Sam Rainer

Latest

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  Aug 21, 2021

  What will happen to the all-white church in America? 10 trends to watch over next 10 years

  Demographics tend to change slowly. You can see the patterns emerging, and, for the most part, you can know what is coming years in advance. Most people do not pay attention to these gradual shifts because it does not have an immediate impact on their lives. Then we hit an inflection point, and everyone seems to notice.

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  Aug 7, 2021

  Here's 1 of the most overlooked ways to get your church to solve community problems

  The list of ideas is long. While each community will have neighborhood-specific problems, one issue stands out as a neglected nationwide solution most churches are not considering. Fostering is one of the most overlooked ways to get your church to solve community problems.

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  Jul 25, 2021

  A few surprising perspectives about your unchurched neighbors

  We are all guilty on some level of not being obedient to the imperative of Acts 1:8, sharing the Gospel message with all who will listen. And many of us have not taken the step of inviting our neighbors to church. Some of us may not even know our neighbors.

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  Jul 18, 2021

  The difference between curious and caring pastors (and why it's better to be caring)

  Caring leaders desire to serve followers. Curious leaders desire information about a subordinate. The difference between care and curiosity is service.

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  Jul 11, 2021

  5 reasons my family loves (really!) ministry together

  I can’t imagine approaching the throne of God unless I’m ready to collapse into the arms of Jesus. My family will help me limp to the finish line.

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  Jul 8, 2021

  Why do some churchgoers stick with bad pastors?

  Most pastors work hard, love their churches, and would sacrifice their lives for the people they lead. If you are reading this article for ways to get back at your pastor, then it’s likely you’re the problem, not your pastor. But there are some bad pastors out there. Why do people stay with them?

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  Jun 27, 2021

  Can I be an effective pastor if I don’t like management?

  You don’t have to like management to be an effective pastor. But shepherding a congregation does involve managing others. All pastors should both teach and execute.

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  Jun 17, 2021

  Why Church staff should worship together during the week

  When the staff is passionate about worship, often the church follows this lead. I cherish the weekly worship with our staff. Staff worship does not need to last long. Our time together is under an hour, but it’s usually one of the most important hours of the week.

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  May 16, 2021

  Making your church new member class better: Answering the top 5 questions

  With more people regathering in-person for church, a pent-up demand is building for membership classes. The membership class was one ministry many churches put on hold during the pandemic.

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  May 9, 2021

  Why pastors should use more historical illustrations in sermons

  Sermon illustrations are tricky. You try to be funny, but it falls flat. You try to be inspirational, but you’re cheesy. You try to be serious, and you have a booger in your nose.