Featured Ebook

Your Financial Wellness
Are home improvement projects worth it? • Church financial strategies • Social Security • Fiscal training for your trustees • Cybersecurity + social media
Architecture & Design

DAVID FOSS, KATE HAUS + BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH: Consistently — and comfortably — accommodating growth
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

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

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

STORYLINE CHURCH: Growing the Kingdom in Colorado
Renovating and expanding the current campus meant refinancing the original loan at a lower rate & borrowing for new space and renovations.

KIRT DAUPHIN + PAULANN CHURCH: “New building. Same Jesus.”
Building a new church during COVID isn't ideal. But as PaulAnn Church discovered, God’s timing is always good.

SMALL SPACE. BIG IMPACT. Case Study Showcase
A kids' facility that's next-level cool • How to recapture unused square footage for new ministry • Achieving ministry vision — on a budget

2023 CHURCH DESIGN FORECAST: Trendspotting
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

CHURCH MORTGAGE REFINANCING: A Church Executive Forum
4 facility and financing trends for 2023 • Borrowing-capacity tips for churches • Refinancing in a high-rate environment

ENGAGING BY DESIGN: A Church Executive Forum
Examining the role of "moments" in engaging church design • A seasoned church builder shares the most engaging designs in his portfolio

GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH: Seeking a Sunday-morning quarterback
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.

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

BRIAN BALES + CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH: Enjoying made-to-order ministry space
The new, $25-million Christian Fellowship Church (Building) in Ashburn, Va., took many of its unique, contemporary style cues from the surrounding community.

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

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

ETHAN VANSE + CHURCH ON THE MOVE: Shifting gears pays off
For Vanse and COTM, switching it up — in their growth model and in their building approach — got them where they wanted to be.

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

STRATEGIES & SOLUTIONS TO MAXIMIZE CHURCH SPACES
How to prepare for Easter visitors • Portable partitions offer the space that fits your building’s needs

TRAVIS GREENE + FORWARD CITY CHURCH: Radical obedience, reimagined space, real impact
In their new church home — a former Best Buy — Forward City can finally do ministry the way its founders have always dreamed of.

FOCUS ON: FAITH + COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
A second campus drives community placemaking • A church transforms tricky acreage for community benefit • A church merger enables expansion into an expensive community

CREATING SPACES FOR TRUE COMMUNITY
A Q&A with 2 seasoned architects

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

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

HOW GATHERING / FELLOWSHIP SPACES LOOK NOW
Outdoor options • welcoming design strategies for all ages • integrating your church's brand into the space • wayfinding best practices

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

ISAAC OYEDEPO + WINNERS CHAPEL INTERNATIONAL MARYLAND: A 15-acre shopping center becomes the perfect church home
Best of all, Phase 1 of this challenging build is slated for completion on time and under budget.

BUCK ANDERSON & GRACE BIBLE CHURCH—CREEKSIDE: Setting a multi-site standard + driving long-term savings
With its nature-sensitive, yet ministry-oriented design, Grace Creekside is the ‘brand standard’ for future campuses of this rapidly growing multi-site church.

TRIUMPHANT BY CHOICE: How to select the right architectural / building partner
Some suggestions for vetting your options

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

JOSH & BRYNN COPRON + GRACE CITY’S NEW CHURCH: Livin’ the dream — under budget
With the right building partner + a personal passion for design, the result is a new church that’s beyond expectations ... and below budget

CHURCH CONSTRUCTION FORECAST: 2021
How faith plays a role • COVID-era church design trends likely to endure • Biblical, practical + stewardship-driven approaches to design & construction

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

DR. JIMMY D. PRITCHARD + FIRST BAPTIST FORNEY: A careful, considered — and coordinated — approach to facility expansion
When this Texas church outgrew its facility, Jimmy Pritchard and his team knew exactly what (and who) they were looking for: the right partners.

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'

MARK ALLEN + LIFE FELLOWSHIP: The right architectural partnership translates a dream into a reality
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.

ENSURING AN ENGAGING CHURCHGOING EXPERIENCE -- BY DESIGN
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

RYAN BINKLEY & CREATE CHURCH: WELCOMING (BY DESIGN)
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.

