I once had a pastor offer me this advice: Lead pastors should always ask for a financial review or audit when stepping into a lead role at a new church. He had led several churches and shared some of the financial surprises he had encountered. (None were...
It’s a common scenario. A church with a dwindling congregation and a large mortgage note. Tough decisions are made. Staff cuts. Delayed maintenance. Limited missions support and outreach endeavors. Pastors find themselves struggling to find the way out of a deep...
How does your bookkeeper prefer to pay bills? Most churches utilize online bill pay for most of their bills. Some bookkeepers prefer to mail checks. They sometimes think, “We’ve done it this way for 25 years, no need to change our ways.” I get that change is...
I’ve had the incredible opportunity to take several mission trips over the years. Each one has been powerfully impactful on my life. I have many memories of seeing God at work, being used by Him, experiencing new cultures, and building relationships with team...
I recently talked to a pastor whose bookkeeper was retiring. He was struggling with the best option to replace the gentleman who had served his church for many years. He could hire someone experienced with bookkeeping that could also do things like answer...
Imagine you’re a first-time visitor at a local church. The experience was o.k., but you decide that the church is not a good fit for your family. Together you decide to never attend again. A few weeks later you notice an Instagram ad for the church that features...
Could you do ministry without access to a cell phone? Pastors use them to post on Facebook, get directions to restaurants, text their family and play Candy Crush. They also use cell phones to schedule meetings, check on congregants, study for sermons, and stay...
Church Cell Phone Reimbursement Policy Purpose: To establish guidelines for reimbursing pastors and staff for the business use of personal cell phones necessary to fulfill their ministry and administrative duties. Policy: The church recognizes that certain employees...
I used to jokingly say that my job as executive pastor was to worry about things. I had the gift of thinking of every potential negative outcome. The rest of the staff nicknamed me “Pastor No.” I really don’t worry about things. I just try to...
