for?” I figured it was useless. My gut reactions were wrong. I’m deeply embedded in both platforms now. I post a few times daily on each. I often interact with church members on Facebook. Twitter is my go-to source for news and commentary. My daily routine includes social media. As Read more […]
Three notable articles I read this week: Jason K. Allen – 10 tips for leading kids to Christ. If you are seeking to influence little ones toward Christ, you will find these ten tips helpful. Chuck Lawless – 10 causes of pastor/staff conflict. Chuck shares the ten most common causes of conflict among pastors and staff. Jenny Funderburke – The KidMin problem that never goes away. Jenny shares a few practical steps to help with the problem every kids’ ministry experiences: Getting Read more […]
In this week’s episode, we explore what it’s like to be a young pastor shepherding an older church. Many thanks to our listener, Joel Bucklin (@pastorbucklin), who submitted the topic. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more […]
On Tuesday Est.Church launches! Micah Fries, Josh King, and I are starting a new podcast for those who lead and love the established church. We’ve had a blast recording the first few episodes. You can learn more about the podcast on Twitter: @EstChurch. Follow us and look for more information on Tuesday. Give us a listen. If you like the podcast, then rate and review us on iTunes or your podcast app. Read more […]
Generally, long-term pastor tenures are better than short-term pastor tenures. The context where the pastor ministers can impact the tenure. The church body can impact the tenure. And the pastor can impact tenure length. Below are eight ways pastors can cultivate their own long-term tenures. Elevate your family above your career. You simply cannot overestimate the importance of family stability. Your family is not a quantifiable metric in the decision to transition or not. One wise Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/161016_wounded_parent.mp3 The wound of a parent is healed by the adoption into God’s family. Jesus heals the wound caused by a parent. Jesus restores after denial. Jesus restores after indifference. Jesus restores after abandonment.
There’s plenty not to like about smartphones in church. Most every preacher has experienced a jarring ringtone at an inopportune moment in a sermon. My favorite was the time AC/DC’s Back in Black blared as I was making a point on hell. Too bad the lyrics forget the hearse ‘cause I never die didn’t quite fit the theology I was preaching. Smartphones can both interrupt and distract. Of course, the same could be said of windows (not the operating system). In Acts 20, a sleepy Eutychus Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/161009_goodbadbeautiful_christ.mp3 The beauty of our faith is found in the glory of Jesus. Christ’s promise of a future beauty is superior to the world’s present beauty. The beauty of salvation only comes through the ugliness of the cross.
Three notable articles I read this week: Trevin Wax – 4 cultural trends leading to the decline of religious liberty. “Religious liberty, America’s ‘first freedom,’ has fallen on hard times lately. . . What’s going on? What are the cultural trends leading to diminished religious liberty?” Jay Sanders – Three reasons rural churches matter more than you may think. “Many people see small, rural churches like the minor leagues: they are a great place for pastors to be trained Read more […]
This Sunday my church, West Bradenton Baptist, adopted a new constitution, covenant, and bylaws. Throughout the process of writing the document, our leadership teams researched several different examples of covenants. There were some good ones, but many covenants do not directly address expectations of church members and expectations of pastors. If your church is looking for an example of a church covenant, then feel free to use ours as a starting point. Covenant Throughout Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/161002_goodbadbeautiful_hypersensitivity.mp3 Loving the world like Christ means you will be controversial. Hypersensitivity is childish. Christians are to be childlike. Avoiding hardship is not strength.
Three notable articles I read this week: Mark Dance – Pastors are not quitting in droves. “Each time a pastor prematurely exits the ministry race, I grieve. I also grieve each time I hear the awful pastor retention stats which are unsubstantiated and sometimes exaggerated.” Selma Wilson – 4 signs emotional work may be exhausting you. “God has given us a wide range of emotions that help us navigate life. There are positive emotions and also negative emotions. They all have purpose Read more […]
On Sunday, I taught our new members class. It was a smaller class than usual, so I had time to converse a little more with those attending. One woman mentioned she had been a Christian for 75 years, almost to the day. The class took a moment to congratulate her. It was a reminder to me of the importance of a multigenerational church. If I remember correctly, she told everyone she was a church secretary for 40 years. Just imagine the stories she could tell. Just imagine the wisdom she has Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/160925_goodbadbeautiful_hypersexuality.mp3 You are not defined by your desires. God designed sex as a gift. Outside of biblical marriage, sex always devours love.
God speaks to us through his Word, the Bible. Amazingly, we have the privilege of speaking to God through prayer. There are good ways to pray. There are bad ways to pray. Our prayers can grow our faith. The selfless prayers of a dedicated Christian can change history. Our prayers can also be misdirected and selfish. We can beg God for things we don’t need. It takes work to pray well, which means anything we can use to help our prayer life is worth considering. Somewhere between 1950 Read more […]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/160918_goodbadbeautiful_diversity.mp3 The reason we welcome diversity now is because it’s a glimpse of what is to come. The more diverse a church is, the more gifted a church is. Jesus gets angry when we prevent His family from growing. Being a diverse church is harder, but it’s healthier.
Is child abuse really a problem in our culture? Absolutely, the problem is real. About 686,000 children were abused in the United States in 2012, and over 1,600 children died from abuse the same year. Approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men have been sexually abused as a child. From a biblical perspective, we live in a hyper-sexual culture in which children are exposed to a repeated and perverse narrative. Pastors and church leaders who ignore this issue are disregarding one of the most Read more […]
Good freedom submits to Truth. Good freedom requires discipline. Good freedom comes with boundaries. Neither the oppressive nor permissive offer freedom. Self-rule is enslaving. Self-denial is freeing.
I’ve witnessed some spectacular church productions. I’ll never forget the Easter play I watched when I was a child. Jesus just ascended right into the church rafters. I remember wondering how he would get down, but Acts 1 is clear: “This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen Him going . . .” Sure enough, he rappelled right back down after the performance. The real second coming won’t be nearly as anti-climactic. When a Read more […]
The Lord’s Supper is a time for sinners to remember the Sinless. In this sermon, I answer three important questions about the Lord’s Supper.
A pastor spends hours researching a sermon, then someone in the church challenges one of the main points. A pastor prays for months about a new vision, then someone in the church disagrees with the proposed direction. A pastor studies in seminary for years, then a person in the church takes issue with a doctrinal stance. Most pastors know these frustrations. While pastors should care deeply about preaching, doctrine, and vision, it’s unreasonable to expect everyone to agree with everything Read more […]
Righteous courage comes from patience and prayer. Patience increases your capacity for righteous courage. Righteous prayer is powerful and effective.
Three notable articles I read this week: Michael Kelley – Lord, help me raise children with a backbone. “Their mettle will be tested. Their faith will be challenged. They will be pressured to succumb on any number of fronts. By God’s grace, we will raise them not to shrink back into the shadows, nor to be intentionally argumentative and betray Christian kindness and compassion. That they will stand, and stand firmly.” Joe Carter – 9 things you should know about the opioid epidemic. Read more […]
Everyone needs to hear the words “I love you.” I tell my wife and my children all the time. The phrase is more than trite acknowledgement. It’s consistent assurance I will stick to my covenantal commitment in the relationship. Churches are no different. They need to hear “I love you” from their pastors regularly. Here are ten things I love about my church. These items are not the only things I love, just what strikes me as I write this week. Encouragement. I receive a Read more […]
What you do with your wealth reveals what you believe about God. An arrogant person tries to use wealth to control the future or others. A wise person works to find God’s will. Arrogance about wealth leads to anxiety about losing it. Trusting God with your wealth leads to sacrificial giving.
Leading an established church is not the trendiest of ministry endeavors. If the cornerstone on your church reads “est. 1961,” then I’ll venture a guess that you have more khakis and blazers on Sunday morning than vintage t-shirts and Wayfarers. Most established churches aren’t trendy, but they are a lot of fun. Obviously, the primary calling of the church is gospel work, not having fun. And leading some established churches can be tough. I’ve been forced to resign without Read more […]
Pride says, “I am mine.” Humility says, “I am His.” Prideful people fear losing the source of their pride. Humble people fear nothing other than God. Pride leaves you with a small heart for others. Humility enables you to show the greatness of God’s grace.
Three notable articles I read this week: H. B. Charles – A prayer for the new school year. Lots of students head back to school this time of year. Take a moment and pray this prayer for the schools in your community. Chuck Lawless – 9 values of a church staff retreat. Does your staff need a retreat? Chuck shares some reasons why you might consider it. Ed Stetzer – Are young evangelicals more liberal than their parents? “It is easy to simply play ‘blame the millennial’ Read more […]
I have a tendency towards restlessness. Part of the cause is my childhood. My family moved several times. As an adult, I’ve moved several times. At 36, I’ve yet to live in the same place longer than four years. I’m thankful for this background. I pastor in Southwest Florida, where everyone is from everywhere. I can relate well to a place that is anything but homogenous. The ever-changing cultural dynamic of Florida makes me feel at home. I’m at ease in the restlessness of Florida. If Read more […]
What is on your tongue is often in your heart. Healing words are truthful and loving. Wounding words are untruthful and unloving. God’s wisdom gives us healing words.
Three notable articles I read this week: Eric Geiger – 4 groups to whom a leader should listen. Geiger nails this one with solid content and solid grammar (i.e. “to whom” in the title as an objective pronoun). Art Rainer – 3 signs that giving online to your church may not be right for you. Monetary transactions have moved from gold to coin to paper to digital, so online giving is a necessity for churches. But Art gives good practical advice for those who may need to avoid giving Read more […]
My church has four services on Sunday: 8am traditional, 9:30am contemporary, 10:30am en Español, and 11:00am blended. I preach the three services in English, and our Hispanic pastor preaches the service in Spanish. With four services on a Sunday morning, why do people choose one service over another? I’ll give you six reasons from the perspective of my church. However, I believe these reasons apply to many churches offering multiple services. Language preference. This reason is Read more […]
How we live proves who we are. You can have faith in the facts about Jesus but not be committed to Him. A dead faith is revealed by an empty confession, a false compassion, and life without fruit. A living faith proves to others you believe what you say about Jesus.
Three notable articles I read this week: Barnabas Piper – Honest parenting haikus. Haikus are short and complex, just like children. You’ll enjoy these. Scott Douglas – Seven reflections three weeks in. Scott gives excellent reflections on his first three weeks as a senior pastor. Hershael York – Preacher’s toolkit: How long should my sermons be? “How can one preach better and still afford to preach longer? Faithful preachers who desire to also be interesting must learn Read more […]
If you don’t require office hours for church staff, then how can you hold them accountable? This question became a common response to my previous post on not requiring office hours. A Twitter follower, @IanDaKitchen, suggested I write a follow-up post. I thought he made a good suggestion. I believe an unwillingness to be held accountable is one of the greatest weaknesses in church leadership. Too many people define leadership as influence. I roll my eyes every time I read the sentence Read more […]
I’ve never liked the idea of requiring office hours for pastors and ministry staff. Ministry demands a “go” mentality. It’s hard to go when you have to sit at a desk all day. Assuming you have at least one person in a support role to answer phones and greet walk-ins, then you likely don’t need to require staff to have office hours. Here are a few reasons why I don’t require office hours for ministry staff. The church bubble is often the church building. I love our church Read more […]
If you believe God’s Word, then you will obey God’s Word. Christians are called to do what they believe. This sermon reveals three ways you can be responsible and pure: 1) Stoop down into God’s Word, 2) Allow God’s Word to expose you, and 3) Find freedom in the perfect law.
Three notable articles I read this week: Michael Kelley – 3 reasons you absolutely must go to church this weekend. “One of the things we recognize about the nature of the church through our attendance is that we are actually a vital part of this living, breathing body. And as such, the church needs us.” Jonathan Edwards – Is God the Father like my father? “I was 25 years old before I could say the word ‘father’ while praying. The word was foreign to me. It didn’t roll Read more […]
Most of the unchurched are not anti-church. Few are highly antagonistic to the gospel. In fact, only about 5% of unchurched Americans are highly antagonistic to the gospel. Euangelion is the Greek word for good news, or gospel. Have believers today lost the “good” in good news? Negativity undoubtedly sells. Negative news reports get more eyeballs, as do negative posts on social media and blogs. Eighty percent of churchgoers believe they have a personal responsibility to share their Read more […]
Christians endure trials because of the fruit of suffering. Suffering refines your faith. Suffering leads to life only in the new birth of Christ.
Three notable articles I read this week: Tony Kummer – Pokémon Go: What parents need to know. Tony explains how the game works and gives good advice to parents. William Vanderbloemen – 7 common mistakes pastor search committees make. “Pastor search committees are tasked with the weighty responsibility of finding a new leader for their church. But this holy endeavor is far from easy or simple.” Eric Geiger – 3 emails you should never send. Take note of Eric’s advice and Read more […]
We have police officers in our church. We have African Americans in our church. One of our members recently lost a son, who was a police officer shot and killed in the line of duty. Other members can give first-hand accounts of the civil rights movement. The stories of heroism in my church are plentiful. Why God blessed me to pastor such a flock, I’ll never know. I guess He knows I need them more than they need me. On Sunday, something needed to be said. Something needed to be done. Read more […]
Fatherly wisdom is less about the quantity of knowledge and more about quality of living. Wise men make God’s confidence the blessing in their lives. Wise men practice delight before discipline with their children. Wise men work hard for the right legacy.
Three notable articles I read this week: Trevin Wax – Christians who feel marginalized should ‘go local’. “We’re in the midst of a seismic shift in terms of culture and worldview right now in the United States of America, and orthodox Christians who seek to order their lives according to Scripture will likely lose access to institutions of mainstream influence. Such is already the case in most secular universities and in the mainstream media. More marginalization is sure to follow. Read more […]
The United States will become minority white just after the year 2040. I’ve written about this demographic phenomenon, and most people are aware of the increasing diversity in our nation. If you’re a regular reader of this blog, then you know I’m one who not only welcomes this change, I’m also excited about it. When you read about these national demographic shifts, you often come across figures like this one: The above figure from Brookings is helpful. It demonstrates how Read more […]
The truth of wisdom gives us competence and confidence in life. Wisdom helps good people not get run over. Wisdom helps us do the right things when rules don’t apply. Wisdom reveals God’s Truth.
Three notable articles I read this week: Selma Wilson – 3 reasons women can feel intimidated at work. “A healthy work environment allows room for a diversity of gifts and approaches to success. It also allows individuals to express their feelings of intimidation and challenge each other to grow and develop. I am thankful for the men that have encouraged and challenged me to step up to leadership using my own gifts and abilities. Mutual respect goes a long way in overcoming and eliminating Read more […]
It’s that time of year when many people give up on the annual Bible reading plan. Are you like me and a little behind? The frustration is understandable. You want to read God’s Word consistently, but you’re too far behind to catch up with your New Year’s resolution. Many just stop reading rather than bulldozing through 1 and 2 Chronicles. If your church is like most, far too many people in your congregation don’t read God’s Word consistently. In fact, it’s one of the most Read more […]
Three notable articles I read this week: Chris Martin – Podcasts have commoditized preaching: How does this affect the local church? “There was a time in American evangelicalism that a good preacher could attract people from miles around to his church. This is still the case, to be sure, but it is less common than it used to be, especially among young people.” Washington Post – This rapper might be America’s next evangelical leader. “This generation doesn’t have a Billy Read more […]
Perhaps the title of this post should be “Three disciplines often missing from my preaching.” I can certainly grow in these areas. However, I don’t believe I’m alone. Through my interactions with other pastors, I have found there are many of us missing three disciplines in preaching. What are they? Preaching with patience. I must credit my friend, Kevin Smith, with this one. We recently spoke together on a panel, and he hammered this point. He was kind, but it hit me hard. Read more […]
Wise people deliberately cultivate true friends. True and wise friends are available, protective, truthful, and trustworthy.
Three key moments from the 2016 Southern Baptist Convention: This week my denomination gathered for their annual meeting. It was great time of unity with a focus on the gospel. The following three moments were among the highlights of this year’s annual convention. James Merritt – Against the Confederate Battle Flag and for the kingdom. This moment will be what history remembers of the 2016 convention. The 1860s were not good for Southern Baptists, neither were the 1960s in many Read more […]
Life is better with people. Life is more fun with people. Ministry requires people. We don’t minister to squirrels. By God’s design, we cannot make it in this life without friends and family. We are created in God’s image, and He is social. We need relationships. It’s natural for us to crave social interaction. Some are more introverted than others, but everyone needs someone. Lead pastors are no exception. In fact, lead pastors should lead their churches with friendship in the Read more […]
The sinful desire of envy causes you to resent others for what they have. Why is envy dangerous? Envy hides because it is petty and humiliating. Envy drains your joy. Envy poisons your gratefulness.
Three notable articles I read this week: Tony Morgan – How multi-site can wreck your church. The vast majority of the largest churches are multi-site. Many singles-site churches 800+ in weekly attendance are creating strategies to launch additional sites. But there are pitfalls to watch. Art Rainer – 6 reasons why I like to read Scripture in the morning. Great, simple advice for anyone wanting to start the day right. FiveThirtyEight – The sun is always shining in modern Christian Read more […]
On Sunday, I preached about envy. In my sermon preparation, I tend to downplay or ignore the areas of which I am most guilty. It’s easier to skip over the personally convicting passages and focus on the sins of others. Of course, I must push through such temptations. I’m guilty of the sin of envy. I fear a lot of pastors are envious of other pastors and their churches. When a church leader with a national platform falls, it’s not that a bunch of envious pastors publicly relish Read more […]
All good work has dignity. Good work benefits the community. Restlessness and hopelessness are the enemies of redeeming work.
Three notable articles I read this week: Facts and Trends – More Americans turn to Google than prayer for making decisions. “In the internet age, fewer than half (45 percent) spend time in prayer and personal religious reflection before such a choice, but 82 percent say personal research provides guidance, according to Pew Research.” Travis Smalley – So-called “smaller” churches and the future of the SBC. “As Southern Baptists move into the future it is important to understand Read more […]
They are America’s most educated generation. They are America’s most diverse generation. They are America’s largest generation. They are the Millennials, born between 1980 and 2000. And they are beginning to get married, enter the workforce, and lead the world. The next generation is hopeful. In fact, 96 percent of them agree with the simple statement, “I believe I can do something great.” The church is in a unique position to capture the hearts of this generation. Ironically, Read more […]
Fools reject God’s wisdom even though they know better. Proverbs 1 identifies three types of fools: The ignorant fool, the mocking fool, and the hateful fool. The way someone avoids foolishness is to have the right foundation.
Three notable articles I read this week: Mike Harland – Three ways worship shapes discipleship. “It was then I realized that music was not my message—it was only my language and that God had called me to do a lot more than warm up the congregation for the pastor’s message. I was called to use the powerful tool of music to be engaged in the disciple-making commission that Jesus left His church.” Josh King – Church revitalization: Changing the question. Rather than asking, “What Read more […]
Is it real? Is the United States really becoming more diverse? I’ve had well-meaning people ask me these questions. They don’t see ethnic diversity in their circles. First, it’s possible to live in an area of the country that is largely homogenous. Second, and more likely, it’s easy to miss the growth of ethnic diversity, especially if you are Caucasian. If you happen to be in a place that is largely homogenous, then it’s unlikely to remain so in the future because the demographic Read more […]
The more choices you have, the more wisdom you need. In a world full of endless choices, wise people work hard to gain wisdom for the right choices. Once wisdom is gained, wise people guard their hearts to keep it.
