eBooks - Church Executive

Architecture & Design

Reimagining small spaces for big ministry • Café design strategies • Small-space fellowship ideas

Bethel Church is enjoying a new sanctuary, added parking, youth & children’s ministry space — & much more — after working with an out-of-state design-builder

For Franklin Christian Church in Franklin, Tenn., the road to a new facility was paved with obstacles — which turned into opportunities

How to enlist the right building team — from fundraising to the finish, and everything in between

Renovating and expanding the current campus meant refinancing the original loan at a lower rate & borrowing for new space and renovations.

Building a new church during COVID isn't ideal. But as PaulAnn Church discovered, God’s timing is always good.

A kids' facility that's next-level cool • How to recapture unused square footage for new ministry • Achieving ministry vision — on a budget

5 church design trends — and what’s driving them • 4 A/V/L/A trends to watch • The current (and coming) state of construction financing

4 facility and financing trends for 2023 • Borrowing-capacity tips for churches • Refinancing in a high-rate environment

Examining the role of "moments" in engaging church design • A seasoned church builder shares the most engaging designs in his portfolio

Rod MacIlvaine knew exactly what he needed for the new, 16,000-square-foot facility at Grace Community Church in Bartlesville, Okla.: the right building partner.

Engagement is for everyone! • All in on A/V • How functional design helps drive financing

The new, $25-million Christian Fellowship Church (Building) in Ashburn, Va., took many of its unique, contemporary style cues from the surrounding community.

Case Studies: Christ’s Church of the Valley (Phoenix) / Scottsdale Bible Church / Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church (Phoenix) • Transform outdoor areas into gathering spaces

Surveying the lending landscape • Setting up your church for successful financing • "Borrow" isn't a bad word — here's why

For Vanse and COTM, switching it up — in their growth model and in their building approach — got them where they wanted to be.

While some of the chaos of pricing fluctuation of 2021 has stabilized, the new challenge for 2022 is the availability of materials.

How to prepare for Easter visitors • Portable partitions offer the space that fits your building’s needs

In their new church home — a former Best Buy — Forward City can finally do ministry the way its founders have always dreamed of.

A second campus drives community placemaking • A church transforms tricky acreage for community benefit • A church merger enables expansion into an expensive community

A Q&A with 2 seasoned architects

When the Mission Field Comes to You • Recruit the Right Building Team • Get to the WHY • Buy, Renovate or Build?

The lending landscape in 2021 • How to balance space needs with financial means • COVID-era financing challenges — and the lessons learned

Outdoor options • welcoming design strategies for all ages • integrating your church's brand into the space • wayfinding best practices

Architects and a pastor discuss the nuances of making an intangible dream come true when it comes to church facilities.

Best of all, Phase 1 of this challenging build is slated for completion on time and under budget.

With its nature-sensitive, yet ministry-oriented design, Grace Creekside is the ‘brand standard’ for future campuses of this rapidly growing multi-site church.

Some suggestions for vetting your options

Planning for longevity • Quality room divider checklist • How to use room dividers in your church • Prepping your church acoustically

With the right building partner + a personal passion for design, the result is a new church that’s beyond expectations ... and below budget

How faith plays a role • COVID-era church design trends likely to endure • Biblical, practical + stewardship-driven approaches to design & construction

Exterior elements • Fellowship spaces • Children’s + youth areas • Community-focused design • Multi-site design • “Green” elements • Revenue generation

When this Texas church outgrew its facility, Jimmy Pritchard and his team knew exactly what (and who) they were looking for: the right partners.

Going commercial? 3 truths • Care & keeping • Power of the pivot in foodservice • Are kitchens going high-tech? • Get ready for 'go-time'

Mark Allen’s path to starting a church in Athens, Texas, began in 2005. Though it certainly wasn’t Mark's plan, God had something else in mind.

In part 2, a new set of design professionals and ministry leaders discussed thoughtfully designed church spaces for everyone! Plus: design strategies for multi-site churches

Binkley's path to building a church where people can “find and fulfill their created purpose in Christ" was winding, but the result is beautiful.

