Sam Rainer

Op-ed Contributor

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

Latest

Mar 13, 2023
Leading a church when the wrong people hold power
There are churches with misaligned power structures in desperate need of good pastors. What if you end up in such a situation? Leading without power requires informal authority.
Mar 5, 2023
Prayer walking can revitalize a church. Do you believe that?
The problem is not enough churches are emphasizing this spiritual discipline. Those that do are seeing powerful results.
Feb 17, 2023
Churches are getting less of total charitable giving. Here’s why.
What can you do to help build trust in your church finances? Small steps can make a big difference.
Feb 12, 2023
This inescapable reality: '... because you’re the pastor'
“... because you’re the pastor.”
Feb 5, 2023
5 ways to honor the past while not losing the future
You can honor the past while not losing the future. In fact, the honor you show the past may become the way in which the future opens.
Jan 29, 2023
What you are likely missing in your church membership class
The membership class was one ministry many churches put on hold during the pandemic. It was also one of the last ministries churches restarted. Now is an excellent time to evaluate your membership class. What could you be missing?
Jan 19, 2023
The shortcomings of extroverted pastors and how to overcome them
Both extroverts and introverts can lead well. Both can lead poorly. Personality is only one part of leadership.
Jan 8, 2023
15 ways lead pastors can drive their staff nuts
Most lead pastors will act differently around the staff they work with for hours each day compared to other congregants they may see in passing once or twice a week. This dichotomy is not necessarily bad. But things go sideways when the lead pastor plays nice with the congregation while poorly leading the staff.
Jan 1, 2023
5 leadership resolutions for your church in 2023
Leadership is a gift from followers. Graciously accept this gift by resolving to serve the people around you by putting them first. Make 2023 the year of serving others.
Dec 26, 2022
Why churches resist change from new pastors (and what you can do about it)
Why have so many pastors’ honeymoons ended after the first few months? Resistance to change is one of the largest hurdles in leadership.