Podcast Episode #470
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
With my upcoming retirement from LifeWay, we take time to look back on my 13 years as president. We discuss the challenges, the wins, the fun times, and the walk on the beach that changed the course of LifeWay forever.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
- Even though I became president of LifeWay in 2005, because of the Great Recession, it didn’t feel like I got started until 2010.
- The turnaround of ongoing curriculum at LifeWay was the biggest business win of my tenure. From a ministry standpoint, the biggest win was the release of the Christian Standard Bible.
- I wouldn’t trade the employees of LifeWay for any other group of employees. They are the best.
- If you get the best people around you, change will take place.
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast
Episode Sponsors
Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. They’ve helped thousands of churches just like yours find their church staff and are uniquely geared to help you discern who God is calling to lead your church.
For more information, visit WeStaffTheChurch.com.
The ministry landscape is changing, and the need for biblical training is more necessary than ever. It’s time to get your Master of Divinity degree. The M.Div —Midwestern Seminary’s flagship degree program — is the primary track for ministry preparation. At just 81 hours, the Midwestern M.Div offers a complete foundation for full-time ministry leaders, offering everything you need, and nothing you don’t. Join other students in vibrant Kansas City as you train in a unique collaborative environment focused on the local church or study online in your current ministry context. Midwestern Seminary is developing a discipleship culture devoted to the local church and committed to God’s unchanging Word. Why not start your training today?
Find out more at mbts.edu/mdiv.
Feedback
If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you’ll receive a free copy of Becoming a Welcoming Church.
Hey Dr. Rainer,
Wait a minute, I thought I had the best group of employees working for me!!! Truth is you’re applying a principle that I learned years ago from my old platoon sergeant. He would remind us that if you wanted the best out of your soldiers, treat them like they are. Expect greatness from them, remind them they are the best and they’ll step up every time.
The Lord used you mightily to help pastors and churches world wide. If I read you right, you’re only comment is…”to God be the glory!” and I say AMEN!
Thank you. You are exactly right. To God be the glory!
The excellence of your leadership at Lifeway has been both excellent and evident. Well done, sir, and thank you!
You may get little glimpses of that success while here on earth, but I’m afraid it’ll take a one-way trip to Heaven to see the full range of good you’ve done. But I guess that’s true of all of us…
And for you as well, Bob. Thank you, my friend.