Expert advice for protecting the church’s children against sexual abuse and bullying — plus, how to mitigate internet-use risks What are the biggest risks and liabilities facing churches in the area of protecting children? Alex Smith: Allegations of sexual abuse are the greatest risk and liability. Also, complacency — saying, ‘We’ve always done it this […]
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Regular communication, accessibility and speed are at the heart of improved security. By Debi Davis When it comes to crisis situations, the state of events can change with every passing instant. If people can’t keep up with this rapid change, it can lead to disaster. A perfect example of this is the Battle of New […]
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This article is an excerpt from “CHURCH BUSINESS: Making the Business of the Church Easier, Simpler, and Much Less Painful.” By Nathan Freeland Should the pastor know what people tithe? I used to think he shouldn’t. But then I learned about Dan. Knowing the truth about Dan changed my mind. Dan had been a leader […]
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 […]
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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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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By Sam S. Rainer III You can sit during these meetings if you like; “standing meetings” are different than stand-up meetings. A standing meeting is one that repeats in a regular pattern and is an obligation for people to attend. I have a standing meeting every Monday at 4 p.m. with my worship pastor. We […]
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By Nathan Freeland I had a meeting with Pastor Sam. It didn’t go well. From that meeting, I learned a great deal about what pastors are required to know and do but were never taught. As a pastor, you may often wonder how you can make a greater impact for the Kingdom. I do as […]
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Just a few months ago, First Baptist Tulsa opened the doors of its new four-story, 82,000-square-foot preschool and children’s building. Rendering provided by HH Architects. By RaeAnn Slaybaugh With a community focus, congregational support, a solid plan and the right architectural expertise at the ready, First Baptist Tulsa has (beautifully) overcome the biggest challenge of […]
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