Succession planning: how to prepare the church for a new pastor
The pastoral search is not an easy process. Often, church leaders are inadequately prepared to handle pastoral transition. Nevertheless, change is inevitable.
Read More >FACILITIES Archives - Page 50 of 75 - Church Executive
What you *don’t* know about giving can kill your ministry potential
Every church leader recognizes that there are times when we must adapt the way we do ministry. But, when it comes to giving, we’re not always so quick to adapt.
Read More >4 reasons why churches choose to launch in rented venues
How can churches quickly, effectively launch new campuses without the cost, upkeep & space limitations of permanent spaces? By renting alternative venues in the communities they want to reach.
Read More >3 ways outreach projects can impact generosity at your church
Outreach campaigns must play a central role in EVERY church’s stewardship ministry. (Even the ones struggling to make ends meet each month.) Here’s why — and how.
Read More >3 myths of the 501(c)(3): When misunderstandings lead to misguidance
At our Ultimate Church Structure Conferences, I speak with many pastors who, unfortunately, have been misinformed about what 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status truly means and the impact it will have on their churches. Pastors often attend our conference in the hopes of clearing up doubts and questions that they’ve been riddled with regarding tax law and church compliance. For that very reason, I have listed below three of the most common misconceptions that I hear from pastors across the country regarding churches and 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
Read More >Crisp, clean, modern sound in an Old World sanctuary
Built in 1914, Five Wounds Portuguese National Church in San Jose, CA, is one of the most photographed, sketched and painted buildings in the area — not only for its Old World-style Catholic architecture, but also for its notable history. In 1915, the Panama-Pacific Exposition (the precursor to the World’s Fair) was held in San Francisco. The city was rebuilding after the 1906 earthquake, and it was hoped this massive event would bring commerce to the area. The Portuguese Pavilion was built for the Expo. After the fair was over, the pavilion was slated for demolition. A Portuguese priest of some repute in the burgeoning San Jose valley purchased it for a song. He shipped most of it — piece by piece — to its San Jose location, where it stands today. Much of the original wood and ornate decor remain. Thus, Five Wounds Portuguese National Church was founded. For a century, it has exuded Iberian charm and grace. Unfortunately, however, its sound quality was anything but awe-inspiring.
Read More >4 steps to creating a safe ministry
It’s no secret the world we live in today is much different than it was just a few years ago. In today’s society, it has become clear that churches are no longer the safe haven they once were thought to be. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of church violence or allegations of abuse on the nightly news. Unfortunately, churches have become more vulnerable to these types of incidents that threaten the strength and reputation of the organization. To help protect your religious organization from these threats, the leaders of your church are encouraged to set aside time each year to ensure the safety and security of the facility. During this time, it’s important to analyze, review and modify current church policies and procedures to ensure adequate plans are in place to help prevent potential risks.
Read More >Why your report writer is no longer good enough
Report-writing tools were supposed to help solve these challenges, but it’s evident that those are limited in their application. As a result, church leaders feel like they’re swimming in a sea of information, but still thirsty for insight. Where do these new report-writing tools fall short? More importantly, is there a better way to analyze the information you have to finally start gaining traction towards your ultimate vision? Those are the two questions we’re working together to help church leaders answer.
Read More >Alternative facility options — spotlight on: happy campers!
For an 18,000-square-foot worship center for the new Oklahoma Assembly of God State Youth Camp in Sparks, OK, a metal building system made the most sense. Here’s why.
Read More >5 compliance challenges EVERY church leader needs to know about
The landscape for churches and ministries is filled with pitfalls.
Over the last 20 years, Congress and the IRS have become very interested in the activities of churches, ministries and nonprofits, which has led to the enactment of section 4958 and the creation of the Exempt Organizations Executive Compensation Compliance Project, resulting in increased enforcement presence and millions of dollars in fines.
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