Sam Rainer

Bradenton

Co-Host at EST. - For the Established Church with Sam Rainer and Josh King

President, Church Answers. Lead Pastor, West Bradenton. Frequenter, Tropicana Field.

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Articles

An Open Letter to a Pastor Unjustly Fired

1 week ago | churchanswers.com | Sam Rainer

Dear Pastor,I wish I did not have to write this letter. I wish your story were an anomaly, a rare and isolated incident in the life of the church. Unfortunately, your experience is one of many, a tragic reminder of the pain that can arise from the very place meant to bring healing and hope. Over the years, I have walked alongside many pastors. I’ve listened as they recounted the betrayal, confusion, and heartache they endured.
Deacon Selection Process: Interview Questions to Ask Before Ordination [FREE Download]

1 month ago | churchanswers.com | Sam Rainer

Deacons play a vital role in the church, serving alongside pastors and helping maintain the congregation’s spiritual health. While much focus is placed on pastoral leadership, deacons are no less essential to the church’s mission. No single passage outlines the exact duties of a deacon, but several themes emerge from Scripture, particularly in Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3. Acts 6 provides the foundational account of deacons in the early church.
Warning Signs of Abuse in the Church

1 month ago | outreachmagazine.com | Sam Rainer

There is a difference between a predator and a wolf. A predator may come from anywhere. But the Bible gives a special warning about wolves—namely, church leaders who look the part but are dangerous. Matthew records this warning from Jesus: “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act” (Matt. 7:15–16). Wolves are inclined to do as much damage to the church as possible.
What pastors should wear while preaching (proper church dress cod

1 month ago | christianpost.com | Sam Rainer

By , Op-ed Contributor Between the 4th and 6th centuries, early Christian ministers adopted distinctive attire, setting them apart from the people they shepherded. As long robe-like garments of the Roman and Greek Empires became less popular in civil life, the church retained the attire for clergy, which evolved into what we know today as vestments. In many Christian traditions, clergy still wear liturgical garments.
What Pastors Should Wear While Preaching (Proper Church Dress Code)

1 month ago | churchanswers.com | Sam Rainer

Between the 4th and 6th centuries, early Christian ministers adopted distinctive attire, setting them apart from the people they shepherded. As long robe-like garments of the Roman and Greek Empires became less popular in civil life, the church retained the attire for clergy, which evolved into what we know today as vestments. In many Christian traditions, clergy still wear liturgical garments.
Am I Too Lonely? A Free Self-Scoring Tool for Pastors and Church Leaders

1 month ago | churchanswers.com | Sam Rainer

Generally, pastors are content with their callings. A study by Ryan Burge noted that 83% of clergy felt happy at least four days a week, and 85% reported having life satisfaction almost daily. While this data was collected before the pandemic, there is little reason to believe that pastors are more dissatisfied as a professional group than any other. Additionally, the longer a pastor is in ministry, the higher the satisfaction rate. But what about loneliness?
Predators, Wolves, and Recognizing Where Abuse Begins in Churches

2 months ago | churchanswers.com | Sam Rainer

There is a difference between a predator and a wolf. A predator may come from anywhere. But the Bible gives a special warning about wolves—namely, church leaders who look the part but are dangerous. Matthew records this warning from Jesus: “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act.”Wolves are inclined to do as much damage to the church as possible.
At what point can you say your Church is fully revitalized?

2 months ago | fggam.org | Dewey Moede |Sam Rainer

At what point can you say your church is fully revitalized? Written by Sam Rainer in The Christian Post. In some ways, church health is an ongoing journey. You never really “arrive.” In fact, the healthiest churches are inevitably messy. A healthy church will have many new believers, which means an ongoing struggle to disciple them. This discipleship doesn’t happen instantaneously. The more people you reach for Christ, the more new believers you have, and the messier your church will be.
5 indicators your church is truly revitalized

2 months ago | christianpost.com | Sam Rainer

By , Op-ed Contributor At what point can you say your church is fully revitalized? In some ways, church health is an ongoing journey. You never really “arrive.” In fact, the healthiest churches are inevitably messy. A healthy church will have many new believers, which means an ongoing struggle to disciple them. This discipleship doesn’t happen instantaneously. The more people you reach for Christ, the more new believers you have, and the messier your church will be.
How to Know Your Church Is Truly Revitalized (5 Key Indicators)

Feb 10, 2025 | churchanswers.com | Sam Rainer

At what point can you say your church is fully revitalized? In some ways, church health is an ongoing journey. You never really “arrive.” In fact, the healthiest churches are inevitably messy. A healthy church will have many new believers, which means an ongoing struggle to disciple them. This discipleship doesn’t happen instantaneously. The more people you reach for Christ, the more new believers you have, and the messier your church will be.