Jesse Reimers

Thom S. Rainer's book, "Autopsy of a Deceased Church," offers invaluable insights into the reasons behind the decline and ultimate demise of many churches. While the book is a sobering reflection on the challenges faced by struggling congregations, it also serves as a valuable resource for pastors of small churches seeking to learn from the mistakes of others. In this post, we will explore key takeaways from "Autopsy of a Deceased Church" and discuss how pastors of small churches can apply these lessons to cultivate thriving and vibrant congregations. 1. Recognize the Warning Signs: One of the critical lessons from the book is the importance of recognizing the warning signs of decline within a church. By being attentive to the signs of spiritual apathy, lack of community engagement, resistance to change, and a focus on internal matters rather than outward mission, pastors can take proactive measures to address these issues before they become irreversible. 2. Emb...

As pastors of small churches, it's natural to take on numerous responsibilities and wear multiple hats. You may find yourself juggling pastoral duties, sermon preparation, counseling sessions, administrative tasks, and more. However, there's a common misconception that seeking help from professional outside sources is a sign of weakness or incompetence. On the contrary, understanding the importance of reaching out for assistance can be a transformative step in the growth and success of your small church. In this post, we're exploring why pastors of small churches should embrace the power of seeking help from professional outside sources. 1. Expertise and Specialization: Professional outside sources, such as consultants, coaches, and trainers, possess valuable expertise and specialization in various areas that can greatly benefit your church. They bring fresh perspectives, insights, and best practices gained from working with diverse churches and congregations. Whether you n...

As pastors of small churches, we often find ourselves delegating tasks and responsibilities to members of our congregation. However, it's important to remember that it's not enough to simply give people a task; we must also give them a purpose. In this post, we will explore the significance of providing purpose to those we entrust with responsibilities and how it can transform their engagement and impact within the church. Understanding the Difference Before delving deeper, let's differentiate between a task and a purpose. A task is a specific assignment or action that needs to be accomplished, while a purpose goes beyond the task itself. Purpose provides individuals with a sense of meaning, fulfillment, and connection to the greater vision and mission of the church. It aligns their efforts with a higher calling and motivates them to go above and beyond their assigned tasks. Fostering Ownership When we give people a purpose, we empower them to take ownership of their respon...

As pastors of small churches, you often find ourselves carrying the weight of ministry on our shoulders. You pour our hearts and souls into serving your congregations, but it's important to remember that you can't do it alone . In this post, we will explore the importance of pastors having community with other pastors and how it can benefit our ministry. Encouragement and Support One of the primary benefits of having community with other pastors is the encouragement and support it provides. Connecting with fellow pastors allows us to share our joys, challenges, and struggles in a safe and understanding environment. We can find comfort in knowing that we are not alone in our experiences and can lean on one another for advice, prayer, and encouragement. Having a network of pastors who understand the unique challenges of ministry can be a source of great strength and comfort. Learning and Growth Engaging in community with other pastors opens up opportunities for learning and growt...