Jim Sheppard, Principal of Generis — a consulting firm that helps churches to inspire and cultivate generosity through giving development coaching and strategy — talks about the best way to create an environment of giving. What role does a pastor need to play to encourage giving? Sheppard: The pastor must lead the way. Generous churches […]
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By Rebecca Calbert, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB As an architect, I notice my surroundings more than the “average bear.” And lately, trends in youth ministry interior design bring to mind Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Some spaces are too hot, some are too cold, and some are just right. I’ve seen church facilities take a […]
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By Matt Johnson So, how is your holiday season going? If you’re in some sort of vocational ministry, you might have a complicated response to that question. While those around you are merrymaking, you might want to take a nap. Don’t feel bad. It’s okay to admit that the holiday season is especially […]
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Shane Skaggs, Chief Design Officer at Mankin Media Systems, talks about how to make your A/V system dream a (practical) reality. In this first series installment, we talked about Step 1: DREAM. What denotes a movement to Steps 2 & 3 — DESIGN and DEPLOY — in the A/V system design process? Skaggs: Once the […]
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By Rev. Dr. Perry Hopper & Rev. Dr. Sara Day The annual budget planning process can bring feelings of unease and concern for pastors and church leaders. The reality is that it costs money to do ministry effectively, and a carefully thought-out budget demonstrates a commitment to the missional goals of the church. We know […]
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By Mark R Ashcraft with Bruce Woody, AIA If you look up the definition of “recreation,” you will see something along the lines of activities done to relax, have fun or simply done for enjoyment when one is not working. It is the re-energizing of our strength and spirit. Today more than ever, we need […]
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By Michael Prior, J.D. Giving. From the earliest days of the Gospel, funding the mission of the Church has been a necessity. It’s so vital, even the original 12 required a treasurer. And for centuries, the faithful have answered the call of contribution through sacrifice or abundance … from one pocket. This pocket contains our […]
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By RaeAnn Slaybaugh In its early life, Sagebrush was a church on the move — for eight years, to be exact. “It’s a funny thing; sometimes in the church world, people want you to have a building to legitimize you,” says Administrative Pastor Bob Church. “And yeah, portability is kind of fun, because it’s pioneering. […]
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By Eric Spacek, JD, ARM With winter on the horizon, you and your church need to be prepared. In addition to the cold, snow and wind, winter conditions can cause substantial damage to buildings. Even prior to winter, the fall can bring about wear and tear due to the changes in temperature and moisture levels. […]
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Due to the nature of their work, churches are held to a high standard of accountability by internal and external stakeholders. Without a financial solution designed to comply with non-profit accounting standards, it can be challenging to demonstrate transparency and fiscal responsibility to constituents. While commercial accounting software can be configured to meet basic financial […]
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