by Sam Rainer | Jan 21, 2016 | Uncategorized
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... 
by Sam Rainer | Nov 29, 2015 | Uncategorized
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... 
by Sam Rainer | Nov 15, 2015 | Uncategorized
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... 
by Sam Rainer | Nov 1, 2015 | Uncategorized
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... 
by Sam Rainer | Sep 6, 2015 | Uncategorized
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... 
by Sam Rainer | Aug 30, 2015 | Uncategorized
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...
