The Supreme Court last week handed down its decision in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue. By a 5-4 vote, it ruled that the Montana Supreme Court had violated the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment when it struck down a Montana scholarship program because that program would have allowed scholarship aid for students attending […]
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By Chad Vanderipe Many churches are battling declining memberships and are being challenged in their ability to have a significant impact. How can the Church go on the offensive to defend its significance and face an increasingly secular society? Consider strengthening these 4 core values to overcome stereotypes that might have hindered people from coming in your front door. #1: Strengthen […]
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By Guy A. Russ, MBA, CPCU, ARM The 2020 hurricane season is here, and agencies are predicting above average activity. This year’s season places worship facilities in a precarious position, serving community amidst the COVID-19 pandemic while often providing post-disaster support. Here, we tackle the challenges facing houses of worship in the coming months — […]
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By Rev. Vincent Howell Projects are a part of the work of ministry in any local congregation. They range from updating the parsonage when a new pastor is assigned to developing a new ministry to grow youth programs, hosting a holiday meal for the community and planning programs during the Advent season. Yet, many times, […]
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By Bob Pritchett As our nation moves toward re-opening, church leaders are now tasked with the consideration of whether it is safe to resume in-person gatherings. It’s unlikely that any parts of our former lives, including the way we did church, will ever truly be the same again. So as we begin to re-open and […]
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Houses of worship play a critical role in the life of the community. As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic progressed, many organizations suspended in-person gatherings in accordance with government mandates or recommendations to limit the spread of the virus. Now that states and local communities are planning to ease restrictions, you may be considering how and when […]
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By Matthew F. Manion As of this writing, masses are being celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome for the first time in 10 weeks. Throughout the United States, individual states and local jurisdictions are creating guidelines for religious gatherings as they begin to reopen their governments. As churches around the globe begin to open […]
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Tips, tools & expert advice Given the coronavirus and its effect on church operations, are you seeing an increased interest in sustained giving tools and strategies? Baker: Before COVID-19, digital giving was an important part of a church’s stewardship ministries. Now it’s the main focus of financing the work of the Lord. Every church has […]
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CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN MINISTRY CONTEXTS By Gregory Love & Kimberlee Norris When in doubt, REPORT. If every allegation of child sexual abuse was simply reported by church leaders to appropriate authorities, the resulting positive impact would be immeasurable. Survivors of abuse would feel validated — by itself a significant positive outcome — pathways to […]
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By RaeAnn Slaybaugh Ryan Binkley had a God-given dream — several, in fact — about a church where people can “find and fulfill their created purpose in Christ.” This would be a place where those without a church home, can not only discover one, but come into the understanding of their destiny in Christ. His […]
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