By Sam S. Rainer III There are two kinds of restaurants: those that embrace children, and those that tolerate children. If you’re a parent — especially if you have multiple small children — then you know this reality. When my family of six storms a restaurant, I can tell immediately whether the establishment will embrace […]
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By Sam S. Rainer III You can sit during these meetings if you like; “standing meetings” are different than stand-up meetings. A standing meeting is one that repeats in a regular pattern and is an obligation for people to attend. I have a standing meeting every Monday at 4 p.m. with my worship pastor. We […]
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By Janil Jean A church executive who markets well is an executive whose church is alive and well. This is because that man or woman understands that few symbols are as simple yet sacred as a cross; that person understands what a cross means by way of where a cross stands, be it atop the […]
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By Sam S. Rainer III I’ve noticed a recent trend among churches. The evidence is more anecdotal, but I have no doubt the phenomenon is occurring on a national scale. While more than half of all churches are in some form of attendance decline, a segment of these declining churches experiences either stability in giving […]
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By Josh Davey When it’s time to consider transportation for your church, you might be overwhelmed with choices. Although there are many different types of buses that may work for your congregation, starting with the terms of your bus — purchase, rental or lease — is a great place to start. If you’re looking for […]
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By Church Mutual Insurance Extreme weather can strike at any time. To make sure you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store this summer, follow this three-step action plan. It tells you how to protect your buildings, grounds, people and property from unnecessary risks. STEP 1: WHAT TO DO BEFORE THE STORM Perhaps the most important […]
Read More >By Sam S. Rainer III Every Monday at 4 p.m., I meet with both my worship pastors. We review the previous Sunday. We discuss the upcoming Sunday. We laugh together. We hold each other accountable. Sometimes I sing their worship set back to them because I have the voice of a senile cat, and it […]
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By Sam S. Rainer III I enjoy a little friendly competition. Last October, I used my kids as a front to scope out another local church’s Fall Fest. That, and they had a large amount of free candy. My affinity for candy corn sucked me into their festivities. The pastor and I are friends. The […]
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By Sam S. Rainer III Christmas Eve is the most likely time an unchurched person will walk into your worship space. It’s a huge opportunity. My fear is some churches go through the motions since Christmas Eve is the peak of busy season and volunteers are short in supply. Your Christmas Eve service is worth […]
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By Sam S. Rainer III I am in the third year of serving as lead pastor at West Bradenton. Thankfully, my first two years were more joy than angst, defined by encouragement and not disillusion. But even in a healthy church, the third year can bring frustration — for both pastor and congregation. In the […]
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