Three notable articles I read this week: Ed Stetzer – Excited to be heading to Wheaton College and the Billy Graham Center. Ed is leaving LifeWay and headed to Wheaton in Chicago. He’s been a great friend to me and my family over the years. If you don’t follow him, then you should. Pew Research Center – Millennials match Baby Boomers as largest generation in U.S. electorate, but will they vote? “Millennials, who already have surpassed Baby Boomers as the United States’ largest Read more […]
Last Thursday the New York Times broke a story that the Obama administration would issue a directive for every public school in the nation allowing bathroom access based on self-identity of gender. It’s a huge story with sweeping consequences. I don’t often weigh in on political issues. One reason is the purpose of this blog, which is helping leaders in established churches, not bantering on politics. As a pastor, I have people in my congregation with various political views. I’m Read more […]
Three notable articles I read this week: Tim Challies – What should we do with books by fallen leaders? “What do we do with material associated with a leader who has since justly been removed from his position after committing some act or pattern of disqualifying immorality? What should we do?” Christianity Today – 5 surprising spiritual benefits of owning less stuff. “Eight years ago, my family sold, donated, or discarded over 60 percent of our possessions. My wife, children, Read more […]
I have high expectations of my church. Church members should worship together often, give generously, serve sacrificially, and make disciples of all nations. There are no exceptions to these high expectations. The mission of God requires an all-in effort from every believer in every church. Of course, plenty of low expectation churches exist. The come-and-see consumer mentality is an unfortunate church culture that is far too prevalent. What are reasonable expectations of a church member? Read more […]
Three notable articles I read this week: Trillia Newbell – Complementarians in the black experience. “When I read the Bible, I am assured that complementarianism isn’t and shouldn’t be defined by a 1950s American social construct. Rather it should be defined by the infallible Word of God.” Tim Cool – 12 diseases of a church facility. “Just as our bodies contract diseases that can lead to problems and cause pain and discomfort, many diseases can infect church facilities so Read more […]
I encountered Jeremy Byrd online a few weeks ago. We ended up talking on the phone. The story of his congregation is something every church leader needs to read. He pastors in the small town of Jacksonville, IL, a town that is 85% white. However, about a third of his congregation is black. In fact, they are Congolese. And they showed up almost overnight. It’s not an ideal multi-ethnic situation, but the church is making it work. Here is their story. What’s your background and your Read more […]
Three notable articles I read this week: Pew Research Center – Millennials overtake Baby Boomers as America’s largest generation. We knew it was coming. It’s now official. The Telegraph – Bright flash of light marks incredible moment life begins when sperm meets egg. Life and light are inextricably linked, even at the moment of conception. Mark Byrnes – When art photography and old baseball cards collide. I enjoy art; I collect baseball cards. Baseball cards as art? Yes! Three Read more […]
Both curious and caring leaders ask about followers or subordinates. Both curious and caring leaders inquire about those who are not acting normally. An illness, family issue, or work-related problem should raise a leader’s level of awareness about a particular individual, especially in the church. Both the curious leader and the caring leader exhibit good management skills when inquiring about followers experiencing difficulties. All leaders should ask about followers. Ignorance stemming Read more […]
Three notable articles I read this week: Jamie Brown – When your congregation isn’t singing: 15 questions. Most churches struggle with congregational singing, which means this article is most likely relevant to you. As a supplement to Jamie’s article, you can also listen to this podcast with Mike Harland about congregational singing. Scott Douglas – When HBR met Scripture. “Remember leaders, our capacity to lead and influence others starts and ends with a hard look in the mirror Read more […]
My guest blogger today is Dr. Jeremy Roberts, lead pastor at Church of the Highlands in Chattanooga, TN. You may read his blog and listen to his leadership podcast at JeremyRoberts.org. Church of the Highlands is a replant of the former Highland Park Baptist Church in downtown Chattanooga. How did you go about starting a new church plant out of a former mega-church? When I became the pastor of the church, we were on the verge of closing, due to such a high debt load ($3.1M) Read more […]
Three notable articles I read this week: Jamie Dew – Teaching your kids about the value of work. “Most adults have a very low view of work and they end up passing it on to their kids. Unless we want kids who are lazy and ungrateful, we should do everything we can to help them see the value and goodness of work.” Ed Stetzer – Five observations in the new era of Christian networks – and what denominations need to learn. “Ultimately, networks are growing because people are being Read more […]
Most scholars and experts claim transparency is necessary for good leadership. Many books on leadership have sections and chapters devoted to the issue of transparency. Unless you work for an organization like the CIA, then transparency is often among the top characteristics requested of leaders. Of course, even organizations built on the foundation of secrecy have gotten into trouble for a lack of transparency. Transparency is a healthy leadership characteristic. But why? In the context Read more […]
Three notable articles I read this week: Russell Moore – Why porn kills sex. “Pornography is not just immorality; it’s occultism.” Micah Fries – Four reasons you need weekly sermon evaluation. Micah gives practical advice and a free template as well. Florida Baptists – Sale of Baptist building to impact the nations. “A sacrificial investment made by Florida Baptists nearly six decades ago will reap a far-reaching global missions impact this year as the State Board of Read more […]
We ask leaders to be confident, but we bristle when they become arrogant. What is the difference? The dictionary reveals arrogance is pride, egotism, and inflated self-importance, while confidence is the state of being certain. When an arrogant person grates you, however, you’re not thinking about the technical nuances between confidence and arrogance. You simply feel it. Pastors should preach boldly and lead confidently. The foundation of Scripture gives this assurance. But when church Read more […]
Three notable articles I read this week: Dan DeWitt – Don’t like diversity? You’ll hate heaven. “Could we be guilty of seeking, however inadvertently, to homogenize the faith community? Do we prefer the comforts of our culture over the diversity of Christ’s kingdom? I’ll just say this: I’m glad the gospel is big enough to redeem people and to redeem their categories of cultural expression for his purposes.” Christianity Today – MLB wife Julianna Zobrist: ‘Baseball is all Read more […]
Most pastors work long hours. Most pastors work hard for their churches. In a LifeWay Research survey of 1,000 pastors, 65% of pastors indicated they worked 50 or more hours per week. The median amount of hours worked by a senior pastor is 55 hours per week. Pastors are a notorious bunch when it comes to work. The ministry tends to attract two types: lazy bums and workaholics. This post is more for the workaholics. How can a pastor find work balance? Plan the church year, then plan your week. Read more […]
Three notable articles I read this week: Russell Moore – Are Millennials selfish and entitled? “Every generation in recorded human history sees the next as spoiled, lazy, and selfish. And every generation in church history tends to see the next as carnal, unorthodox, unevangelistic, and uncommitted. But it’s just not so.” Brad Lomenick –12 keys to attracting young leaders. “Let’s face it- young leaders are the future of your organization. Whether you like it or not, they Read more […]
Welcome to your new church. Most everyone is excited to meet you. Few will remember your first sermon, but many will tell you it was great. If your church is going to vote on you, then the percentage of “yes” votes is likely to be high. The reason is simple. The vast majority of church members want to follow a good leader, and they want their church to thrive. But be careful. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking every following day will be like the first. You’re at an established church, Read more […]
Three notable articles I read this week: Brandon Cox – What to do when you bombed Sunday’s sermon. “Preaching, as a Pastor, is hard. It’s not hard to get up and say something inspirational. It is hard to get up and rightly divide God’s Word, build a bridge from an ancient culture to our own, and then to call people to an appropriate response to God’s revealed truth consistently week after week. Sunday, I kind of bombed.” Art Rainer – 6 ways to live generously at a restaurant. Read more […]
Every election cycle comes with a good amount of attacks, scandals, and playground-like na-na na-na boo-boos. We gravitate towards drama, while at the same time complaining of the lack of heroes. We can’t have it both ways. The melodrama of a soap opera doesn’t produce a strong protagonist. How is a Christian to vote? More specifically, how can a Christian vote with a peace of mind? Since the Florida (where I live) primary is Tuesday, I answered this question in my sermon on Sunday. Read more […]
Three notable articles I read this week: Trevin Wax – Small vs. big churches: The family feud we all lose. You probably heard about Andy Stanley’s comments on small churches. Trevin weighs in with wisdom and balance. Joe Thorn – How I prepare a sermon. “If you can’t prepare a good sermon in 10 hours you’re definitely doing it wrong.” Got your attention? Read the article. I always appreciate Joe’s thoughts. Tony Morgan – Six ways good pastors make bad hiring decisions. Read more […]
Pastors and politicians are notorious for speaking in hyperbole. I’d rather not blog on politics, so I’ll focus this post on pastors and church leaders. Most pastors communicate with good intentions, and most pastors are genuinely excited about God’s work in their churches. In fact, one of the main questions I get when I consult with pastors is How can I get my church more excited? I start by telling them it’s unlikely anyone in your congregation will have the same level of passion Read more […]
Three notable articles I read this week: Chris Martin – The memification of life is destroying civil discourse. “Our echo chambers have created an environment in which we can share insulting, inaccurate content and be applauded, not criticized for it. As a result, when we’re required to interact with those with whom we disagree in the workplace or at family events, we overheat and don’t know how to handle ourselves.” Hershael York – The case for an exegetical sermon series. Read more […]
Like me, you probably get a lot of messages throughout the day. They all coalesce in my smartphone. I assume most of you have the same set up. It’s convenient. But the message amalgamation can become a source of stress, especially for task-oriented people. I’m among your ranks. So, I’m giving my thoughts about when you should use each communication channel: In-person, phone call, email, text, and social media. Better uses of these channels may exist. Comment if you want to add your thoughts. In-person. Read more […]
Three notable articles I read this week: Landon Coleman – 7 ways to pray for the sick. “Too many times I’ve head prayers for the sick that sounded eerily similar to a nurse briefing a doctor on the condition of patients.” Landon writes seven helpful ways to pray for the sick. Michael Kelley – 3 reasons to stay in a church that’s not cool enough. “At some point, most any of us who grew up in a Christianized culture are going to look around at our church, the one we have Read more […]
Pastor A has a top-ranked podcast, a book deal from a well-known publisher, and 150,000 Twitter followers. Pastor B is the secretary at the local Rotary Club, is the assistant football coach at the middle school, and recently joined a bowling league. Both pastors have influence. Both are doing God’s will. Both enjoy their callings. I will make a bold statement: Pastor B’s local influence is ultimately more vital to church health than Pastor A’s national platform. I certainly don’t Read more […]
Three notable articles I read this week: Ronnie Floyd – Insecurity: Pastors, church leaders, and churches. “Some of the whiniest people I know are ministers. It also happens that pastors are some of the most insecure people I know. The two often go together.” Ronnie gives helpful tips for identifying the signs of and solutions to insecurity. Jason K. Allen – The one gift every pastor must have. “There are a thousand ways a minister can serve the church, but he has one indispensable Read more […]
Lead a church long enough, and you will encounter a crisis. People sin. Satan roams. Life happens. Crises are inevitable results of a fallen world. All pastors and church leaders will run into a legitimate crisis at some point. Your church will face a split. You will be forced to resign by an ugly power group. A close staff person will have a moral failure. The types of crises are numerous. All pastors and church leaders have battle scars. You can’t fight these battles alone. Obviously, Christ Read more […]
Three notable articles I read this week: Will Browning – Five questions to ask if you think God is calling you elsewhere. Will provides five questions any minister should ask before beginning a transition. Jeremy Roberts – Why I dress up more than I used to when I preach. “My attire was not helping me minister to people older than I. I’m 32, and sometimes folks who are 50+ can struggle with having a pastor the age of their kids or grandkids.” Jeremy Weber and Ted Olsen – Read more […]
Leaders fail when they accuse someone of breaking trust when all that person did was make an honest mistake. It’s demoralizing for the accused. Leaders also fail when they dismiss betrayal, thinking the betrayer was simply mistaken. That’s dangerous for the leader. I’ve made mistakes as a leader. One in particular stands out. The pre-filled-peel-and-partake communion cups were a mistake. I thought they would make the Lord’s Supper process more efficient. Apparently, no one cares about Read more […]
In the 1830s Alexis de Tocqueville wrote about democracy in America: “Each new generation is a new people.” At the time, America was rapidly expanding. Political thinkers like de Tocqueville were watching to see how American democracy would balance liberty and equality. The American experiment that began in 1776—a political miracle of sorts—created a climate in which each generation could reinvent, change, and become something unlike their parents. Fast-forward to the 1960s, and the Baby Read more […]
Good leaders are both analysts and catalysts. Leaders must accurately describe reality. Leaders must create for a better future. An analyst has a proper understanding of present reality. A catalyst knows what to create for a better future. The analyst helps followers understand the present. The catalyst inspires followers to move towards the future. All effective leaders are both analysts and catalysts to a degree, but most tend to lean one way or the other. The analyst is more prophet, warning Read more […]
The “established” side of the established church is often viewed with some derision. I certainly understand why. The establishment can be stodgy, stuck, and stuffy. Being established, however, is what you make it. The establishment can also be advantageous for churches. Two benefits, in particular, are worth noting: seasons and rhythms. You don’t necessarily see these benefits. There is no instant gratification of a season or rhythm. They simply exist, but seasons and rhythms are Read more […]
I average one about every other day. Someone wants our church to become a mission partner. The requests come through different means—email, in-person, lunch meetings, over coffee, phone calls, and social media. The asks all differ slightly, but the spirit of most of them is the same: Will you support my ministry? Sometimes they want people resources (we need access to your volunteer base). Sometimes they want funding (we need help financially). Sometimes they want the church to help raise Read more […]
Many cultural changes affect generation gaps. For instance, my father’s choice of 1960s rock is quite different than my preference of 1990s rock. And we all know music style can be a contentious issue in the church. Technology, however, is often cited as the main wedge between generations in the U.S. culture. Here’s one of the main reasons that the generation gap is larger now more than ever: Technological advances are increasing rapidly at the same time life expectancy is increasing Read more […]
If you’re like me, you want your voice heard, even at the top levels of leadership. I may not be able to have lunch with the President of the United States, but I do want to feel like he’s listening to me. I don’t believe it’s an unreasonable expectation of followers to want their voices heard by top leaders. As a leader, you should want to be at the ground level. All leaders should listen carefully, with posture of learning. But you can’t possibly be with everyone all the Read more […]
Perhaps you’ve noticed, but a few people are beginning to campaign for the presidential election in 2016. Ultimately, the field will narrow to two (maybe three). I’m not a political junkie, but I try to pay attention to someone who might end up leading my country. First, the presidential candidates are all older than me, so they are at least one life stage in front of me. Second, I don’t personally know any of the candidates. How should I assess them? They know more, have seen Read more […]
Church, this weekend was amazing. I’m honored to serve as your pastor. You are a multi-generational body unified for the simple purpose of sharing the gospel and making disciples. I can’t wait to start ministering in Bradenton in a few weeks. Thank you for the way you showed love to my wife and children. Thank you for your generosity in supporting me. Thank you for being salt and light in Bradenton for decades. Thank you for keeping the primary focus on Christ. Our history Read more […]
Most people don’t like change. Most leaders want to challenge the status quo. Leadership is, in part, the process of helping people see the need for change, embrace the vision for change, and then implement the change. Getting mad at people who question change does not help the process of change. Those who are truly malicious are typically small in number. When people have questions about change, it does not necessarily mean that they are questioning your leadership. It’s likely Read more […]
Today at 11:47am my son Joel entered the world. He’s 9 lbs 0 ounces and 21 ½ inches. Welcome to the world, Joel. Your Mom and Dad love you. Your sisters love you too, even though they’ve already sneezed violently on you and somehow managed to get lipstick on your face.
I’m excited to let you know that West Bradenton Baptist Church has announced me as their candidate for senior pastor. I’ll preach in view of a call August 16th. Assuming an affirmative vote of the congregation, we’ll be moving to Bradenton, FL in late August. We’re thrilled and honored! We would appreciate your prayers during this transition. Also, our third child is due… yesterday. You can join us in cheering Joel’s arrival, hopefully sooner rather than later. Forgive me Read more […]
I’ll never forget the young man who shouted, “Let’s do this!” just before he was baptized. His attitude reflected the vision of the church. He was completely submitted to Christ, optimistic about God’s mission, and ready to share the gospel. He came up out of the water to a roaring applause. The church felt his optimism. The church shared his optimism. I don’t wake up every morning saying, “Let’s do this.” But I should. Every believer should. Biblical optimism is neither Read more […]
Some churches stay in a perpetual cycle of growing and declining. The church peaks, then dips, only to peak again. It’s possible for a church to stay in this cycle for decades. For example, look at the below chart. The above chart is an annual average of weekly worship attendance, charted for 20 years. Two factors stand out. I’ve highlighted them with a dotted line. First, a clear ceiling exists. Second, a clear floor exists. The church has been in a 20-year cycle of growing Read more […]
Today a story broke about how Planned Parenthood sells the parts of aborted unborn children. I can’t believe I’m typing these words. The mutilated parts of murdered children are being sold in an underground market by an organization that receives taxpayer funds. How did this story break? Deborah Nucatola, Senior Director of Medical Services for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, was filmed in an undercover video. In it she explains how Planned Parenthood sells the parts Read more […]
Your discouragement is understandable. The church in North America is deteriorating. Just reading the reports of decline can make me exhausted. Some sensationalize how hard the church is falling, but few deny the unhealthy state of the church. The church is not doing well. Perhaps your church is not doing well. Maybe you’re tired, or disheartened. Maybe you’re hurt. Don’t give up. Your church is worth the effort. Some churches reek of selfishness, but even the unpleasant bodies Read more […]
My first church was a megachurch of six people. The congregation was small in number, but it felt like a mega task to shepherd them. One of the first questions I asked of the lone deacon was, “What’s the deal with the old bell out front?” “I don’t know, but it’s really important.” On our first work day, the lone deacon handed me a paint brush and gave me the honor of painting the bell red. Why red? I don’t know, perhaps it was the only color of paint the church had on hand. Everyone Read more […]
In the 1970s, one researcher noted, “There are almost as many different definitions of leadership as there are persons who have attempted to define the concept.” According to these definitions, leadership is influence, power, mobilization, motivation, processes, inspiration, among many others. The same could be said of the church: “There are almost as many different ways of leading the church as there are persons who have attempted it.” As a researcher of leadership and one who has Read more […]
On Memorial Day, we honor those who have died while serving our country. I believe every Christian should do two things on Memorial Day: Remember and pray. Remember. My grandfather, Samuel Solomon Rainer, Sr., served in World War II. He flew D-Day. Below are his flight plans from June 6, 1944. His plane was called the Hoo Jive. My great uncle was a spy for the OSS. Another great uncle, Charles Spurgeon Keller, Jr., died in battle one week before World War II ended. He was in his late Read more […]
“So what can I do right now?” I recently had coffee with a young(er) minister. He asked a great question. What can I do right now? The young minister (he’s around 20) wanted to know how he could lead better. Starting today. He caught me a bit off guard. After all, leadership is learned and refined over time. Pastors spend years growing. He knew that, but he also wanted to know what could be done immediately. I’m not that far removed from being a “young” pastor (at 35, Read more […]
Commentary is popular right now. Some of the biggest names in news are opinionated commentators, not fact-driven beat reporters. We like to start “conversations” about all sorts of things, which basically means anyone can comment about an issue, regardless of qualifications. Ironically, more data exists now than ever before, yet we still rely heavily on the opinions and comments of others. Obviously, the popularity of commentary is not in itself a bad thing. You are reading this blog, and Read more […]
Churches are more like organisms than they are organizations. Of course, organizational management is important in churches. Finances, staff reviews, and operations are among the many management activities in the church. Ultimately, however, churches are alive. Biblically, the church is a body. As a functioning organism, the church body is always changing. Like our own bodies, the church either becomes healthier or less healthy. Churches grow. Or they start dying. Congregations may plateau for a Read more […]
“These men who have turned the world upside down have come here too . . .” (Acts 17:6). Such was the accusation of an angry mob against Paul and Silas. The good news had persuaded a few too many for those who held the power. Christians were getting the attention of society. A gospel movement was forming. It all came to a head in the middle of a city. And the world turned upside down. I read this passage, and I am burdened. Too few churches are ready to turn the world upside down. Read more […]
I participated in the Derby Festival Marathon last Saturday with over 16,000 other runners. It poured rain. I was reminded of my insanity with every squeaky, waterlogged step. In a marathon, both the finish and the start are anticlimactic. When you finish, you’re too exhausted to enjoy the moment. (Just give me a banana and some chocolate milk!) And if you’re a runner, then you understand the anticlimactic start of big races. Thousands line up in corrals. There is collective excitement. The Read more […]
Ronald Reagan once stated, “Status quo, you know, that is Latin for the mess we’re in.” Most churches (and church leaders) that clamor for the status quo are messes. You don’t often hear of a healthy church championing the status quo. Visionary leaders don’t compel others to stay the same. Of course, not everything in a church—even an unhealthy one—needs to change. The status quo is not necessarily the enemy. The status quo simply refers to the existing state of affairs. Sometimes Read more […]
God’s mission is clear: He seeks and saves the lost. Therefore churches should be intentionally gospel-centered, intentionally evangelistic, and intentionally seek justice. A church excited about the gospel is a church with a laser focus on making disciples. Churches with purpose pour collective energy into one direction. Churches without purpose tend to drift. Like the flotsam and jetsam in the sea, a church adrift does little more than float along as aimless debris. I have yet to see a church Read more […]
Every church has an organizational culture. Some churches have a culture of optimism. You can feel the energy in worship. Others are pessimistic. You can sense the deadness when you walk into the sanctuary. A dead sanctuary should be an oxymoron, but I’ve experienced “worship” in a few zombie churches. The walking spiritually dead show up to utter a few grunts, gaze around, and shuffle back home. Every church also faces obstacles. What is the difference between churches that approach Read more […]
“. . . because you’re the pastor.” Most pastors have heard the end of this sentence at some point. Perhaps you bristled at hearing it. Maybe your feelings were justified, depending on what preceded the phrase. But there’s truth in “because you’re the pastor.” People expect you to represent your church. And you should. If you’re a pastor, then you’re also a statesman—there’s no way around it. I use the term “statesman” not in a truly political sense, though Read more […]
Fads come and go. Hair bands, slap bracelets, Atkins diets, and fanny packs all came and went. Some fads quickly go out of style. Some linger too long. (Why are some of you still wearing skinny jeans?) If music, food, clothes, and toys can become faddish, then the same can happen to leaders. In the church, what works to grow a church today may not work in the future. You can be a popular leader, only to lose that popularity more quickly than Vanilla Ice dropped out of the mainstream. Even Read more […]
Change efforts are never unanimous. Change efforts are too often reactive instead of proactive. Resistance to change is high. Ministry leaders can push too hard for change among the wrong people, at the wrong times, and in wrong ways. I might be understating the quandary of change in established churches. If we believe in the body of Christ, then ministry leaders must be change agents. Leaders quickly understand what needs to change, but the how of change is just as important. I’ve Read more […]
“What ya runnin’ these days?” It’s a common question asked of church leaders, and most who ask it refer to average weekly attendance. If the answer is “400,” then on an average weekend your church has 400 people on campus. This figure includes children, assumes each person is counted only once, and excludes the traditional Sunday evening service. But if you average 400 in attendance, your church is larger, potentially much larger. In order to understand the true size of Read more […]
When you’re high and walk into my church looking for money for that next fix, the answer is “no.” That one is easy. The potheads tend to receive it better than the meth addicts. But that’s for another blog. Saying “no” to your own members who have ministry ideas is much harder. Answering in the negative is part of leadership in any organization. Leaders keep vision focused. Leaders protect an organization from good things that could become distractions to the greater goal. It’s tough Read more […]
A big wave is coming towards the church. It’s the swell of retiring Boomer pastors. Most Boomer pastors are currently between the ages of 50 and 68. They won’t all retire at once, so this wave won’t crash into the church like a tsunami. However, I don’t believe the North American church is prepared to replace these pastors. My father gives a few implications of retiring Boomer pastors over at his blog: There will be more pastoral vacancies than qualified candidates. Few churches are Read more […]
Today’s post was written by Ben Reed. His new book, Starting Small, is a great resource for anyone wanting to know more about small groups. Check out his blog as well. When you think about starting small groups, you may think that groups are for church plants. Or for new churches. Or for churches that aren’t established. Or for churches that don’t have Sunday school. And if that’s what you think, you’d be among a growing number of people that tend to put small groups and Sunday school Read more […]
The term “revitalize” has several implications, especially when applied to the church. The prefix implies a revitalized church is one that went through a cycle: vital, not vital, and vital again. This cycle demonstrates that the church had a period of stagnation or decline. It also means the church changed, if not to a great degree. This change means the church made a decision (most likely intentional) to get unstuck. What if an established church is stuck now? What will help with future revitalization? Read more […]
