Rainer on Leadership

Thom Rainer

4.8 (460)
CHRISTIANITY
UPDATED WEEKLY

Rainer on Leadership is your online home for leadership lessons for the local church. This twice-weekly podcast provides practical training on important issues for church leaders and pastors. For more information, visit ChurchAnswers.com.

3 DAYS AGO

What Will Be the Sacred Cows in Church Worship When the Millennials Are the Oldest Generation?

https://youtu.be/EyPGvUPEkD0 In about 30 years, Millennials will become the dominant older generation in most churches. What will they refuse to give up? Josh and Sam talk about their generation and what might become the sacred cows as they become elderly. Band-led worship Words on screens Casual attire—skinny jeans? Coffee in hand “Authentic” Songs on repeat Resources: * The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary * Churchteams * FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights * Church Answers Central The Everything Church Resource Directory * The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: * Pastors and ministry leaders are invited to apply now to be accepted into a new– fully online–PhD program at Southern Seminary. * The Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Studies at Southern is not a series of recorded lectures. Scholars in this program will experience live interactions with the same professors who teach at Southern Seminary's Louisville campus. * This program provides the opportunity for ministry leaders to engage in rigorous theological study while continuing to serve in their current ministry. * The PhD in Christian Studies includes seminars in New Testament and Old Testament exposition, historical theology, biblical theology, ethics, leadership, and discipleship. * Come join the long line of ministry faithfulness that dates back to 1892 when The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary launched the first seminary-based doctoral degree in North America. * That degree became the PhD, and it has grown into one of the most respected in higher education. * Learn more at SBTS.edu/rainer * You see the need for systems to follow up on guests, volunteers, pastoral care; but right now that is really sporadic and siloed. Each person doing their own thing and people falling through the cracks. Churchteams will help you build and implement the system you need. * Tired of not being able to get the help you need for your software? Churchteams support staff have all served on Church staff. They know the software and they know how churches work. Call, text, set up free support appointments. * Integrated. How many different software systems are you using that require sharing people's data? If 2 or more, you know the challenge and limitations of data in different systems that don't play well together. Churchteams has all your people data in one place, including your communication data (email, texts, workflows). * Ease of use. Do you feel like you should be getting more from your church software, but just can't get people to use it? Churchteams makes it easy for guests, members, volunteers,

24 min
6 DAYS AGO

Making Change in an Older Church (Without Running Over the Old Guard)

https://youtu.be/8xxURmUmPNc It can be particularly challenging for a pastor to lead change in an older church when the primary decision makers (or most of the members) have been in the church for several years, sometimes a few decades. Thom and Sam look at four developments that often take place when leading change is successful. They reviewed over 20 successful churches. The power of patience and time The power of one-on-one meetings The power of listening The power of transparency Resources: * My Church Staff * Upward Running * “Eating the Elephant: Leading the Established Church to Growth” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) * “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High” by Joseph Grenny (affiliate link) * FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights * Church Answers Central The Everything Church Resource Directory * The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: Develop your next staff member for $100 per month! Church answers will provide best practices for finding a staff member, then we will provide an expert to help train that staff member. We are starting with two staff positions: stewardship (led by Art Rainer) and worship (led by Mark Harland). Take some of the burden off of yourself; let Church Answers help you develop a great staff team through My Church Staff. Join now for $100 per month and cancel at any time (though we don't think you'll want to). Visit My Church Staff to learn more. Upward Running for adults We're excited to introduce Upward Running for adults, a brand-new offering from Upward Sports! Here are two ways you can get involved: Bring Upward Running to your church by hosting a 5K Challenge or starting a Training Group. With just one passionate leader, Upward provides everything you need to make it happen. Join the Upward Running community through the new RunClub app! Whether you're tackling a 5K, 10K, or marathon, you’ll find everything you need: proven training plans, run tracking, info on how to start or improve in the sport, great ministry content, and connection with like-minded runners and walkers through community groups. It’s fresh, exciting, and ready for you! Visit UpwardRunning.com today to get started.

