Thom S. Rainer

Thom S. Rainer

Op-ed Contributor

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  • 10 reasons people give for leaving the church

    10 reasons people give for leaving the church

    Why do people leave the church and not return? We have specifically asked those questions of the formerly churched who were active in a church for at least two consecutive years, but did not return for at least two more years.

  • 6 challenges new pastors didn't see coming

    6 challenges new pastors didn't see coming

    I have been working with local church pastors for over three decades. I love these leaders. I love their hearts. And I hurt with them when they tell me these stories. Six of these stories are so common, I can almost predict them for new pastors.

  • 7 ways churches deal with inactive members

    7 ways churches deal with inactive members

    What are the trends among the churches in North America? For certain, it’s a big issue. For example, the Southern Baptist Convention has over 15 million members, but only about 6 million show up for a weekly worship service.

  • 7 warnings about memorials and plaques in your church

    7 warnings about memorials and plaques in your church

    I interviewed several church members representing several different churches that had died. One of the surprising issues consistent in all the interviews was the contentious issue of memorials and plaques in the church.

  • Why I attend church

    Why I attend church

    In a culture that minimizes commitment and maximizes self-indulgence, I have learned the precious gift of church attendance or, more specifically, the church gathered. I do not see church attendance as a burden or legalistic commitment.

  • Online churches: New research and insights

    Online churches: New research and insights

    I see a pattern developing in online churches. Perhaps it is a trend. The overall pattern is that online ministries of churches are becoming a strategic part of the overall church ministry.

  • Major new research on declining, plateaued and growing churches

    Major new research on declining, plateaued and growing churches

    I love solid research. This new release is absolutely incredible.

  • Where have all the student pastors gone?

    Where have all the student pastors gone?

    I received yet another inquiry today: “Do you have any recommendations for a student minister? We just can’t seem to find one. We’ve been looking for over six months.”

  • 6 reasons relaunching is more difficult than revitalizing or replanting

    6 reasons relaunching is more difficult than revitalizing or replanting

    Relaunching. Revitalizing. Replanting.So many “re” prefixes. It gets confusing.Let’s review our definitions. ...

  • We can't add another service! We won't know everyone.

    We can't add another service! We won't know everyone.

    Most pastors and other church leaders have heard this objection at one point or another. It might be a point of contention when the leadership suggests the addition of another worship service. Similarly, it might be the cry when leadership begins looking at the option of creating a new venue or adding a new site.

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