FIRST-PERSON: Coronavirus and your church
Church leaders need to begin thinking about how their church should respond to threats from coronavirus right now rather than later, says author Thom Rainer.
FIRST-PERSON: Should churches have stand-and-greet times?
Stand-and-greet times are the top reason why first-time guests don't return to a church, according to Twitter poll by Thom Rainer, president of LifeWay Christian Resources. The poll, though "not scientific," prompts Rainer to explore reasons why guests don't like that part of many churches' worship services.
FIRST-PERSON: When Boomer pastors retire
NASHVILLE (BP) -- On Jan. 1, 2011, the first Baby Boomer turned 65. In fact, on that day, 10,000 of them turned 65. And that pace of aging will continue until 2030, when every Boomer is 65 or older.
FIRST-PERSON: Warnings for church leaders who use social media
LifeWay President Thom Rainer gives seven warnings for church leaders and churches who use social media.
FIRST-PERSON: Lead your church to be evangelistic
LifeWay President Thom Rainer, reflecting on a loss of evangelistic fervor in today's churches, sets forth key steps pastors can take to extend the good news of Jesus Christ in their communities.
FIRST-PERSON: The worship style Millennials want
LifeWay President Thom Rainer says Millennials are more interested in worship's theology, authenticity and quality than its style.
FIRST-PERSON: Pastors & Christmas gifts
NASHVILLE (BP) -- I received a query from a person recently who indicated his curiosity and perhaps concern about how pastors are treated at Christmastime. On topics similar to this, I typically hear from one or two persons who are eager to point to pastors who feel entitled or who are treated too lavishly.
FIRST-PERSON: A pastor’s first 90 days
Thom Rainer, president of LifeWay Christian Resources, relays nine suggestions to pastors for their first 90 days of ministry in a new church.
FIRST-PERSON: 10-18 hours to prepare most sermons
How much time do pastors spend to prepare their sermons? Thom S. Rainer, president of LifeWay Christian Resources, reports on an informal survey he conducted.
FIRST-PERSON: Autopsy of a deceased church: 11 things I learned
We must learn from churches that closed their doors because they were inwardly focused, says columnist Thom S. Rainer.
