Resource Development

Avoiding Five Fatal Flaws of Christian Fundraising

There is no question that substantial resources exist to fund the mission and vision of all of our respective ministries. On the other hand, like bad cholesterol, we can sometimes clog the flow of life-giving resources by failing to give appropriate attention to our fundraising programs.

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Financial Management

From Planning to Budgeting

Until plans are funded, they are of little value. The following budgeting approach, outlined with colleges and institutions in mind, provides direct linkage with strategic planning, thereby giving real meaning to the planning process. This approach provides for base reallocation of funds or "growth by substitution" and can minimize the continuing need to raise costs for services.

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People Management & Care

Rejuvenating A Ministry from the Inside-Out

When the word rejuvenation comes to mind, your thoughts may focus on an energy drink that has enough caffeine forced into it to invigorate anything near death. You may think of a time of rest and relaxation at your favorite vacation spot that causes the mind to wander back to cherished memories. Rejuvenation is revival of the soul, either personally or organizationally!

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Communication & Marketing

Special Events that Produce Results

Hosting special events is a way of life for most nonprofit organizations. For some people these are the highlight of the year, but for many they are their worst nightmare. You wonder, What if nobody comes? What if we lose money on the event? What if it is a complete flop? Fear not, because below are the principles you need to know in order to create special events that produce results.

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Executive Leadership

In Times Like These

Editor's Note: One of the great mentors and executive coaches of the 20th century was Fred Smith. Like Ted Engstrom, Fred was a wise and caring friend to a generation of Christian leaders now approaching retirement. Recently we asked his daughter Brenda Smith to help us reflect on what her father and our dear friend might have said to this generation of leaders in such different times as these were he still with us. We trust you will find her thoughts on his insights and wisdom timeless, convicting and encouraging.

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Board Governance

Group Dynamics in Board Meetings

Most boards suffer from a kind of temporary amnesia—we forget that we are human beings. We often enter meetings thinking only of the outcomes we would like to achieve, the things we would like to say and the time budgets we are trying to meet. But the fact is, these objectives don't just magically come into being. Whether we acknowledge them or not, there are very powerful human dynamics at work below the surface of every board meeting. These dynamics literally shape the outcomes your group is able to achieve. So it is incredibly important to become aware of the distinctly human aspects of your board and to learn basic strategies for maximizing your human productivity and relational capacity.

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Internet & Technology

Should Your Church Be On Twitter?

Twitter is a text messaging technology that people use to keep up with each other. Someone observed that it’s useless, to which one of the founders replied, "So is ice cream!” But many companies are focusing on it; should your church? If so, how? And what can you hope to accomplish?

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Legal & Tax

Churches and the Americans with Disabilities Act

The purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") is to prevent discrimination against disabled persons in two basic areas, employment and construction of and access to buildings and transportation. Under the ADA, a church cannot discriminate against a qualified individual with a disability as it applies to any aspect of employment including application procedures, hiring, advancement, discharge, compensation, job training, or other conditions and privileges of employment.

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