Thom Rainer

Thom S. Rainer serves as president and CEO of Church Answers and executive director of Revitalize Network. He served for 12 years as dean at Southern Seminary and for 13 years as the president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources. Also a respected researcher and former pastor, he has written more than 25 books, including many best sellers, such as I Am a Church Member. Rainer and his wife, Nellie Jo, have three grown sons, several grandchildren and live in Nashville, Tennessee.

3 Reminders That Your Calling Is Not an Accident

Ministry in the local church can at times be discouraging. Here are three reminders that you're right where God wants you.

6 Toxic Tendencies of Church Bylaws

Bylaws are essential from a legal and organizational standpoint, but here are ways they can hinder or hurt a church's mission.

Why Is LifeWay Giving Away Bibles?

LifeWay is giving away Bibles to members of churches within 15 miles of their stores. Here are the details.

6 Practices That Sabotage Search Committees

The typical search process should be no longer than six months. These bad habits are often at play when it takes longer.

7 Reasons Churches Stop Reaching Out

There are many reasons churches abandon outreach. Here are a few, in hopes of helping you reverse the trend.

7 Potentially Deadly Church Sicknesses

Use this list to diagnose potential hindrances to your church's health.

Why Church Giving Is Decreasing

There are a few key reasons why giving might be down in your church.

The Top 10 Reasons Church Visitors Don’t Return

"Churches perceive they are a friendly church because the members are friendly to one another. But they don’t think about walking in the shoes of first-time guests."