The Baptist Courier

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Courier Publishing

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Thom S. Rainer

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The Main Reasons People Leave a Church

Published on February 14, 2013

Numbers of gifted persons and organizations have studied the phenomenon of the church ?back door,? the metaphorical way we describe people leaving the church. And there will always be the anticipated themes of relocation or personal crises. We should... Continue Reading »

Five of the Most Difficult Challenges Pastors Face

Published on November 8, 2012

Serving as a pastor may be one of the most difficult jobs in the world. Indeed, it may be an impossible job to do in our own strength. I know. Before I was LifeWay's president or a seminary dean,... Continue Reading »

FIRST-PERSON: 5 of the most difficult challenges pastors face

Published on October 24, 2012

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) — Serving as a pastor may be one of the most difficult jobs in the world. Indeed, it may be an impossible job to do in our own strength. I know. Before I was LifeWay’s president... Continue Reading »

What Guests See When They Visit Your Church

Published on July 19, 2012

In the context of serious theological discussions, it may seem trivial to write about first impressions of guests when they visit your church. But if we could understand that a returning guest has more opportunities to hear the gospel... Continue Reading »

7 Keys to Preventing Pastoral Burnout

Published on June 21, 2012

I have the incredible opportunity to interact with pastors regularly. In recent conversations, I have asked two questions. First, have you ever experienced burnout in your ministry? Second, what do you do to prevent pastoral burnout?... Continue Reading »

Your Church May Be Inwardly Focused If …

Published on June 7, 2012

Any healthy church must have some level of inward focus. Those in the church should be discipled. Hurting members need genuine concern and ministry. Healthy fellowship among the members is a good sign for a congregation. But churches can... Continue Reading »

7 New Trends in Pastor Search Process

Published on April 12, 2012

If there is anything consistent about the current state of how churches find and call pastors, it is the inconsistencies of the process for each church. It is inconsistent by denomination and by each church individually. I have the... Continue Reading »

FIRST-PERSON: 4 reasons you should call instead of write

Published on February 3, 2012

Communicating by voice gives the impression, rightly so, that you took time to find that person, to say your words, and to allow them to respond immediately.... Continue Reading »

First Person – Suggestions for Pastor Search Committees

Published on January 5, 2012

Congregations across America call pastors to their churches in a variety of ways. As church polity varies, so do the approaches of calling a pastor. A bishop or other authority appoints some pastors. Sometimes an elder board decides who... Continue Reading »

FIRST-PERSON: Suggestions for pastor search committees

Published on December 6, 2011

As church polity varies, so do the approaches of calling a pastor.... Continue Reading »

FIRST PERSON: Protect our children (lessons from Penn State)

Published on November 11, 2011

In Coach Joe Paterno"s case, he reported the alleged abuse to his "chain of command," and apparently absolved himself of responsibility.... Continue Reading »

FIRST-PERSON: 4 mistakes I made as a father

Published on November 7, 2011

You see, I have made many mistakes as a father.... Continue Reading »