Hand-written notes are rare. Electronic communication has all but erased the whimsy of cursive writing. The average adult writes something by hand about every 41 days, much less a hand-written note snail-mailed to a friend. The average home receives a personal letter in the mail every seven weeks. A few luddites still exist because you can purchase disposable fountain pens on Amazon, but you can also buy a UFO detector there. I doubt either product is a mainstream bestseller. In our wired world, Read more […]
Few established churches turn on a dime. Some don’t turn at all. One of the contributing causes is inflexibility. Leading an organization full of inflexible people is like trying to run a marathon without bending your knees. It’s anything but smooth. Every church has some inflexible people. Part of being a pastor is helping people get unstuck and unfrozen. And most churches also have plenty of people ready to move. Part of being a pastor is encouraging them to lead by example. Working this Read more […]
I’m excited to announce that my latest book is now available on Amazon. Obstacles in the Established Church is about how established churches in North America are struggling. But the obituaries are premature. I believe struggling churches can make a difference again. Many churches have obstacles in front of them slowing growth and preventing health. While every church is a unique congregation in a specific local context, patterns present in one established church are often present Read more […]
Today’s post was written by Rob Tims. His new book, Southern Fried Faith, is a great resource for established church leaders in the south. Check out his blog as well. “I don’t know how you put up with it!” This was the statement of a 20-something church planter in the upstate of South Carolina upon hearing about the many challenges pastors face in established churches. “I don’t know how you feed your family,” I responded. He had a stay-at-home wife, four kids, a dilapidated truck, Read more […]
Most of us have entered the twilight zone of worship announcements at some point. A person approaches the pulpit with the same gait as one walking the plank. A piece of paper unfolds, multiple times. The throat clears… loudly. What follows is usually awkward, many times painful, and sometimes memorable in all the wrong ways. In one of my churches I had to kill the death announcements. Historically, the church began worship services by announcing all member-related deaths. Nothing screams “Let’s Read more […]
This column originally appeared in a local magazine in the region where I pastor. At times, I’ll post the column on this blog. Family night began without incident. My 18-month old and almost four year-old were smiling and laughing. We splurged on ice cream at Chick-fil-a. It was a good evening with the family. We decided to go bowling. It was a first for our family. You would think that eight-pound balls and small children would not be a good mix. But the hilarity of watching my daughters Read more […]
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 about two Elmers. Both are close to being octogenarians. Both are grumpy. Neither want their church to change. If you were to wipe the dust off the library bookshelves, then Elmer One and Elmer Two would remind you it was there before Read more […]
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. It’s expected. Laissez-faire leaders don’t typically last long. In many ways, leadership is simply interference with the status quo. When people talk, you want to shape the conversation. That’s healthy. That’s leadership. What Read more […]
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 tasked me and my two brothers with grabbing a couple of items. I probably went for peanut butter and SpaghettiO’s. We were poor, living in the heart of the densest county in Florida. My dad was the pastor of the church. Few in Read more […]
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 church has not baptized anyone in 10 years, then the likelihood of that church being unhealthy is high. But a fast-growing church may or may not be healthy. Defining church health is a bit of a moving target. As most established Read more […]
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 sheep around. There are cases, however, when one event jars everything loose, when something unforeseen grinds the church to a halt. The vision stops. No one moves. How do you respond when your church experiences collective blackout? Read more […]
She was adamant about going through with the baptism. I tried to convince her to put it off a week. The heating element in the baptistery had gone out. It was January. The morning’s temperature was somewhere below zero. It wasn’t a crisis, but it felt like it. We spent the Bible study hour boiling water and pouring it into the fiberglass pool, pot by pot. The effort helped. At least some of the chunks of ice melted. The church gasped with her when she came up out of the water. Leadership Read more […]
Followers can bring distractions to leaders. A few years ago, I received a phone call I’ll never forget. It was someone telling me a prominent and faithful church member had died suddenly. He was a doctor, well-respected in the community. The town was already talking about his passing. We huddled together as a staff. We prayed. We began to grieve. We ordered flowers. Then we called his office to find out how we could serve them: “We’re praying for you all during this time.” “Uh, thanks, Read more […]
The best follower is not always compliant. It may seem counterintuitive, but no leader should want complete compliance all the time. Such a situation produces zero accountability. Orders are given. Orders are followed. No questions asked. That works so long as the order-giver is perfect. Most of us would last less than a day. Since leaders are fallible, followers must be given an opportunity to hold the leader accountable, while at the same time respecting the leadership role. The best followers Read more […]
I’ve had a few dramatic stumbles when I stand quickly, only to realize one of my legs has mysteriously fallen asleep. The numbness makes it feel like the leg has suddenly gone missing, only to give sharp tingling reminders that it indeed is still there. A foot, arm, or leg falls asleep because of too much pressure over a period of time. This pressure cuts off nerves and arteries, and signals stop going to the brain. The asleep member is still there; it’s just not communicating anymore. And Read more […]
My Facebook news feed recently captured several images of gas pump prices. Ubiquitous posts of ubiquitous subjects are nothing new to social media images. Purchasing gas below $3 per gallon, however, was worthy of a little celebration. So I clicked like. I’m not old (relatively). But I do remember buying hard copies of music in brick-and-mortar stores. I can also remember buying gas below $1 per gallon—back in the days when maps were folded in the glove compartment. I miss the gas prices. Read more […]
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 thing as a pastor who never manages? Absolutely not. Let me make a bold statement: If you’re not willing to manage a church, then you’re not qualified to lead a church. Any church leader who would delegate all managerial roles to Read more […]
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 has experienced the volley: Yes, deeper! No, too deep! This tension is like a taut tightrope; it tugs in both directions. You don’t want it slack. It’s the same with your church. Good church leaders are expert balancers. One of Read more […]
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 are more common for most leaders. The highs and lows are simply more memorable—they stand out more. We talk more about them. These plateaus are not necessarily connected to the leader’s emotional state. Though I experience a Read more […]
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 books we’ve published from a group of authors we’re excited to have writing for us. Christology: The Study of Christ by Daniel L. Akin Church Building Programs: When, Why, & How by Bill Couchenour How to Survive Read more […]
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 denominations exist for a reason. Even non-denominational churches cannot (or should not) be atheological. So a wide theological consensus on what is healthy is unlikely. Throw in small groups, mission work, and diversity, among many other Read more […]
Local churches are like families. Some are healthier than others. All have issues. Unfortunately, many churches are suffering from a serious case of consumerism. The cultural norm of too many congregations has become “How can you serve me?” rather than “How can I serve Christ and others?” But I believe many pastors and church leaders are to blame as much as their flocks. We pastors simply have not done a good job of communicating upfront what we expect of church members. I have a high Read more […]
I rarely encounter a normal church member. Now don’t misread me. My church is full of everyday folks, but I don’t often interact with them in their normal routines. Like most pastors, I see people more on the highs and lows. Nobody has ever called me and said, “Pastor, I ate oatmeal this morning. Nothing much happened at work. I came home, loved on my family, and watched the evening news. I just thought you might want to know.” Most people don’t call when it’s a normal day. In Read more […]
Church leaders should love their churches where they are now, not where they wish their congregations could be in the future. That’s a given, or at least should be. But what about the community? Church leaders should love their communities as much as their churches. Granted, some churches are easier to love than others, and some communities are easier to love than others. A calling to a place, however, requires a love for that place. One of the pitfalls of church leadership involves the call Read more […]
In my previous post, I revealed a critical yet overlooked trait of executive pastors. I will do the same for worship pastors in this post. A good worship pastor knows how to lead artists. Indeed, observing a worship pastor lead a group of artists is a work of art in itself. Worship pastors often get labeled as innovate yet quirky, creative but peculiar. Let’s be honest—many fit the label. But quite frankly, I believe far too many churches squelch the creative passion of artists for the sake Read more […]
In many churches, the senior pastor leans on the executive pastor more than any other person. The executive pastor position is often paradoxical. Executive pastors feel the tension of submitting as a subordinate to the senior pastor while at the same time leading with a high level of influence. Their roles can change quickly, since they are the ones often tasked with adding structure to the vision of senior pastor. Executive pastors become the operations of the big picture. In this way, executive Read more […]
References to the status quo often evoke images of staleness, like weeks-old bread on your counter that is still technically edible but far from its original freshness. No one gets excited about crustiness, especially in the church. There is a lot out there on changing, challenging, and deconstructing the status quo in churches. Rightly so—the status quo should not be used as a place of comfort or as a shield from potential criticism. And unfortunately, we have far too many examples of churches Read more […]
In the first post, I discussed why people in the church resist change. If you lead well, then resistance to change will eventually shift to an acceptance of the necessity of change. Even when people accept the idea of change, however, the actual implementation of the change effort can be painful. For example, most Americans agree something needs to change at the IRS. I doubt we’ll see any lawmaker defend the current state of the agency on cable news stations. Does this general acceptance mean enduring Read more […]
“It’s my first week, what should I change here?” Perhaps new pastors don’t vocalize the question, but I know they think it. At least, I don’t believe I’m the only one. The default setting to change something is only natural for a good leader. Having a vision means being dissatisfied with the status quo. “The search committee said they were bringing me on to make needed changes. Why is the church resisting the obvious?!” Why have so many pastors’ honeymoons ended after the first Read more […]
They inevitably find their way into my office, excited about God’s calling on their lives. I’ve had several conversations with people wanting advice about attending seminary (or a similar institution). God has called them to ministry. They feel seminary will add clarity to this calling. Perhaps. But before a seminary education can help with a calling, one must have a clear plan for seminary. After working through the spiritual aspect of someone’s calling, I typically offer some practical Read more […]
When I started pastoring, I had little doubt I would remain a bi-vocational pastor indefinitely. I enjoyed my corporate job. I clearly understood my calling to pastor. In what I thought was an ideal arrangement, I served my church in the evenings and on the weekends while maintaining my day job. But after two years God called me to serve another church full-time. The season of ministry changed. My income went down, and my stress went up. But—for the most part—I remained content. A certain Read more […]
Our hearts break for the people of Boston. It’s a tragedy we all feel. Like me, I am assuming you are captivated by the unfolding events of this story. Our church set aside time last Wednesday to pray for churches in Boston. No one questioned why, even though my congregation had no personal connection to the pastors or churches. In silent agreement we all prayed corporately. Last week I reworked my sermon to address the Gosnell trial. This week I am addressing the Boston bombings. While not Read more […]
We’ve all seen them—bulletin bloopers and bad church signs. Both provide good fodder for blog consumption. My father is an expert on corny humor, and he has posted on his blog numerous examples of this vital genre of church literature. When parking on the north side of the church, please remember to park on an angel. Men’s prayer breakfast. No charge, but your damnation will be gratefully accepted. The class on prophecy has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. A bean supper Read more […]
Well, it’s at least new. Let me introduce a few of the changes. New location. I started this site in 2006 when Outreach magazine contacted me about being a blogger. I was an avid blog reader at the time, so I was honored to be among the original four bloggers for their magazine. I was also a bi-vocational pastor then, working in the energy futures industry. I just knew God was going to keep me in the corporate world while I pastored small and struggling established churches. Things change, and Read more […]
All leaders have ideas, but not all ideas lead to change. What separates the dream from reality? Businessweek recently reported on the history of the bar code. It sounds mundane, but there is something to learn about change implementation from the story. In 1948 two graduate students at the Drexel Institute of Technology overheard a supermarket executive discussing a key problem: the need for an automatic system to read each product item. Working together, the two students helped change the way Read more […]
Does the established nature of some churches hinder innovation? Is an established structure antithetical to quick, nimble changes? For most established churches, yes, but it does not mean established churches cannot innovate. A church plant is an innovation. Innovation is the process of successfully establishing something new. To introduce something new—and to get it to work longer than a month—is innovation. Perhaps some luck into the right change at the right time. Perhaps some churches land Read more […]
Either people are on board with your leadership or not, right? Nope. There are degrees of influence and different types of followers. The mantra of “get on board or get off” does not take into account the numerous types of followers and differing levels of leadership influence. Most definitions of leadership allude to influence as the key driver. But I do not believe leadership and influence are synonymous—leader and follower exchanges are more complex than mere influence. However, leaders Read more […]
Some people are just awkward. Awkward people are in almost every organization. The church—a place for all types—will have, by design, its share of awkward people. As a leader, you might be tempted to avoid them (unless you are among them, but that’s a subject for another post). Too often leaders ignore awkward people in their organizations. We treat them like odd zoo creatures—they are best observed from a distance. So leaders ignore their emails. Leaders find ways to avoid meetings that Read more […]
Pastors are not managers, at least in a corporate-business-world-publicly-traded-company-sort-of-way. But pastors are shepherds. And shepherds manage sheep. Leading a church involves management. Perhaps you’ve had the privilege of attending a meeting discussing the finer details of administering the Lord’s Supper. If so, you probably recognize the importance of the managerial role in the church. A church hierarchy assumes management. And most churches—even congregations with smaller staffs—are Read more […]
Finding the voice in which to communicate content is sometimes just as difficult as determining the content itself. In other words, how you communicate is an important component of what you communicate. Content is critical, but so is delivery. As a senior pastor, I set the tone of the church. My heart in writing such a statement is not arrogance but rather self-awareness. Of any leader in the church, I know my vision—and how I communicate it—will affect the church more than any other person. Read more […]
Ambitious leaders often pursue positions with formal authority. It makes sense. Those who desire to lead want the official capacity to do so. Positions with titles imply a legitimate endorsement to lead. But there is an advantage to leading with informal authority. Informal leaders have no official titles and no authoritative positions, yet they can wield much influence. While much power comes from formal positions with legitimate authority, a different kind of power is found in leadership roles Read more […]
The church needs more homegrown leaders. It’s not a novel plea. In fact, church researchers have called for local equipping of leaders for a long time. In our globalized society, however, it is becoming even more important. Today everyone has access to the same information at the same time. Podcasts, blogs and sermon videos are ubiquitous. The best teachers and preachers in the world now broadcast messages for free. Anyone can listen and benefit from excellent teaching—simply take your pick Read more […]
If you do not make assumptions about the future, then you are not leading. Good leaders constantly assess the cultural climate. In other words, they do research. Good leaders are also willing to change their assumptions. In other words, they are flexible. Holding firm to assumptions from the Y2K era is about as relevant as giving a set of Pokemon cards to your kids this year for Christmas. So at the end of every year, I pause to challenge my underlying assumptions of what I believe the future Read more […]
Leaders often confuse followers by communicating imperatives as declarative statements. An imperative is a command. An imperative sentence has a grammatical structure expressing a directive. A declarative sentence is quite different; it makes a statement. In an effort to sound less forceful, leaders will often make declarative statements and expect followers to recognize them as imperatives. Sometimes this tactic works. For instance, the garbage stinks is a declarative statement that—when spoken Read more […]
America is a land of wide open spaces, vast expanses with enough room for buffalo to roam. The frontier ethos of our country evokes an individual, self-made spirit that pervades many aspects of our culture. It’s what makes us American. Most people in America, however, do not live where the deer and the antelope play. They live in cities. In Megapolitan America, a new work on the urbanization of America, Nelson and Lang reveal two-thirds of the U.S. population lives on less than 20% of the privately-owned Read more […]
The local church is the front line of ministry. In the battle against the spiritual forces of evil, the church is the trench. Christ’s bride is dug in, charged up, and ready to die for the freedom of souls. I relish the trench. It’s messy, at times gruesome, and the noise makes it difficult to sleep. But I love it. While there is no beauty in warfare (spiritual or otherwise), the battling bride is a gorgeous organism. Despite the muck, despite the damage, and despite the fight, she remains Read more […]
Whether it’s a paid or unpaid position, formal or informal, most churches have a strong leader serving under the lead pastor. In smaller churches, this person can be a prominent lay person. In larger churches, the position is often an executive pastor. Numerous titles describe this position, including associate and administrator. Other church leadership positions can be second chairs as well, such as a worship pastor. In this article, I refer to the position simply as the second chair. The second Read more […]
In one of the most historic events for my denomination, last week the messengers at the annual Southern Baptist Convention elected their first African American president. Pastor Fred Luter of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans will be the man tasked with leading our denomination. I believe his election will be a marker for major changes in the SBC. My denomination was founded in 1845, in large part, due to a split with northern Baptists over the issue of slavery. In 1995 we passed a Read more […]
Yesterday I announced to my church a new season of ministry. Erin and I have accepted the call to Stevens Street Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN. We are excited, but the transition is bittersweet. We leave behind many good friends in Murray. I’m being sent from a great church with a heart for missions to another great congregation passionate about God’s global mandate to reach the lost. I was blessed to serve in Murray. I am now blessed to serve in Cookeville. Below is a letter that I wrote Read more […]
Like you, I get a lot of emails. I try to answer all of them within 24 hours, but sometimes it takes me a couple of days to get through them. When I noticed an email from Icaro, I did not read it immediately. I do not know an Icaro. When I read his message two days later, I realized how important it was. In 1923, my church sent a group of missionaries to Brazil. Joseph Brandon, his wife, and four children were among them. Sometime in 1935 a six year-old orphan named Emilio heard Brandon preach and Read more […]
One of the most difficult calls in leadership is deciding how many people to pull into important, timely decisions during a crisis. Decisive leaders tend to react swiftly, making unilateral decisions. Some leaders are made to guide people through emergencies, taking the bull by the horns (or the bull horn) and charging forward so everyone else can follow. Not all crises, however, necessitate this style of leadership. For example, a recent WSJ article discussed how two cities—Joplin, MO and Tuscaloosa, Read more […]
Nothing traps you in the urgency of the moment like availability. A leader that is always available never has the time to lead. He or she simply becomes an order taker for the next person who happens to stop by. Required office hours create a cage, a punch clock prison. Or the other extreme—when all your followers are your gatekeepers, there are no fences. Your life becomes a field of chaos. I recognize the above hyperbole. But perhaps you have felt the teeth of this trap from time to time. For Read more […]
Creativity is not necessarily art. Art requires creativity, but not all creative processes produce art. I like to consider myself creative (but not an artist). As a researcher, my creativity is different than an artist’s creativity. My spreadsheets are no works of art. I doubt they will ever be displayed in a museum, or in my church’s heritage room for that matter. But I do take pride in creatively communicating statistics in ways people can grasp. So an artist I am not, even in my most inspired Read more […]
New Year’s resolutions are often self-centered; it’s understandable. Successful people often reflect on who they are. They try to be more self-aware. They desire to develop themselves. So, good leaders often make resolutions involving individual goals, desires and objectives. Many leaders have resolve — the determination to see a goal and achieve it. Too often these goals involve what individual leaders can do on their own. By the nature of their roles, however, leaders have people around Read more […]
USA Today recently published a graphic that grabbed my attention. As shown below, this graphic reveals what some demographers predict will become “megapolitan” communities. While I might draw the lines differently on some of the physical boundaries of these communities, the concept of megapolitan areas is fascinating to me. The article (which reports on this book) defines these megapolitan areas as “having at least one metropolitan area of 2 million people by 2040 that’s connected — via Read more […]
There is a romance of leadership. Most studies in leadership focus on the top roles. Many leader-centric approaches assume followers are mere recipients of leader-driven change. To romance leadership is to exaggerate its importance relative to followers. Leadership is extremely important, but it exists only because followers collectively interpret someone (or a group) in such a role. Romancing leadership leaves out half the relationship. Followers are just as important. Obsessing over leaders at Read more […]
When you get to know a person more, you learn how to love them better. The same principle applies to communities. Communities are made of individuals, and knowing your local context helps you love the people in them more. One critical element of understanding your community is tracking demographic changes. Perhaps one of the most important changes occurring in North America is the growing diversity of many local communities. Brookings recently released a fascinating study on the changing landscape Read more […]
Every church must transition. Every church should always be in some form of a transition. If the only constant is change, then leaders must guide churches through a transition in areas where change is occurring. This change can be grand—a new site, a campus relocation, or a new mission endeavor. This change can be smaller—a new curriculum in the children’s department, a new budget process, or a new security procedure. All change, however, involves a transitioning phase. Leading in this transition Read more […]
Too often leaders assume the positional authority of a boss. Bosses are needed. At times we need people in charge to tell us what to do. The person at the office assigned the fire marshal duty when alarms blare needs to be able to bark orders. They are trained. They know what to do. Too many in charge creates chaos, which is not helpful when fires blaze. But there is a difference between a boss and a leader. Bosses claim authority with their position, and sometimes necessarily. But leaders are given Read more […]
Ed Stetzer recently interviewed Ronnie Floyd, Tanner Turley, and me about the Cooperative Program. This program is the funding mechanism for missions in the Southern Baptist Convention, the denomination to which I belong. I realize many of my readers may not be in my denomination, but this way of funding missions is important for God’s kingdom. Almost $15B has been raised for missions since the beginning of this program in 1925, and over $500M has been raised for missions in each of the last few Read more […]
America does not age evenly. Brookings recently released a new report giving a state-by-state breakdown of the fastest growing “younger” and “older” areas of the country. Here’s a summary of a few of their findings: Between 2000 and 2010, the population over 45 grew 18 times as fast as the population under 45. Seniors gravitated towards the Sun Belt states in the past, but many Boomers are “aging in place” today, resulting in places like Raleigh, NC and Madison, WI having fast-growing Read more […]
Being a young(er) pastor at age 31, I’ve often heard from people who encourage me to “let no one despise your youth.” These supporters are correct, and I’m thankful for their vocal praise. As a pastor and leader, however, I often leave it there. I have thought to myself, “They’re right. I’m not going to let anyone hold me back. I’ll show them what I’m made of!” It’s not the right reaction. It’s not leadership to prove someone wrong in order to prop up a personal agenda. As Read more […]
Mark presents an unusual juxtaposition in his gospel. At the end of chapter 10, two scenes emerge. In one, James and John ask Jesus for a place with him in glory. In the other, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus asks for a moment of Jesus’ time. James, John, and Bartimaeus are all adamant concerning their requests of Jesus. They all recognize the authority of Jesus. They all know he has something to offer. But the sons of Zebedee and Bartimaeus are worlds apart. James and John are caught in the Read more […]
God created leadership for the church. Jesus is the chief Shepherd, and he sets aside other shepherds to lead the church by serving under him. Members of the church body are to “obey” and “submit” to those who “keep watch” over their spiritual development. These leaders, however, are not to abuse their authority but rather lead by example. This relationship between leaders and followers in the church is clothed in humility through God’s gift of grace. Within the context of the local Read more […]
I might get in a little trouble for this blog, but as a pastor I must lead with levity. If I did not poke a little fun (and receive it), then I would go into an intense-seriousness-coma. My wife hates my extended gravitas. So at the risk of being flippant, allow me to label some different types of church members. Understandably, every church is unique, as is every member, but there are some commonalities I’ve noticed. Remember, pastors, you must lead and shepherd all types—that’s what God Read more […]
Sometimes it is difficult to know how to pray. The apostle Paul struggled with how to pray while sitting in jail waiting on his potential execution. Would God spare him for fruitful ministry? Would God bless him with eternal worship? In Philippians 1 he writes, “I don’t know which one I should choose.” On Thursday February 3rd my family received difficult news. My brother’s unborn son had a rare disorder which created a dangerous situation for his wife and child. Jess and Rachel were devastated. Read more […]
Here’s a video of our church’s trip to the Brazilian rainforest. You can read my thoughts about the trip here. Much thanks to Katie DeCillo (one of our team members) for putting this video together!
