Do you need a directory look up with less information/access than a full member profile - maybe even for some staff?

Earlier this week we released a new searchable directory.  Here's what it looks like:

I love science fiction.  I watch sci-fi movies, read sci-fi books and even watch the Sify Channel.  For the record, I hate that name.  They should have stuck with “Sci-Fi Channel”. But anyway, I love how science fiction often becomes science fact.  Jules Vern wrote about going to the moon and later it became a reality.  Captain Kirk made calls to the Enterprise using a flip phone and in the first decade of the 21^stcentury everyone was making calls on them!  Captain Jen Luc Picard used a digital tablet back in the 1980s and today university students all over the globe are taking class notes on them.

I know. I know.  The title of this article sounds offensive. Before you judge me too harshly, please hear me out. First, I’ve been guilty of uttering most of these things at some point in my life. I’m not pointing these phrases out with a crooked finger saying, “You’re bad!” I’m writing from the perspective of one who is growing in these areas myself. Second, let me explain exactly what I mean.

Some of us have a difficult time accepting the reality that God loves us unconditionally. Often, because of traumatic experiences in our childhoods or our more recent pasts, we have a hard time imagining that anyone—God included— could possibly value us. We ask ourselves, Why should God want to be with me? Just look at how messed up I am. Or we may think, I haven’t been able to rely on anyone in my life. At one time or another, they’ve all let me down. Why would God be any different?

A well-planned interview for a new leader at your church is a critical part of the hiring process. Rather than “winging it” or asking the “same old, same old” questions, take time to plan the interview. It’s important to get a clear picture of the candidate in these three areas:

I hear a lot of pastors debate the need for a quality experience at the expense of connecting and growing the vast majority of their congregations and their communities into their group system. I also hear the reverse of this, which is, in order to embrace a large quantity of groups, then quality must somehow be sacrificed. 

We approach ministry as if we have all the time in the world. Somehow we think our people will live forever, and so will the people our people need to reach for Christ. But let’s be honest, we don’t have the luxury of time. 

The apostle Paul didn’t have the luxury of time either. Reviewing his journeys in the book of Acts, Paul never spent more than 6-18 months in any one location, yet in his quest to spread the gospel throughout the known world and to reach Spain, he put leaders in place everywhere he planted a church and then gave them the crash course on ministry. We would call this “quick and dirty” before we would call it “quality.” Paul gave them their marching orders and then basically instructed them, “Do the best you can. The Holy Spirit will guide you. If you run into trouble, then send me a letter.” Then, Paul was off to the next place. 

In living with the tension between the quality and quantity of ministry, I want you to consider these words from Peter Drucker on the Profession of Management: 

In today’s world every church has data management needs. Managing church data doesn’t sound profound or spiritual, but it’s necessary. That’s why Church Management Software (ChMS or CMS for short) systems are wildly popular resources for church leaders. Since the 1980s entrepreneurs have been making software specifically designed for managing churches. As time has marched on and technology has progressed the abilities of ChMS systems has dramatically improved.  As a result there are better services and products available for church management than ever before.  If you are in the market for a ChMS, you will most likely want a system that includes the following much-in-demand features:

Leadership Network has once again released a study that church leaders should consume to understand the dynamics of leading today. This study is all on large Canadian churches and what we learn from them. It points out things these churches have done well, which caused them to grow and reach a younger audience. Even if your church isn’t considered large, you can still take some tips from the Leadership Network’s study to help in growing your own ministry.

Have you ever noticed that of the 10 Commandments, God gives the largest description to one?  Four verses devoted to explaining to this one commandment and I think it's possibly the most violated commandment in our culture.   What is it?

A tool nearly every church is finding indispensible is Church Management Software (ChMS or CMS for short).  As an exponentially growing number of churches begin using ChMS systems, the need evolving and improving products is quickly increasing.  It’s interesting that some of the best innovations in ChMS products come not from the developers but from the users.  In other words, churches are helping shape the evolution of ChMS products. Those who use the products every day know what they really need, so their feedback is vital to ChMS growth.

Online giving is no longer a fringe concept for churches.  Churches all over the world are making it possible for donors to give via the internet.  But what are the hidden costs?  What are the benefits of the different methods for online giving?  How do you understand all the online giving lingo and jargon?  This article will answer these questions.