A unified approach to building & capital stewardship makes sense for two forward-thinking pastors. Plus: The right "coach" matters + 3 steps for project success

When a tornado destroyed their church, father-daughter pastors Phil & Sarah Taylor enlisted a pastor’s son/2nd-generation church builder to help start over

Architects and pastors discuss what makes a church’s design relevant & appealing to current expectations

It requires thoughtful facility design, of course. But, considerations around worship technology, security & surveillance, and even financing are also crucial.

Capital Stewardship & Generosity

How to enlist the right building team — from fundraising to the finish, and everything in between

3 experts share lessons learned during the coronavirus -- PLUS: The future of church giving • Increase giving amid COVID • Growth during drought

2 giving experts discuss increased interest in sustained giving tools during COVID-19; getting giving up and running quickly; and much more

A unified approach to building & capital stewardship makes sense for two forward-thinking pastors. Plus: The right "coach" matters + 3 steps for project success

The rise of donor development tools — and what it means for your church’s generosity efforts

Church Management Software

Streamlined your software tools • Software creep? 3 prescriptions • Make the most of email efforts • Spotlight on do-it-yourself workflows

Even during COVID, your ChMS data you can use your info to engage new visitors, drive more effective discipleship, and re-connect with at-risk members.

If you know how to maximize it, your system can FUEL more effective outreach, STREAMLINE discipleship, INFORM expansion — and so much more.

Commercial Church Kitchens

Going commercial? 3 truths • Care & keeping • Power of the pivot in foodservice • Are kitchens going high-tech? • Get ready for 'go-time'

Data-Driven Ministry

Streamlined your software tools • Software creep? 3 prescriptions • Make the most of email efforts • Spotlight on do-it-yourself workflows

Examining your connection-focused tech options - for when in-person fellowship isn't an option

What if the Church was on the cutting edge of technology? • Challenging lack of innovation, fear of change • The future of church tech

Facilities Management

Case Studies: Christ’s Church of the Valley (Phoenix) / Scottsdale Bible Church / Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church (Phoenix) • Transform outdoor areas into gathering spaces

How to prepare for Easter visitors • Portable partitions offer the space that fits your building’s needs

Planning for longevity • Quality room divider checklist • How to use room dividers in your church • Prepping your church acoustically

Re-opening strategies • Make the most of your space • Hygiene considerations • Church bus PPE solutions • Preparing for a new worship era

Drive cost savings • Create safer, cleaner spaces • Achieve peak building performance (even from afar) • Examining energy management suites (EMS)

Faith-Based Travel

Holy Land journeys: a disciple-making tool or Christian vacation? • Custom tours create one-of-a-kind experiences

Fellowship & Outreach

Streamlined your software tools • Software creep? 3 prescriptions • Make the most of email efforts • Spotlight on do-it-yourself workflows

A second campus drives community placemaking • A church transforms tricky acreage for community benefit • A church merger enables expansion into an expensive community

A Q&A with 2 seasoned architects

Outdoor options • welcoming design strategies for all ages • integrating your church's brand into the space • wayfinding best practices

Finance

Calvary Chapel Newport News had big goals for its new children’s wing. Ultimately, bond financing made this state-of-the-art project a reality.

Change is hard — but does it need to be? Surprisingly, when it comes to outsourcing your financial systems and processes, the answer is no.

Weighing the cost of waiting • Ready to refinance? • Collaboration is key for a church expansion plan

To ensure your wishes are carried out and to protect your loved ones, it’s crucial to have a deeper understanding of what estate planning involves.

As Orchard Church neared completion of its construction project, leaders wanted a long-term fixed-rate loan — but interest rates verged on a sharp increase.

Renovating and expanding the current campus meant refinancing the original loan at a lower rate & borrowing for new space and renovations.

Sunnylane Church needed a loan to grow. But the promise of an ultra-low interest rate turned into a financing nightmare.

5 church design trends — and what’s driving them • 4 A/V/L/A trends to watch • The current (and coming) state of construction financing

At one of the fastest-growing churches in America, a favorable refinancing agreement is essential for propelling ministry forward.

