Articles for tag: Thom S. Rainer

October 7, 2019

STARTING SMALL: In Praise of the Smaller Church

This is a repost of an appreciation for smaller churches from Oct. 15, 2006, written by Ben Merold, who was then serving as senior minister with Harvester Christian Church, St. Charles, Missouri. Merold, now in his early 90s, continues to serve Harvester as teaching pastor. (Read our October 2019 issue for articles about challenges facing rural and small churches . . . and possible solutions.) _ _ _ By Ben Merold, Harvester Christian Church, St. Charles, Missouri I have a great appreciation for the smaller church. I was led to accept Christ as my personal Savior in a small church.

November 1, 2009

Christian Standard

Church & Ministry Church Leadership Ministry Training & Education

Read Well to Lead Well

Â by Eddie Lowen Every church leader, especially the primary communicator, the preacher, should fear staleness. Those who listen to us instinctively know whether or not we are digging the well deeper or skimming the surface. When people begin to lip-sync your pet phrases as you speak them . . . when you have to feign enthusiasm for things that should genuinely excite you . . . when you preach old sermons because you can”t imagine improving upon what you wrote several years ago””you are going stale.Â The easiest ways to stay fresh are through reading and discussion. Not every

June 17, 2009

Christian Standard

Church & Ministry Church Growth

Interview with Bob Harrington

By Brad Dupray Bob Harrington has had a front-row seat in the “simple church” arena””as described and advocated in the book Simple Church (Broadman & Holman Publishers). The church where he ministers (Harpeth Community Church, Franklin, Tennessee) has embraced the simple church concept. As director of Church Planting Networks with Stadia East and lead trainer with Church Coaching Solution”s church planter bootcamp, he has trained many church leaders in implementing simple church strategies. And as a student, Bob studied under Thom S. Rainer, coauthor of Simple Church with Eric Geiger. Bob completed his DMin at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in

November 30, 2008

James Riley Estep Jr.

Church & Ministry Teaching

Form Without Substance?

James Riley Estep Jr. urges congregations to recover substantive Christian education that prepares believers for deeper biblical questions, spiritual transformation, and resilient faith.

February 17, 2008

By Staff

Organizations & Events Conferences & Gatherings

2008 NACC: Outside the Program

Headed to Cincinnati for the NACC? Here are extra opportunities beyond the main program—pre-convention events, ticketed gatherings during the week, and chaperoned day trips for children ages 6–12.