Smart Church Management

6 Essential Church Councils

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Church leaders make decisions every day. These decisions are made about things like people (volunteers, employees, and members), money (budgeting, spending, saving), ministry programs, facilities, and the list goes one.

In Jim Collins’ classic book, Good to Great, he talks about using councils to help guide the organization.

These guiding church councils or committees should be made up of a group of the right people who can discuss, debate, and make decisions about the administration and management of the organization. Read the Full Article →

11 Church Finance Committee Duties And Responsibilities

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Talking money is simply an unpopular topic for ministries. However, it requires a diligent approach to managing finances to sustain a vibrant church.

Churches elect or assign members to serve on a Finance Committee.

This team of people is responsible for the management and responsible stewardship of church financial resources.

This crucial committee can have a significant influence on the sustained financial health and growth of church assets. Read the Full Article →

2020 Church Planning – 7 Things to Talk About

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It’s hard to believe, but we are almost into the 4th quarter of 2019.  As we move closer to the end of the year, it might be a good time to think about your 2020 church planning and what you should be doing now.

There is an old saying, “If you fail to plan – you plan to fail.”

No words have ever had more meaning.

Read the Full Article →

10 Practices That Safeguard Your Church Against Embezzlement

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We know that it requires a lot of resources (people, time, and money) to operate a ministry. Each of these resources is valuable and need to be protected. Particulary, a church needs to safeguard its financial resources against embezzlement.

I was saddened to read about a neighborhood church, where my kids used to attend youth events, being yet another victim of church embezzlement. Read the Full Article →

How Well Does Your Church Care For These 6 Demographics?

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The church is made up of a family of believers who come together to worship and grow in faith.

Similar to our natural families, a healthy church is comprised of members from many demographics.

The church wants the children because they are the future leaders. A healthy church also wants the elderly.

The oldest members remind us of where we have been, and how we would not be where we are without their tireless effort through decades of service. Read the Full Article →

Church Strategic Planning In 4 Easy Steps!

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Church strategic planning is an important part of the creation, development, and growth of a ministry.

Churches that are interested in growth are not exempt from planning.

Church planning helps the organization map out strategic steps to achieve its mission and vision.

Ministries can experience a level of success without a plan, but those who invest the time and resources into developing a specific strategy and plan can achieve success at a much quicker pace.

Read the Full Article →

#ChurchToo – Does Your Church Have a Sexual Harassment Policy?

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As church leaders, we strive to create healthy work environments that encourage and motivate employees.

However, experience has taught us that occasionally the behaviors of people don’t align with the biblical principles that we embrace.  

Sometimes these behaviors are intentional, but often behaviors are unintentional – yet still concerning.

Sexual Harassment

It is difficult to turn on the news without reading about a new sexual harassment or assault allegation. Read the Full Article →

Does Pay Transparency Make Sense For Your Church?

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I began my career at a time when talking about pay was a no-no.

No one knew what a coworker or the person down the hall made, and we accepted it.

I have to admit that sometimes I did wonder, but for the most part, I didn’t think about it.

My husband, on the other hand, worked in the trades where journeymen pay was the same for everyone. Read the Full Article →

How Does Your Church Measure Success?

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Critical Success Factors are what organizations use to measure its success.

Whether you are managing a restaurant, non-profit organization, or a church, it is important to know that you are focusing on those things that help move the organization closer to achieving its mission.

Anyone who manages an organization understands how challenging it is to stop the day-to-day tasks and check to see how well the organization is performing. Read the Full Article →

Who Makes Church Decisions?

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I recently had an email from a reader asking “who should make church decisions”?  This is a loaded, but great question!

Churches are like many other organizations in that people have opinions and can have strong feelings about how things are done.

The tensions that arise as a result of church decision making are healthy – but often challenging. Read the Full Article →