by Sam Rainer | Sep 20, 2007 | Uncategorized
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... by Sam Rainer | Sep 16, 2007 | Uncategorized
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... by Sam Rainer | Sep 14, 2007 | Uncategorized
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... by Sam Rainer | Sep 12, 2007 | Uncategorized
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... by Sam Rainer | Sep 8, 2007 | Uncategorized
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... by Sam Rainer | Sep 2, 2007 | Uncategorized
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...
