Conflict with church staff? Sounds like an oxymoron right?
We often think that working for a church eliminates the conflict factor – well because we’re Christians, right? Wrong!
People are people, and whether they work for the insurance company down the street, the local hospital or church – conflict is inevitable.
Why? Well we are all different and we all come from different backgrounds which contributes to how we respond to the work environment. Read the Full Article →
If you are like me you don’t know anyone who likes conflict.
We experience conflict when there are disagreements, misunderstandings or simply poor communication.
The way we respond to conflict can either takes us down a path to a healthy resolution or a path of long-term strife.
Those of us who call ourselves Christians are called to a higher standard. However, the Bible is packed with scripture to help us! Read the Full Article →
A recent Pew Research Center study showed that majority of Americans use Facebook and YouTube.
The social usage of other platforms varies by demographic but those are the most popular.
For instance, 78% of adults 18-24 years use Snapchat.
Social media has become a standard tool for communicating and one that needs to be embraced!
According to the Pew Study, the most popular social platforms – in order of US adult usage:
Churches are often laggards when it comes to technology trends but are now learning to take advantage of the available social technologies to improve communications with their members and community. Read the Full Article →
A young staff member just announced that she is expecting a baby.
An exciting time for sure but a time when questions about maternity leave will inevitable come up.
Maternity leave should be part of a broader policy that includes FMLA leave.
FMLA leave for church employees may be found only if the Church meets the fifty‑employee coverage test, however covering employees during a leave is often simply the right thing to do. Read the Full Article →
Have you ever thought about the fact that when we hear a descriptive word, that word often translates into a mental picture, stereotype or assumption.
When we describe experiences we typically use adjectives to paint a picture to clarify what we are trying to communicate.
And through this, we influence how the person on the receiving end responds to the information. Read the Full Article →
Being responsible for the oversight of a church congregation can be very challenging because of the tender balance between pastoring and pursuing a shared vision.
Church leaders are sometimes challenged with knowing when to operate in one of two roles – pastor or boss.
When asked how to respond to different management issues, I ask leaders the question – Is this a boss issue or a pastor issue? Read the Full Article →
In a world of constant innovation, change in the church is inevitable.
Some changes are radical, bold, and exciting, while other changes are imminent, urgent, and inevitable.
Christians are faced with the reality that without change, the church can’t grow. Without growth, we fall short on pursuing the Great Commission.
Mastering the art of leading change is critical to the survival of the Christian faith, yet fear and comfort can keep us stagnant. Read the Full Article →
Churches exist to help people and make a difference in its community and beyond. This commitment to a mission is what drives a church.
However, churches have life cycles like any other organization and its long term success has a direct correlation to the strength of the board that oversees it.
Effective church boards are made up of people who have a passion for the organization, its mission and the people that it serves. Read the Full Article →
Effective churches understand the importance of creating a Mission, Vision and Values statement.
This formal document provides direction and a target for the church. It is a tool to help the organization fulfill what God has called it to do. It is the bullseye!
The value of a church vision statement is that it gives church leadership, employees and members a shared goal.
Read the Full Article →Ethical behavior in how business is done seems to have become an option rather than an assumption as demonstrated by all too common news headlines.
Many organizations create code-of-ethics and conduct statements as a way to communicate established boundaries and set expectations for employee behaviors.
This document also serves as a tool to help guide decision making and actions that demonstrate self regulation.
Read the Full Article →
