We share some opinions and insight about how pastors should handle themselves on social media. We talk about things like using the humble brag and dealing with conflict. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more [...]
Every Monday at 4:00 p.m., I meet with both my worship pastors. We review the previous Sunday. We discuss the upcoming Sunday. We laugh together. We hold each other accountable. Sometimes I sing their worship set back to them because I have the voice of a senile cat and it annoys them. This meeting is critical for several reasons. Music and preaching are complementary, not separate. Some lead pastors have the perspective of “You do your thing, and I’ll do mine” with worship Read more [...]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/180107_hh_married_with_children.mp3 Last Sunday I started a new series called “Healthy Homes.” There are many different types of homes that make up the church body, and we want all of them to be healthy. This sermon covers the topic of parenting. What makes a good parent? Do you have a clear answer? A healthy home includes God-centered parents, not child-centered parents. The gospel keeps us from smothering and controlling our children. Read more [...]
I enjoy a little friendly competition. Last October I used my kids as a front to scope out another local church’s Fall Fest. That, and they had a large amount of free candy. My affinity for candy corn sucked me into their festivities. The pastor and I are friends. The “competition” is really nothing more than us poking fun while cheering for each other. The reality is many churches don’t compete on friendly terms. In fact, in a given city or zip code, the likelihood is many pastors Read more [...]
Micah interviews Dr. Alvin Reid and uncovers some of his insights into evangelism and local missional work. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more [...]
I started blogging over eleven years ago, and 2017 was a record year. Thank you, readers, for visiting, sharing, and commenting on posts. It seems like several bloggers list their top ten posts this time of year. I’ll join the fray. I’ve got a few changes in store for 2018, including a redesign of this site. For now, on the first day and first post of the New Year, I'll list my top posts of 2017. The Ten Commandments of a Pastor’s Vacation How Pastors Can Discern Their True Read more [...]
Merry Christmas from the Rainer clan! I don’t blog much about my family, but I want to brag about them for Christmas. They deserve it, even if my wife will never see these words since she checks out my posts once every couple of years. My family loves (really!) ministry, especially through the local church. Shepherding my family and my church are intertwined. Some might advocate separating the two, but it’s impossible, since my household is part of the local church. When I leave Read more [...]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/171217_tbtbatb_the_birth.mp3 I’m in the middle of a three-week Christmas series, The Beginning, the Birth, and the Baby. The text is Matthew 1:18-25. The birth of Jesus reveals two surprises about God coming to us: Humility and vulnerability The virgin birth is essential to the miracle of grace. Why is the virgin birth essential to our faith? Three implications: The miracle of grace is not painless. The miracle of grace requires our Read more [...]
How do established church pastors encourage and prioritize Biblical engagement in the lives of their people? This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more [...]
Christmas Eve is the most likely time an unchurched person will walk into your worship space. It’s a huge opportunity. My fear is some churches go through the motions since Christmas Eve is the peak of busy season and volunteers are short in supply. Your Christmas Eve service is worth the effort. Families are often together during this time. That uncle who refuses to go to church will often capitulate and go to a Christmas Eve service, since the rest of the family is going together. Read more [...]