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.

For years I've been following Jim Egli. His books, blogs, and brotherly love have influenced my own views toward groups, discipleship, and ministry in general.

I recently read a post Jim wrote that I believe could have a profound effect on churches, if it gets into the right hands. With Jim's permission, I'm sharing here his "4 Reasons Why Every Pastor Should Lead a Small Group." I will share only his four main points and then add my own commentary to them. To read his original post—which you should!—click on the link.
 

With each passing month, more churches begin using children’s check-in software.  That’s why more and more church management software (ChMS or CMS) companies are adding new check-in options to their products.  As the number of choices increase, choosing the right software might become difficult.  So here are a few questions to ask yourself when considering your kid’s check-in options:

IT SEEMS THAT EVERY LEADER AND ORGANIZATION WANTS TO BE INNOVATIVE.

Momentum. Few of us have it. All of us want it.

The Churchteams family would like to wish you all a wonderful Christmas.  We want to thank pastors and church leaders for allowing us to partner with you in ministry.  It is our great privilege to serve you and help you accomplish your mission.  May the Lord bless you as this year draws to a close and as a new year begins.