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

CARBONDALE ASSEMBLY: HERITAGE LIVES HERE
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

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

ENSURING AN ENGAGING CHURCHGOING EXPERIENCE -- BY DESIGN
It requires thoughtful facility design, of course. But, considerations around worship technology, security & surveillance, and even financing are also crucial.
Capital Stewardship & Generosity

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

EXAMINING THE CHURCH GIVING LANDSCAPE NOW
3 experts share lessons learned during the coronavirus -- PLUS: The future of church giving • Increase giving amid COVID • Growth during drought

HOW TO SUSTAIN GIVING DURING DISRUPTION: TIPS, TOOLS & EXPERT ADVICE
2 giving experts discuss increased interest in sustained giving tools during COVID-19; getting giving up and running quickly; and much more

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

Q&A: ADVANCEMENTS IN DIGITAL GIVING
The rise of donor development tools — and what it means for your church’s generosity efforts
Church Management Software

COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES & CHURCH MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE: Insights • Email • Text • Workflow Automation
Streamlined your software tools • Software creep? 3 prescriptions • Make the most of email efforts • Spotlight on do-it-yourself workflows

HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR ChMS DATA
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.

GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR ChMS
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

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

COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES & CHURCH MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE: Insights • Email • Text • Workflow Automation
Streamlined your software tools • Software creep? 3 prescriptions • Make the most of email efforts • Spotlight on do-it-yourself workflows

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

TECH-DRIVEN CHURCH
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

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

STRATEGIES & SOLUTIONS TO MAXIMIZE CHURCH SPACES
How to prepare for Easter visitors • Portable partitions offer the space that fits your building’s needs

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

HOW TO RE-OPEN YOUR CHURCH SAFELY
Re-opening strategies • Make the most of your space • Hygiene considerations • Church bus PPE solutions • Preparing for a new worship era

READYING YOUR FACILITY FOR THE NEW NORMAL
Drive cost savings • Create safer, cleaner spaces • Achieve peak building performance (even from afar) • Examining energy management suites (EMS)
Faith-Based Travel

DISCOVER THE HOLY LAND: A Church Executive Forum
Holy Land journeys: a disciple-making tool or Christian vacation? • Custom tours create one-of-a-kind experiences
Fellowship & Outreach

COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES & CHURCH MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE: Insights • Email • Text • Workflow Automation
Streamlined your software tools • Software creep? 3 prescriptions • Make the most of email efforts • Spotlight on do-it-yourself workflows

FOCUS ON: FAITH + COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
A second campus drives community placemaking • A church transforms tricky acreage for community benefit • A church merger enables expansion into an expensive community

CREATING SPACES FOR TRUE COMMUNITY
A Q&A with 2 seasoned architects

HOW GATHERING / FELLOWSHIP SPACES LOOK NOW
Outdoor options • welcoming design strategies for all ages • integrating your church's brand into the space • wayfinding best practices
Finance

CHURCH REFINANCING: An expert forum
Weighing the cost of waiting • Ready to refinance? • Collaboration is key for a church expansion plan

AN INTRO TO ESTATE PLANNING
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.

BILL AANESTAD + ORCHARD CHURCH: Growing out, growing smart
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.

STORYLINE CHURCH: Growing the Kingdom in Colorado
Renovating and expanding the current campus meant refinancing the original loan at a lower rate & borrowing for new space and renovations.

A TALE OF 2 LENDERS
Sunnylane Church needed a loan to grow. But the promise of an ultra-low interest rate turned into a financing nightmare.

2023 CHURCH DESIGN FORECAST: Trendspotting
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

GREG PETZ & WESTOVER HILLS CHURCH: Reaping the benefits of refinancing
At one of the fastest-growing churches in America, a favorable refinancing agreement is essential for propelling ministry forward.

CHURCH MORTGAGE REFINANCING: A Church Executive Forum
4 facility and financing trends for 2023 • Borrowing-capacity tips for churches • Refinancing in a high-rate environment

LARRY OSBORNE & NORTH COAST CHURCH: Flexibility, simplicity in financing at the forefront
At the nation’s premier multisite church, two financing needs take precedence above all: flexibility and simplicity.

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

GUIDANCE FOR SMART INVESTING: A Remote Roundtable Discussion
Church executives and investing professionals offer their best advice, whether you’re just starting out in your career, approaching retirement, or somewhere in between.

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

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

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

Your Financial Wellness
Are home improvement projects worth it? • Church financial strategies • Social Security • Fiscal training for your trustees • Cybersecurity + social media

TRIP LEACH + NEW LIFE CHURCH OF ARKANSAS: A mixed pursuit
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.