24 min
JAN 9

Things About Church Leadership We Haven’t Figured Out Yet

https://youtu.be/c2J9JCEZLcc In your 30s and 40s, you start to learn what you don't know. The older you get, you either become more self-aware or stop caring. Josh and Sam talk about what they still haven't figured out after twenty years of ministry in the church. Balancing being a “boss” and being a “pastor.” Balancing work, family, and church is a never-ending tug-of-war. Creeping cynicism is constantly a struggle. The temptation to cruise is always there. The feelings of inadequacy are in the background. Keeping the Christmas series fresh, reaching single people, and getting people to tithe. Resources: * The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary * Churchteams * FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights * Church Answers Central The Everything Church Resource Directory * The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: * Pastors and ministry leaders are invited to apply now to be accepted into a new– fully online–PhD program at Southern Seminary. * The Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Studies at Southern is not a series of recorded lectures. Scholars in this program will experience live interactions with the same professors who teach at Southern Seminary's Louisville campus. * This program provides the opportunity for ministry leaders to engage in rigorous theological study while continuing to serve in their current ministry. * The PhD in Christian Studies includes seminars in New Testament and Old Testament exposition, historical theology, biblical theology, ethics, leadership, and discipleship. * Come join the long line of ministry faithfulness that dates back to 1892 when The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary launched the first seminary-based doctoral degree in North America. * That degree became the PhD, and it has grown into one of the most respected in higher education. * Learn more at SBTS.edu/rainer * You see the need for systems to follow up on guests, volunteers, pastoral care; but right now that is really sporadic and siloed. Each person doing their own thing and people falling through the cracks. Churchteams will help you build and implement the system you need. * Tired of not being able to get the help you need for your software? Churchteams support staff have all served on Church staff. They know the software and they know how churches work. Call, text, set up free support appointments. * Integrated. How many different software systems are you using that require sharing people's data? If 2 or more, you know the challenge and limitations of data in different systems that don't play well together. Churchteams has all your people data in one place, including your communication data (email, texts,

30 min
JAN 6

Five Predictions We Got Wrong about the Future of the Church

https://youtu.be/qSbNawu3Y9A This time of year, many commentators and researchers prognosticate about the future of the church. Thom and Sam take a different approach in this episode. While many of their predictions from previous decades have turned out to be correct, not all of them did. They look back and evaluate a few predictions they got wrong from years ago. Sunday school would not survive the turn of the Millennium (Thom in the early 1990s). Multi-ethnic churches would become the fastest-growing (Sam in the early 2010s). The multi-site administrator would become an important church staff position (Sam in 2010). Evangelism will return to its rightful place of importance and priority (Thom in the mid-2010s). A recession will negatively impact church giving (Sam and Thom during the pandemic). Resources: * Upward Sports * My Church Staff * Church Growth Services: Get your free campaign capacity analysis! * “The Book of Church Growth: History, Theology, and Principles” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) * “Why Conservative Churches Are Growing” by Dean Kelley (affiliate link) * FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights * Church Answers Central The Everything Church Resource Directory * The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: Who is Upward Sports? Upward Sports is the World’s largest Christian youth sports organization, dedicated to partnering with local churches to use sports outreach to reach the community. Upward Sports offers basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, and soccer as a league offering. When partnering with Upward Sports, your church can reach the community, attract young families, and share the Gospel. Upward Sports will customize your sports outreach strategy to support your church budget and community needs. We know one size does not fit all. Start the year off right by using sports as part of your outreach ministry! Are you looking to engage new families, bless your community, or mobilize your congregation to serve? Consider adding sports ministry in 2025. If you have a gym, field space, or even access to a facility consider Upward Sports. Upward Sports stands ready to support your church in creating a first-class, organized, intentional outreach ministry… that tells families, “you are welcome here!” Whether you already have your own sports ministry at your church, looking to start sports ministry for the first time, check out Upward Sports. It’s the game changing outreach ministry in this new year! Schedule Your call today – www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers Develop your next staff member for $100 per mont...