The paint team needed one more can. The construction team needed a few more tiles. The water team needed one more day to finish a water wheel. The medical team encountered unseen hurdles. But the frustration of unfinished projects in the Amazon jungle only made our group think about the unfinished work of the gospel. One of the joys of being called to pastor FBC Murray was joining a multi-generational partnership with AMOR to reach the people of the Amazon Valley in Brazil. Our church has been Read more […]
I returned last night from a two-week mission trip in the Amazon jungle, ministering among the Wai Wai people. Once I collect my thoughts (and recover from jet lag) I will blog about short-term mission trip lessons for the established church. In the meantime, I am posting a portion of an article I recently wrote for Church Executive. I once served under a leader who said he didn’t have a vision beyond the next 12 months. His point was that everything changes rapidly, and no one knows the Read more […]
Some problems have staying power. And good leaders admit it when a solution to a problem will not come to fruition. Allow me to offer you two perspectives—one from the solution side and the other from the problem side. First, leaders can select the right problem to solve but craft a poor solution. Or they can attempt to solve the wrong problem. Poor solution. Don’t be guilty of wanting to hang on to your ideals—the best solutions—that you know are right, because sometimes the right solution Read more […]
Dear Erin, Few understand the pressures of being a pastor’s wife. Your life is more public than most. You receive more scrutiny than other church members. Many place higher expectations on you than anyone else in the church. And you love the role. In fact, you thrive in it. Your gracious smile speaks more powerfully than the vast amount of words emanating from my mouth. I’m learning from you, honey. Learning how to be a better pastor. Learning how to be a better husband. A man more like Jesus. Read more […]
The NOC is almost here—November 3-5 is quickly approaching. The National Outreach Convention—or “NOC”—is one of the largest annual gatherings in the US focusing on one simple question: how do we reach more with the message of the gospel? It’s a 3-day experience in San Diego, CA full of practical and innovative teaching from some of the top church leaders and experts. If it’s germane to the church today, then it’s covered at the NOC. Topics this year include assimilation, community Read more […]
Personal preferences—it’s a topic that gets much water cooler talk within church leadership circles. Many pastors decry the elevation of churchgoers’ preferences above God’s mission. Rightly so. Anything that comes between God’s people and God’s mission is evil. It’s why Jesus told Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan.” Peter—with good intentions—was telling Jesus that suffering was not part of the Messiah’s mission. But God’s plan demanded a cross. Peter, however, preferred the Read more […]
It only takes one passionate soul to start a movement. Think about the wave. It typically starts with a single person in the corner of the stadium screaming at one section to raise their hands. Before long, thousands are participating in total unity. What about a gospel movement? I believe God can use any one of us to begin a revival that reaches multitudes. John the Baptist kick-started the “beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). He began a movement as Read more […]
A friend sent me this video today. It’s from Derek Sivers and a speech he gave at the TED Conference earlier this year. The video contains an important leadership lesson: A leader needs the guts to stand alone and look ridiculous. But what he’s doing is so simple, it’s almost instructional. This is key. You must be easy to follow! Now comes the first follower with a crucial role: he publicly shows everyone how to follow. Notice the leader embraces him as an equal, so it’s not about the leader Read more […]
Our church needs a new building. It’s no secret among our people that the fellowship hall needs to go—it was built in the 1920s originally as a grocery store. It has a well in the basement. And the linoleum on the main floor looks like camouflage. So, our long-range planning committee is meeting and discussing the future of what we build. But before we build, we must understand the philosophy of church buildings. First, the church is not a building. The people who constitute the church, however, Read more […]
Most leaders get them. Every so often someone will send an unwarranted, venomous note, letter, or email. If you’ve ever received one, then you know they rarely come from someone close. Most of the time, they come from people you hardly know. In the church, these malicious messages are usually about irrelevant specifics, not the essentials of discipleship or the direction of a leader’s vision. Most annoyingly, they often come as a surprise from someone who has never expressed any previous disagreements Read more […]
Today I attended the funeral of a 95 year-old man. He was a bi-vocational minister. He paid the bills by working as an electrician. But his calling drove him to the tent revivals and churches. Bi-vocational pastors serve outside the spotlight. In my denomination, however, approximately half of all pastors are bi-vocational. They are many, but they get only a fraction of attention given to pastors of larger churches. They receive little recognition, but they are the workhorses of churches that Read more […]
No words can describe. 7 lbs 9 oz. I love her so much.
I spoke the below words in 2006 at my father’s inauguration to be president of LifeWay Christian Resources. I think no less of my father today. I can vividly recall the first time I failed at something. It was a new school year, and my second grade teacher had just returned the first quiz. I was somewhat pleased because I got half the questions right for a grade of 50%. One of my classmates then informed me that getting half right meant I received an ‘F.’ I didn’t believe him, and I decided Read more […]
I recently spent some time at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD for my PhD program. A retired Colonel gave a lecture to my cohort. What he taught is one of the best leadership lessons on humility I’ve ever heard. Allow me to share the highlights of his lecture. It’s the hardest leadership question to answer: Am I humble? Humility is the most difficult leadership trait to determine about ourselves. And pride is the most dangerous leadership trait. Arrogance is the root leadership Read more […]
You are always communicating something. Body language, spoken words, which events you attend or do not attend—all send signals. And one of a leader’s key goals is reducing uncertainty—or ambiguity—by communicating the right information in the right amounts to the right people. Church leaders create strategies for growth, discipleship, worship experience, among many other things. What is often left out of these strategies, however, is a detailed plan for communicating. Without proper communication, Read more […]
A problem with organizations is the larger they become, the more layers of complexity are added. More people equates to more information. More information leads to greater complexity—so the larger the organization, the greater the potential for information to get misconstrued or lost. Like someone who is deprived oxygen, a lack of clear communication—or a large amount of erroneous information—can choke an organization. Without good information flow, uncertainty is bound to build. By nature, Read more […]
The monthly emails from the Courier-Journal (the Louisville newspaper) finally got to me. Dear Sam Raimer, This is a courtesy reminder that your delivery service is scheduled to stop within the next 14 days. To prevent an interruption in your service, please utilize our quick online payment method by clicking on the link below. I was already on their payment system—they were charging my credit card monthly. And I was calling every month to prevent them from stopping my subscription. Twilight Read more […]
Yes. Overwhelmingly so. The vast majority of Americans (92%) believe there is a God, and 83% of Americans say God answers prayers. Despite the positivity surrounding prayer, only 57% of adults favor a National Day of Prayer while 38% are ambivalent. I doubt a large segment Americans are praying to the God of the Bible, but too often I do not pray as if I am talking to the Creator of the universe. If I’m not careful, my personal prayer life can become routine and dull. And it’s far too easy Read more […]
The following maps are generated from religious references in user-created content indexed by Google. The first map demonstrates which religions are more referenced than others in global searches. For example, blue means more search references to Jesus than Allah (green), Buddha (yellow), or Hindu (red). The second map reveals which denominations are more searched in the US. Not surprisingly, Baptists (green) dominate the South and Mormons (purple) lead the Mountain West. More of a surprise was Read more […]
I’m tempted to make a joke about pastors and potlucks, but I think I’ll pass… By lean staff, I’m referring to how much of the budget a church allocates to personnel costs. How much should a church allot to paid staff? It’s a great research question. The Leadership Network and Your Church magazine released results from a survey they conducted on this subject. Here’s a few of their findings: Lean-staffed churches averaged 1 paid staff member per 86 attenders compared to a 1-to-70 ratio Read more […]
The National Outreach Convention—or “NOC”—is one of the largest annual gatherings in the US focusing on one simple question: how do we reach more with the message of the gospel? It’s a 3-day experience full of practical and innovative teaching from some of the top church leaders and experts. If it’s germane to the church today, then it’s covered at the NOC. Topics this year include assimilation, community transformation, church planting, multi-ethnic outreach, ideation, digital strategies, Read more […]
The Pew Research Center released the following comparison between the Boomer generation and the Millennial generation: If one were to assume that the Millennial generation, like the famously-large Baby Boomer generation, encompasses everyone born over an 18-year span, the two generations would be about equal in size (77 million). However, this is not because fertility rates in recent times have been especially high — they were about 70% higher during the baby boom from 1946 to 1964 — but because Read more […]
The latest issue of Church Executive recently hit the stands. It has some great articles in it—you can subscribe here. Below is an excerpt from my article in the issue. If your church remains healthy, then the staff structure will probably look much different in 2020 than it does right now. Church leaders will work for long periods of time to implement new visions for their congregations. They will labor for years to simplify the structures of their churches. They will lead their churches to Read more […]
I am self-conscious about using the term “kid.” I served for two years at a church where a loving member would adamantly correct me when I used the word in a sermon. “Kids are baby goats. We have children, NOT kids!” She would chastise me every time. It seriously upset her. But what about kids children these days? Excerpts from two separate research projects caught my attention. The first is from the Perspectives on Psychological Science Journal (reported by UPI): Today’s teens are no Read more […]
No one knows Sam Rainer, Sr.—at least outside of Union Springs, AL. My grandfather was the mayor of the town and president of the local bank. He didn’t write books. He didn’t have speaking engagements. I don’t think he ever did a radio interview. He just poured his life into the town my grandmother endearingly called “Onion Sprouts” (she never told us why). The Lord took him home in 1984, but his legacy remains. He was a war hero who flew D-Day. He sided with civil rights activists in Read more […]
I want to be an old man some day. My wife’s friends called me “old man Sam” when we started dating, but it doesn’t count. I am older than her, but not that much older. At 30, however, I think I’m more in the younger category than older. So one day I want to be an old man. One with lots of stories. I look up to the older guys in my church. We young guys need to. There are a few things that I pray don’t disappear with the older generation. There are amazing stories to be told. And stuff Read more […]
I recently blogged on baby dedications, and I mentioned we do them during our guided prayer time in the worship service. A pastor posted a few questions about our guided prayer, and I’ll answer them in this blog. Here’s what he asked: I am interested in your guided prayer time. We are having a problem as we are a quickly growing church and have lots of events and activities added to our schedule every week. We have gotten to the point that every ministry wants to make some sort of announcement. Read more […]
Below is a letter to my daughter—arrival date June 28th—that I included in our church’s weekly newsletter. I thought I might share it with you as well. Dear Maggie, We can’t wait for you to arrive! I love you so much. Mom loves you. And our church family loves you. In many ways, you are already blessed. You will be born into a family that loves Jesus, supported by another family—First Baptist Church Murray—that loves Jesus too. You will be born into a great community in a great nation Read more […]
Most of you may know from my Twitter and Facebook updates that I’m going to be the dad of a little girl. Maggie Elizabeth is expected to arrive in this world on June 28th! My wife and I could not be more excited. I’m mentally preparing for a new world of pink and purple. I grew up in a household of boys, so I’m one of those clueless, first-time dads. One of the joys of pastoring is dedicating children to the Lord. It will be special day when Erin and I get to dedicate Maggie. A child dedication Read more […]
The fastest growing area of poverty in the United States is in the suburb. The Brookings Institute released a report in January that details the change in the U.S. poor population by community type. Here’s one of many findings in their report: Between 2000 and 2008, suburbs in the country’s largest metro areas saw their poor population grow by 25 percent—almost five times faster than primary cities and well ahead of the growth seen in smaller metro areas and non-metropolitan communities. Read more […]
Pastors can have two personas: one the congregation sees and one the staff sees. While the goal is to be the same person around everyone, it often does not play out. The reality is you act differently around staff you work with for hours on end each day, compared to other congregants you may see in passing once or twice a week. This dichotomy is not necessarily bad, but it can be when the pastor plays nice with the congregation while poorly leading the staff. Maltreating the staff places them in Read more […]
Stats are like still photographs—they reveal something about a specific place and time. One of the greatest sources for stats in the United States is the Statistical Abstract, published annually. It’s been around a long time (since 1878), and it is often used as a gauge for other national studies. Robert J. Samuelson recently reported on the just-released 2010 abstract. Here are some interesting tidbits about our culture as it stands today: 76% of Americans drive to work alone. Only 10% carpool, Read more […]
The Pew Research Center will begin a large project in 2010 involving the millennial generation (according to them, this generation represents those born between 1981 and 2000). It’s one to watch—I’m sure many of the results will reveal important insights into the next generation. Here’s a snippet explaining their research: Generations, like people, have personalities. Their collective identities typically begin to reveal themselves when their oldest members move into their teens and twenties Read more […]
The Pew Forum on Religion in Public Life has ranked each state according to how religious it is. While they recognize the difficulty in defining the term “religious,” they have provided four separate measures for the ranking system—the importance of religion in people’s lives, frequency of attendance at worship services, frequency of prayer, and absolute certainty of belief in God. Who’s number one? Mississippi (in every category). Second place goes to Alabama (for importance of religion). Read more […]
Researcher George Barna recently offered a synthesis of his research in which he reveals four major themes of 2009. The first theme is not a surprise: Increasingly, Americans are more interested in faith and spirituality than in Christianity. People say they have faith, but they are detached from Christianity. What’s surprising are Barna’s reasons for this detachment. Barna sees two major reasons why Christianity is no longer attractive. First, mass media has “unfavorably caricatured” Read more […]
Perhaps you’ve heard a version of the saying “a camel is a horse designed by church committee.” The statement is a bit unfair, but also quite humorous. It’s humorous because there’s an element of truth to it. But it’s unfair because any group of people—not just committees—can lose sight of the original goal. What creates a camel out of a horse? There’s a lurking danger in every team brainstorming session and every committee meeting. It’s consensus. Most probably think of consensus Read more […]
One of the blessings of leading a church is equipping the saints and watching God work through them. One of the challenges of leading a church is knowing when to redirect a passionate church member’s ideas. Some ideas are easy to recognize as flops—like the time I heard from someone who wanted to buy a multi-million dollar golf course for sports ministry. It just wasn’t for us. Most of the time, however, discernment is more difficult when passionate church members have bold and grand plans Read more […]
The Simple Church idea revolutionized how churches view their disciple-making process. First, the what becomes the how – a clear process flows from what disciples look like. Key programs are then placed along the process. Next, ministries are united around this process. Last, anything outside the process is eliminated. Being a new pastor at an established church, I have begun learning all our ministries. Many of them are excellent. But my responsibility is now using these ministries to create a Read more […]
You inherit a lot when you’re a new pastor at an established church. Being the new guy at FBC Murray, I did not realize until I got here how important prayer is to this church. I’ve been blessed to inherit such a healthy attitude about prayer among the people. We pray collectively every Wednesday evening. The church recognizes the importance of both corporate and private prayer times. I love praying with my church family for many reasons, but it’s most exciting because they are so passionate. There’s Read more […]
My wife and I are in San Diego this week at the National Outreach Convention. It’s been a great convention thus far. I had the opportunity to lead a discussion group this morning …at 7:15AM! I think most of the attendees were on central or eastern time :). A person in our group asked a great question: How do you define and assess church health? We spent the next hour discussing this issue, but let me share with you one point of our discussion that is perhaps one of the most neglected church health Read more […]
I found myself last week in a friendly exchange with a ministry team leader about one line item in their budget. Then I realized I was micro-managing. Even though my intentions were good, and my tone pleasant, I was still acting like an autocrat. Nice dictators exist, at least in the leadership sense. I refer to these types of leaders in the church as amiable autocrats. Friendly church dictators rule from their positional authority. They order everyone around because their title enables them to Read more […]
The Barna Group recently released research that reveals how attitudes about Bible usage are changing across generations. They interviewed over 1,000 people in five separate studies. They defined each generation in the study: the Mosaic generation (ages 18 to 25), the Busters (ages 26 to 44), Boomers (ages 45 to 63), and Elders (ages 64-plus). You can read the full report here, but below are some of the differences they found between generations: Less Sacred – While most Americans of all ages identify Read more […]
Perhaps nothing is both joyous and awkward like being asked to perform the wedding ceremony of a couple you do not know well. If you’re a pastor and like me, you want to rejoice with the couple, but you can’t commit on the spot without asking personal questions. In order to prevent the inevitable uncomfortable questions, I’ve written a form letter to give to every couple that asks me to perform the ceremony. The purpose of the letter is to provide a filter for me and also to keep me consistent Read more […]
In a recent WSJ blog, Gary Hamel posted about the killer of organizational inertia. His thoughts on the forms of change are well-stated: In most organizations, change comes in only two flavors: trivial and traumatic. Review the history of the average organization and you’ll discover long periods of incremental fiddling punctuated by occasional bouts of frantic, crisis-driven change. The dynamic is not unlike that of arteriosclerosis: after years of relative inactivity, the slow accretion of Read more […]
BusinessWeek recently published an article on question-based leadership. It was a good reminder that leaders do not have all the answers. And if leaders do not have all the answers, then they must ask questions of others in order to gain insight to make the best decisions. In the church, autocratic leadership is especially dangerous. A senior pastor or ministry leader that commands and controls without regard for other people’s insight creates a volatile environment. Most pastors are not extreme Read more […]
A dialogue continues among researchers about the differences between managers and leaders. It is clear that there is overlap between the two roles. It is equally clear that some managers do not lead, and some leaders do not manage. A helpful (but ultimately inadequate) distinction is that managers deal with maintaining consistency in the here and now, while leaders work to change the future. Pastors of congregations hold both roles (among many others). They lead. They manage. There is an overabundance Read more […]
Almost half of the U.S. population lives in the suburbs. And sprawling suburbia is changing. The WSJ recently reported that the place where people grew up will change as they grow old. The suburbs are graying, and there is a movement to make them more compact. While large tracts of single-family homes are not being demolished, struggling shopping centers and vacant land in the suburbs are being converted into dense, mixed-use neighborhoods. In short, the ‘burbs are getting a retrofit. The goal Read more […]
During my transition to FBC Murray, I have the opportunity to worship with a few churches before making the move up to Kentucky. Today my wife and I worshiped with First Baptist Orlando. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience. Every time I pass through Orlando, I cannot help but think of the grand vision of Walt Disney. The common sermon illustration sums it up: When Epcot Center was finished in 1982, Walt Disney had already passed away. Disney executives asked Walt’s wife to cut the ribbon Read more […]
It depends – according to new research conducted by the Barna Group. I’ve heard several opinions, anecdotes, and estimations on the popularity of house churches. While Barna’s study is by no means conclusive, it does help clarify some the guesswork about the number of house churches in the United States. Barna’s estimates range from a minimum of 4% of the adult population to a maximum of 33%. Of course, the wide range represents the varying definitions of “house church:” When a question Read more […]
I recently did a breakout session at the Connect Conference in Charleston, SC (you can register here for the Shreveport, LA venue on September 24th and 25th). In preparing for the event, I looked over previous research, added a few anecdotal observations, and developed ten critical issues in leading young adults. 1. They desire integrity among leaders. Our research has shown that young adults don’t drop out of the church because of large-scale moral failures of leadership. But they’ve seen enough Read more […]
In any transition, you never fully realize what you’re getting into until you’re there. This principle is especially true of senior and lead pastors moving from one ministry to another. Leaders face more scrutiny in transitions than others. Spiritual leaders can be placed under a microscope. I know that I’m going to a great church – I can’t wait to be on the field in Murray. When I worked with church leaders on a pastor-church covenant, I encountered yet another reason to be thankful for Read more […]
Transitions are bittersweet – this one is no exception. I’m overjoyed to announce that Erin and I have accepted the call to First Baptist Church Murray, KY. I was saddened to announce today my resignation at Sarasota Baptist Church. I will miss the Ranchers in Sarasota, but I can’t wait to be on the field in Murray. I could not have asked for finer ministry partners at the Lakewood Ranch campus – I do not know of a more unified congregation. I leave one great congregation for another – Read more […]
The Search Institute recently released a first-of-its-kind global study on the spiritual development of young people from different countries and across various traditions. From 2006-2008, they studied more than 7,000 youth between the ages of 12 and 25. These youth lived in 17 countries on 6 continents, so this study is a true global snapshot. They’ve published loads of data, and the entire report can be viewed here. The report is large in scope and diversity, but I’ve listed below a few Read more […]
The NOC09 is just around the corner – November 4-6 in sunny San Diego. I’ll be speaking on why young adults leave the church, and how they can be reclaimed. There’s a ton offered at the conference. Here’s a selection from the NOC website: 50 power-packed workshops with the nation’s leading voices on outreach. 4 Inspiring General Sessions – with powerful worship, true outreach stories and messages from key note speakers passionate to reach more for Christ. 120+ resource providers – Read more […]
LifeWay Research recently published in their newsletter a new study about ministry to the poor. Obviously, the church should serve the poor and reach out to the hurting. What this study reveals is that churches remaining obedient to Christ’s example of serving the poor are also more likely to attract guests. This research blurb comes from their findings: Americans indicate that an active ministry to the poor is more likely to draw them to a church than knowing that it is made up of predominantly Read more […]
The September/October edition of Outreach Magazine features several articles on finding and keeping the next generation. It’s a great issue, so you’ll want to pick one up. You can subscribe to the print edition here. Below is my column in the issue on this generation. In a recent Wall Street Journal article, leading management consultant Gary Hamel dubs young people “Generation F”—the Facebook Generation. Sure, segments of every age group are jumping on the twit-text-book-space bandwagon. Read more […]
