http://www.thomrainer.com/ en Copyright 2010 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:00:40 -0600 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification I began doing research on churches 25 years ago. In each situation, I approached the new project with anticipation and excitement. You see, I have never considered myself to be an expert on American churches. To the contrary, my role has been more of student as I listened to and learned from the true experts serving local churches. They are the ones on the front line of ministry.Recently, I was a part of a project that had to be one of the most comprehensive research assignments ever completed on the American church. We did either telephone interviews or on-site interviews... http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/08/cathartic-experiences-and-the-transformational-church.php http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/08/cathartic-experiences-and-the-transformational-church.php Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:00:40 -0600 The Millennial generation is the generation that has grabbed my heart. I know that my preference is largely related to having and loving three Millennial sons and their friends. But I know that my favoritism also stems from the attitude of hope that this generation brings.As I have shared in other writings, my son, Jess Rainer, and I just concluded writing a book about this generation with the basic title, The Millennials. The book will be released in January 2011. Our work was based on a massive research project led by LifeWay Research, where that team asked 1,200 older Millennials... http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/08/what-millennials-want-in-leaders.php http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/08/what-millennials-want-in-leaders.php Mon, 02 Aug 2010 08:04:13 -0600 ... http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/07/a-girl-named-maggie.php http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/07/a-girl-named-maggie.php Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:00:50 -0600 The principle of the leadership lid is simple, if not simplistic: An organization can move no higher than the leadership qualities of the leader. Like any so-called principle, the leadership lid certainly has exceptions. It is not an ironclad rule. But it does merit consideration.This principle does suggest, for example, if the leader has character deficiencies, the organization will suffer. Or if he or she has a work ethic problem, the organization does not reach its potential. It is also possible, even likely in many situations, that the leader does not and cannot possess key leadership skills. Again, the organization... http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/07/the-principle-of-the-leadership-lid.php http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/07/the-principle-of-the-leadership-lid.php Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:06:55 -0600 ... http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/06/a-letter-to-my-southern-baptist-family.php http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/06/a-letter-to-my-southern-baptist-family.php Thu, 17 Jun 2010 08:16:58 -0600 ... http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/06/three-leaders-three-functions.php http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/06/three-leaders-three-functions.php Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:44:11 -0600 ... http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/06/power-in-the-pulpit.php http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/06/power-in-the-pulpit.php Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:28:46 -0600 ... http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/05/straight-talk-to-church-members-about-their-pastors.php http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/05/straight-talk-to-church-members-about-their-pastors.php Wed, 26 May 2010 13:47:14 -0600 ... http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/05/praying-for-a-resurgence.php http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/05/praying-for-a-resurgence.php Fri, 21 May 2010 10:30:00 -0600 My wife and I were in a conversation recently about our years together. We will celebrate 33 years of marriage this year, and we dated for almost six years. The simple math was a surprise. We have been dating or married for nearly four decades!It was a good conversation. But I had my moments of regret. Times that I was too busy for my family. My tendency to want to win an argument with my wife rather than resolve the problem. Failure to slow down and enjoy life. Mistakes in MinistryI then reflected on my years when I served as... http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/05/seven-mistakes-in-ministry.php http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/05/seven-mistakes-in-ministry.php Mon, 17 May 2010 10:26:00 -0600 ... http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/05/why-church-guests-return.php http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/05/why-church-guests-return.php Thu, 13 May 2010 12:46:38 -0600 ... http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/05/five-major-trends-for-churches-in-america.php http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/05/five-major-trends-for-churches-in-america.php Mon, 10 May 2010 11:26:44 -0600 Please forgive me for the personal nature of this blog. I prefer to write about the state of churches in America and trends that impact those churches. But my heart is full right now, so please allow me the opportunity to share some thoughts. On Saturday Nellie Jo and I left for a week vacation at the beach. As we pulled out of our driveway, we laughed at the pouring rain and celebrated that we would soon see sunshine and clear skies. But as we approached the Florida line, our neighbor called. Reality Check She told us that the Nashville... http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/05/why-not-me-lord.php http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/05/why-not-me-lord.php Tue, 04 May 2010 07:00:00 -0600 ... http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/04/lost.php http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/04/lost.php Tue, 27 Apr 2010 06:10:55 -0600 ... http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/04/lessons-on-mentoring.php http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/04/lessons-on-mentoring.php Thu, 22 Apr 2010 07:00:00 -0600