Thom S. Rainer

Latest

• 
  Oct 6, 2012

  Ten Things Pastors Don't Like About Pastoring

  The expectations of a pastor are endless. Many members expect them to be omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. But different pastors are wired differently. One pastor may get great fulfillment out of counseling, while another dreads every minute of it.

• 
  Sep 27, 2012

  Six Ways Churches Reverse a Decline

  I don't particularly like the "quick-fix" formula some pundits offer to leaders of churches that are plateaued or experiencing a decline. Nevertheless, I have had the wonderful opportunity to research churches across America. Many leaders are frustrated and seeking God's solution.

• 
  Sep 19, 2012

  Seven Updated Trends on Megachurches in America

  The fascination with megachurches is, at least to some extent, related to the sociological impact on the community in which it resides. There continues to be a shift of members and attendees from smaller churches to larger churches, particularly megachurches.

• Sep 15, 2012

  Seven Common Comments Non-Christians Make About Christians

  Christians are against more things than they are for. "It just seems to me that Christians are mad at the world and mad at each other." I don't see much difference in the way Christians live compared to others.

• Sep 10, 2012

  Pastors Are Hurting

  Not all the news about pastors is discouraging. Pastors feel privileged to be called to their places of ministry. They have a deep love for those they shepherd. Most of them could not conceive of doing anything else. But please hear me: Many pastors are hurting.

• Aug 27, 2012

  Listening to Negative People Will Make You Dumb

  We all know those "energy drainers." They are the people that seem to have a perpetual cloud hanging over their heads. Research shows that exposure to 30 minutes or more of negativity – including viewing such material on TV – actually peels away neurons in the brain's hippocampus. That's the part of your brain you need for problem solving.

• Aug 25, 2012

  10 Questions to Diagnose the Evangelistic Health of Your Church

  In my work with churches across America, I often ask a series of questions that help me assist the church to become more evangelistically focused. Are members more concerned about the lost than their own preferences and comfort?

• Aug 11, 2012

  Eight Leadership Lessons From Bad Politicians

  Let's be fair. Many politicians are good and strong leaders. They have a high ethical standard, care for their constituencies first, and seek to serve. But some politicians are bad. They put self first. They lie. They seek power first.

• Aug 8, 2012

  Two Big Distractions for Pastors

  Distractions take our eyes off those things that really matter. For a pastor, the health of the church is greatly at risk when he loses his focus. Most pastors say critics distract them from their ministries.

• 
  Jul 30, 2012

  Dealing With Five Common Objections to New Member Classes

  There is good anecdotal evidence and older research evidence to indicate new member classes are good for the health of congregations. One of the common objections to new member classes, however, is a lack of time or resources.