Accessibility & Inclusion
Architecture & Design

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

CHURCH DESIGN TRENDS
Expert perspectives on emerging trends, outdated ones, and ministry-specific design movements

In Pursuit of Family-Friendly Church Design
Expert advice — from the architects who envision these spaces and the church executives who recognized the need

The Architect as Partner
Architects, pastors and a CFO talk about how to navigate -- or better yet, avoid -- the usual challenges of a church building project

where light learns to speak®
• How to choose the right stained glass studio • A guide to stained glass window restoration • Protective covering: an integral part of preservation

Designing Worship Areas
How data impacts church design • Integrating church DNA • 3 vision-casting strategies

Q&A: Christian school design
If starting a school is on your church’s horizon, you’ll appreciate the advice of these two knowledgeable architecture experts.

Design Trends to Watch: 2018
Two experienced architects discuss emerging (& expiring) trends -- including multisite & multi-generational design strategies

How to Keep Your Design Within Budget
How to avoid cost overruns; building the building team; keeping the timeline on track

Children's Spaces
Is your facility too hot, too cold, or just right? 5 proven strategies to achieve the right mix

Surveying the Church Design Landscape
The church trends we’re seeing today aren’t the same as 10 -- or even five -- years ago. An expert weighs in.

Engaging Spaces
How to ensure a truly engaging worship space, by design

CHURCH FACILITIES: Building & Construction
Avoid cost overruns • An effective building process: 5 tenets • 5 facility "musts" for young families • 4 youth-friendly design ideas
Capital Stewardship & Generosity

DONOR ENGAGEMENT HANDBOOK
Ways to nurture your community and inspire generosity

GIVING MADE EASY
How to choose the right platforms for your unique church — common mistakes, engaging first-time givers, considerations around congregational culture, and more

MAXIMIZING YEAR-END GIVING
Strategies for using technology to encourage giving all year round

Sustained Giving Strategies
Tried-and-true advice for driving a predictable cash flow at your church

Make Giving Click
Expert advice for using technology to identify, engage & cultivate first-time givers

Strategies for Cultivating Major Gifts
Did you know your church management software -- and the data within it -- can be a big help?

BEST PRACTICES FORUM: Technology
• Church data matters, because people matter • Apps that engage • Make giving simple

How to Retain & Expand Supporters Through Digital Giving: A Remote Roundtable
• How to use “social listening” to get more donations for your church • 5 steps to turn non-givers into givers

BEST PRACTICES FORUM: Fundraising & Generosity
• Using giving data to strengthen your discipleship path • 6 ways to engage major donors • Engage churchgoers by incorporating giving technologies

In Sync & On Target
How giving consistency -- across multiple campuses -- drives better ministry, increased magnanimity & more efficient church management

Capital Stewardship Success Stories
How 6 pastors -- with 6 different church growth & building projects -- funded their visions, raising between $5 million and $24 million+

Planned Giving
What it is, how it works, and the results your church can expect

Maximizing Generosity During the Christmas Season
3 experts share tried-and-true strategies

Intelligent Church Giving
3 ways to engage Millennial givers; why creating a generous culture starts with the pastor; bridging the gap between the business office and the pastoral…

Fully Funded, FINALLY
Fully funding the operating budget with digital giving; 5 surprising facts about church giving; growing giving by 372% over three years

Remote Roundtable: Maximizing Year-End Giving
How to enable cashless generosity; 4 steps to turn year-end donors into regular donors -- and much more

Creating a Culture of Generosity (Vol. 2)
Mobile giving for multisites; using giving data for ministry; how mobile giving cuts staff time & heartache -- and more

Creating a Culture of Generosity
Engaging first-time givers; 3 myths about church giving technology; best practices for reaching budget goals
Church Cafés

Church Cafés
How to create a cafe with purpose & run it successfully
Church Communication

Cloud-Based, Cost-Effective Church Communications
Why moving your phone system to the cloud makes so much sense -- plus, member-, guest- and seeker-friendly strategies
Church Management Software

BEST PRACTICES FORUM: Technology
• Church data matters, because people matter • Apps that engage • Make giving simple

How to Drive Connection & Assimilation Using Church Management Software: Expert Advice
• What effective assimilation looks like • High tech for high touch • Shopping for a new ChMS? 10 questions
Data-Driven Ministry

STAYING CONNECTED BEYOND SUNDAY
Tried-and-true strategies — plus, how technology can come alongside your best efforts

How Data Can Drive Better Ministry
Your church management software is a treasure trove of actionable information … but only if you know how to mobilize it.