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

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

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

HEIDI COUGHRAN & BRIDGEWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH: Preparation, persistence & collaboration drive significant savings
Bridgeway is saving $450,000+ in yearly interest — even amid a pandemic. Here's how.

JEFF MAPES, SCOTT BIXBY & NORTHRIDGE CHURCH: Buy. Renovate. Build. Repeat?
Recently, Northridge Church in Rochester, NY, needed to buy, renovate and build. Flexible funding — and familiarity — fueled smooth expansion.

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

Finances & Administration for Church Leaders
• Planning for retirement • The clergy housing allowance • Negotiating compensation • Pastoral relations committees • Disability insurance • The social security outlook •…
HR & Staff Management

AN INTRO TO ESTATE PLANNING
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.

ACTIVE SHOOTER! An expert Q&A: prevention & training
Experts in the field of active shooter prevention and training to share their best guidance

CHURCH COVERAGE ESSENTIALS
Prevention with purpose: strategies you can use • Why to consider a Vehicle Telematics Program for church use

GUIDANCE FOR SMART INVESTING: A Remote Roundtable Discussion
Church executives and investing professionals offer their best advice, whether you’re just starting out in your career, approaching retirement, or somewhere in between.

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

DR. MARLOW D. McGUIRE, SR. + ROCKBRIDGE SEMINARY’S BLACK CHURCH STUDIES INSTITUTE: LOOKING BACKWARD, MOVING FORWARD
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.

Your Financial Wellness
Are home improvement projects worth it? • Church financial strategies • Social Security • Fiscal training for your trustees • Cybersecurity + social media

ODELL DICKERSON, JR. + NEW PSALMIST BAPTIST CHURCH: Doing “Kingdom business” right
Backed by a team with financial finesse — plus, a church-centric banking partner — Odell Dickerson, Jr., and New Psalmist are enjoying streamlined processes, savings

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE & INSURANCE: THE LANDSCAPE CONTINUES TO CHANGE
A comprehensive expert editorial forum

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

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

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

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

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION + INSURANCE: A Church Executive Forum
Responding to an allegation • Abuse prevention planning • Understanding mandatory reporter requirements • Securing insurance coverage

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

PROTECTING THE KIDS IN YOUR CARE
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.

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

DAVID FOSS, KATE HAUS + BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH: Consistently — and comfortably — accommodating growth
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

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

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

AN INTRO TO ESTATE PLANNING
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.

BILL AANESTAD + ORCHARD CHURCH: Growing out, growing smart
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.

KIRT DAUPHIN + PAULANN CHURCH: “New building. Same Jesus.”
Building a new church during COVID isn't ideal. But as PaulAnn Church discovered, God’s timing is always good.

LIFETIME LEARNING: A Church Executive Forum
Equipping disciples scribes • Why all types of church leaders are embracing advanced degrees right now • Self-leadership begins with God

GREG PETZ & WESTOVER HILLS CHURCH: Reaping the benefits of refinancing
At one of the fastest-growing churches in America, a favorable refinancing agreement is essential for propelling ministry forward.

BRIAN BALES + CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH: Enjoying made-to-order ministry space
The new, $25-million Christian Fellowship Church (Building) in Ashburn, Va., took many of its unique, contemporary style cues from the surrounding community.

When God and Country Call: Exploring Military Chaplaincy
Military Ministry Offers a New Road to Growth • Chaplaincy Is a Perfect Fit the Second Time Around • A Tale of 2 Chaplains

DR. MARLOW D. McGUIRE, SR. + ROCKBRIDGE SEMINARY’S BLACK CHURCH STUDIES INSTITUTE: LOOKING BACKWARD, MOVING FORWARD
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.

TRAVIS GREENE + FORWARD CITY CHURCH: Radical obedience, reimagined space, real impact
In their new church home — a former Best Buy — Forward City can finally do ministry the way its founders have always dreamed of.

