Christians should be good stewards of their money. The financial health of a church is typically only as strong as that of the congregation. People deep in debt or struggling to survive may not tithe as much. Their focus might be on their struggles to keep a roof over their heads rather than finding ways to grow the church or even pay attention during a sermon. Pastors have an opportunity to lead their flocks down a path of financial wellness.... Read more
Your church wants to create an engaging video different from the usual filmed sermons. How can you ensure it turns out exactly as you envision? Here’s how to make a captivating church video, from planning and writing the script to post-production. 1. Make It Unique to Your Ministry Many great church videos exist, and it’s easy to get caught up in trying to be like the best. However, your ministry’s unique touch will make your video captivating. Ensure you understand... Read more
Church accounting presents unique challenges due to its dual role as a spiritual institution and a charitable organization. Understanding these complexities enables administrators to manage financial resources effectively, meet regulatory requirements, and maintain trust among congregants and stakeholders. Here are some essential areas that they should familiarize themselves with to navigate the intricacies of church accounting successfully. Fund Accounting Fund accounting is a cornerstone concept that entails maintaining separate accounts for various purposes within the church’s finances. These distinct funds... Read more
Though Christianity primarily looks to God for guidance, other cultures and religions offer meaningful lessons. Can you strengthen your relationship with the Lord by listening to them? Here are a few insights taken from other cultures across the world. 1. Life Is for Living The afterlife is a foundational part of Christianity, so it might be challenging to picture your spiritual journey without it. In Judaism, the afterlife is secondary to time on Earth. Instead of viewing life as a... Read more
A scholarship program is one of the best ways to demonstrate your love for your community. The joy and relief it brings aspiring STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) students and their families is immeasurable, and it’s a great way to support congregants in their dreams. From developing the criteria for a scholarship to legal requirements and selecting candidates, here’s all you need to know about establishing a STEM scholarship program through your ministry. Why Create a STEM Scholarship? The... Read more
Incorporating traditional design elements into modern church architecture can create a beautiful and meaningful space for worship. You can combine timeless features such as stained glass windows and minimalist decor to create a harmonious blend of old and new. This approach honors the rich history of religious architecture while providing a sense of continuity and tradition for the community. The use of natural light, open spaces, and modern touches can also enhance the spiritual experience and foster a connection between... Read more
If you’re looking to rekindle your faith, you have probably reflected on those first few moments when you accepted Christ into your life. You might remember the joy, vigor and excitement you had reading the Word and serving Him. Cultivate that joy you once had by looking at your current position with a fresh perspective. Looking at where you are is an opportunity to grow more in God. Here are some habits to develop that will help rekindle your faith. ... Read more
How do you teach responsibility in a church setting? Firstly, know that it’s not engrained but requires training and repetition. You’ll need to incorporate activities into your program to teach responsibility to young congregants. Church Classroom Roles This tried and true strategy combines several activities you can implement within the church’s kid center. Spearhead a project with the teachers and volunteers to teach children responsibility by assigning roles and getting them to volunteer for one every Sunday. You could call... Read more
Every year, we see severe weather conditions. Some approach with a warning, and others leave mere seconds to find shelter. It’s always good to stay prepared, whether it’s knowing evacuation plans or adding weather resistance to buildings. Here are suggestions for fortifying your church and protecting the building against major weather events. General Preparation for Extreme Weather Events While fortifying your church against weather events like tornadoes, snow storms and earthquakes is essential, it’s just as vital to have evacuation... Read more
How can you support church members with visible and invisible disabilities who require service animals and emotional support animals? Here’s a guide to understanding the role of each and the policies or accommodations you can make. The Difference Between ESAs and Service Animals Service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) are types of assistance animals that provide help and support to individuals with disabilities, but they have different roles and legal statuses. 1. Definition Service animals are trained to help... Read more
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