Get Smart About Expansion
How ChMS data can help you make an educated new-campus decision
Facilities Management

Church Facility Stewardship
The 4 pillars to good facility stewardship -- plus, case studies & the cost of not investing *now*

Capital Planning for Churches
Capital plans 101: what they are & why you need one -- plus, the spiritual benefits of capital planning
Faith-Based Travel
Finance

Best Practices Forum: Financial Stewardship
What lenders look for • Does your church really need financial reserves? • When refinancing makes sense

Church Metrics Powered by Cloud Technology
What a 'metric' is, how to interpret it, and how it relates to ministry -- plus, the top 10 sustaining metrics for churches, defined

Using Data to Make Better Ministry Decisions
How innovative churches are making their decisions through data -- and how to enrich an empowered discipleship by leveraging technology

Metrics That Drive Sustainability
What gets measured, gets managed -- expert advice for understanding church metrics & making them work for better ministry

Finance & Lending Trends
Religious institution financing truths (regardless of the lending climate) -- plus, a roadmap for successfully funding your new building ... and more!

Church Investment Solutions
Making the case for church investments; why good governance = good giving; the problem with managing cash

Financial Management for Christian Schools
Best practices for starting a Christian school; navigating the process; 3 common "balancing acts" to be aware of

Church Financial Planning
Decoding the refinancing process • Borrowing vs. capital campaigns • Facility re-purposing pros & cons • Ministry expansion financing: 10 tips
Growing Your Ministry
HR & Staff Management

Administrative Best Practices for Church Leaders
4 critical areas of focus: • Health insurance • Disaster relief • Retirement planning • Social Security

Employment Law Pitfalls
Your most pressing questions about wrongful termination, harassment and discrimination lawsuits in churches, answered

Church Hiring & Staff Management
Leadership that goes the distance; 5 ways to recruit and retain the right people
Insurance

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

Board Governance
Congratulations! You’ve been asked to serve on your church’s board ... now what?
Legal

EXPERT Q&A: CHURCHES AS SAFE SPACES
Understanding the ins and outs of the sanctuary movement for houses of worship
Lifetime Learning

MAKING DISTANCE LEARNING WORK
For busy pastors, it offers a flexible, efficient and cost-effective way to pursue an advanced degree. Here, five experts survey the landscape.

Equipping Pastors for Counseling
Church leaders are being called on to provide counseling for an ever-widening array of issues their members face. Are you prepared?

Leadership Development Options for Busy Church Leaders
Which skills are most in-demand today — and how can you make this training work for you?

Advancements in MDiv & DMin Training
For busy full-time church leaders, an MDiv or DMin degree might seem out of reach. Here’s the reality.

Counseling Training Options for Pastors
Expert perspectives on the counseling expectations of church leaders today; plus, common pitfalls, and how to rise to the challenge

Leadership Training Options for Pastors
The leadership and management skills development that are most in-demand among busy church leaders -- and how online education helps

Advancements in MDiv & DMin Training
How seminaries and universities are making graduate studies more accessible for busy full-time church leaders

Making Continuing Education Work for Busy Pastors
Online & satellite MDiv, DMin options you should know about

Continuing Education (Presented by: Hood Theological Seminary)
The pursuit of advanced education: perspectives from full-time pastors -- plus, social relevance training

LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR PASTORS: A Remote Roundtable Discussion
3 continuing education experts examine the most in-demand offerings -- plus, making them work with pastors’ demanding schedules

Profiles in Learning (Presented by: Ashland Theological Seminary)
Flipping the script on seminary study: a uniquely residential -- and communal -- option

Continuing Education (Presented by: Regent University)
Seminary students details their paths to the right study options for them

Continuing Education (Presented by: Villanova University)
Management skills for more effective ministry; make time for pastoral education; online options for busy pastors
Mission: Accomplished

MATT KAUTZKY & BLACKHAWK CHURCH:
Spanning 130,000+ square feet, Blackhawk Church transitioned from a (scraps of) paper-based facilities management system to an intuitive platform — all with zero downtime.

ADRIENNE WILLICH & ELIZABETH SHAUGHNEY:
How the Archdiocese of Washington standardized reporting for 139 parishes, 63 schools & 4,500 staff

JOEL GUTHRIE: Harnessing tech trends to drive real-world engagement, growth
A church planting family. Worship and youth leader. Audio engineering student. Impressive tech marketing career. It all makes Guthrie the ideal Church Engagement Podcast host.

JEFF WILSON & SEVERNS VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH: A heart for the ministry of building & construction
This huge project finished on time and under budget, all with an expanded scope. Here’s how.

TOM LUNAK & CALVARY CHAPEL FORT LAUDERDALE: An informed approach to refinancing drives church growth
When this large church's loan approached maturity a few years ago, Lunak knew exactly what to look for in a refinancing partner.

JOEL SIMS & WORD OF LIFE CHURCH: Leading a legacy
With $29.4 million in building projects completed, Word of Life's story started with a late pastor’s vision and culminated with his son’s own unique legacy.

BOBBY HART & FIRST BAPTIST TULSA: Defying space & thriving downtown
Despite being landlocked, the church recently finished 92,000+ square feet of stunning new preschool, children's & adult education space.

