True church growth is a result of a positive church experience, members inviting family and friends as well as a reputation that is spread by word-of-mouth.
Many people will visit a church several times before making a decision to call that church home.
The challenging part, particularly for churches of a few hundred people, is that visitors can sneak in and out without anyone even knowing they were there. Read the Full Article →
God blesses churches with many resources – people, time and money – and He expects us to be good stewards with what He provides.
Members tithe on their income to support the operation of the ministry, making it even more important to be good stewards and manage financial resources responsibly.
So what is the definition of stewardship? According to dictionary.com, Stewardship is, “the responsible overseeing and protection of something considered worth caring for and preserving“. Read the Full Article →
People who work for churches do so because of a calling and deserve the same compensation as someone working in any other type of organization.
Churches that are large enough to have a paid staff should intentionally consider the pay and benefits their employees receive.
Church boards should develop a compensation strategy that lines up with the overall strategy and mission of the organization. Read the Full Article →
Churches have come to realize the importance of incorporating quality concepts and tools into management practices.
Many churches and nonprofit organizations are now focusing on efficiency and effectiveness in the way their mission is achieved.
While some might argue that quality concepts don’t apply to the church, I would argue that Christian organizations should lead with quality.
Quality is defined by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) as “The characteristics of a product or service that bear on its ability to satisfy stated or implied needs; and a product or service free of deficiencies”. Read the Full Article →
People who work (free or paid) for a church are often exposed to confidential information. These employees and volunteers are responsible for maintaining a strong code of ethics because of access to this sensitive information.
According to dictionary.com, confidentiality is defined as “having another’s trust or confidence; entrusted with secrets or private affairs.”
Members and volunteers provide the church with demographic, financial and personal information. Read the Full Article →
The success or failure of a church rests on its leadership.
Those who have been given the responsibility of managing a church are required to take the necessary steps to ensure it is financially viable and exercises effective management practices. Neither of which happen without intent and planning.
Global planning for a church begins with the church oversight board. Whether that board is an independent board, member board or church leadership, planning is critical to a ministry’s ability to achieve its mission. Read the Full Article →
Part of the church strategic planning process is setting church goals and objectives.
Goals should be written so they are measurable and should be an outcome of the strategic planning process.
Goals simply map out steps to achieve a strategic objective and do not need to be overly complicated. But, implementation of goals does require discipline and a commitment to follow-through to completion. Read the Full Article →
Appraising church leadership is just as important as appraising church employees and accountability for achieving objectives is what drives performance.
Church leadership should be evaluated the same way employees are and given measurable targets to achieve.
Goals are only as effective as the person who is responsible for achieving them and completing church goals should be a condition of employment and leadership rank. Read the Full Article →
Every church is challenged with balancing day-to-day job responsibilities with achieving goals that help take the organization to the next level.
Churches grow and advance to the next level by achieving objectives that are determined by a strategic planning process.
These objectives are articulated through well written church goals that are filtered throughout the organization. However, there needs to be a strategic approach to ensure goals are accomplished. Read the Full Article →
Church leaders have great responsibilities and the many challenges that come with working in the ministry can take its toll on clergy.
It is common for churches to offer sabbaticals for clergy to provide a time for refreshing, recharging and continuing education.
When pastors are allowed to take an extended break from ministry they can refocus and recharge their passion and call to lead the congregation. Read the Full Article →
