Sam Rainer

Latest

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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.

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  Apr 25, 2021

  Pastors, stop competing and start hanging out

  I enjoy a little friendly competition. The reality is many churches don’t compete on friendly terms.

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  Apr 15, 2021

  Church leaders, let’s talk about and do more intentional evangelism

  One of the biggest problems in churches is a lack of evangelism.

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  Apr 7, 2021

  3 unseen hooks dragging your church down

  Church leaders are more on guard right now. It’s understandable. Decision fatigue is a real issue with many pastors. People seem to gravitate to the extremes more easily.