27 min
12/31/2024

What Every Church Leader Needs to Know to Move Church Members to Higher Levels of Generosity

https://youtu.be/50rvd2NKUMQ Art Rainer joins Thom to unpack some amazing research that can help you know how to lead your church members to higher levels of giving. You will be amazed how a few simple things can move your church toward greater stewardship. Resources: * “The Daily Walk Bible” * Tyndale House Publishers * My Church Staff * 8 Money Milestones * Christian Money Solutions * FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights * Church Answers Central The Everything Church Resource Directory * The Hope Initiative * Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector Episode Sponsors: The Daily Walk Bible: Your guide to walking daily with God * The Daily Walk Bible takes you on a guided path through Scripture. Each of the 366 daily Bible readings is enhanced with a short overview that emphasizes different aspects of God’s story and a devotional to immerse you in what you have just experienced. Every seventh day you’ll pause to reflect, reconnect with what you have read, consider areas where deeper understanding beckons, and open your heart to hear God’s voice. * Ready to go deeper? Just download the Filament Bible app and scan the icon at the top of each page for an in-depth exploration of the passage you are reading with notes, devotionals, videos, graphics, and more. * Let The Daily Walk Bible be your guide as you explore Scripture throughout the year and discover more of who God is through his Word. * Start Walking Through God’s Word * Visit The Daily Walk Bible to learn more. Develop your next staff member for $100 per month! Church answers will provide best practices for finding a staff member, then we will provide an expert to help train that staff member. We are starting with two staff positions: stewardship (led by Art Rainer) and worship (led by Mark Harland). Take some of the burden off of yourself; let Church Answers help you develop a great staff team through My Church Staff. Join now for $100 per month and cancel at any time (though we don't think you'll want to). Visit My Church Staff to learn more.

24 min
12/24/2024

How to Really Enjoy Your Christmas as a Pastor

https://youtu.be/Q3Bt7OP7kck The holiday season can be stressful for pastors. The sprint to year-end can exhaust even the most seasoned church staff. Thom and Sam discuss ways to enjoy this busy time of year. Start a family tradition on the "off days" of Christmas, especially the week after Christmas Day. Don't fight the inevitable church calendar or set false expectations with your family. Better to delay family time than cram it between church activities. Grumpiness confuses your congregation and becomes contagious with your family. Pick a couple of days for your family and ignore your phone notifications. Ask your spouse about doing something special together shortly after Christmas. Resources: * My Church Staff * “The Daily Walk Bible” * Tyndale House Publishers * FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights * Church Answers Central The Everything Church Resource Directory * The Hope Initiative * Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector Episode Sponsors: Develop your next staff member for $100 per month! Church answers will provide best practices for finding a staff member, then we will provide an expert to help train that staff member. We are starting with two staff positions: stewardship (led by Art Rainer) and worship (led by Mark Harland). Take some of the burden off of yourself; let Church Answers help you develop a great staff team through My Church Staff. Join now for $100 per month and cancel at any time (though we don't think you'll want to). Visit My Church Staff to learn more. The Daily Walk Bible: Your guide to walking daily with God * The Daily Walk Bible takes you on a guided path through Scripture. Each of the 366 daily Bible readings is enhanced with a short overview that emphasizes different aspects of God’s story and a devotional to immerse you in what you have just experienced. Every seventh day you’ll pause to reflect, reconnect with what you have read, consider areas where deeper understanding beckons, and open your heart to hear God’s voice. * Ready to go deeper? Just download the Filament Bible app and scan the icon at the top of each page for an in-depth exploration of the passage you are reading with notes, devotionals, videos, graphics, and more. * Let The Daily Walk Bible be your guide as you explore Scripture throughout the year and discover more of who God is through his Word.

