Many churches have cut back the number of business meetings held each year. Some have scaled back publications — particularly mailed-out print versions. Some large churches with communications staff or a department have eliminated them or severely reduced their resources….
In a low-trust environment, do churches operate on a need-to-know basis?
Many churches have cut back the number of business meetings held each year. Some have scaled back publications — particularly mailed-out print versions. Some large churches with communications staff or a department have eliminated them or severely reduced their resources….
Denominational entities struggle to find balance between privacy and openness
Baptists follow the congregational form of church governance — every member who wants to can have a say in the way the church and the denomination operate. But how much access does the average church member have to information about…
Social media and public records offer options to fact-finders
Do people in the pew have any options for finding information if their local church, state organization or national denominational body refuses do divulge it? Not many — but technology and government offer a couple of options. Social media When…
What’s more influential in shaping a church’s ministry — God or money? The answer matters.
Ask a Christian whether God or money concerns determine how a church operates. Most likely, the response would be: “Of course, God does.” But John L. and Sylvia Ronsvalle believe the answer may not be as clear-cut as most Christians…
For Christians, the tithe may be more theory than practice, say some observers
The issue of tithing — traditionally understood as 10 percent — has perplexed churchgoers for years. Interpretation and denominational practice usually set the tone for givers, often with tension between giving as law or “old covenant” or as grace under…
Tithe: More theory than practice?
Tithe: More theory than practice? Vicki Brown The issue of tithing — traditionally understood as 10 percent — has perplexed churchgoers for years. Interpretation and denominational practice usually set the tone for givers, often with tension between giving as law…
Does God or money shape a church’s ministry?
Does God or money shape a church’s ministry? Vicki Brown Ask a Christian whether God or money concerns determine how a church operates. Most likely, the response would be: “Of course, God does.” But John L. and Sylvia Ronsvalle believe…
Learning communities explore how to minister in new culture
FARMINGTON, Maine — Five years ago, five older women in Farmington, Maine, knew they faced a choice—watch their church die, or participate in a project that might help bring new life to their congregation. They were the only remaining members….
Churches can help grandparents who bear responsibility for grandchildren
“The church building is not a monument. It’s an instrument for God,” Timothy Williams, pastor of Bethsaida Missionary Baptist Church in Mexia, Texas, believes. His wife, Cheryl, director of apartment ministries for Buckner International, is praying her church and others…
Should churches see debt as burden or tool for expanding ministry?
Increasingly, churches provide money-management seminars that offer participants advice on how to get out of debt and stay that way. But should churches themselves follow the same advice and principles as individual consumers? Is church debt ever acceptable? Dave Ramsey…
Grand or grind? Grandparents increasingly assume care for grandchildren
“I want to be a good grandmother (or grandfather) but I want to live my life, too.” The refrain echoes around the country as more grandparents assume responsibility for their grandchildren. One in 10 children lives with a grandparent, according…