by Sam Rainer | Aug 19, 2009 | Uncategorized
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... 
by Sam Rainer | Aug 18, 2009 | Uncategorized
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... by Sam Rainer | Aug 15, 2009 | Uncategorized
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... by Sam Rainer | Aug 10, 2009 | Uncategorized
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.... 
by Sam Rainer | Aug 6, 2009 | Uncategorized
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... by Sam Rainer | Aug 2, 2009 | Uncategorized
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...