4 facility and financing trends for 2023 • Borrowing-capacity tips for churches • Refinancing in a high-rate environment

At the nation’s premier multisite church, two financing needs take precedence above all: flexibility and simplicity.

Engagement is for everyone! • All in on A/V • How functional design helps drive financing

Church executives and investing professionals offer their best advice, whether you’re just starting out in your career, approaching retirement, or somewhere in between.

Avoid common payroll mistakes • Time to outsource your accounting? • Fraud prevention: do you have the right internal controls in place?

Surveying the lending landscape • Setting up your church for successful financing • "Borrow" isn't a bad word — here's why

While some of the chaos of pricing fluctuation of 2021 has stabilized, the new challenge for 2022 is the availability of materials.

Are home improvements worth it? • Social Security • Fiscal training for trustees • Cybersecurity + social media • Should you borrow from your 403(b)?

At New Life Church, becoming debt-free — while continuing to expand across the state — are co-equal priorities. Here’s how it’s doing both, successfully.

Setting a course for debt elimination • Seeking (and securing) an excellent rate PLUS missional alliance • 8 tips to address inflation creep

The lending landscape in 2021 • How to balance space needs with financial means • COVID-era financing challenges — and the lessons learned

A panel of CFP® professionals from MMBB Financial Services and ministry leaders bring retirement investing within reach

Bridgeway is saving $450,000+ in yearly interest — even amid a pandemic. Here's how.

Recently, Northridge Church in Rochester, NY, needed to buy, renovate and build. Flexible funding — and familiarity — fueled smooth expansion.

Retirement • Compensation • Credit repair • Identity theft • Emergency $ • Women, money + bias • Year-end tax planning tips • Much more!

• Planning for retirement • The clergy housing allowance • Negotiating compensation • Pastoral relations committees • Disability insurance • The social security outlook •…

HR & Staff Management

Change is hard — but does it need to be? Surprisingly, when it comes to outsourcing your financial systems and processes, the answer is no.

To ensure your wishes are carried out and to protect your loved ones, it’s crucial to have a deeper understanding of what estate planning involves.

Experts in the field of active shooter prevention and training to share their best guidance

Prevention with purpose: strategies you can use • A Vehicle Telematics Program for churches • Water damage prevention

Church executives and investing professionals offer their best advice, whether you’re just starting out in your career, approaching retirement, or somewhere in between.

Avoid common payroll mistakes • Time to outsource your accounting? • Fraud prevention: do you have the right internal controls in place?

The Institute's origin dates to seminary alumni group meetings led by McGuire, where a need emerged: that seminarians be familiar with Black Church history.

Are home improvements worth it? • Social Security • Fiscal training for trustees • Cybersecurity + social media • Should you borrow from your 403(b)?

Backed by a team with financial finesse — plus, a church-centric banking partner — Odell Dickerson, Jr., and New Psalmist are enjoying streamlined processes, savings

A comprehensive expert editorial forum

For many churches, a background check is the only line of defense employed when screening volunteers and staff. Is it enough?

A panel of CFP® professionals from MMBB Financial Services and ministry leaders bring retirement investing within reach

Compensation is always a challenging subject for church leaders -- but even more so right now during the pandemic. Get expert advice, here.

Retirement • Compensation • Credit repair • Identity theft • Emergency $ • Women, money + bias • Year-end tax planning tips • Much more!

Insurance

Examining carriers' potential impact • Prepare, prevent, respond • Moving from compliance to commitment • Tools & resources

Prevention with purpose: strategies you can use • A Vehicle Telematics Program for churches • Water damage prevention

Responding to an allegation • Abuse prevention planning • Understanding mandatory reporter requirements • Securing insurance coverage

For many churches, a background check is the only line of defense employed when screening volunteers and staff. Is it enough?

Despite churches' best intentions, gaps and missteps are prevalent in their efforts to create a safe space for all. Here, two experts discuss doing better.

4 tips for childcare safety • How to prevent theft, fraud & embezzlement • Cyber security • 3 potential threats as your church expands

Leadership