by Sam Rainer | May 27, 2013 | Uncategorized
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... 
by Sam Rainer | May 22, 2013 | Uncategorized
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... 
by Sam Rainer | May 20, 2013 | Uncategorized
“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... 
by Sam Rainer | May 13, 2013 | Uncategorized
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... 
by Sam Rainer | Apr 25, 2013 | Uncategorized
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... 
by Sam Rainer | Apr 19, 2013 | Uncategorized
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...