LEADING DURING DISRUPTION: 2020
The biggest lessons learned -- from budgeting + spending, managing staff, keeping members engaged, embracing alternatives worship + more
Legal

ACTIVE SHOOTER! An expert Q&A: prevention & training
Experts in the field of active shooter prevention and training to share their best guidance

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION + INSURANCE: A Church Executive Forum
Responding to an allegation • Abuse prevention planning • Understanding mandatory reporter requirements • Securing insurance coverage

LEGAL DEFENSE FOR SELF-DEFENSE
Self-defense strategies • Focus on situational awareness • Jack Wilson, Texan hero • Pastor Q&A

STOP CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
Abuse + insurance • Prevention at the church level • How federal & state law fails to protect kids • The importance of record keeping
Lifetime Learning

LIFETIME LEARNING: A Church Executive Forum
Equipping disciples scribes • Why all types of church leaders are embracing advanced degrees right now • Self-leadership begins with God

When God and Country Call: Exploring Military Chaplaincy
Military Ministry Offers a New Road to Growth • Chaplaincy Is a Perfect Fit the Second Time Around • A Tale of 2 Chaplains

DR. MARLOW D. McGUIRE, SR. + ROCKBRIDGE SEMINARY’S BLACK CHURCH STUDIES INSTITUTE: LOOKING BACKWARD, MOVING FORWARD
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.

ONLINE MDIV? NOW’S THE TIME
In many ways, there is no better time than now to purse an MDiv online

HOW TO MAKE CONTINUING EDUCATION WORK (& Maintain Your Full-Time Ministry Role, Too)
How to balance ministry & continuing education • How COVID-19 has changed educational offerings for church leaders • Money-saving strategies • More!

LEADING DURING DIFFICULT TIMES: YOUR BEST TRAINING OPTIONS
3 experts discuss the most in-demand areas of leadership development; how to make leadership training work with a full-time ministry role; and much more
Mission: Accomplished

DAVID FOSS, KATE HAUS + BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH: Consistently — and comfortably — accommodating growth
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

BILL AANESTAD + ORCHARD CHURCH: Growing out, growing smart
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.

STORYLINE CHURCH: Growing the Kingdom in Colorado
Renovating and expanding the current campus meant refinancing the original loan at a lower rate & borrowing for new space and renovations.

KIRT DAUPHIN + PAULANN CHURCH: “New building. Same Jesus.”
Building a new church during COVID isn't ideal. But as PaulAnn Church discovered, God’s timing is always good.

GREG PETZ & WESTOVER HILLS CHURCH: Reaping the benefits of refinancing
At one of the fastest-growing churches in America, a favorable refinancing agreement is essential for propelling ministry forward.

GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH: Seeking a Sunday-morning quarterback
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.

LARRY OSBORNE & NORTH COAST CHURCH: Flexibility, simplicity in financing at the forefront
At the nation’s premier multisite church, two financing needs take precedence above all: flexibility and simplicity.

BRIAN BALES + CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH: Enjoying made-to-order ministry space
The new, $25-million Christian Fellowship Church (Building) in Ashburn, Va., took many of its unique, contemporary style cues from the surrounding community.

ETHAN VANSE + CHURCH ON THE MOVE: Shifting gears pays off
For Vanse and COTM, switching it up — in their growth model and in their building approach — got them where they wanted to be.

DR. MARLOW D. McGUIRE, SR. + ROCKBRIDGE SEMINARY’S BLACK CHURCH STUDIES INSTITUTE: LOOKING BACKWARD, MOVING FORWARD
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.

TRAVIS GREENE + FORWARD CITY CHURCH: Radical obedience, reimagined space, real impact
In their new church home — a former Best Buy — Forward City can finally do ministry the way its founders have always dreamed of.

TRIP LEACH + NEW LIFE CHURCH OF ARKANSAS: A mixed pursuit
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.

ODELL DICKERSON, JR. + NEW PSALMIST BAPTIST CHURCH: Doing “Kingdom business” right
Backed by a team with financial finesse — plus, a church-centric banking partner — Odell Dickerson, Jr., and New Psalmist are enjoying streamlined processes, savings

ISAAC OYEDEPO + WINNERS CHAPEL INTERNATIONAL MARYLAND: A 15-acre shopping center becomes the perfect church home
Best of all, Phase 1 of this challenging build is slated for completion on time and under budget.

BUCK ANDERSON & GRACE BIBLE CHURCH—CREEKSIDE: Setting a multi-site standard + driving long-term savings
With its nature-sensitive, yet ministry-oriented design, Grace Creekside is the ‘brand standard’ for future campuses of this rapidly growing multi-site church.

SANDY THAILING & CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION: Maximizing the video team's creative potential — despite COVID challenge
It required a more efficient, accessible collaborative media storage system -- including just the right media server and storage-unit elements.

