The end of the year is a natural time for congregants to consider their generosity. Certainly, some of the timing is due to the IRS tax code and a bombardment of solicitations from non-profits. Congregants are aware they must make donations before the new year for the donation to impact their current year’s taxes, and […]
It’s summer, but fall will be here before you know it. For church leaders who have experienced ministry during the fall, they understand the difficulty of planning during fall months. Late planning can result in much frustration. The summer months can be a strategic time of ministry preparation for the fall. Taking advantage of summer […]
“I don’t know if we can pay the staff this week. We may have to delay payroll until after Sunday.” Rick was the lead pastor at Westview Community Church. The words from Lisa, the church’s financial administrator, came as a shock. He could not believe what he was hearing. Delay paying the staff? “What are […]
Just like everyone else’s schedule, during the summer months church life changes. Members’ church attendance is often hit or miss due to vacations. Because of the sporadic attendance, some churches decide to reduce ministry offerings during the summer. And for some church leaders, this means there is often a period between camps and ramping up […]
“Is my church financially healthy?” If you are a church leader asking this question, you are not alone. There are some key questions that can help you determine a church’s financial health. While the following list is not exhaustive, answering these questions may provide an indication of whether the church is in a financially healthy […]
I looked at our grocery bill. Wow. As a dad of three growing and constantly hungry boys, our house goes through an amazing amount of food. Our milk consumption alone likely supports several dairy farms. Food costs for us have always been high, but recently they have climbed significantly higher. Inflation is the increase in […]
In Matthew 27, we read how the unfathomable became reality. God had sent his one and only Son, Jesus, to the world. While on earth, He lived a sinless life, doing what no human could ever do on their own. Yet, He was condemned to die on a cross. In Matthew 27, we see Jesus, […]
“I don’t know what to do.” These are words leaders hate to say or think. Jerry was no different. Jerry had pastored a small church for seven years. In his first few years at the church, he knew where he hoped to lead the congregation. Back then, the challenges were obvious which made the vision […]
God is a God of multiplication. We see this in the Old Testament, where He takes an elderly, childless couple, (Abraham and Sarah) and makes a people more numerous than the stars. He took a few fish and loaves of bread and fed thousands. He used a small group of people to start His global […]
The person who oversees the church finances walks into your office. You can tell by the look on their face they are uncomfortable. They would rather not share the information they hold. You inquire as to why they appear so concerned, and they tell you their concern relates to a staff member’s lack of giving. […]
What is your vision for your church? Perhaps you’re focused on expanding your reach into the community with a new church plant. Or maybe you dream of supporting mission partners overseas drilling wells and sharing the Gospel in Africa. Or it could be that you have a strong desire to start a food pantry or […]
The holiday season is in full swing. Sales are happening at every store. It seems like every house on the block has a Christmas tree displayed in front of a big, bay window. Nativity scenes are set out with care. Christmas cards are starting to make their arrival in the mail. These are just a […]