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4 reasons every church needs a thread
Mark MacDonald Religious CommunityIn our loud world, we know most are choosing what to listen to and what to ignore. The louder everything gets, the more we block what we perceive as nonessential. The way we decide what’s nonessential is based on how we perceive something. And we know that most people are wanting to make decisions quickly because they’re so busy. The solution? A thread: three to five words that describe what you’d like your perception to be. You need a thread! Here are four reasons why.
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4 little-known costs of church events
Deborah Ike Religious CommunityHosting events throughout the year is how many churches are able to expand their reach within communities. Church events allow a unique space for fellowship and a chance to share the Word of God outside of Sunday services. From Vacation Bible School to marriage retreats to Christmas concerts to Easter celebrations, churches have plenty to plan. But while ministries are frequent event hosts, it’s rare to find one with a standard process for planning those events.
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Do you know these 3 things about your community?
Mark MacDonald Religious CommunityEffective communication rises and falls on how well you know your audience. For the church, you have two audiences: internal and external (i.e., congregation and community). Most of you hopefully understand your congregation because they regularly let you know what they like and dislike. But if you concentrate on an internal audience and don’t have a "pipeline" of growth through the knowledge of your external audience, you’ll almost always decline. Do you know your community? Here are three things you should know.
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A surprising, often-overlooked church communication tool
Mark MacDonald Religious CommunityThere’s nothing worse than discovering a problem that requires a specific, currently unavailable tool. In fact, availability is the essential requirement for all tools! Multifunctional tools are even better — they accomplish so much and take up less room. Almost everyone has a multifunctional church communication tool in their pocket. It’s your mobile phone. How can you use it for church communication? There’s almost an endless list of tasks that can now be completed on that little mobile device. Here are five.
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What to do when volunteers quit
Deborah Ike Religious CommunityIt’s that awkward moment you’re always trying to avoid: a volunteer emails you or mentions one Sunday that he "needs some time away from serving for a while." Maybe you saw it coming; maybe you didn’t. Regardless, now you’re left trying to figure out what to do about it. Your gut reaction might include a bit of defensiveness, and it’s hard not to take it personally. However, when you truly care for each church member’s needs, then there is an appropriate response to have in these situations. Here’s what I recommend on what to do when volunteers quit.
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5 website issues your congregation finds annoying
Mark MacDonald Religious CommunityA few weeks ago, I heard a pastor (from the stage) say that I needed to visit their website for some information. I thought, "Yes! A pastor is promoting their website rather than a bulletin!" It was also about something that actually interested me. Before I would forget it, I pulled my phone out to discover the information. And then the frustration began. It reminded me of the five things your congregation probably finds annoying on your website. Please, fix them before they stop wanting to go to your website.
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How to implement a new church management system
Deborah Ike Religious CommunityThankfully, there are many incredible church management software programs available to support a church’s growing needs. You’re most likely already using one of them. If so, I don’t have to tell you about the value a comprehensive ChMS tool can provide to your church. What I can tell you, however, is that not every ChMS is created equal. With that in mind, if your ChMS tool has lost its ability to effectively support your church, it might be time to consider upgrading to a new one. Once you’ve chosen a ChMS vendor, here are some great tips on how to implement a new ChMS tool.
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4 tips for your church’s benevolence policy
Deborah Ike Religious CommunityAs followers of Christ, part of how we honor our Savior is by giving to the poor, helping the oppressed, and encouraging the discouraged. One way churches can follow through with this mission is by developing a benevolence policy. Having a structured policy will help your church be consistent in how you distribute aid and ensure proper stewardship of the money and resources entrusted to you. Creating a benevolence policy isn’t hard, but it will take some organization by church leaders. Here are four tips for creating a strong benevolence policy for your church.
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Signs that your church brand isn’t working
Mark MacDonald Religious CommunityWhat exactly is a church brand? It’s more than your logo — although your visual brand is the "outfit" your church brand wears. So, what is it then? It’s the controlled promise (or story) that is consistently spoken so your congregation understands why they attend. It should be compelling, needed, and relevant. Your logo simply reminds someone visually about that beneficial message thread. Here are seven indicators that your church brand isn’t working.
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How to include all staff members in financial stewardship
Deborah Ike Religious CommunityTalking about financial budgets isn't exactly everyone’s favorite subject. When it comes to your church, however, it's a discussion to engage in with more than just top leaders of your congregation. Depending on how your church is structured, department or ministry leaders might have some involvement in the annual budgeting process. You may also have a finance committee consisting of church elders who are involved as well. As you begin planning for your next annual budget, here are some ways to get employees engaged in the budgeting process.
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