Thom S. Rainer

Latest

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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.

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  Mar 17, 2019

  Where have all the student pastors gone?

  I received yet another inquiry today: “Do you have any recommendations for a student minister? We just can’t seem to find one. We’ve been looking for over six months.”

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  Mar 3, 2019

  6 reasons relaunching is more difficult than revitalizing or replanting

  Relaunching. Revitalizing. Replanting.So many “re” prefixes. It gets confusing.Let’s review our definitions. ...

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  Mar 1, 2019

  We can't add another service! We won't know everyone.

  Most pastors and other church leaders have heard this objection at one point or another. It might be a point of contention when the leadership suggests the addition of another worship service. Similarly, it might be the cry when leadership begins looking at the option of creating a new venue or adding a new site.

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  Feb 26, 2019

  5 reasons churches are moving from vertical growth to horizontal growth

  So why is growth more likely today with additional services, classes, groups, venues, and campuses? Why do we see the horizontal strategy to be more pervasive today? Here are five key reasons:

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  Feb 24, 2019

  Pendulum Swing Syndrome: 5 questions to ask when hiring a new pastor

  In order to make certain churches do not intentionally subject themselves to the pendulum swing syndrome, I urge them to consider carefully these five questions: