How pastors are handling outreach In partnership with Pepperdine University, Barna conducted research on pastors’ opinions of how their current outreach and discipleship efforts were faring. Outreach is important to churches because it is part of what is considered “cultural leadership.” 50% of pastors believe their church is “somewhat effective” at reaching out to unchurched […]
Read More >
Church Executive spoke with experts in church management software (ChMS) development about what works best. Do you feel most church leaders use their ChMS to its maximum advantage when it comes to driving connection and assimilation among first-time visitors and new church members? Boyd Pelley: Not even close. Jason Terrell: Overall, there […]
Read More >
In a lot of churches, an “it-can’t-happen-here” mentality prevails. So, how big of a threat is an active-shooter situation for churches in the United States? And more important, what can church leaders do to mitigate this threat? We asked two seasoned church security experts for their thoughts. Overall, are most churches adequately prepared to respond […]
Read More >
Architects, pastors and a CFO talk about how to navigate — or better yet, avoid — the usual challenges of a church building project Why is the “architect as a partner” dynamic so essential? Bruce Woody: A church space is meant for family. Although a family might use it in a variety of different ways, […]
Read More >
Capital campaigns are nothing new to Steve Williams, Senior Pastor at NorthPointe Community Church in Fresno, Calif. Even so, engaging professional expertise has been a great asset in helping this church meet — and exceed — its ambitious $5-million goal to fund a new children’s facility. In 1980, Steve Williams joined his childhood friend, Rick […]
Read More >
Churchgoer giving study: new findings, new surprises By Richard Bauer Vanco Payment Solutions released the results of its second groundbreaking survey of churchgoers’ attitudes, preferences, and behaviors toward electronic giving late last year. In August, an online survey of more than 1,000 U.S. Christian churchgoers was conducted, similar to the one used in the organization’s […]
Read More >
By Scott A. Nelson, AIA, LEED AP BD+C Data is changing the way our world operates. Need convincing? Simply type “data” into Google’s search bar, and 0.47 seconds later you will have more than 1.7 billion results of data’s impact. From Facebook’s collecting / harvesting / selling of user data, to data breaches and scandals […]
Read More >
How effective retirement plan design can change a life By Stephen Osborne From the first day on the job until the last paycheck, church staff members look to their key decision-makers for guidance and direction. They trust you to make decisions that are in the best interest of the church, as well as their well-being […]
Read More >
By Richard Bauer Dropping cash or checks into a collection plate at church is a giving tradition, but digital giving options have fast become the alternative for most churchgoers. Bringing new giving technologies into your church can be exciting and can help improve how you serve your members and the missions you are passionate about. […]
Read More >
By Doug Turner A major donor is an individual with high financial capacity. These donors are usually solicited 20 to 25 times a year with intentionality from other organizations. Normally, they will support fewer than five. Navigating generosity with major donors often seems perilous in the local church. Pastors are afraid of being misunderstood (i.e., […]
Read More >