Bøger af Thom S. Rainer

We've read all the hot books on evangelism, we've attended scores of seminars-and still we're not reaching the unchurched. Eighty to ninety percent of churchless Americans will never darken our culturally relevant, seeker-sensitive doors. What are we missing?Maybe we've been asking the wrong people. Instead of consulting the unchurched masses, it's time we heard what the small but important minority who have recently begun attending a church have to say. What made the difference for them? What critical factors helped spark their faith in Jesus and drew them into the community of believers?Thom S. Rainer, dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth, shares the results and conclusions of his school's groundbreaking survey of the formerly unchurched. At last, here are proven insights into what evangelistically effective churches are doing right. Flying in the face of much contemporary wisdom, the answers will surprise you.This is truly one of the most valuable resources you can own as a church leader. Filled with charts, graphs, and other visual aids, plus an abundance of true-life accounts, this book explodes common myths about the unchurched. You'll discoverWhy pastors and doctrinal preaching are criticalThe enormous influence of family and relationships Which things matter more than we'd thought, and which matter lessWhat causes visitors to returnThe traits of unchurched-reaching leadersHow to preach effectively to the unchurchedHow to become a church for the unchurchedAnd much, much moreThis eye-opening compendium of information includes reproducible appendices that can help you fine-tune or even restructure your church. From one of the nations foremost authorities on evangelism and church growth, here are insights and tools that will change the way you think of and deal with--and win--unchurched men and women who long to connect with God.Photocopyable material includesUnchurched-Reaching Readiness InventoryChurch Health Survey

In a national survey conducted by author Thom Rainer and his staff, eight out of ten unchurched men and women said they would come to church-if only someone would invite them. When and how is the next big question. Rainer helps you figure out where your neighbors, friends, and coworkers are in their spiritual quest, and how you can know who among the unchurched people in your life are receptive to Christ.In this fascinating book, Rainer identifies five "e;faith stages"e; that represent your running buddy, your sister-in-law, or your hairdresser. "e;A discovery we made is that reaching lost and unchurched people is not always best accomplished with some cookie-cutter strategy,"e; Rainer writes. "e;The unchurched are different in how they respond to the gospel."e; How different? You will be amazed at the variables that exist when it comes to how open people are to the Christian message. Open this book, and open your mind and heart to the powerful new possibilities of reaching The Unchurched Next Door.

Breakout Churches Can Your Church Become One?This is the story of thirteen churches and the leaders who moved them from stagnancy to growth and from mediocrity to greatness. Drawing on one of the most comprehensive studies ever on the church, this book reveals the process of becoming a "e;breakout"e; church and the factors that lead to this spiritual metamorphosis. Eighty percent of the approximately 400,000 churches in the United States are either declining or at a plateau. Is there hope for the American church? Breakout Churches offers a resounding "e;yes!"e; and offers specific examples and principles to help you and your church become more effective.

In the first-ever comprehensive study on the subject, Rainer takes an in-depth look at why people leave churches and how church leaders can keep members.

In language that is warm, pithy, and, of course, welcoming, bestselling author Rainer created a tool for churches to become more hospitable.

In a format that is suitable for church members to read individually or study together, Rainer guides readers toward a practical framework for making a difference for those who visit their churches.

Now is the time to stand up and say, "I Will!"

No one wants to see a church die. And yet, far too many churches are dying. For more than twenty-five years, Dr. Thom Rainer has helped churches grow, reverse the trends of decline, and has autopsied those that have died. From this experience, he has discovered twelve consistent themes among those churches that have died. Yet, it's not gloom and doom because from those twelve themes, lessons on how to keep your church alive have emerged. Whether your church is vibrant or dying, whether you are a pastor or a church member, Autopsy of a Deceased Church will walk you through the radical paths necessary to keep your church alive to the glory of God and advancement of Christ's Kingdom!

Based on the studies, consultations, and research of over 50,000 churches, best-selling author, Thom S. Rainer, shares how effective change has taken place in many churches. Who Moved My Pulpit? is a clear guide for church leaders who are not satisfied with the status quo, and who yearn for their churches and ministries to make a kingdom difference. True transformational change in the church is possible.

Best-selling author Thom S. Rainer (Simple Church) shows how being an effective church member has more to do with maintaining a healthy biblical attitude than it does worrying over functional issues.

Now in paperback, this multi-awarded national best seller shares a clear message from case studies of 400 North American congregations: church is done best when it's kept simple.