Author, Speaker & Ministry Leader; Founder & CEO of Church Answers
Thom S. Rainer Biography
Thom S. Rainer is an American author, speaker, ministry leader, and executive known for his decades‑long influence on church health, leadership, and organizational strategy within the Christian community. Born in Union Springs, Alabama, Rainer earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama before completing both his Master of Divinity and Ph.D. at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He began his professional life as a pastor of multiple congregations and later served as founding dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions and Evangelism at Southern Seminary, where he shaped training for future church leaders.
In 2006, Rainer was appointed president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, one of the largest providers of Christian books, curricula, and ministry tools in the world, a position he held until his retirement in 2019. During his tenure, he led the organization through strategic growth including curriculum expansion and global outreach, and helped launch LifeWay Research, which became a widely cited source for religious and cultural insight. After stepping down, he founded Church Answers, an online community and resource hub that offers articles, podcasts, and coaching aimed at helping pastors and church leaders navigate ministry challenges effectively.
Rainer is the author or co‑author of more than 30 books focused on church leadership, growth, and spiritual health. Notable works include “I Am a Church Member,” “Autopsy of a Deceased Church,” “Simple Church,” “Becoming a Welcoming Church,” and “I Will: Nine Traits of an Outwardly Focused Christian,” many of which have been major bestsellers and widely used as training resources in churches across the United States. His writing, speaking engagements, daily blog, and podcasts such as “Rainer on Leadership” reach millions each year and continue to influence pastors and lay leaders.
Rainer and his wife, Nellie Jo, reside in Tennessee and have three grown sons and more than ten grandchildren. His lifelong commitment to church health and leadership development continues through his online platforms, consultation work, and public ministry.
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Thom S. Rainer Videos
Thom Rainer: This Is What Is Necessary for Churches To Survive
Anatomy of a Revived Church Part 2 - Dr. Thom S. Rainer.
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Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Thom S. Rainer for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Thom S. Rainer, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Thom S. Rainer or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Thom S. Rainer
Speaking fees for Thom S. Rainer, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Thom S. Rainer are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Thom S. Rainer, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Thom S. Rainer speak about?
Thom S. Rainer is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, Children's Authors, Christian, Christian, Faith & Religion, Faith & Religion, Religious Leadership -
Where does Thom S. Rainer travel from?
Thom S. Rainer generally travels from an undisclosed location, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
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Thom S. Rainer is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Thom S. Rainer for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Thom S. Rainer generally travels from and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Zack Kass, Eric Boles, Daymond John, Jelly Roll and Rocky Bleier. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Thom S. Rainer for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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