Thom S. Rainer

Latest

• 
  Aug 2, 2026

  Why 'friendly' isn't enough to grow your church

  Friendly is expected. It's no longer what sets a church apart. Here's what actually makes guests stay.

• 
  Jul 26, 2026

  Is the 'no food or drinks in the sanctuary' policy harmful?

  It’s worth asking: What are we really protecting?

• 
  Jul 12, 2026

  Why pastors should encourage members to carry their Bibles to worship

  There is something formative about physically engaging with a Bible.

• 
  Jun 21, 2026

  Why are local churches hiding in plain sight?

  A church can sit on the same corner for decades and still be largely unknown.

• 
  Dec 7, 2025

  Why guests don’t come to your church after a big event

  Most church members assume friendliness and connection are the same thing. They’re not.

• 
  Oct 23, 2025

  A growing church reality: Digital worship fatigue

  The digital church is not going away. It still has a role to play in ministry. The key is learning how to use it wisely.

• 
  Oct 12, 2025

  Senior adults are leaving the Church in alarming numbers

  There is another exodus taking place in our churches, one that rarely makes the headlines and seldom finds its way into our strategy sessions. It is the quiet departure of senior adults.

• 
  Aug 10, 2025

  6 critical questions for church membership retention

  This framework isn’t just about retention — it’s about discipleship. It’s about stewarding the people God brings to your church.

• 
  Jun 29, 2025

  Church, we need to protect our kids from smartphone cyberbullying

  It used to be that bullies waited for the schoolyard. Not anymore.

• 
  Jun 12, 2025

  Church, we need to do more for young people's mental health

  The mental health of our young people is at stake. And the church must not look away.