Thom S. Rainer

Latest

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  May 2, 2019

  5 things that masked the death of a church

  As we look at the incredible response to the book, Autopsy of a Deceased Church, on its fifth anniversary, I think it’s worth noting why some members were really surprised when their church closed its doors.

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  Apr 28, 2019

  6 things we learned since 'Autopsy of a Deceased Church'

  When I wrote Autopsy of a Deceased Church five years ago, the response took me by surprise. While all authors expect or hope their books will be bestsellers, I frankly didn’t see it coming. Hundreds of thousands of book sales later, Autopsy became the all-time bestseller in the genre of church leadership.

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  Apr 12, 2019

  9 most common low attendance days for churches

  Church leaders have pretty clear perspectives about low attendance days.

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  Apr 10, 2019

  10 reasons people give for leaving the church

  Why do people leave the church and not return? We have specifically asked those questions of the formerly churched who were active in a church for at least two consecutive years, but did not return for at least two more years.

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  Apr 8, 2019

  6 challenges new pastors didn't see coming

  I have been working with local church pastors for over three decades. I love these leaders. I love their hearts. And I hurt with them when they tell me these stories. Six of these stories are so common, I can almost predict them for new pastors.

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  Apr 6, 2019

  7 ways churches deal with inactive members

  What are the trends among the churches in North America? For certain, it’s a big issue. For example, the Southern Baptist Convention has over 15 million members, but only about 6 million show up for a weekly worship service.

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  Apr 3, 2019

  7 warnings about memorials and plaques in your church

  I interviewed several church members representing several different churches that had died. One of the surprising issues consistent in all the interviews was the contentious issue of memorials and plaques in the church.

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  Apr 2, 2019

  Why I attend church

  In a culture that minimizes commitment and maximizes self-indulgence, I have learned the precious gift of church attendance or, more specifically, the church gathered. I do not see church attendance as a burden or legalistic commitment.

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  Mar 21, 2019

  Online churches: New research and insights

  I see a pattern developing in online churches. Perhaps it is a trend. The overall pattern is that online ministries of churches are becoming a strategic part of the overall church ministry.

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  Mar 19, 2019

  Major new research on declining, plateaued and growing churches

  I love solid research. This new release is absolutely incredible.