Protecting your church’s right to religious expression
Since the beginning of the United States, marriage has always been subject to detailed rules.
Read More >Operations Archives - Page 36 of 51 - Church Executive
LISTEN UP! The pastor’s mic is a make-or-break audio element
When it comes to budget concerns, the pastor’s mic shouldn’t be up for discussion. Providing a premium spoken word experience comes with a price tag. When capturing speech, a great microphone will sound as if there is no microphone at all — only a transparent, accurate reproduction of the speaker.
Read More >What’s behind the curtain?
At New Venture Christian Fellowship in Oceanside, CA, visual impact is standard — and transparent.
Read More >How a non-traditional building approach can avoid traditional construction challenges
Most church leaders will tell you that making a decision to build a new facility — or to expand their current campus — is among the most difficult challenges they face. Concerns about managing the process, stewardship of funding, and keeping church members happy with the results all contribute to the worry.
Read More >The stewardship of savings
For a faith-based organization, a procurement services company provides a system for buying products and services that will reduce costs. Through their association with large, multi-facility clients — as well as with hundreds of manufacturer and distribution partners — these companies can provide value to smaller clients by sharing the discounts brought by the volume.
Read More >ChMS: Dos and don’ts for engaging church volunteers
DON’T waste anyone’s time. Volunteering often takes away from other responsibilities, so use volunteers’ time wisely. With everyone’s packed schedules, a donation of time is just as valuable (if not more) than a donation of money. So, communicate clearly when and where volunteers need to be and exactly what they will be doing. Texting is a great tool for communicating last-minute updates, weather cancellations, and reminders.
DO use your ChMS to get organized. Create categories and groups so your volunteers are in organized lists. Then, when you need help, you know exactly who to ask.
Read More >The spiritual benefits of capital planning
Each year, thousands of people come to Mater Dolorosa in search of spiritual enrichment. Mater Dolorosa — a Passionist retreat center in the San Gabriel foothills, in the city of Sierra Madre near Los Angeles — is a sacred place whose spiritual work depends on some decidedly material things. Mission-style buildings, a stunning outdoor Stations of the Cross, and many other physical improvements set the stage for lives to be changed in faith.
To help preserve the beauty and soul-changing power of the places in their care, Mater Dolorosa’s board and staff rely on a professionally prepared capital plan.
Read More >Examining church bylaws
The purpose of bylaws is to reflect how your church operates, as well as to provide protection and structure. The bylaws contain a detailed framework of operations, and what seems important to the church in this season might not be in the next. So, you need to have a framework that can change.
Read More >The do’s and don’ts of renting your church facility
From weddings and banquets, to meetings and basketball practice, chances are your church receives rental requests on a regular basis.
Opening your church’s doors to outside organizations is another way to extend your ministry into your community — but it might also open the door for safety and liability issues, such as property damage, theft, or tumbles on slippery surfaces.
With smart planning, trusted use policies and a thorough review process, it’s possible to protect your place of worship and be a good neighbor. Keep these considerations in mind when renting your facility.
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