Is passing the offering plate dead? 7 thoughts
My role is to report what I see, not what I prefer. In light of that assignment, here are seven thoughts I have about passing the offering plate.
Thom S. Rainer
Op-ed Contributor
Do I really need to be a member of a church?
This question and its ensuing discussion continues. Do I really need to be a member of a church?
Why your church will die within 5 years
We specifically pray for the dying churches. We pray they will do something before it’s too late.
6 common patterns in toxic churches that fire pastors
The title of this article might engender some visceral reactions. I get it. It is not a pleasant subject.
9 microstresses of a pastor
Pastors are unique in the cumulative number of microstresses in their lives. And, left alone without care, these microstresses can lead to a total collapse.
The life cycle of a pastor
For almost 30 years, we have tracked the tenure of pastors. Though some of the categories are the same, the time periods and the descriptions of the periods continue to evolve. We are now in a post-pandemic, post-Christian era. The changes are significant.
5 solutions for the weary pastor: A personal note to church members
Pastors are tired because culture is no longer friendly to churches and to church leaders. Pastors are tired because of internal church conflict. Pastors are tired because of the barrage of social media conflict.
7 considerations if you are a church member planning on leaving your church
You’ve been with your church for a while now. Something is now urging you to leave the church. We will not get into evaluating your reasons. Let’s just say you have made the decision, or you are close to making that decision.
5 questions for churches as worship gatherings become smaller
Church worship gatherings are getting smaller. Two major factors are contributing to this trend.
4 types of church members based on their frequency of attendance
The watching world sees our lukewarm commitment and rightly concludes we are not committed to the Savior who gave us our churches. If we don’t take Jesus seriously, why should they?