There are many bright spots, but in general, local church impact in the community has waned in the past several decades. Some have quantified spiritual success exclusively with numerical growth without regard to local impact. Others have simply ignored obvious numerical declines. God measures obedience. A great opportunity exists for the church to regain its status as the locus of community. A new study by the Corporation for National and Community Service reveals a strong link between community Read more […]
The Barna Group recently released research on the religious beliefs and behaviors of African Americans. Good religious research on minorities is less prevalent, so this study is a welcome one. Regarding statements about faith, African Americans had the highest responses with eight out of nine statements when compared with whites, Hispanics, and Asians. Below is a comparison of answers between blacks and whites: the Bible is totally accurate in all of the principles it teaches 66% (Black) 46% Read more […]
I’m excited to be a part of the Connect Conferences occurring this fall around the country. Jason Hayes, Ed Stetzer, my old man, and I will be speaking at the majority of the venues. Michael Kelley, Mark Batterson, and others will also join us at a few stops. The Connect Conferences provide an intimate opportunity for focused discussions about reaching and keeping young adults. Click here to register or learn more about these events. Atlanta, GA – August 13-14, 2009 Nashville, TN – August Read more […]
The move to college has long been an exciting time for young adults, and one that is met with mixed emotions from parents. For families of faith, one of the biggest fears is how much negative influence the secular university will have on a young son or daughter. Our research has debunked the myth that the influence of the secular university pushes young adults out of the church. No significant difference exists between the dropout rates of those who attend at least a year of college and those Read more […]
The Economist recently summarized management guru Jim Collins’ new book, How the Mighty Fail. In this research Collins examines some of the “great” companies highlighted in his previous works, Built to Last and Good to Great, that have since severely declined or failed entirely. Collins identifies five major stages in the process of decline. Stage 1: Hubris born of success. Firms take on a sense of superiority and fail to question their relevance when conditions change. Stage 2: Undisciplined Read more […]
The Great Commission requires that we enter into the lives of people. Quality leadership means that you are among those who follow you. Pastors are shepherds that lead by example. These elements of church leadership involve approachability, transparency, and trust. No pastor begins a ministry with several chips in the pockets. Pastors must earn the respect of the congregation. A healthy relationship between pastor and congregation forms over time and in many different ways. For instance, a string Read more […]
While researching for an article I am writing for Church Executive, I came across an interesting piece of data: In part reflecting continued and diversifying immigration, America’s racial and ethnic minority populations continue to expand. Moreover, the younger age of immigrants and higher birth rates among racial and ethnic minorities contribute to a “bubbling up” of diversity from children to seniors. While the U.S. population is projected to turn “minority white” in 2042, its preschool Read more […]
The latest issue of Outreach has hit the stands. It features some good articles on small churches and bi-vocational pastors. You can subscribe to the print edition here. I write the Surprising Insights column in each issue. Here’s an excerpt from my article on the signs of a struggling local church. Over 90% of churches are declining or growing less than the community around them. The national trends are not good. Before church leaders surrender to frustration and church members yield to apathy, Read more […]
Yesterday the Pew Research Center released data from a recent study on aging in America. They compared their findings with results from a 1969 Gallup poll of similar questions. You can read the full report here. After interviewing over 2,900 people they found several differences in the younger and older generation. That’s not a surprise, but their focus on the downside, upside, and perception about growing old was fascinating. On the downside of growing older: When it comes to potential problems Read more […]
The Barna Group recently interviewed over 8,500 heterosexual adults and 280 homosexual adults. The point of the research was to compare the spirituality of both groups. Barna’s findings included some results that would be expected, but also some surprising insights. You can read the full report here. I’ve listed below some highlights. In any given week the research discovered that heterosexuals are the more likely of the two groups to attend a church service, attend a Sunday school class, pray Read more […]
Tomorrow I will fly to Louisville to attend the Southern Baptist Convention. It’s the annual meeting of the denomination to which I belong. This year’s theme is “love loud: actions speak louder than words.” I’ve been a Southern Baptist my entire life. Growing up a PK, the annual meeting also doubled for family vacation. Thanks Dad 🙂 I don’t go after the freebies at the booths as much anymore, but I still enjoy the convention. I don’t hang my hat on any denomination. God can use any Read more […]
Warren Bird and Scott Thumma have released new research on the mega church. The report comes out of the Hartford Institute of Religious Research and involved 25,000 people from 12 U.S. congregations. USA Today also reported on the research and noted a few key findings: The average age of megachurch attenders is 40, compared to nearly 53 at a typical Protestant church. Nearly two-thirds of megachurch attenders are under 45, double the numbers in Protestant congregations of all sizes. The vast majority Read more […]
CNN.com recently posted on 10 of the worst work habits. After reading the article, I could not help but to view these bad habits through the lens of church life. So I’ve reworked the top ten list as it pertains to the daily tasks of ministry. You can read the original article here. 1. Procrastination. It’s harmful at any level, but the effects of this bad habit are compounded at higher leadership levels. If a ministry leader or senior pastor consistently procrastinates, then everyone is forced Read more […]
It’s clear that many churches have experienced or will experience large changes in their communities and contexts in the near future. Studying these changes helps churches develop intentional outward strategies to reach people. The Brookings Institution recently uncovered shifts in American demographics and reveals future changes in metro areas. They pulled data from a variety of U.S. Census Bureau sources and examined several population trends currently reshaping Metropolitan America. Here’s Read more […]
My father, Thom S. Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, wrote the following post after doing an unscientific Twitter survey. Feel free to chime in with your comments and some of your favorite books of the last two years. I returned to the Twitterverse to listen to what people are reading these days. Since I have 13,000 “followers,” it seemed likely that we could at least get an idea of the books that are really capturing the attention of folks. Once again, I must remind Read more […]
After digging into Census data, the Pew Research Center has uncovered trends about each state and uniquely packaged them in a memorable format. They have created a typology that groups states as “sticky,” “magnetic,” both, or neither. They define each term: “Magnet” states are those in which a high share of the adults who live there now moved there from some other state. “Sticky” states are those in which a high share of the adults who were born there live there now. It’s a great way Read more […]
One of the most dramatic demographic shifts in the past 15 years has occurred in our suburban public schools. The Pew Hispanic Center recently released a study from data collected by the National Center for Education Statistics. Here’s what they found: When it comes to increases in public school student enrollment, the suburbs are where most of the action has been over the past decade and a half. Since 1993-94, two-thirds of the 5.1 million increase in public school enrollment nationwide has Read more […]
Below is my column from the most recent issue of Outreach Magazine. With the newest issue, they’ve updated the format, and it looks great. If you’re not currently subscribing, the bi-monthly magazine is a great resource for reaching your community. I once thought my father had incredible power. My brothers and I savored the days when he would pick us up from school and take us back to his office at the church. On the way he would demonstrate his authority over stoplights. At each one, he would Read more […]
My father has a new website. Check out ThomRainer.com for his insights about church health and other topics. Today’s post is about prayer – an appropriate and relevant first topic: I miss Frances Mason. Frances was a member of a church where I served as pastor. She died three years ago. I still miss her. She came by my office the first week I was on the field in the church. “Pastor,” she told me, “I want you to know that I will pray for you every day. As spiritual leader of this church, Read more […]
The Pew Forum recently released a follow-up survey to their 2008 US Religious Landscape study. Entitled “Faith in Flux,” this new survey reveals that 28% of American adults have switched from one major religion to another at some point in their lives. The number rises to a 44% switch rate if changes within religious traditions are included, such as from one Protestant denomination to another. They go further in their report: The results of the new survey offer a fuller picture of the churn Read more […]
I had the privilege of going to Haiti last week to serve many of the missionaries there. I also had the incredible honor of preaching in Haitian churches. Our group partnered with Agape Flights, an organization that delivers mail and supplies to the missionaries. We stayed with the good folks at International Missions Outreach. I’ve listed some of my more memorable lessons from the trip. The Degaje attitude. The language barrier is huge – it doesn’t take long to figure that out. Haitians Read more […]
The National Outreach Convention will be making a stop at this blog on Wednesday. They’ll post a couple of questions in the comments, and I’ll reply to get the conversation going. Feel free to chime in with your thoughts. I’ll be leading a workshop at the convention in November, so I hope to see some of you there! Read more […]
My father, Thom S. Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, wrote the following post after doing an unscientific Twitter survey. I was fascinated by the results from the Twittersphere concerning my denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention. The results are posted below. Feel free to add your own comments. My son, Sam, introduced me to Twitter about eight months ago. Twitter is one of the hottest entries into the world of social media in the past couple of years. The simple concept Read more […]
It is no accident that Newsweek will publish this cover story the day after Easter. It’s available here online. The article uses as support a recent survey from researchers at the Trinity College in Hartford, CT. These researchers surveyed more than 54,461 people between February and November 2008. They found that the percentage of Americans identifying themselves as Christians has dropped from 86 percent in 1990 to 76 percent today. Written by Newsweek’s editor, Jon Meacham, it’s a fair-minded Read more […]
A recent story from Great Britain broke my heart. While the movement is not widespread, more than 100,000 British people have downloaded certificates of de-baptism. Another 1,500 British have paid for the parchment version of the certificate. The National Secular Society started the movement. This news snippet comes from the report: The initiative launched by a group called the National Secular Society (NSS) follows atheist campaigns here and elsewhere, including a London bus poster which triggered Read more […]
Ed Stetzer and team recently released one of the largest surveys on Americans’ receptivity to different methods of church invitations. Conducted last December, the study included a survey of over 15,000 adults. It should not come as a surprise, but the best way to reach people is through friends, family, and neighbors: Personal invitations are generally well received. It is yet another example of statistics screaming for us to be bold in sharing our faith and inviting others to church. This Read more […]
Scott McConnell from the LifeWay Research team co-authored the recently published book, The Parent Adventure. It reveals how the church can help moms and dads break the cycle of destructive parenting practices by focusing on the authority of God’s Word. The book includes a national survey of 1,200 adults with children under 18 living at home. This data blurb from the research caught my attention: The most common definitions of successful parenting include children having good values (25 percent), Read more […]
The latest update from LifeWay Research contains one of the more encouraging stats I’ve seen this year. The heading of the release reads “Nearly all Americans would attend a friend’s baptism…if invited.” The report included this statistic: 87 percent of Americans agree with the statement, “If invited, I would attend the baptism of a friend or a friend’s child (even if I didn’t attend that particular church).” The key words in this phrase are “if invited.” One of the great tragedies in Read more […]
The release of the American Religious Identification Survey has caused a flood of media and blog activity. Researchers at the Trinity College in Hartford, CT surveyed more than 54,461 people between February and November 2008. They found that the percentage of Americans identifying themselves as Christians has dropped from 86 percent in 1990 to 76 percent today. The report expounded upon this sharp decline: Ninety percent of the decline comes from the non-Catholic segment of the Christian population, Read more […]
As many of you may know, Pastor Fred Winters of First Baptist Church Maryville, IL, was shot to death during the 8:15AM service while he was preaching. My father, Thom S. Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay, has asked to utilize my blog to release a statement he wrote earlier today about his friend and former student. Our prayers are with the family and church during this tragic time. A few moments ago I received the tragic news that Fred Winters, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Maryville, Read more […]
My good friend and partner in ministry, Chad Keck, has put together a video of our campus that demonstrates how one small group within a church can create a culture multiplication. As you will see, I’m blessed to serve at the Ranch (what we call our campus). Small groups go by many different names (Sunday School, community group, etc), but it’s important that they are more than the teaching arm of your church – they are one of the best ways to multiply. Check out Chad’s video and then stop Read more […]
Tony Morgan (NewSpring Church Chief Strategic Officer) has given us a great new collection of leadership insights in his new book Killing Cockroaches. It took me forever to read it – not because of his writing style, but rather because of the page flip animation of scurrying cockroaches in the bottom corner of the book. It’s spellbinding. Once the mesmerizing effects wore off, I found myself underlining and circling several portions of the book. The book is a collection of short insights on Read more […]
New data from the Barna Group reveals the breakdown of technology use between different generations. You can read all of the conclusions here. David Kinnaman comments about some the results: Even though young people are sometimes called the “Net Generation,” every age segment is becoming dependent on the Internet. In fact, because Boomers and Busters represent about two-thirds of the adult population, they are far more numerous users of technology than are adults under the age of 25. For instance, Read more […]
Gallup recently asked a straightforward question of 355,334 adults in the United States: “Is religion an important part of your daily life?” The top ten most religious states by percentage: The top ten least religious states by percentage: Generally, the United States is still a religious nation. About two-thirds (65%) of all Americans claim that religion is important to them. And, as seen above, all but four states have a majority that claim religion is important. Graphically, the Bible Belt Read more […]
There’s a new resource available to help church leaders in creating space, engaging people, and transforming lives. The Cornerstone Knowledge Network and Christianity Today International have partnered to form BuildingforMinistry.com. This from their new website: BuildingForMinistry.com draws upon the ministry expertise and passion of both organizations to help churches utilize, design and build ministry space based on an understanding of cultural trends, church identity, and ministry vision. On Read more […]
People are buying refrigerators and television sets on credit in the slums of Sao Paulo. Three million Chinese now ski in a country that didn’t offer the sport fifteen years ago. Evidence is building for a rise in the middle-class. The Economist recently introduced a special report on the worldwide population of the middle-class. According to the report, more than half the world’s population is middle-class for the first time in history. It’s a bold claim. And the expectations of this emerging Read more […]
According to a recent US Religious Landscape Survey, a significant amount of people enter into religiously mixed relationships. You can read the entire findings from the Pew Research Center here. As an aside, Pew reports the findings with the following catchline: “Cupid’s Arrow Often Hits People of Different Faiths.” Intentional or not, using a Roman mythological god to introduce the subject of mixed religious relationships in America is somewhat humorous, especially around Valentine’s Day, Read more […]
Check out the quick video promo I did for the National Outreach Convention. It’s in San Diego on November 4th-6th. You can register online here. I’ll be there giving a workshop on why young adults leave the church and how to reclaim this generation for Christ. I hope you’ll join me and many other church leaders at NOC09! Read more […]
A recent LifeWay Research newsletter published some encouraging excerpts from the new book, Lost and Found (by Ed Stetzer, Richie Stanley, and Jason Hayes). The research in this book reveals exciting news for the church. Your impact in the community not only reaches people, it has a quality that attracts other people who want to make a difference. This snippet from their research stood out: 66 percent of churched young adults rated the opportunity to meet the needs of others (locally and globally) Read more […]
The above video should only heighten our sense of urgency in sharing the gospel message. We’ve got to stay up to speed in order to reach a rapidly changing world. “The way we’ve always done it” attitude now applies to last year, not just the last couple of decades. HT: Swerve
Dave Gibbons at the Out of Ur blog raises the topic of “third culture” in a fascinating post. You can read the complete post here. Third culture is a sociological term used to describe a person who has spent significant time in another culture, thus incorporating their birth culture with a second culture and creating a third culture. The term is typically attached to children who spend large portions of their developmental years outside of their parents’ home culture. Historically, third culture Read more […]
According to a new Ellison Research study, Protestant churchgoers are no more loyal to their denomination than they are to bathroom tissue. Just for clarification, people are not that loyal to bathroom tissue. This statistical snippet comes from the study: Just 16% of Protestant churchgoers will only consider attending their current denomination. Fifty-one percent do express preference for one denomination, but would also consider others. Thirty-three percent do not have any preference for one Read more […]
Helping people grow more spiritually mature is not a new concern for churches. It has been the goal all along. Developing a process of discipleship within your church structure, however, is a strategic issue that has been terribly neglected. Rather than developing a clear path of discipleship for all believers, church for many has become a series of disconnected and incongruent programs and activities. In order for churches to best communicate high expectations and biblical depth, a simple structure Read more […]
A new Barna Group research project reveals that Christianity is no longer the default spiritual setting for Americans. The fading of the Christian faith in America has been widely discussed. For most, this conclusion is not surprising: Half of Americans believe the Christian faith no longer has a lock on people’s hearts. Overall, 50% of the adults interviewed agreed that Christianity is no longer the faith that Americans automatically accept as their personal faith, while just 44% disagreed and Read more […]
In my previous post I briefly discussed a study that revealed five trends in the church from the previous ten years. This post is dedicated to five trends that will affect the church during the next ten years. But I’ll lean upon the greater wisdom of my prognosticating father, Thom Rainer. He gives his thoughts on the more notable trends surfacing today that will help shape the church during the next decade. Accelerated growth of multi-site churches. In 2000, 5% of all megachurches had multiple Read more […]
Ed Stetzer highlights on his blog a ten-year study that reveals changes in American congregations since 1998. This study, the National Congregation Study Wave II, directed by Mark Chaves, a professor at Duke University, compared over 1,505 congregations in 2006-2007 with 1,234 congregations in 1998. What are the notable changes in American congregations since 1998? Click here for Ed’s commentary or here for a link to the study. I’ve briefly summarized some of the findings below. What are your Read more […]
What is the American preference for Christmas greetings? Pew Research recently posted data from a survey: When given the option of hearing “Merry Christmas” or a less religious greeting — like “Happy Holidays” — in stores and businesses, Americans choose Merry Christmas by a 60%-to-23% margin. When specifically given “doesn’t matter” as an option, however, a 45%-plurality have no preference for how they are greeted during the holiday season — 42% want Merry Christmas and 12% prefer the less religious Read more […]
Great leaders are typically great organizers and communicators of vision. They inspire with their plans for the future. Just as important as a grand vision, however, is a grand appreciation for the moment at hand. While it is not as widely discussed as other leadership traits, embracing the power of spontaneity has several benefits for leadership in general, but specifically for church leaders as well. I’ll share with you a few I’ve noticed anecdotally. Creative fuel is pumped. The creative Read more […]
LifeWay Research has data from a new survey that answers the question: Despite several high-profile court cases over the past few years that tried to limit religious speech and the display of religious items in the workplace, most Americans have no problem with either. According to a recent survey by LifeWay Research, less than a third of Americans have issues with those who display religious items at work. Also, less than 4 out of 10 mind religious talk in the workplace. The survey asked respondents Read more […]
Christianity Today just posted their top 10 religion stories of 2008. Click on the links below for the individual articles. 1. Election 2008: Democrats woo evangelical vote, making only slight gains from Bush era. 2. Voters turn back California Supreme Court’s same-sex marriage decision. 3. Christians in Orissa, India, again become scapegoats for Hindu extremists. 4. Anglican Communion continues to implode in slow motion. 5. Christians flee Iraq and Gaza. 6. Candidates’ religious associations come Read more […]
The Apostle Paul was an unlikely messenger. The Philippian church had little to give. Yet the inadequate messenger was supported by the church for the advancement of the gospel. It was a partnership of true joy. This partnership represented God’s people with differing gifts joining together for a common mission. They were unified because they knew what really mattered. As a pastor, it excites me to see people pumped about what really matters. One of the great joys of ministry is shepherding a Read more […]
The Barna Group recently released research that reveals potential billion-dollar losses in donations for churches driven by the slow economy: Americans are now passing on their financial pain to churches and other non-profit organizations by cutting back substantially on their giving during the fourth quarter of 2008. Those reductions – occurring during the most important quarter of the year for donor-driven organizations – will cripple thousands of smaller and less stable donor-supported organizations. Two Read more […]
USA Today recently reported on research that correlates a thankful spirit with happiness. It states that people who practice outward gratitude on a regular basis tend to be healthier people: Practicing gratitude in systematic ways changes people by changing brains that are wired for negativity, for noticing gaps and omissions…When you express a feeling, you amplify it. When you express anger, you get angrier; when you express gratitude, you become more grateful. Makes sense. The problem is that Read more […]
One thing that does not come naturally to me is spontaneity. I am a planner, scheduler, and organizer. I do very little on a whim. If the calendar on my computer were to crash, my world would crumble. My wife, on the other hand, is the queen of spontaneity. I know God has a sense of humor because He created the “opposites attract” thing. Erin likes to do things on the spur of the moment. I do not. [Interruption! As soon as I typed the last sentence above, my assistant told me that a man was Read more […]
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 of visibility during these times of transition. The people are learning the new leader’s verbiage, mannerisms, vision, and leadership style. The leader, in turn, is assessing organizational structure, relationship dynamics, and culture. Read more […]
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 overwhelming numbers that anger at the church was not a factor in their departures. Apathy tended to be the trump card over anger. Surprisingly, the dechurched often just needed a gentle nod to become the rechurched. And that gentle Read more […]
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 over-estimate what most other families have; for example, more than six-in-ten (62%) believe that most families have a high definition television, whereas just 42% of all adults say that their family has one. Similarly, about a quarter (24%) of Read more […]
