Thom S. Rainer

Latest

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  Apr 21, 2014

  Six Reasons Pastors Should Not Quit Their Jobs on Monday

  I've heard it countless times from pastors: "I quit my job almost every Monday." Of course, it's typically a tongue-in-cheek statement regarding the letdown many pastors feel after Sunday. But most pastors say these words with a little bit of truth. They really do feel the struggles and challenges of being pastor more on Monday than most other days.

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  Apr 9, 2014

  The Narcissistic Christian Leader

  Narcissism should not be said in the same breath as Christian. The former is love of self; the latter is love of God in Jesus Christ. But the sad reality is that narcissism can and often does creep into the lives of many Christian leaders.

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  Apr 3, 2014

  What Worship Style Attracts the Millennials?

  Most Millennials don't think in the old worship war paradigm. In that regard, "style" of worship is not their primary focus. Instead they seek worship services and music that have three major elements.

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  Apr 2, 2014

  Twenty of the Most Influential Evangelicals in America

  I conducted an informal survey of over 30 persons, simply asking them to name the most influential evangelicals in America today. Though my choice of the respondents was subjective, I do have confidence that the men and women who gave me these names are very knowledgeable about the evangelical scene in the United States.

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  Mar 17, 2014

  Six Reasons Comparisons Hurt Churches

  Unhealthy churches have numbers of leaders and/or members who do not practice 1 Corinthians 13 in their local congregations. These persons tend to seek their picture of an ideal church rather than loving their current church, her leaders, and her members. They are thus constantly comparing some aspect of the church with some other church or members or leaders.

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  Mar 5, 2014

  Eight of the Most Significant Struggles Pastors Face

  Criticism and conflict is one. I do have a few observations about this number one issue. First, it seems to be growing, and pastors seem to be experiencing greater challenges. Second, most of the issues of conflict are not doctrinal issues.

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  Feb 28, 2014

  Pastors and Mental Health

  The issue of mental health and Christians is finally getting some attention. Among the Christians who have challenges, many pastors struggle with depression. We hear too frequently about a pastor committing suicide. And many wonder how such a tragedy could happen to someone whose life was committed to serving the Lord.

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  Feb 25, 2014

  Six Major Issues Regarding the Digital Church

  The "digital church attendees" likely view the worship services online. Some churches now view these persons as integral participants in the life of the church. A small but growing number are willing to grant them membership.

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  Feb 19, 2014

  12 Reasons Pastors' Wives Are Lonely

  Pastors' wives have shared a common plight: they are very lonely. Some of the most common reasons pastors' wives have offered to explain their loneliness: superficial relationships in the church and mean church members.

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  Feb 11, 2014

  7 Warning Signs of Affairs for Pastors and Other Church Staff

  The conversation is always sad, always tragic. The pastor who left his church after a two-year affair with another church member. The student pastor who has been out of vocational ministry since he had a brief sexual encounter with his assistant. I have spoken with countless numbers of these men and women. And each time I am reminded of how much I need to love God with all my heart, and to be totally devoted to my wife.