Chad Wilham

“Pastors and other church leaders make mistakes. Church members often exacerbate them.”
― Thom S. Rainer, Who Moved My Pulpit?: Leading Change in the Church

“The entitled church member treats the church more like a country club than a church. They view their financial offerings as dues to get perks and privileges. They make pastors and other church leaders cringe when they say, “You do know we pay your salary.” The entitled church member is the antithesis of the biblical church member described in 1 Corinthians 12. The apostle Paul describes that type of church member as giving, functioning, and sacrificing. He or she is a member of the body of Christ for the greater good of the church. Others come first. An entitled church member expects his worship style. She expects her color of the rooms and temperature in the worship center. They expect their pastor to jump when they call. After all, they think, it’s our church. We should be able to get what we want. The entitled church member resists change constantly. These church members do not want anything that upsets their way of doing church to be introduced to the congregation. Church is about their perks, their desires, and their comfort. Biblical church members will gladly accept change to reach people with the gospel, and to bring glory to God. Entitled church members are in churches to get their needs met. Change is thus difficult and sometimes futile.”
― Thom S. Rainer, Who Moved My Pulpit?: Leading Change in the Church

“Prayer is not an option in leading change in the church; it is foundational. You are not smart enough to lead change. You need to pray for wisdom. You are not brave enough to lead change. You need to pray for courage. You are not strong enough to lead change. You need to pray for strength.”
― Thom S. Rainer, Who Moved My Pulpit?: Leading Change in the Church

“The denier is one of the most difficult to lead in change because he or she does not think anything needs changing. The church is just fine the way it is, and there is no motivation to do things differently. Denial is the fastest path to death.”
― Thom S. Rainer, Who Moved My Pulpit?: Leading Change in the Church