JOSH & BRYNN COPRON + GRACE CITY’S NEW CHURCH: Livin’ the dream — under budget
With the right building partner + a personal passion for design, the result is a new church that’s beyond expectations ... and below budget

HEIDI COUGHRAN & BRIDGEWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH: Preparation, persistence & collaboration drive significant savings
Bridgeway is saving $450,000+ in yearly interest — even amid a pandemic. Here's how.

JEFF MAPES, SCOTT BIXBY & NORTHRIDGE CHURCH: Buy. Renovate. Build. Repeat?
Recently, Northridge Church in Rochester, NY, needed to buy, renovate and build. Flexible funding — and familiarity — fueled smooth expansion.

DR. JIMMY D. PRITCHARD + FIRST BAPTIST FORNEY: A careful, considered — and coordinated — approach to facility expansion
When this Texas church outgrew its facility, Jimmy Pritchard and his team knew exactly what (and who) they were looking for: the right partners.

MARK ALLEN + LIFE FELLOWSHIP: The right architectural partnership translates a dream into a reality
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.

RYAN BINKLEY & CREATE CHURCH: WELCOMING (BY DESIGN)
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.

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

CARBONDALE ASSEMBLY: HERITAGE LIVES HERE
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
Pastor-Friendly A/V

2023 CHURCH DESIGN FORECAST: Trendspotting
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

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

CONTENT IS KING, BUT HOW CAN YOU LOWER YOUR COST TO CREATE AND STORE IT?
Examining high-performance on-premise managed storage as a service (STaaS) • How to save time & money with video storage

SANDY THAILING & CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION: Maximizing the video team's creative potential — despite COVID challenge
It required a more efficient, accessible collaborative media storage system -- including just the right media server and storage-unit elements.

DR. JIMMY D. PRITCHARD + FIRST BAPTIST FORNEY: A careful, considered — and coordinated — approach to facility expansion
When this Texas church outgrew its facility, Jimmy Pritchard and his team knew exactly what (and who) they were looking for: the right partners.

ENSURING AN ENGAGING CHURCHGOING EXPERIENCE — THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
Professional and pastoral perspectives: AUDIO, VIDEO, LIGHTING, ACOUSTICS • WAY FINDING & DIGITAL SIGNAGE • SECURITY & SURVEILLANCE

Pastor-Friendly Video
LED display walls 101 (and placement suggestions) • Case study: Saddleback Church • The St. Andrew's mission for new video displays

Streaming Made Simple
Streaming is a key form of communication to audiences and viewers around the world — including for church leaders.

Pastor-Friendly Sound Systems
Know your system component options; specifying a church sound system; making the case for a sound consultant -- and more
Risk Management

ACTIVE SHOOTER! An expert Q&A: prevention & training
Experts in the field of active shooter prevention and training to share their best guidance

CHURCH COVERAGE ESSENTIALS
Prevention with purpose: strategies you can use • Why to consider a Vehicle Telematics Program for church use

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION + INSURANCE: A Church Executive Forum
Responding to an allegation • Abuse prevention planning • Understanding mandatory reporter requirements • Securing insurance coverage

LEGAL DEFENSE FOR SELF-DEFENSE
Self-defense strategies • Focus on situational awareness • Jack Wilson, Texan hero • Pastor Q&A

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE & INSURANCE: THE LANDSCAPE CONTINUES TO CHANGE
A comprehensive expert editorial forum

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

PROTECTING THE KIDS IN YOUR CARE
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.

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION: Equipping ministry leaders
A special forum showcasing the expertise and training available from several of the most forward-thinking, proactive seminaries in the country

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION FORUM
Avoid insurance pitfalls • Assess risk points • Make a child abuse prevention plan • Expert strategies to better protect the children in your care

STOP CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
Abuse + insurance • Prevention at the church level • How federal & state law fails to protect kids • The importance of record keeping

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

LEGAL DEFENSE FOR SELF-DEFENSE
Self-defense strategies • Focus on situational awareness • Jack Wilson, Texan hero • Pastor Q&A

DR. JIMMY D. PRITCHARD + FIRST BAPTIST FORNEY: A careful, considered — and coordinated — approach to facility expansion
When this Texas church outgrew its facility, Jimmy Pritchard and his team knew exactly what (and who) they were looking for: the right partners.