ON THE MONEY
3 financial experts tackle church leaders' biggest challenges

DR. WAYLON BAILEY & FBC COVINGTON: Highly relational, by design
In form and function, relationship is at the heart of everything FBC Covington does as a church. Here’s how that commitment translates into its design.

SIMEON MAY, PHILL MARTIN & THE CHURCH NETWORK:
Equipping the ministry of church management for 60+ years

SHANE WARREN & THE ASSEMBLY: A (construction) course correction
After facing many pastors’ worst nightmare — essentially ‘starting over’ on a $15-million building project — the result is even better than imagined.

COLLIN LUCAS & CORNERSTONE FELLOWSHIP OF LIVERMORE: Bigger vision = better alignment + larger lending needs
How Lucas' secular business background has proven instrumental in helping build -- and fund intelligently -- the church’s rapidly expanding infrastructure

CLAY SCROGGINS & NORTH POINT COMMUNITY CHURCH: Leveraging influence at every level
The author of "How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge: Leveraging Influence When You Lack Authority" talks about leading left, right & up

BOB CHURCH & SAGEBRUSH CHURCH: Funding expansion with fluidity, familiarity
Eleven years of "explosive" growth at Sagebrush has created a need for creative, flexible lending options.

GARY HAMRICK & CORNERSTONE CHAPEL: Make yourself at home
The path to Cornerstone Chapel's new home -- a 108,000-square-foot, ski lodge-style facility on the outskirts of Washington, DC -- wasn't without a few bumps

RICK LORIMER & CHRIST PLACE CHURCH: Beating the construction budget -- and exceeding expectations
How transparency, ministry experience, integrity -- and a lot of patience! -- delivered a $7.2-million church construction project under budget

RICK HOLLIDAY & NORTH POINT: Technology + engagement = growth
Examining the 4-step engagement process at one of America's largest and fastest-growing churches

RISE FROM THE ASHES
How historic First Baptist Church Magee rebuilt -- better than ever -- after a $2-million fire

JASON HAYES: Creating a Culture of Generosity in a Church Plant -- Shoreline Church
How data & analytics drove a $635,000 one-day offering and laid the foundation for generosity
Multisite Church Management
Pastor-Friendly A/V

Pastor-Friendly Audio
Choosing the best mic for your message • Are your wireless mics illegal? • The REAL cost of audio equipment • Training the tech team

Pastor-Friendly A/V Integration
Technology is one of your biggest line items -- so, choose wisely

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

Pastor-Friendly Microphones
Pro tips for miking instruments; picking the pastor's mic; mic handling do's & don'ts -- and more

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 (Volume 2)
Delivering old-world sound in a modern sanctuary; outdoor sanctuary audio; discrete sound elements

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

ADVANCEMENTS IN VOLUNTEER SCREENING
Proven strategies to keep your people safe — from recognizing red flags to re-screening practices, cost considerations, and navigating potentially sensitive conversations

Protecting the Kids in Your Care
Expert advice for protecting the church’s children against sexual abuse and bullying — plus, how to mitigate internet-use risks

Disaster Recovery & Communications
Practical, expert advice for a scary subject

Church Security & Surveillance
Expert advice for helping to prevent — and, if necessary, respond to — a security emergency on your campus

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

Do Mission Trips Put Your Religious Organization at Risk?
Expert advice for protecting your members, staff and volunteers while they’re abroad

Disaster Prevention & Recovery Best Practices
Best practices to employ before, during and after disaster strikes -- and the communication tools that should be in every church’s toolbox

Active Shooter Awareness & Training
Examining the very real threat of an active-shooter situation -- and what can your church can do to mitigate it

Keeping Kids Safe & Secure
Experts in the fields of risk management and background checks share best practices for the care of children within the church

Never Again: Beyond Insurance (Volume 3)
How to protect your church when enlisting outside providers; overseeing youth; a 6-step process to moving "beyond insurance"

Saved by the Sensor!
5 tech experts explain (in plain English) how these little, easy-to-install innovations can save your church's life -- or, at the very least, its budget

When Children Are at Risk
What makes churches targets for sexual abuse risks -- plus, expert screening, background check and check-in / check-out processes

Protecting the Church's Children
How location, culture and human predilection can weaken the systems designed to protect youth in your church's care -- and what you can do about…

Never Again: Beyond Insurance (Volume 2)
Risk management strategies for volunteer labor -- plus, risk avoidance, risk retention & risk control

Never Again (Volume 1)
Defining "risk control"; preventing sexual misconduct; balancing religious freedom and employment rights ... and much more
Signage
Transportation

Selecting the Right Bus for Your Church
How to make sure you get the best, safest bus for your most precious cargo

Selecting the Right Bus for Your Church
Leading church transportation experts help you choose wisely + ensure that bus operation and maintenance are safe and risk-free