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 […]
Read More >Poll Shows U.S. Church Membership Decline According to a study by Gallup, Inc., a global analytics and advice firm, the number of U.S. adults who are members of a church, mosque or synagogue has dropped by 20 percent in the last two decades. Compared to 70 percent in 1999, only half of Americans reported being […]
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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 Sam S. Rainer III There are two kinds of restaurants: those that embrace children, and those that tolerate children. If you’re a parent — especially if you have multiple small children — then you know this reality. When my family of six storms a restaurant, I can tell immediately whether the establishment will embrace […]
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APRIL 22, 2019 (Tulsa, Okla.) — Based in Tulsa, but operating nationwide, Master’s Plan Church Design and Construction is a new company founded and led by experienced leader in church design and construction Rodney James. Having grown up building buildings with his father — and serving for 20 years in ministry — James says he […]
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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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How to get the best, safest bus for your most precious cargo When is a new bus the best option for a church? Ami Sailor: While each church has unique transportation needs, more often than not, a new bus is the best option. Church leaders often assume that a used bus is the best […]
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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, […]
Read More >Pastors’ Social Roles Unclear in Current Cultural Climate We are only a few months into 2019 and it has already been a newsworthy year full of major headlines. With all of the dramatic changes and strong stances taking place in the current American social and political climate, pastors are feeling the effects of trying to […]
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For busy full-time church leaders, an MDiv or DMin degree might seem out of reach. Here’s the reality. Have full-time church leaders shown increased interest in MDiv and DMin training in recent years? Reggie Ogea: We have seen an increased interest in training in a variety of areas. For the MDiv, a lot of larger […]
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