Sam Rainer

Op-ed Contributor

Sam Rainer is president of Church Answers and pastor at West Bradenton Baptist Church in Florida.

Latest

Nov 10, 2024
Churches are relevant but not trustworthy: An unexpected, new perception gap
How do the unchurched really feel about the American church? Do these feelings differ from those who regularly attend church?
Oct 27, 2024
My church was directly hit by Hurricane Milton. What I learned
Milton’s eye passed through my neighborhood, and the backside of the eyewall was like nothing I’ve experienced in previous storms.
Oct 20, 2024
Pastors, stop trying to fix people’s problems
I once made the mistake of giving my cell number to a troubled transgender alcoholic.
Sep 29, 2024
The real reasons the unchurched do not attend (what your church can do about it)
Do people who attend church regularly have different perceptions of the church than those who do not attend regularly?
Aug 4, 2024
A simple and quick checklist before preaching every sermon
This checklist is not meant to be a comprehensive guide, but I hope you find it useful in the sermon writing process.
Jul 7, 2024
How to hold church staff accountable in a hybrid work-from-home arrangement
How do you hold staff accountable without being too rigid with required office hours?
Jun 23, 2024
What should pastors do when they must lead people they don’t trust
Trust is one of the most valuable components of relationships.
Jun 9, 2024
Why Vacation Bible School is as important now as ever
What other program or event bears this kind of fruit in a one-week timeframe?
May 19, 2024
The hidden reason churches nail worship
The hidden reason churches nail worship is right there in plain sight.
May 5, 2024
How to know when you’ve stayed too long as a pastor
A string of shorter tenures is usually not healthy for churches. But it is possible to stay too long. What are some of the signs?