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 people for Jesus. And a few are just plain mean. LifeWay Research recently surveyed 350 pastors of congregations that average fewer than 100 in primary worship attendance. In this study they found that 67 percent of pastors of small congregations Read more […]
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 more about Christianity. My real estate agent has a desire to visit my church simply because I invited her. Receptive people are everywhere. They are searching, and they want to know more about what a real faith looks like. As I congenially Read more […]
Tony Morgan and Outreach Magazine are partnering to search for innovations in the church. I’m sure that some great stories are out there about churches using innovation to reach more people for Christ. Here’s your chance to have these stories told. You can help this search for innovation by going to his site and completing this brief survey. And if you want to share some thoughts about innovation in the church here, please feel free to comment. Read more […]
I do not know of a formal study supporting the claim, but it’s no secret that Twitter and Facebook are addictive. I utilize both. And why most people care to hear about my random, 140-character-life-snippets is baffling to me. When I started Twittering, however, I had no idea how much fun I would have tracking my family and close friends. What began as an attempt at networking morphed into an unexpected daily connection to my mom, dad, brother, cousin, and uncle. It’s a new kind of family time. A Read more […]
The Wall Street Journal published this article on Friday about the rise of professional mystery workers. Since the secret-shopper technique used by marketing firms has become popular, churches are now evaluating themselves based upon these professional mystery worshippers. The WSJ article expounds upon this practice: The rise of these services has been buoyed by the growth of the secret-shopper industry. There are roughly one million secret shoppers in the U.S., according to the Mystery Shopping Read more […]
Ed Stetzer was recently interviewed by Joe Thorn over at the sub-text. His comments and insight will resonate with many church leaders. You can read the full interview here. I particularly appreciate Stetzer’s comments on some common mistakes churches make in the suburbs: What are some common mistakes churches in the suburbs make? I think there are probably several. First, they assume that nice shiny clean people have nice shiny clean lives. When you work in an urban context, you can sometimes Read more […]
With the current financial chaos distressing our markets, I was surprised when the Leadership Network released this survey on financial perspectives in the church. The survey of large churches took place this summer, before the most recent madness surrounding a $700 billion government bailout of the financial services sector. Regardless, I’m pleasantly surprised with the optimism. This snippet from the report: The 105 large churches surveyed by Leadership Network this summer said they were “minimally” Read more […]
For a limited time, you can download my book, Essential Church?, for free. Click here for more information. Since you can read it for free, let me know your thoughts about the dropout issue. Read more […]
The latest statistical blurb from Pew Research is not surprising: men are less likely to have a religious affiliation than women. Much has been written on the lack of male representation in the congregation, but Pew gives us the exact percentage. Approximately one in five men (19.6%) is totally unaffiliated with a religion. What seems to be an anomaly, however, is that men are more likely than women to be attached to a religion other than Christianity. You can read the full article here; below is Read more […]
LifeWay Research recently unveiled statistics on hot topics in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and where SBC pastors stand on these issues. Since I pastor an SBC church, the results interested me. One piece of the study I found fascinating involved a name change: Among Southern Baptist pastors, 7 percent strongly agreed – and another 20 percent somewhat agreed – with the statement, “Having the name ‘Southern’ in the ‘Southern Baptist Convention’ is a hindrance to the work of SBC Read more […]
Dan Garland over at LifeWay recently compiled some material in an article on the importance of preaching. You can read the full article here. He included an excerpt from my book, Essential Church, which I’ve posted below. Is preaching still important? Yes! Even in today’s hyper-techno-driven conversational-wiki-culture, preaching is of the utmost importance. Of the several church-related or pastor-related issues noted by dropouts, preaching came up several times as a critical issue in retaining Read more […]
An article in USA Today suggests that megachurches may be taking micro dips in attendance. While the number of megachurches has grown (from 600 in 2000 to more than 1,250 in 2005), recent data indicate attendance growth rates are slowing or have stalled. You can read the full article here. Ed Stetzer, head of LifeWay Research, points to the lack of transformation as one of the possible catalysts for the decline: You can create a church that’s big, but is still not transforming people. Without transformation, Read more […]
The Wall Street Journal reported on some unique research by Julia Duin, compiled in her book Quitting Church. One excerpt from the article caught my attention: Women in particular leave evangelical churches, Ms. Duin says, because they are asked to do too little by their churches. Ms. Duin, who has a seminary degree, writes: “I have been one of those unwanted women for years.” In fact, Ms. Duin’s interest in her subject is partly autobiographical: She left a church in 2001 and didn’t find a new one Read more […]
The Sociological Quarterly published a notable research report on student achievement and church attendance.The bottom line of the report: students who attend church weekly have higher GPAs. Additionally, they are less likely to drop out of school and connect better with other students in school. The entire journal article can be read here. LiveScience.com also reported on the research: Students who attend religious services weekly average a GPA .144 higher than those who never attend services…The Read more […]
Much debate exists in the academic world on the difference between managers and leaders. Some say the leader position and the manager position are mutually exclusive – managers are concerned with how things are accomplished; leaders are concerned with what is accomplished. Others see overlap between the two roles. Regardless of the technicalities of the debate, much church work must be managed. And this work can become a hurdle for the church leader without proper management. In doing some reading Read more […]
Erin and I leave for Sarasota, Florida early tomorrow morning. We have enjoyed our ministry in Southern Indiana. Though we are excited about our new season of ministry, we will greatly miss many people. And we will continue to pray that God works here in incredible ways. The view of the landscape from our front porch will change – from corn to palm trees – but the mission to reach the people of the community remains the same. Read more […]
As some of you may know, my wife and I are moving to Sarasota, FL to begin a new phase of ministry at Sarasota Baptist Church. We’re incredibly excited. Ironically, this new season of ministry begins at the height of hurricane season. We arrive on Wednesday at about the same time as Fay. HT: Tim Brister Read more […]
In 1978 James MacGregor Burns published his seminal work, Leadership. This book shifted and shaped the paradigm on leadership studies. As a result of his work, researchers and biographers discussed less the character traits of leaders and focused more on the engagement of leaders with their followers for a common goal. Burns’ book focused primarily on the political sphere, but his leadership theories struck a chord with many. Other experts in the field quickly picked up Burns’ mantle, empirically Read more […]
The New Republic has an excellent piece on the future gentrification of U.S. cities. Gentrification is a socioeconomic phenomenon in which people of more affluence move into an area that is typified as less affluent. This movement is usually associated with people who move from the suburbs into inner-city areas. Alan Ehrenhalt, the author of the article, dubs this shift “demographic inversion.” A snippet from his article sums up the point: …the current inversion is less the result of middle-aged Read more […]
You’ve got to check out Alltop.com. Church Forward made the cut, and it’s an honor to be listed among the great bloggers there. In case you don’t know about Alltop.com, it’s a site that aggregates content from the web and categorizes it all in one spot. One of the founders is Guy Kawasaki. It’s a great site to find your information nuggets – check it out! The “modern church” category is new. And I’m pretty stoked to be “one of the cool kids” (notice their link to the right). Read more […]
So I’ll be the first to admit that I’m addicted to checking email. But this latest survey got my attention. People today check their email from the strangest of places. Where you ask? • In bed in their pajamas: 67% • From the bathroom: 59% (up from 53% last year) • While driving: 50% (up from 37% last year) • In a bar or club: 39% • In a business meeting: 38% • During happy hour: 34% • While on a date: 25% • From church: 15% (up from 12% last year) 15% from church?! Read more […]
Over half of Americans identify themselves as “middle-class.” But according to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, this self-ascribed distinction has varying degrees of meaning. In fact, this latest study breaks down the middle-class into four categories. And these four slices of America put a twist on the traditional socioeconomic label. The following categories demonstrate the different attitudes and outlook of the middle-class. The Top of the Middle: This group is the largest segment Read more […]
Our church staff has a running joke. Whenever we hold Bible studies, we typically ask someone to read the Scripture that pertains to the subject at hand. Inevitably, the awkward pause follows our request for someone to read. Everyone looks down; some take deep breaths as if they are about to start reading. The spiritual tension builds. Then, like always, one of the women in the group takes the plunge and reads. It’s a silly dynamic, and I don’t think too much of it. But one of our pastors likes Read more […]
What does it mean to be churched? What does it mean to be unchurched? Ellison Research released a study that attempts to shore up the semantic confusion. They report that those who are churched may not attend as regularly as assumed. And those who are unchurched may not be as far from the church as perceived. This blurb from the study: Rather than defining “churched” and “unchurched” as a yes/no equation, if American adults are placed on a more realistic continuum based on their normal Read more […]
A reader of this blog asked in the thread of my previous post why I chose Dallas Baptist University for my PhD in Leadership Studies. I thought it was a good question. And given that I’ll be studying from a Hampton Inn all week, I figured I’d take a quick break from my lonely hotel academia and answer his question. So why DBU? The cohort nature of the program. I wanted to pursue my PhD, but I did not want to be away from my church for 3 days a week. DBU’s cohort program is flexible enough Read more […]
I fly out late tomorrow morning to begin my Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at Dallas Baptist University. I’m excited about the cohort nature of the program, but I’ll also admit to being a bit nervous and overwhelmed. I’ll be in Dallas all next week for day long classes. So by the time I return I should be good and fried.
The Barna Group just released some fascinating survey results on what our pluralistic culture considers a holy book. Surprisingly, while 84% of the public named the Bible as a holy book, no other religious text garnered more than 4% support for being a “holy book” or “sacred literature.” Click here for the full report. Clearly, these results are encouraging. But do you have any thoughts on why so many would support the Bible as a holy book but not other texts such as the Koran, Torah, or Read more […]
Happy 4th of July everyone! I’m taking a break from the Florida sunshine, so I figured I would update you on some reports about the latest research news. Last week the Pew Forum’s “U.S. Religious Landscape Survey” study alarmed many of us who track the health of the church. While it is certainly no secret that the church is in a state of decline, Pew’s survey found that 57% of evangelicals agreed with the idea that other religions can lead to eternal life. The news that almost 6 out of Read more […]
One of my favorite places in the world is Cape San Blas on the forgotten coast of Florida. This area of the Gulf is an uncrowded paradise of pristine beaches. A massive restoration project is underway, making the beaches that much better. The Cape is my destination for vacation, which starts tonight. Needless to say, I’ll be excited to head down to Florida tonight after our business meeting following the worship service. I’m sure the sermon will be shorter than usual… Read more […]
New research from the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life was released two days ago. They surveyed approximately 35,000 Americans for a comprehensive look at our country’s religious landscape. The report is a lot to digest, but you can access it here. Their findings are disappointing but not surprising: Most Americans agree with the statement that many religions – not just their own – can lead to eternal life. Among those who are affiliated with a religious tradition, seven-in-ten say many religions Read more […]
The Wall Street Journal reported today that charitable giving hit a record in 2007, breaking through $300 billion for the first time. The story pulled from an annual study by the Giving USA Foundation, which scours census data to derive their conclusions. Despite the record in giving on an absolute basis, however, the growth in giving has slowed recently. This excerpt from the report: The relative slowdown in giving is attributable to increasing economic uncertainty that pervaded much of the back-end Read more […]
The Christian Post recently reported on a study from the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion that revealed the “mortality rate” of religious congregations in the U.S. According to the study, religious congregations (various churches, synagogues, and mosques from a range denominations) have a mortality rate of 1 percent. This rate means that for every 1,000 congregations, about 10 die each year. When compared to the 5 percent average mortality rate of other volunteer-based organizations, Read more […]
I returned yesterday from my denomination’s annual convention. More than anything, it was good to spend time with my father and to catch up with old friends. After reflecting upon the 2008 Southern Baptist Convention, I am pleased with the overall tone of the meeting. Granted, we Southern Baptists still have much work to do – baptisms have flatlined since 1950, and year-over-year growth has slowed to the point of decline. But my personal perspective of this year’s convention was one of unity. Read more […]
My denomination is holding their annual convention this week, so I will be making my way up to Indianapolis this evening. For those who have loads of time to be overly curious, click here for information on the annual meeting of Southern Baptists. By the way, if you are planning on traveling north on I-65 to Indianapolis (like me), the interstate is now open. Say a quick prayer for those affected by the flooding. Read more […]
Without much regret I gave up wearing a tie while I preach several months ago. Hardly anyone in my church cared or noticed (with the exception of one anonymous hate letter in the offering plate). After reading this article on the front page of the Wall Street Journal I now feel justified in my decision. Apparently after 60 years, the Men’s Dress Furnishings Association, the trade group that represents American tie makers, plans on shutting down operations on Thursday. The article reports that a Read more […]
Todd Rhoades over at Monday Morning Insight has a great list of considerations when hiring church staff. They are all sound pieces of advice, but my favorite is the second on the list: Get as much input on your new job description as possible from as many people as possible. If you’re hiring a youth pastor, for example, talk to teens and parents of teens. The more input, the better. It’s important that you hire according to your church’s needs, and the best way to find the church’s needs Read more […]
The Barna Group recently published some research on technology and the church. Links to the studies can be found here and here. To engage in two good conversations on the subject click here and here. What I found intriguing were the stats on podcasts. I listen to three or four sermons a week via podcast. And I was surprised at the prevalence of Christians who listen to electronic sermons, as well as the lack of a generational divide: The study found that 38% of evangelicals and 31% of other born Read more […]
One of the first phone calls I received when I was called as pastor at First Southern was from another local pastor in the area. He wanted to know if I was open to meeting with him and other pastors from around the community. He was the “veteran” pastor among us – he had been in our community for two years. Most of the other like-minded churches had experienced high turnover with their lead pastor positions. This pastor was calling all the new pastors in the area to begin a time of prayer Read more […]
People who change churches don’t necessarily switch to larger, more contemporary churches according to Ellison Research as reported by the Christian Post. The research reveals some counter-intuitive findings on those who change churches: When choosing size, Americans are nearly evenly divided between a larger or smaller congregation. Forty-three percent of American Protestants have moved to a larger congregation and 45 percent switched to a smaller one. Just 11 percent switched to a place that Read more […]
Today I graduated from Southern Seminary. Dr. Al Mohler, the president, gave a wonderful address on staying mighty in the Scriptures like the eloquent Apollos of Acts 18. But it was a prayer during the ceremony that captured my heart. My father had the honor of offering a prayer for the nations to be reached for Christ. Though the words he prayed meant much, it was the sense of urgency behind them that touched me. I doubt anyone at the graduation would downplay a go-and-tell-life. But no one outside Read more […]
I’m in Nashvegas today working on materials for my book, Essential Church. It’s now available for pre-order – check it out!
A new study from the Pew Research Center uncovers some contrarian results regarding wealth desires in the United States. The study elucidates: Only 13% of adults say it’s “very important” for them to be wealthy, ranking this personal priority far behind six others measured in a new survey by the Pew Research Center Social & Demographic Trends project. These measures point to what Americans value most. The list shakes out in the following rankings: What We Value Most (% saying item is “very Read more […]
I returned home from my hiking trip at the Grand Canyon to a bundle of unread emails and Google Reader items. I tried in vain to get cell phone and Internet/email reception in the backcountry, but God has preserved the canyon from these mind-zapping communication trinkets. Perhaps like many of you, I was disheartened to find several commentaries on the declines in the SBC. For those of you who don’t know much about the Southern Baptist Convention, click here for some information. It is the denomination Read more […]
My wife and I head off to the Grand Canyon early tomorrow morning. I’ve hiked the backcountry out there twice before, but this will be the first time that Erin accompanies me. We’re both excited to get away and see one of the most majestic scenes in all of God’s creation – gazing at a sunset and sunrise from the bottom of the canyon up. The Grand Canyon is special to me beyond reasons of sheer beauty. It was at the canyon a few years back that God finalized his call on my heart to become Read more […]
From the Pew Forum on Religion: One-quarter of all adult Americans under age 30 (25%) are not affiliated with any particular religion, which is more than three times the number of unaffiliated adults who are age 70 and older (8%). Overall, younger Americans tend to be considerably less Protestant and far less religiously affiliated than older Americans. Taking into account current census data (as of today), the number of under-30 Americans unaffiliated with any particular religion is 31,375,207. Read more […]
When we walk with the Lord, the path that He leads us on is better than any path we would have found on our own. Our church is on a path – a path leading us forward in a great adventure with our God. And we have already seen God do many great things through us. While I could add more items to this list, let me share with you ten things that I have rejoiced over at my church this past year: Baptizing people of all ages (from children to senior adults) Seeing members weep over a need for even more Read more […]
The Wall Street Journal recently reported on a study of 4,000 Americans by academics Daniel Kahneman, Alan Krueger, David Schkade, Norbert Schwarz, and Arthur Stone. The survey focused on the reasons why the sharp rise in our standard of living in recent decades has not resulted in a corresponding rise in levels of happiness among people when compared to earlier generations. The article postulates why this stagnant state may exist among Americans: The standout cluster was what the authors label Read more […]
A brand new LifeWay Research report concludes, “By a nearly 2-to-1 ratio over any other option, unchurched Americans prefer churches that look more like a medieval cathedral than what most think of as a more contemporary church building.” Some highlights of their report: “Quite honestly, this research surprised us,” said Ed Stetzer, director of LifeWay Research and LifeWay Christian Resource’s missiologist in residence. “We expected they’d choose the more contemporary options, but they were Read more […]
The below statistics appeared in the March 2008 edition of Christianity Today and were compiled by Ted Olsen: $23 billion is projected to be given to global foreign missions in 2008…yet… $25 billion is projected to be embezzled from churches and Christian institutions in 2008. I am convinced that greed is one of the most powerful forces in all of humanity. But these figures shock even this humble researcher. How horrible is it to see people exchange the significance of the cross for the dollar Read more […]
When I arrived at my church, I had a few surprises early in my tenure. Unfortunately, one thing did not surprise me – the membership roll and the active body were imbalanced. Such is the trend in too many churches today. In my own denomination, 16 million people are claimed as members, yet only 7 million attend church on any given Sunday. Somewhere along the way, we forgot that membership matters. Our church is no different. In fact, we are one of the worst offenders. Our membership was inflated Read more […]
It’s 65° and the sun is shining! Spring break has come to Southern Indiana. My wife, who is a teacher, decided to use her break to go with one of our mission teams down to New Orleans to continue with the rebuilding effort. In fact, our entire staff is down there, with the exception of me. So I’m all by myself [insert corny, sappy song here] this week at the church and at home. Needless to say, it’s been a slow, weird week at the office. And I’ve avoided going home to an empty house. Eight Read more […]
Ellison Research recently released a study on how Americans view sin. Lynn Grossman of USA Today writes an excellent report utilizing the research on the notion of sin. Below is one quote from her piece: Topping the list are adultery (81%) and racism (74%). But other sins no longer draw majority condemnation. Premarital sex? Only 45% call it sin. Gambling? Just 30% say it’s sinful. “A lot of this is relative. We tend to view sin not as God views it, but how we view it,” says Ellison president Ron Read more […]
Another snippet from my book, Essential Church?, and a conference I spoke at yesterday in Orlando: If we create fun activities for students they will stay…right? Wrong! Many churches fall into the trap of thinking games and other activities will keep youth in the church. Indeed, these types of events may help attract students from the community who do not know Christ, but they do not help to assimilate the students who have been in the church for a period of time. Our research has revealed that Read more […]
Although today was beautiful, the past few weeks have brought some brutal winter weather to Southern Indiana, including a 15-inch snowstorm. And yes, I just happened to be scheduled to fly the day of the storm, but I eventually got to where I needed to go. Needless to say, my truck is desperate for a wash. It’s black, but right now it looks like a two-tone gray from all the salt leftovers. Today, a church member thought they’d take advantage of my filthy truck for a practical joke. On the driver’s Read more […]
It amazes me how God continues to humble me as a pastor through the people of my church. I am supposed to be the spiritual leader, but many times the laity in my church blazes the path forward. For example, at our prayer meeting last night, a meek and humble woman made a passing comment that she did not intend for anyone to hear. “This prayer list is getting long. I guess I’ll have to get up 20 minutes earlier to pray for all of them,” she whispered in a hushed tone. I heard her. Then I thought: Read more […]
How do you eat an elephant (or a gator for that matter)? One bite at a time. With that being said, I simply cannot resist sharing this story from Miami with you. By Times Staff Writer Published October 6, 2005 MIAMI – Talk about biting off more than you can chew. A 13-foot Burmese python tried to swallow a 6-foot alligator in Everglades National Park – and exploded. Scientists stumbled on the gory remains last week after a helicopter pilot spotted the carcasses. The gator’s tail and hind legs were Read more […]
The Pew Research Center recently released a massive (35,000 people) study on the religious landscape in the United States. Below are two data blurbs I find sobering: More than one-quarter of American adults (28%) have left the faith in which they were raised in favor of another religion — or no religion at all. If change in affiliation from one type of Protestantism to another is included, roughly 44% of adults have either switched religious affiliation, moved from being unaffiliated with any religion Read more […]
I’m honored that my father, Thom Rainer, has allowed me to post the following article. It will soon be released by LifeWay, but you get to read it here first. In this new phase of my ministry and life, I am able to spend a bit more time listening to someone else preach sermons on Sunday. On those special occasions when I am in town, my wife and I sit in the pew and listen to the message of our pastor, Mike Glenn, at Brentwood Baptist Church. When Mike began to read the biblical text for his sermon Read more […]
My brother, Art, has created a great new website. Click here to check it out and see how to live big.
