Church management software: Ask “Why?” before you buy
Changing a church management system (ChMS) is a big deal for a church of any size. Make sure you understand why you want your church to undergo this shift.
Read More >LEADERSHIP Archives - Page 79 of 124 - Church Executive
Choosing the right ChMS = not choosing a ChMS at all
You don’t need new church management software.
Traditional ChMS is old, antiquated and isn’t best suited to help your ministry grow the right way. Why get another software system that shares similarities to the one you currently have? They’ll both just continue to underperform and eat up too much of your time.
(Was that attention-grabbing enough?)
Read More >8 key questions: How to choose the right management system for your church
Whether you’re hoping to convert from one church management software system to another — or even trying church software for the first time — you probably know by now that it takes a lot of planning and consideration before you and your church finally decide.
To help you along, here’s a handful of important questions to help your church find the best fit for its needs.
Read More >How two churches use data & technology to reach more — & raise more
Funding ministry is likely the most complex part of your role as a church leader. Changing attitudes around giving and involvement don’t help; tithing and weekly attendance is no longer considered normal. These shifts are making it harder and harder for you to fully fund your vision.
It can seem impossible.
Yet, many church leaders are beginning to learn that working smarter, not harder, is the way to discover your path to developing a culture of stewardship in your church.
Read More >What happens after you submit a church insurance claim?
Accidents happen. Catastrophes are unpredictable. There are many situations a church might encounter that will require submitting an insurance claim.
To a church, the claims process can be overwhelming, as you might have little understanding of what happens behind
the scenes.
To offer insight and make the process easier for you and your insurance company, learn about who you’ll be working with, how you can be prepared after submitting a claim, and the settlement timeline.
Read More >7 best practices for reaching your church’s budget goals
As I read the Puget Sound Business Journal a few months ago — in print, I might add — I stumbled across an article titled, “7 ways to make a real connection and realize a real return on that sponsorship.” The author, Adam Worchester, made seven points about how corporate non-profit sponsors can motivate their employees to form a deeper bond with the cause they’re supporting.
I found the advice to be spot-on, so I decided to “steal” Worchester’s seven points and rewrite them specifically for churches. What follows are the seven best practices for reaching your church’s budget goals.
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How technology affects worship space design
Acoustical, audio, video and lighting systems can drastically influence — positively and / or negatively — the entire built environment of a worship space.
Regardless of the type, size, style and so on, these systems today are much like the story of an old minister of music colleague: No one would ever allow a pianist to consistently miss notes while playing for worship.
The same is true for the technical staff and the equipment used.
Read More >Year-end tax & portfolio planning for pastors
November and December are a busy time of year for most pastors. Following the Thanksgiving holiday, the liturgical calendar begins anew with the season of Advent. As preparations are made to celebrate the coming of the Christ child, extra services need to be planned, multiple sermons need to be written, rehearsals are in full swing for the Christmas pageant, and pastors are also ministering to those for whom the holidays are not such a joyous time.
Amidst all these preparations, pastors need to set aside some time to focus on year-end financial details that have tax implications for 2015 and 2016. Don’t let the following items slip past you.
Read More >Protecting children in the church: the true cost of stewardship
Ministries have a bold task. You want — and need — to be good stewards of your communities and congregations. That can often lead to conflicting methodologies when it comes to balancing budgets.
While you want to devote the majority of your money to your missions, outreach and education programs, you also understand the importance of recruiting quality volunteers and employees, and prioritizing hiring procedures.
This, of course, has a dollar value, too.
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