By Rev. James R. Cook, CFP® If you think Medicare will cover all your healthcare costs when you retire, think again. The sobering reality is that Medicare generally only covers about 60 percent of the cost of basic healthcare services for individuals aged 65 and older. The remaining 40 percent must be covered by […]
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For many people, churches are much more than just buildings. They are sacred spaces that carry great meaning to all who gather there for prayer, community, connection and spirituality. It is for these reasons that churches must take steps to provide safe spaces for occupants and mitigate risk on their properties. Purchasing insurance is […]
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How churches are stretching their budgets through gifts-in-kind organizations By Gary C. Smith It’s a given that with budgets tighter than ever, churches need to be creative in doing more with less. Yet many dismiss one very real resource because they’re convinced there must be a catch. But it’s not too good to be true. That resource […]
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By RaeAnn Slaybaugh By anyone’s standards, Tom Lunak, CFO of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, has extensive experience in the banking industry. In his career, he has held senior-level titles at, and done consulting work for, several banking institutions. So, it was a pleasant surprise when, a few years ago, he was asked to […]
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By Patricia L. Hunter, CFP® What is the “sandwich generation”? This term refers to middle-aged individuals who are simultaneously caring for and supporting their children, as well as their aging parents. They have been given that label because these individuals are effectively “sandwiched” between the obligation to care for their aging parents — who might […]
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By Meaghan Kelly It’s no secret that church budgets can be tight. To do the most good with this money, church administrators and facility managers should develop a healthy, long-term financial plan before spending any funds. Here are five financial goals to strive for when creating and managing a church facilities budget. #1: Be realistic […]
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By Rich Poirier The church planting movement is growing across the country — but establishing a new religious organization and actually growing it into a thriving congregation are two different battles. There are a variety of legitimate reasons to consider planting a church. Respondents to a 2016 study by Barna Group and Cornerstone Knowledge Network […]
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By RaeAnn Slaybaugh In 2001, Word of Life Church faced two major setbacks: the senior pastor passed away, and the building project — underway at the time — came back from bid 200 percent over budget. But, 10 years later, the church completed an $11.2-million building project, including a 900-seat sanctuary, offices, adult education areas, […]
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Why young pastors should begin saving early — and how to do it By Colin E. Nass If you’re a millennial, this might not surprise you: Contrary to popular belief, your generation is just as good as other generations — if not better — when it comes to managing money and getting your financial houses […]
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Expert advice for using technology to identify, engage & cultivate first-time givers What does a first-time giver look like? Mark Walker: We shouldn’t base our assumption on whether people are young or new in the pew; first-time givers look different, in different churches. As leaders, we should have our finger on the pulse of […]
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