There’s an epidemic in the United States. People everywhere seem to be infected with germaphobia. I say this lightly because I married a germaphobe. If you have one in your household, then you understand what I mean when I say that a pump bottle of hand wash is always in sight in every room. You can’t just buy regular tissues, either. They’ve got to be special cold-fighting-germ-killing tissues. And according to an article in the Wall Street Journal, there’s a whole industry springing up Read more […]
Stephen Prothero has some intriguing statements about religious literacy in the United States. The United States is one of the most religious countries on earth, but Americans know nothing about religion — their own or the religions of others. How can we engage a politician who is rightly or wrongly invoking the Bible or using religion for political purposes without knowing something about religion ourselves, as citizens, journalists and academics? I encourage you to read this article. It’s a Read more […]
Perhaps like several of you, I spent part of my night hunkered down in the bathtub with my wife and cat. I praise God our home and church were spared any major damage. Union University, however, took a direct hit. My family is close to many of those affected by the storm in Jackson, TN. We praise God that thus far no deaths have been reported at Union, but they will be digging out for quite some time. Please keep them in your prayers today and in the future. Pray for strength for President David Read more […]
The Pew Research Center reports: Fully a third of Americans (34%), in a January 2008 Pew survey, agree with the statement that “poor people have it easy because they can get government benefits without doing anything in return,” a number that has remained relatively constant in recent years… Overall, however, the number in the public taking this view has declined since the last decade; in 1995, a majority (54%) agreed with the statement. Today, however, a majority (52%) agree instead that “poor Read more […]
Every position of leadership has its nuances. We pastors are no different. Those of us who shepherd God’s people have unique demands and quirks that come with our leadership roles in ministry. And in my three years as a pastor, I’ve learned the hard way that some secular leadership models simply do not work in the church. A seasoned pastor bristling with sagacity recently reminded me of several characteristics of sound pastoral leadership, specifically relating to potential conflict within the Read more […]
This video is an excellent conglomeration of stats concerning the state of the church in America today. Thanks go to my cousin David for the link.
I like to stay busy. If I have down time, I fill it with something. It’s my greatest strength and weakness. I’m goal oriented, but I have a tendency to let relationships in my life slip in order to achieve goals. This past week I had a wake-up call, one that made me realize how important people are, and how much less important it is to achieve personal goals. This week I also learned how sometimes we have to stop. I had surgery to remove a tumor on my thyroid, and it amazed me how my family Read more […]
This from the Christian Post: A cutting-edge church leader known for his innovative ideas on reaching a post-modern generation for Christ contends the reason why churches are declining in America is because they are self-centered. “My primary assessment would be because American Christians tend to be incredibly self-indulgent so they see the church as a place there for them to meet their needs and to express faith in a way that is meaningful for them,” said cultural architect Erwin McManus, Read more […]
New NAMB and LifeWay research adds statistical meat to the ongoing conversation: unchurched Americans are open to spiritual matters, but not the institutional church. Below are some data blurbs from the study: 79% of the unchurched agree that “Christianity is more about organized religion than about loving God and loving people.” 89% of the unchurched agree that “I have at least one close friend who considers himself or herself a Christian.” 78% of the unchurched agree that “if someone Read more […]
While on vacation I read Michael Lindsay’s book, Faith in the Halls of Power. In the book, he discusses how numerous evangelicals have reached high-profile leadership positions in some of the most powerful circles in the United States. Lindsay spent five years interviewing 360 of these influential Christians in America. His conclusion: evangelical influence is more prevalent than many tend to believe or report. He found four major arenas in which these Christian leaders maintain this power in secular Read more […]
I’m on vacation with my wife this week, skiing New Mexico in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The snow is great and the weather is perfect. Rainer Ski Report: Sam = 4 falls and 1 injury (bruised derriere) Erin = 2 falls and 0 injuries Erin and I have differing approaches to skiing. I push the boundaries of my abilities; she takes the runs slowly and methodically. But we both plan our runs down the slope. We both think ahead, checking the trail map and the conditions before heading down the mountain. Since Read more […]
One of today’s Christian Post headlines reads “American Christianity Remains Strong in 2007.” The tagline is derived from a recent Gallup Poll reporting that the vast majority of Americans identify with a Christian faith. The breakdown looks like this on a national scale: 82% of Americans identify with a Christian faith. Yet only 62% of Americans say they are members of a church. And only 44% of Americans can be described as frequent churchgoers. Applying these percentages to the current US Read more […]
The folks over at the Pew Research Center got my attention today. They reported that people who attend religious services weekly tend to be happier than those who do not attend or attend less often. This correlational pattern crosses denominational lines. The finding seems to make sense. I hope that what people discover in their churches would push them to the only true joy and contentment found this side of eternity – a relationship with Jesus Christ. The problem is that many spiritual teens Read more […]
I’m a city-boy. I grew up most of my life inside large urban areas. My wife is a country gal. Her family raises their own beef. So when we started looking for a home, I was thinking a downtown loft. She wanted farmland. So we compromised. Our home borders corn fields and cattle farms. I’ve grown to like living in the country. It’s a bit too quiet – sometimes I think that I can hear all the twinkling stars up in the sky (the ones that hide behind the city lights). Louisville is only a short Read more […]
I am putting the final touches on my first book (co-authored with my father). The tentative title is Essential Church. The bulk of the work is based upon a three-part research project on why 18-22 year-olds leave the church and how to get them back. The manuscript deadline is fast approaching, and the release date is planned for Fall 2008. Before the book is released, however, I want to give you guys an opportunity to interact with some of the findings. We’ve found that 70% of those that leave Read more […]
Sitting at a table during our last church fellowship, I asked a woman who was visiting, “Do I know you or have we met before?” She just looked at me with a wry grin. I thought I recognized her, but I wasn’t sure why. “I know you, and we’ve met many times before,” she said. I was confused, “I’m sorry if I’m not recognizing you, but where did we meet?” She smiled again and paused before saying, “I was your lunch lady in high school.” My eyes got big, and I laughed heartily, Read more […]
I learned something this week. It was the best kind of learning – the one where you see academic theory played out in real life. I love to teach, but I’m not one for classrooms. I love to learn, but I don’t need academia telling me what’s most important. But the intelligentsia does get some things right every now and then. In his book Understanding Church Growth, Donald McGavran discusses a somewhat controversial subject: the homogeneous unit. This unit is simply a section of society in Read more […]
“While discipleship defines the walk of the believer, prayer fuels this walk and gives power to make this walk honoring to God.” That quote comes from my Sunday School director. He’s a sagacious old man… The more I am in ministry, the more I see the necessity of prayer. Unfortunately, it is many times only a footnote in ministry “how-to” guides, books, and conferences. Quite frankly, you can do everything right in a church, but if you leave out prayer, then you open yourself to an onslaught Read more […]
As reported by the Global Research Department of the International Mission Board, approximately 3.8 billion people across the globe remain unreached – they do not know Christ. And almost 2.4 billion, or over 60%, of these people are in four distinct regions – South Asia, the Pacific Rim, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. I must admit these figures seem daunting – the ends of the earth are still yet to be reached. The task of the Acts 1:8 imperative is not complete. As a Southern Baptist, Read more […]
Psalm 100 1 Shout triumphantly to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. 3 Acknowledge that the LORD is God. He made us, and we are His — His people, the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. 5 For the LORD is good, and His love is eternal; His faithfulness endures through all generations. Thank You, Lord, for a blessed life. Read more […]
Will the Chinese government allow athletes to bring Bibles to the 2008 Olympic Games? Reports are mixed, and certainty is clouded as to whether visitors into the country will be allowed to bring the Word of God. The latest reports state that each athlete can bring only one personal Bible. At issue is something more than a political statement. At issue is the authority of the Bible. Clearly, the Chinese government does not hold to the inerrancy, infallibility, or inspiration of Scripture. But these Read more […]
A Leadership Journal survey reports that for nearly half of self-professing Christians, involvement in a local church is a minimal part of their lives. In short, the church has become non-essential to them. A large segment of Christians are claiming faith but not keeping the fellowship of believers. This trend is one that many pastors know anecdotally, and it is one that is truly concerning. The church and Christ are inexplicably tied. The two cannot be separated; they are married to each other. Read more […]
USA Today reports that 82% of churches with over 200 in attendance have a website. Yet only 29% of churches with 100 or less in attendance have an online presence. There’s no doubt that many people are searching the web for churches. As a pastor, when I talk to those interested in our church, I get one predominant response: “Oh, give me your web address, and I’ll check you out.” Given the limited resources and budgets of churches (particularly those with under 200 people), and the infinite Read more […]
I now have my most embarrassing moment. I woke up at 5AM last Sunday with severe pains in my side and back. I didn’t feel sick, but I knew that something was not quite right. If you are a pastor reading this, then you know that early Sunday morning is not the greatest time to find a replacement to preach a sermon. So I decided to chance it and fight through the pain. I managed the pain through my Sunday School lesson, but they could tell I wasn’t in full form. They asked what was bothering Read more […]
As seen in the video, the way we learn is changing. What should the church do to best relay information about the unchanging gospel message of Jesus?
A poll conducted by sociologists at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta seeks to answer if people really need God to be good. The outcome: forgiveness, generosity, concern, and patience are more important to people who believe in God than atheists. And the spread between the two groups is substantial. Forgiveness is “very important.” 84% of theists say yes, only 52% of atheists agree. Patience is “very important.” 72% of theists say yes, only 39% of atheists agree. Generosity is “very Read more […]
As many of you know, I blog for Outreach Magazine. As noted in the disclaimer on the “About Sam” tab, my opinions are my own. But it was the great people at Outreach that originally contacted me about starting this blog. They need our prayers right now. As you may not know, the Outreach offices are located in Vista, CA, which is halfway between San Diego and L.A. Many of them have evacuated the area due to the fires in the region. Please pray for the safety of everyone affected by this disaster, Read more […]
LifeWay Research reports that 64% of young adults who continue attending church between the ages of 18-22 consistently give financially to their church. Church leaders and researches have discussed at length the declining spiritual health of the younger generation. But it is clear that those students who stay and grow spiritually in the church end up supporting their church financially. What do you think? Should we teach tithing to students? Or should we allow them to get more connected with the Read more […]
I’m a night owl. And sometimes late at night I go for the fourth meal. I am usually not hungry. But the glow of the refrigerator light beckons. So I open the door and look. My wife is a health teacher. So the fridge houses little in the junk food category. Apples, carrots, and celery…drats! Then I remember we’ve got light whip cream in the freezer. It’s cold like ice cream, but it just doesn’t taste the same. Most of us are guilty – we open the refrigerator and stare. Hunger is not striking Read more […]
John 15:12-13 “This is My command: love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends.” A true story from Idaho: A vacuum cleaner salesman knocks on a door. He is denied a sale because the homeowner can’t afford it. He inquires why. He learns the man of the house has kidney failure and is undergoing costly medical procedures. He also learns that there is little hope of a transplant due to the 500-person-long waiting Read more […]
Last week I opened what was obviously a medical bill, only to find that our insurance had denied coverage for a recent trip to the doctor’s office. The bill was high enough to cause me quite a bit of anxiety. Erin has learned to let me level off when I get high strung. So after I cooled down, she mentioned matter-of-fact that a conversation with the insurance company might solve the problem. The following day she returned from work to inform me that the insurance company had our information wrong Read more […]
“In God We Trust” is our nation’s official motto, but perhaps our stomachs take precedent over our souls. A recent survey reveals that more Americans recognize “two all beef patties” as ingredients in a Big Mac than recognize “Thou shalt not kill” as one of Ten Commandments. Eight out of ten respondents recalled the two grease-beefs, while only six out of ten identified perhaps the most known of the Ten Commandments. We truly are a junk-food nation. But now the golden arches seem to Read more […]
I am actually excited about going to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to register my truck in Indiana. Don’t get me wrong, shelling out a wad of dough in order to get a thin piece of metal stuck on the back of my truck is not what brings me this excitement. Rather, I’m stoked about getting one of the Indiana “In God We Trust” license plates. Drive around the state for any amount of time, and you will see several. I bring up this subject to tell everyone that today marks the 50th anniversary Read more […]
While I typically cannot sleep on Saturday nights, I have an extra measure of excitement when I know that I will baptize someone the following day. Church members seem to smile a little larger and shake my hand a little firmer on those Sundays when the baptistery is full of water. After the service, our entire church celebrates with a huge birthday cake for the one who just professed their faith. I believe that all churches should celebrate baptism. We put so much hype into a wedding (and rightly Read more […]
If you’re a pastor, you know firsthand that some of the funniest moments in life occur in the church. One of these ‘moments’ came this Sunday in our church while singing during worship. My father and mother, visiting from Nashvegas, pointed out that we sang “all in common vice.” Apparently, the great PowerPoint typo this week was changing the word “voice” to “vice” in one of the worship songs. We got a good laugh at lunch when my Dad mentioned it. Of course, I didn’t even notice Read more […]
Before I was called into the ministry, I worked for a commodities firm trading power and natural gas for large industrial end-users. During my tenure at the company, I was placed on a team overseeing some of the technological advances we would introduce to our clients. We ended up outsourcing a good portion of the work to a company in India. They would build the system overnight; we would come in the next morning and double-check their work. During this process, I interacted with several people Read more […]
I was recently posed a simple question: “What makes a church innovative in fulfilling the Great Commission?” Innovation is making creative changes or introducing a new perspective on something already firmly established. The Great Commission is established in Matthew 28, right before Christ ascends into heaven, leaving the disciples to continue the good news message of great hope and security. Since Scripture is the incarnate Word, unchanging as God is unchanging, how does one innovate on the Read more […]
I must admit to you an odd fascination. Ever since I was a child, I have loved looking at maps. My parents gave me a globe for Christmas one year, and what would have been a neglected gift by most children, I used frequently. Geography was one of my favorite subjects in junior high; my free electives in college were used to take geography classes. My addiction to the weather channel is directly attributed to the trance it puts me in as I watch weather patterns crisscross over the lower 48. Google Read more […]
Sermon squirming is many times a good thing. As a pastor I try not to lay guilt trips on my congregation – you can only guilt people into something one time, after that they lose motivation because the heart has not been changed. But challenges to the status quo often stretch people beyond their normal zones of comfort. And since Christ calls us to reach beyond the bounds of our normal lives, a little stretching helps to mature a believer. But a recent survey reveals that the Christian calling Read more […]
My yard is crispy fried. We are going through an extreme drought in Southern Indiana. This August was the hottest on record, and we are over eight inches under normal amounts of rainfall year-to-date. The grass has not grown in two weeks and is beyond brown, an eerie color which makes for a conspicuous “striped” look since we have a septic system and lateral lines that cross the backyard. We are praying for rain. Another drought is occurring in our great country, and one that has been in effect Read more […]
I did not want to get off the sofa. But the cat kept “meowing” loudly. And I could tell that it was more of a distress call than a hunger call. My wife wanted a cat; I’m allergic. So we got a cat. The compromise was for him to stay outside. Erin was out of town with family this weekend, so caring for the cat was left to me. Abe and I get along, but I think he knows how to bug me. Every time I open the door, he’s waiting to skirt into the house. How he knows which door I am about to open Read more […]
Ok, so this subject may be a bit taboo – maybe a lot taboo…senior adults are having more sex than we like to think. While sexual activity reported among a survey of 3,000 men and women decreased with age, it is still much higher than expected. About 73 percent of those 57 to 64 years of age and 53 percent of those 65 to 74 years of age reported some level of sexual activity. While the church should celebrate long and healthy marriages, clearly the results of the next set of data are driven by Read more […]
Last Thursday a powerful storm front moved through our area and produced prolific amounts of lightening. One bolt literally struck our church. When we came in on Friday, we found an entire network fried. The projector was not spared the carnage. Since much of our worship centers around the ability for people to see words on a screen, we were in a bit of a quandary. Luckily, our music minister is quite flexible – we just dusted off the old hymnals and sang from them. And you know what? It wasn’t Read more […]
Most know anecdotally that the church is not assimilating college students. But perhaps not known is the gravity and pervasiveness of the problem. A new study reveals that 70% of young adults ages 23-30 said they stopped attending church for at least a year between the ages of 18 and 22. At my own church, the college-age slice of the church population is a relatively low percentage. And eight miles away is a large extension campus for Indiana University. We are just beginning a college ministry. Read more […]
At this time last week, a group from my church hit the streets of New Orleans to share the only message that can eternally save a person. We spent the first part of the week prying multiple layers of plywood from each other in numerous homes. I am most definitely not a skilled laborer, but I now consider myself to be an expert in crowbarring. As mentioned in my previous post, the most striking part of the trip for me was the unending destruction – street after street, block after block after block. Read more […]
Driving down Interstate 10 into the heart of New Orleans was overwhelming. The caravan of thirteen from our church had heard about the lasting devastation from Hurricane Katrina. But seeing it firsthand made several of us weep for a city still crying for help. Two years after one of the worst natural disasters in our nation’s history, The Crescent City is still trying to recover. Don’t let the commercials fool you – New Orleans is not “back.” The façade of the city, the French Quarter, Read more […]
The European church has suffered a prolonged and wearisome decline since the 18th century Enlightenment. Following World War II, the decline became quite steep. For years, theologians, pastors, and churchgoers have bemoaned the inert state of the European church. A recent Wall Street Journal article, however, points to a possible brighter future. It seemed an inevitable conclusion that the church would become extinct in Europe. But now it is experiencing a spotty renaissance in areas that once were Read more […]
Many families and individuals struggle with remaining too busy. I know my own calendar stays full. And if I have free time, I am filling it with something. Our culture likes to remain connected and on the move. As a recent study of 20,000 individuals worldwide reveals, the problem doesn’t exist solely in the United States. Apparently the globe is spinning faster than ever before. People in many countries feel the pressure of rushing from task to task. The problem for many Christians is this lifestyle Read more […]
In Mark 3:7-12 Jesus ministers to a large mass of people. This crowd followed Him not because they were seeking the Messiah. Rather, they sought a miracle-worker. With so many trying to touch Christ, a religious frenzy of pushing and shoving resulted. Christ was forced to retreat by boat and then camp on a mountain to avoid the throngs of people. It was against this backdrop that the twelve apostles were chosen – an intimate group of loyal (though sometimes immature) men who would eventually carry Read more […]
On vacation last week, I saw my wife looking at the kayak rental sign in the gas station. When she walked back my way, I knew exactly what was coming. “Why don’t we rent a kayak while we’re here at the beach?” “Sure, why not.” I had no idea what we were about to get into. For those of you who have never been sea-kayaking, it is more difficult than it looks. We originally planned to travel 7 miles one way, then turn around and come back. Needless to say, we didn’t quite reach our goal. Read more […]
I just finished watching the sun set over the emerald green waters of Cape San Blas. This area of Florida is known as the forgotten coastline. And it is perhaps one of my favorite places on earth. As I sat in my beach chair, feet converging with the incoming surf, watching the orange sun fall behind the horizon, I realized why so many are drawn to the white sands of the Gulf. It is truly paradise. While the counties that make up the forgotten coast are some of the most underdeveloped coastal communities Read more […]
Is God taking you places? If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are called to go. The Christian life doesn’t come with a list of options. It is an imperative to win a world for Jesus. So go where you may say? Pray for opportunities and be amazed at what God will do. When I become pastor of my church, I told them about my vision for missions. The church grabbed the vision and made it their own. Thanks to the great administrative abilities of my associate pastor and the power of prayer, in Read more […]
The vernacular luminaries at Merriam-Webster recently released their new agglomeration of words. One notable green grandiloquism is the word “ginormous.” While I thought this nugatory term was relegated to the halls of local junior high schools, it appears my appraisal was amiss. About one hundred fresh words officially enter our vocabulary this week. Bee-spellers everywhere are shelling out hard-earned allowances to read the latest entries. In case you didn’t catch it, “ginormous” is Read more […]