25 min
12/17/2024

Leading (and Loving) a Dying Church

https://youtu.be/pBBOg3clwqw How can you lead (and love) a church that is dying? Thom and Sam discuss this listener-submitted question. No church should die, but some will. Some pastors must shepherd congregations on what amounts to spiritual hospice care. It's a difficult calling, but there are some ways to glorify God, even as a church goes through the process of closing. You are not less of a pastor for shepherding a dying church. Your real estate is a kingdom asset. Consider merger and church planting options. Start on your “what's next” plan well before the church closes. Ask people to write or record their favorite church memories and document their contributions. Find a way to celebrate the legacy of the church. If a church will die, there is no need to rebuke the congregation. Simply love and encourage them. Resources: * “The Daily Walk Bible” * Tyndale House Publishers * My Church Staff * Brown Church Development Group * Church Growth Services: Get your free campaign capacity analysis! * Ryan Burge * FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights * Church Answers Central The Everything Church Resource Directory * The Hope Initiative * Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector Episode Sponsors: The Daily Walk Bible: Your guide to walking daily with God * The Daily Walk Bible takes you on a guided path through Scripture. Each of the 366 daily Bible readings is enhanced with a short overview that emphasizes different aspects of God’s story and a devotional to immerse you in what you have just experienced. Every seventh day you’ll pause to reflect, reconnect with what you have read, consider areas where deeper understanding beckons, and open your heart to hear God’s voice. * Ready to go deeper? Just download the Filament Bible app and scan the icon at the top of each page for an in-depth exploration of the passage you are reading with notes, devotionals, videos, graphics, and more. * Let The Daily Walk Bible be your guide as you explore Scripture throughout the year and discover more of who God is through his Word. * Start Walking Through God’s Word * Visit The Daily Walk Bible to learn more. a href="https://churchanswers.

23 min
12/10/2024

The Warning Signs You’ve Stayed Too Long at a Church

https://youtu.be/omLloQQl8_s The prevailing wisdom for pastors is longer tenure is better. This principle is generally true. A string of shorter tenures is usually not healthy for churches. But it is possible to stay too long. What are some of the warning signs? When you become the lightning rod with every change effort. When you give up on innovation and find deep comfort in the status quo of the past. When your physical body can no longer take the demands of ministry. When apathy or anger dominates your feelings. When you consistently blame the congregation for lack of progress. When your primary motivator is paying the bills or cruising to retirement. When you would rather let the church die than die trying to save it. Resources: * My Church Staff * “The Daily Walk Bible” * Tyndale House Publishers * FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights * Church Answers Central The Everything Church Resource Directory * The Hope Initiative * Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector Episode Sponsors: Develop your next staff member for $100 per month! Church answers will provide best practices for finding a staff member, then we will provide an expert to help train that staff member. We are starting with two staff positions: stewardship (led by Art Rainer) and worship (led by Mark Harland). Take some of the burden off of yourself; let Church Answers help you develop a great staff team through My Church Staff. Join now for $100 per month and cancel at any time (though we don't think you'll want to). Visit My Church Staff to learn more. The Daily Walk Bible: Your guide to walking daily with God * The Daily Walk Bible takes you on a guided path through Scripture. Each of the 366 daily Bible readings is enhanced with a short overview that emphasizes different aspects of God’s story and a devotional to immerse you in what you have just experienced. Every seventh day you’ll pause to reflect, reconnect with what you have read, consider areas where deeper understanding beckons, and open your heart to hear God’s voice. * Ready to go deeper? Just download the Filament Bible app and scan the icon at the top of each page for an in-depth exploration of the passage you are reading with notes, devotionals, videos, graphics, and more. * Let The Daily Walk Bible be your guide as you explore Scripture throughout the year and discover more of who God is through his Word.

23 min

See All (101)

Thom Rainer

Host

4.8

out of 5

460 Ratings

Helpful topics…

02/06/2022

EdEarnest

My ministry has benefited greatly from these podcasts. The topics are quite helpful- many “real life” kind of scenarios…things I really face (or might face in the future). This is a great equipping resource. And as for personal preference, the length is perfect. I enjoy the bullet points kind out outline with a conversational tone. This makes this podcast very easy to listen to for me. I don’t miss very many episodes. Thanks guys!
Poor audio

12/18/2023

rm@c973

Unable to listen because some speakers are loud while others can hardly be heard. Great content though!
Becoming more of an infomercial

11/10/2022

RDL79

Have been listening to this podcast for a while and really enjoyed it at the beginning, but the longer it goes, the more I feel like I’m listening to an infomercial and them promote their sponsors
Another Great Leadership Podcast to Add to Your List

06/07/2019

jdez36

One of the best most practical leadership podcasts out there. I find myself going back to episodes I’ve already listened to because the information Thom and his team provide is just that good.