Thom S. Rainer

Thom S. Rainer

Op-ed Contributor

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  • 6 considerations before you fire your pastor this Christmas

    6 considerations before you fire your pastor this Christmas

    Am I the Grinch trying to steal Christmas? No way. Bah. Humbug. I simply want to uncover a dark reality of which many church members have little knowledge: many pastors are being fired this Christmas season.

  • 9 updated trends about Christmas Eve services

    9 updated trends about Christmas Eve services

    Most churches have some type of Christmas Eve services, but we are seeing clear trends in how churches approach them. Every time we write or podcast something about these services, we get a lot of comments and questions. In that context, here is an update on nine clear trends we are seeing:

  • Churches: Revitalize? Replant? Is relaunch a 3rd option?

    Churches: Revitalize? Replant? Is relaunch a 3rd option?

    As we seek to work with churches around the world, we use two words regularly to describe the efforts toward greater health: revitalize or replant. ... Is relaunch a possible third way? I think so.

  • 4 key attitudes that are killing church attendance

    4 key attitudes that are killing church attendance

    There has been much written on declining attendance in churches. Specifically, many of us have addressed the issue of attendance frequency where even “active” church members attend less frequently.

  • 7 sentences that make pastors cringe

    7 sentences that make pastors cringe

    Many pastors hear these sentences frequently, even though the church member may think his or her comment is both novel and helpful.

  • 5 reasons some long-term pastors fail

    5 reasons some long-term pastors fail

    I am a strong proponent of longer-term pastorates. I love hearing about pastors passing tenure thresholds of five, ten, and fifteen years. All other things being equal, I would much rather see a pastor have long tenure in a given church than not.

  • 6 Reasons the Role of Interim Pastor Is Changing Dramatically

    6 Reasons the Role of Interim Pastor Is Changing Dramatically

    Today, the role of interim pastor is changing, becoming more complex, and carrying higher expectations. Why is this dramatic change taking place? Here are six major reasons:

  • Pastors: How to Avoid Getting Fired When Leading a Growing Church

    Pastors: How to Avoid Getting Fired When Leading a Growing Church

    Some churches will be preacher eaters regardless of the actions of the pastor. Still, I see these right actions as helpful toward minimizing the possibility of a forced termination.

  • 7 Reasons Pastors Get Fired When a Church Is Growing

    7 Reasons Pastors Get Fired When a Church Is Growing

    Even in "successful" revitalizations, it does not always turn out well for the pastor. Why is that? My list is not exhaustive, but here are seven common reasons:

  • 7 Reasons Many Pastors Avoid Counseling

    7 Reasons Many Pastors Avoid Counseling

    I wanted to know why so many pastors were avoiding counseling ministries today. Their responses were clear and consistent:

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