Thom S. Rainer

Op-ed Contributor

Latest

Jan 20, 2019
6 reasons some church members resist growth
The confrontation was probably one of my more sobering moments as a pastor. The woman, a long-term church member, used the classic moment right before I preached to tell me God had spoken to her. He told her under no uncertain terms I was supposed to leave the church.
Jan 7, 2019
6 reasons your new member class is not effective
I am a big proponent of new member classes. But not all new member classes are created equally. Some are effective; some are not. If you think your church’s new member class is not as effective as it could be, there are possibly some quick and helpful solutions.
Jan 1, 2019
10 reasons I'm optimistic about churches in 2019
Despite the tough reality many congregations face today, I remain an obnoxious optimist as we move into 2019.
Dec 30, 2018
When a pastor's friend leaves the church
I’ve asked the question dozens of times. In one way or another, I simply ask pastors: “What has been one of your most painful moments in ministry?”
Dec 28, 2018
20 really weird criticisms pastors receive
Back by popular demand, here are the latest really weird criticisms pastors have received, with special thanks to the responses at Church Answers and on social media.
Dec 27, 2018
5 most common ways churches guide new believers
It’s one of the most common questions we get at Church Answers. What resources or approaches do you use for new believers?
Dec 21, 2018
American churches are at a tipping point
If current trajectories continue, American churches will pass a tipping point. Our congregations will begin a likely unstoppable path toward decline that will rival many European churches of the past century. If there is not a significant movement of revitalization, there will be an accelerated rate of decline and death.
Dec 20, 2018
6 considerations before you fire your pastor this Christmas
Am I the Grinch trying to steal Christmas? No way. Bah. Humbug. I simply want to uncover a dark reality of which many church members have little knowledge: many pastors are being fired this Christmas season.
Dec 19, 2018
9 updated trends about Christmas Eve services
Most churches have some type of Christmas Eve services, but we are seeing clear trends in how churches approach them. Every time we write or podcast something about these services, we get a lot of comments and questions. In that context, here is an update on nine clear trends we are seeing:
Dec 9, 2018
Churches: Revitalize? Replant? Is relaunch a 3rd option?
As we seek to work with churches around the world, we use two words regularly to describe the efforts toward greater health: revitalize or replant. ... Is relaunch a possible third way? I think so.