The summer giving slump is a dreaded time for Pastors and church leaders.
Fully Funded did a survey and asked churches of all sizes and denominations, how they handle the summer slump.
The answers were varied from “waving the white flag of surrender” to “taking out a loan” to “doing nothing” – reflecting the desperation of some of these churches.
So, what is a church leader to do? Read the Full Article →
Any organization that provides health care as an employee benefit has felt the sting of rising health care costs.
Depending on the size of the organization, and the census of employees, those annual increases can be very high.
In 2016, the average annual premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance were a staggering $6,435 for single coverage and $18,142 for family coverage.
And, in 2017 it is projected that employer premiums will increase an average of 6% more to insure their employees. Read the Full Article →
The recent allegations of lewd conduct by a Saddleback Church youth leader is yet another example of how child abuse in America is an issue of concern.
Stories about child abuse of minors seems to be a regular topic on the evening news with one disturbing allegation after another.
Churches are no exception to these accusations and should take steps to create a safe place for their children and youth. Read the Full Article →
When I was young, I remember church being a place where the door was always open and visitors were welcome anytime of the day or night.
It was a safe refuge for those who just needed some time in prayer and reflection. Church security was unheard of.
Over the course of the last couple of decades that trend has changed and most churches have scheduled times when their doors are open and the building is available for public prayer. Read the Full Article →
Churches are in existence to help, encourage and develop people in their Christian walk.
However, there is much more involved in overseeing a church than planning the weekly service.
Churches need to have systems and processes to help ensure the weekend goes off without a hitch and to create a great environment for members, volunteers and employees.
These weekly paths to an end are what create great weekend services but there are things that need to be done behind the scenes to ensure that the church is acting in a legal and ethical manner. Read the Full Article →
I worked on staff at a church for 10 years and what I found interesting is that most people (who don’t work in ministry) have the perception that you sit around all day reading the bible and listening to praise and worship music.
Anyone who has ever worked for a church knows how far that is from the truth.
In fact, I think most church employees would say their responsibilities are even greater because of the limited resources for paid employees and the dependency on volunteer labor.
Read the Full Article →I was an adult when I became a Christian and didn’t have the Vacation Bible School (VBS) experience as a child.
I knew kids who went to VBS but I was never invited to attend.
Interestingly though, any adult Christian that I know can speak to their childhood VBS memories.
Since I’ve been a Christian I’ve had the privledge of being a part of a great VBS and can see the benefit of investing the time and resources into this great summer event for kids. Read the Full Article →
The most important function of communication within an organization is to inform, persuade and motivate.
Successful organizations communicate intentionally because they recognize that when leadership fails to communicate effectively, issues arise, conflict presents itself and organizational momentum slows.
We all have different preferences for how we receive information, yet we all crave communication. It is what engages us in our relationships, our employment, and our church. Read the Full Article →
Many churches rely heavily on volunteer labor because they don’t have the resources to pay staff for all of the work that needs to be done.
Effective management of this valuable labor force is critical to an organization’s ability to fulfill its mission.
Churches need to have systems and processes in place to oversee and manage volunteers to ensure two things: 1. Read the Full Article →
As many of you know, my son is Bob Lotich, founder of Seedtime (formerly ChristianPF).
Bob got married in 2005 and I wrote a letter to him using the wisdom of scripture and my personal experience to encourage him as he began his marriage journey.
Bob has been married for almost 12 years now.
He recently shared with me how encouraged he was to reread this letter more than a decade later and suggested that I share it with my readers. Read the Full Article →
