by Sam Rainer | Nov 27, 2012 | Uncategorized
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... by Sam Rainer | Oct 15, 2012 | Uncategorized
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,... by Sam Rainer | Oct 9, 2012 | Uncategorized
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... by Sam Rainer | Jul 11, 2012 | Uncategorized
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... by Sam Rainer | Jun 26, 2012 | Uncategorized
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... by Sam Rainer | Jun 11, 2012 | Uncategorized
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...