Our society is imbued with sex. This addiction is certainly an unbiblical one. And it has been around since the fall of man. Most major cultures, from the Greeks to the Romans to us, have struggled with this disease of addiction in some form. But now it is proliferating exponentially. The fiber-optic boom transformed society. It brought upon us an electronic flood of information. Much of the transformation towards an electronic society was good. But the information flood also brought an incredible Read more […]
This last Sunday evening, we put three old mules out to pasture. William “Bill” Neal, Wayne “Doc” Watts, and Charles “Charlie” Lenson were all honored at our deacon emeritus service. The title of “deacon emeritus” is given to those who have served the church as deacons faithfully over the years. Emeritus honor is placed upon those who are discharged from active professional duty due to physical inabilities but retain the title of one’s position. Bill Neal was ordained as a deacon Read more […]
Two major changes in my life occurred simultaneously. On New Year’s Eve 2006, I tied the knot. A little over two weeks later I went from working in the financial markets to becoming a full-time pastor. And in order to make things interesting in newlywed life, my wife and I decided to sell our house and look to buy another during these transitions. I am obviously still green at both pastoring and being a husband. I assure you, my wife and my church make me a one blessed man. Many adjectives describe Read more […]
In case you didn’t know, it takes about six hours to push mow a little more than an acre. My wife and I were blessed to buy a house in corn country in our move to Southern Indiana. Our new home is situated on about an acre. The lawn is a big change from the doll-sized townhouse, which had a yard with the same surface area as our kitchen table. Since the previous owners of our new home were not the least bit motivated to trim the grass after we made an offer, it came with shin-high foliage. So Read more […]
After packing two or three boxes, I was ready for dinner. Two weeks ago my wife and I were in the middle of stuffing corrugated cardboard full of our most precious belongings wrapped in the Sunday funnies. Moving is excitingly painful. Erin had volunteered for one of the chaperone posts at our church’s student lock-in. She in turn volunteered me to finish packing our 900 square foot cracker box. We had finally sold our place, bought another, and were moving on up to Southern Indiana, closer to Read more […]
I love what I do! Being a pastor is such a joy. While the fickle complaints and occasional backbiting occurs, I am blessed to have a congregation that by-and-large supports me and their fellow believer. We certainly have areas in our church where we can improve, but I am impressed by the resiliency of the people and the desire to return to health. Exemplified this week at Vacation Bible School, the church united around the common goal of seeing children come to Christ. One child came forward today Read more […]
I am reading Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest as part of my daily devotional time. The following excerpt from today’s reading struck me. If you have not read this classic devotional, it is one of the most encouraging and challenging books ever written. “Lovest thou Me? . . . Feed My sheep.” John 21:16 Jesus did not say – Make converts to your way of thinking, but look after My sheep, see that they get nourished in the knowledge of Me. We count as service what we do in the way of Christian Read more […]
The church needs to be in crisis mode. At the Southern Baptist Convention last week I learned a scary statistic. Of the “Builder” generation (those that fought in WWII), about 65% were Christians. Of the “Boomer” generation, about 35% were Christians. Of GenXers, about 15% are Christians. And of the youngest generation, it is estimated that only 4-8% are Christians. I think we can all admit that we could do a better job of reaching the world. But quite frankly, we aren’t reaching our own Read more […]
For those of you who don’t know, I am a Southern Baptist. And unless you are a Southern Baptist, you probably don’t realize that this week is our annual convention. This year’s convention is in San Antonio, TX – so I write to you from there. Once a year the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) occurs for two days (typically on Tuesday and Wednesday). “SBC” refers to both the annual meeting and the denomination itself. It is at this meeting that many resolutions and motions are presented Read more […]
Pulling into the gravel parking lot, I saw the church for the first time. And I thought I was in a time warp. The building had been constructed in the early 1920s. The sign on the front said “Established in 1856.” Not much had changed in the community since that time. The church had no A/C, no phone, and a karaoke machine for a sound system. It had taken me two hours to get to the church. Given that some of the roads in the area were unpaved, I figured my ETA to be a minor victory. I said a Read more […]
The Associated Press reported today about a little-known loophole in the mortgage loan application process. Since I am right in the middle of selling my current place, getting a loan for a new house, and trying to move all within a week, I took notice of the story. Basically, a person wanting to raise their credit score upwards of 200 points can buy into another person’s credit history by becoming an authorized user on their credit card accounts. In essence those with lower credit scores pay $1,000-$2,000 Read more […]
“Gas prices are outrageous. I should probably sell my SUV and buy that Escort I saw advertised in the paper, but that might be just too smart for me to do it.” Although I had just met Duane waiting in line for the log flume, he and I struck up a good conversation. He was telling me about feeling the pinch of traveling 30 miles to work everyday. “But I can’t imagine driving around in that little thing,” Duane laughed. My brothers and I were at King’s Island celebrating his bachelor party Read more […]
Last night I was leading our prayer group at church. Someone asked if my wife and I had sold our house yet. Tired of being asked about it I responded, “No, but it’s all in God’s timing. Keep praying we’ll sell it.” Like many with “for sale” signs in their yards, we weren’t getting many offers on our place. The goal was to be closer to the church, but months had gone by with no bites. Perhaps I showed my true feelings with my curt response at the prayer meeting. And I don’t know Read more […]
One of my biggest pet peeves as a pastor is the number of people that do not bring their Bibles to church. Every time I preach I begin by asking the congregation to open their Bibles to a particular passage. I then follow with, “And that is on page 707 in your pew Bibles.” Even then, only a handful of folks will reach for the Bible in front of them. Of course, I can always count on a cell phone blaring the popular song of the moment at least once a month. It seems that people have their phones Read more […]
I ran across a list of statistics found at the Center for Missional Research website. Two stats in particular struck me: First and foremost, approximately 1.6 billion people have never heard the eternally significant good news in this sentence: “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Second, if all members of historically Christian churches in the United States had raised the amount Read more […]
This article grabbed my attention yesterday. Ethnic and racial minorities now account for about 1/3 of the United States’ population, breaking through the 100 million barrier for the first time. On a national scale, Hispanics are the fastest growing, followed by Asians. There are more minorities in the United States today than there were people in 1910. And four states along with the District of Columbia have more minorities than members of the majority white population. I pastor in a region Read more […]
I’m on vacation at the beach this week. Today started with waking up at 10AM, then reading on the beach, swimming, biking with my wife, and finally an evening at a nice restaurant. Needless to say, I feel refreshed. On our way down to the white sands of the panhandle of Florida (about a 12 hour drive for us), my wife and I discussed the fact that I deserved this getaway. I just finished another semester at the seminary and completed a large research project. After a long semester, I felt like Read more […]
Proverbs 22:6 Teach a youth about the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Go figure. Church is good for kids. A recent study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Educational Statistics (or NCES for short) validates what many of us already knew anecdotally. In fact, the more the parents attend church with their children, the better the kids fare in regards to behavior, emotional needs, and cognitive ability. Additionally, as the frequency Read more […]
When I was in the corporate world, my boss would sometimes jokingly use a purple pen to review my work. He was poking fun at the fact that some school systems think red might be too offensive a color with which to grade. Like I mentioned in my last post, the purple pen was before my time. My teachers used lots of red ink on my work. Such is our current culture. We hate to tell others that they are failing in a certain area. We don’t want our children to experience the pain of being below average. Read more […]
I can vividly recall one of my first tests in school. It was a new school year, and my second grade teacher was returning the first quiz. I looked at my paper and smiled. I was pleased because I had gotten half the questions right for a grade of 50%. Getting one out of every two was pretty good. I played little league, so I knew that I was batting .500. I felt real smart Excitement filled me as I went home to show my parents. After I handed them my paper, their expressions led me to believe that Read more […]
Ed Stetzer and company at the North American Mission Board recently unveiled some research that shows why some church plants experience higher rates of growth than others. Below is a summary of the ten factors revealed in this research that proved to be the most successful in helping a church plant grow: Location: Schools prove to be excellent locations for church plants for two three big reasons – visibility, space, and low cost. Ministry: In general, the best way to reach new families is reaching Read more […]
First and foremost, before reading my blog please take a moment to say a prayer for those affected by the Virginia Tech shootings. Erin, my wife, once dog sat for a week. It was while we were engaged, and I thought that I would be a good fiancé and help her out one afternoon while she was caring for these animals. So I took a pizza and a movie over to the house since we couldn’t go on a date that night. “Need any help, Honey?” “Yes, could you give the dogs a treat while I’m cleaning Read more […]
There is a club out there that I have no desire to join. In fact, very few I would say truly want to be a part of this club. But those of us who attend semi-scaries seminaries can fall onto its membership roll all too easily. This club’s motto: the gospel is for advanced thinkers only. The only entrance prerequisite: arrogance. The trap of arrogance lurks around many churches. I too struggle with taking pride in what I know about the Bible. The passionate pursuit of spiritual knowledge can make Read more […]
Every church has its fair share of members who spread the grass-is-greener syndrome. They are usually in the vocal minority, and they usually like to argue about non-essential matters, such as whether the bulletins need to be tri-fold or bi-fold. They also have a propensity to “drop out” as soon as their needs aren’t being met at their church. LifeWay Research recently conducted a study on why this group of people play church hopscotch. LifeWay dubs them church switchers. Not surprisingly, Read more […]
Dr. Andrew Newberg, a neuroscientist, wants to track and quantify the way our brains process spirituality. He basically wants to know if we were created to believe in God. And his research is out to prove this hard-wiring of the brain scientifically. It’s all part of a new field called neurotheology. While it’s not a class that I have seen on the course schedule at the seminary I attend, I would be tempted to take it if it were. It isn’t too much of a stretch to think that God created our brains Read more […]
This last Sunday a young girl, Jen, accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. After the service her mother told me that Jen kept saying during the invitation that she was going forward and wanted her mom to go with her. Her mom, who had been sharing Christ with her, did not want her to go forward because her father was not there with them. Jen kept begging her mom, but her mom said to wait. Jen finally blurted, “If you’re not going with me, then I’m going down front to the pastor by Read more […]
As many of you have already experienced, today is April Fool’s Day. And luckily for this pastor, it fell on a Sunday. My associate pastor of students decided to take advantage of this happenstance, using it as an opportunity to play a practical joke on the entire church body during the Sunday morning worship service. During our welcome time he got up to make an announcement. “It is a joyous time this Easter season, and I want everyone to know today on this Palm Sunday that Becky and I are expecting.” The Read more […]
The book caught my eye. When I am in the local bookstore, I often check out the best-sellers shelf. Not only do I look for something that I might want to read, I want to know what everyone else is reading as well. The book I saw concerned me. It had a quasi-shiny silver cover with a simple, unambiguous title. Written by Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion details the rants and raves of a militant atheist against organized religion. It was one that I really didn’t want to read. But I felt obligated Read more […]
God will humble you in an extraordinary ways. He can take your worldly trophies and smash them to dust. My pride crumbles more in nursing homes than in any other place. As a pastor I try to visit from time to time church members who no longer can take good care of themselves. I have a few people in my church spiritually gifted with encouragement, and they usually accompany me. I recently stopped by a couple of nursing homes with Tom. I always balk at the outside door, pausing to look and the green Read more […]
My wife and I are fundamentally different. Insightful to you all, yes I know. But beyond the obvious differences, we think differently. Nowhere is this difference more obvious than in our car rides together. I’m usually driving because I’m a control freak. She’s gracious enough to let me – given our driving records (hers is impeccable; mine pushes the envelope of being insurable), she should probably be the one behind the wheel. While driving we have these long periods of silence as both Read more […]
I must reluctantly admit that my associate pastor is a genius. Since he is a University of Tennessee fan (his office is a hideous and unsanctified shade of orange), it pains me to say it. But he truly is a man of great ideas. At our staff meeting a couple of weeks ago, I was making the challenge that we needed a big victory for our Easter Service. We were trying to figure out the best way to reach not only the Christmas and Easter crowd, but also those in our community who never step foot inside Read more […]
My little brother is getting married in June. In fact, there are three brothers in the family and all of us will have gotten married within 12 months of each other. Art was married last June. I was married in December. Jess, the baby, is the last to go this June. Honestly, it’s kinda weird to see my littlest brother grow up. My brothers and I look somewhat alike, but we all have very different personalities. I can be a bit more controlling. Art is more laid back. And Jess is a bit more daring. Read more […]
I had something happen to me for the first time since being at my church. I was out visiting some folks, and I came to the last person on my list. This person was a prospect and I had not called beforehand, but I figured I would stop by and say hello. We keep contact with those that are interested in our church. And we take notes on a prospect sheet that enable us as a church to know how much and when we contact them. The last note from a few months back said they were friendly and open to hearing Read more […]
My wife came home discouraged today. I was somewhat worried when she said that she needed to talk. Luckily, I was not culpable for her saddened state. But what she said did dampen my spirits. She had overheard a conversation at school between two teachers. They were discussing the documentary on the Jesus Tomb. Aired on the Discovery Channel this week, it ‘revealed’ that Jesus’ bones had been discovered. Erin and I had watched it together, and we quickly picked apart some of the contradictions. Read more […]
In an attempt to open up the conversation a bit more, I am going to try something different with this blog. Once a month or so, I will pose a question relating to the health of the church. I will put in my two cents, you put in your two. The goal is to have much interaction and get people thinking about how our churches can attain better health. Plateaued growth is a common description said of many churches. Indeed, entire denominations are in a state of decline. For example, the denomination that Read more […]
There are times in ministry when God places people in your life for specific reasons. God uses these people as an example for us to see Christ. I like to call them Christ-reflectors. Undoubtedly, we are to be Christ-like. We should mirror our Maker. But at times we forget what that means in everyday practical life. Such was a time in my life when I was focused on the “ministry” and not focused on simply being Christ-like. God used Mattie to remind me of what really matters. Unfortunately, the Read more […]
As a pastor, I am always thinking about the future. How can we reach our community better? What can we do to disciple people more? How do we get more members on fire about sharing their faith? I want to know where my church is going. So I am constantly in thought about the future health of my church. But one of my members said something a couple of days ago that struck a chord. Our families had just finished dinner, and we were talking in generalities about the future of our church. She interluded, Read more […]
I am currently involved in one of the most insincere processes in our society. Going through this process I have learned that people first look out for their own interests as opposed to others. I have also learned that the world is full of very stubborn and irrational people – myself included. I am trying to sell my townhouse. I spent a few years in the corporate world before being called to full-time ministry. It was there that I learned that “you don’t get what you deserve, you get what Read more […]
We’ve all heard it – technology is a double-edged sword. And there is no bigger technology breakthrough in recent years than the Internet. The Internet revolution has its great advantages, from instantaneous information dissemination to easy entertainment. But the disadvantages are prevalent as well. Our keyboards can be large megaphones reaching the far corners of the world. Email, blogs, and text messaging are all extensions of the tongue. And Scripture has some pointed words about the tongue. Read more […]
I’m not too big on cooking. I worked as the grill guru-master at a local wings joint for three years while in college, so I know my way around fast food. But I am certainly not a skilled chef. It is just something for which I have no passion. Being recently married, my wife and I have discovered that we must cook something in order to eat. It was a bit of a shock that first week of marriage. Neither of us is all that passionate about cooking. And this lack of interest recently showed when we tried Read more […]
I love my satellite radio, and I’m not exactly sure why. Perhaps it is the sheer volume of choices – like a kid in a candy store with eyes that are bigger than his stomach. You can even tune into traffic reports from halfway across the nation. Perhaps it is the transformation that has occurred in me during my daily commute – I now enjoy it. Road rage manifests itself only occasionally now. For whatever reason, the little silver box mounted to my center console has become somewhat of a catharsis. Read more […]
I am by nature a planner. I make lists. I cross things off the list when I am done. It all makes sense in my head. My family, however, consistently pokes fun at my anal retentiveness. Maybe it is the yellow post-it note of lists that I carry on my person at all times. My wife knows the one way to drive me mad is to hide my list of things to do – they are my lifeline. I wander aimlessly through the day without them. So when it comes to vacation, I am the guy who has the spreadsheet detailing all Read more […]
My associate pastor and I both have an affinity for buffets. In order to brainstorm, we need brainfood. So when we have strategy sessions, we like to go to the local Chinese restaurant. The one near our church has more than enough brainfood to satisfy this pastor. As we all know well, the good thing about a buffet is the ability to pick and choose exactly what you like. I usually go for anything deep fried with a lot of sauce. Of course, for the sake of my health I’ll dab a spoonful of fried rice Read more […]
I didn’t quite know how we would be received. Would people slam the door in our face? Would they even answer the door? The church I was attending was asking the members to go door-to-door around the community inviting others to join us for a new contemporary worship service. I had never been a part of such an outreach program, and I had reservations as to the success we would see. I reluctantly volunteered. The demographic and social dynamics of communities can differ greatly and require different Read more […]
A couple of weeks before we got married, my wife began to move in some of her items into my townhouse. As we were pulling out of the driveway that day she interrupted our idle chatter, “Oh and I can’t wait to meet your neighbors!” I sat silent. She gave me her frustrated face. I tried not to look back at her. “You don’t know your neighbors yet?!” “No,” I said with a twinge of guilt. “You’ve lived here almost four years, and you haven’t even said hello to your neighbors?” “I’m Read more […]
I didn’t quite understand what Herbie was saying. What I thought I heard him say was, “Do ya chase fried chicken?” With a befuddled look I responded, “No…” His pause and stern gaze made me feel uneasy. Obviously my answer was not what he was anticipating. It seemed as if he wanted me to say something else. I was becoming more nervous because I was standing in front of the entire congregation of the church. I had been preaching in the rural Nelson County, KY church for a few weeks, and Read more […]
Lachlan is a hip kinda guy. His name sounds cool. He has tattoos. And his wife digs the tattoos. Lachlan has his ear to the ground when it comes to what’s going on in the world and with his neighbors. He loves people and can relate with most anyone. Lachlan also loves Jesus, and he has a big heart for international missions. His primary joy, whether at his place of employment, in his neighborhood, or on the mission field, is to see others come to know Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Read more […]
I’m home! Two weeks ago it was simply my house (or more appropriately my townhouse). With my beautiful bride, my new wife Erin, the place is now a home. And I am finding marriage to be such an incredible blessing from the Lord. It has amazed me how natural and beautiful married life is, how two people can become united under God’s great institution. I know my love for Erin will only grow over the next 50 years and beyond. We went on a cruise for our honeymoon. I wanted to go on a ski trip; she Read more […]
This Sunday evening I will marry the love of my life, Erin. And no words will ever suffice in explaining how deep my love is for her. She is one incredible godly woman; I’m one blessed guy. But things are certainly changing around my pad. Her tastes, as well as some of her stuff, have preceded her. The walls of my tiny townhome have been painted light blue and sea green. Most of my stuff has been shipped to goodwill (who knew that you couldn’t use a sleeping bag as a bedspread?). I now house a hairdryer Read more […]
The voicemail on my cell phone yesterday did not bode well. It was Eric, and he simply stated that I needed to call him back. I had been praying hard for his grandfather, who was not doing well after heart surgery. The abrupt nature of the message left me thinking the worst. I quickly called him back. “Eric, it’s Sam. What’s up?” “Sam, thanks for calling me back. You’re not going to believe this!” His tone lifted my spirits and replaced the knot in my throat with a twinge of hope. “Is Read more […]
Last Saturday my two younger brothers, my future brother-in-law, and my two best friends and I engaged in the ‘Tournament of Champions.’ The competition consisted of go-carts, laser tag, air hockey, putt-putt, and pop-a-shot. A scoring matrix was derived for each game. The group had concocted this day-long event for my bachelor party. And it was quite a catharsis to act like I was twelve again, though my fiancé might say that I act in such a way more often than I will admit. The competition Read more […]