Thom S. Rainer

Op-ed Contributor

Latest

Feb 10, 2019
6 questions when you're called to ministry later in life
The call to vocational ministry later in life is both exciting and challenging. It is exciting to know God is preparing you for another path and, perhaps, another place. It’s challenging because of issues related to family, finances, and training.
Feb 3, 2019
5 perspectives that help me deal with criticisms
As one who has received criticisms over the years, I want to share with you personally five perspectives that have helped me deal with them.
Feb 2, 2019
Megachurches and the growing crisis of finding successors
You could see it unfolding. Boomer megachurch pastors are retiring. The number grows every month. And, as we thought might take place, the churches are having difficulty finding their successors.
Jan 31, 2019
Many churches are dying due to too many meetings
So, what can we do in our churches to reduce the time in meetings? What can we do to get more time in ministry from our members? Here are five considerations.
Jan 29, 2019
5 reasons 'we pay the bills at this church' is so toxic
One of the most toxic statements a church member or group of church members can make is, “We pay the bills at this church.”
Jan 20, 2019
6 reasons some church members resist growth
The confrontation was probably one of my more sobering moments as a pastor. The woman, a long-term church member, used the classic moment right before I preached to tell me God had spoken to her. He told her under no uncertain terms I was supposed to leave the church.
Jan 7, 2019
6 reasons your new member class is not effective
I am a big proponent of new member classes. But not all new member classes are created equally. Some are effective; some are not. If you think your church’s new member class is not as effective as it could be, there are possibly some quick and helpful solutions.
Jan 1, 2019
10 reasons I'm optimistic about churches in 2019
Despite the tough reality many congregations face today, I remain an obnoxious optimist as we move into 2019.
Dec 30, 2018
When a pastor's friend leaves the church
I’ve asked the question dozens of times. In one way or another, I simply ask pastors: “What has been one of your most painful moments in ministry?”
Dec 28, 2018
20 really weird criticisms pastors receive
Back by popular demand, here are the latest really weird criticisms pastors have received, with special thanks to the responses at Church Answers and on social media.