In a unique way, we in ministry are stewards of the resources of God’s kingdom. This demands our best efforts at making every dollar count. One way church leaders can spend ministry dollars with confidence— especially in the area of computers and technology— is by adopting a carefully formulated purchasing strategy.

Many churches have vehicle fleets. They facilitate ministry, neighborhood outreach, and are often overseen by a volunteer; so they're reasonably inexpensive. But the hidden costs due to recent law changes and potential litigation suggest we might be wise stewards to rethink this facet of our ministry.

I received a letter from a pastor the other day. He is a warm and caring person, and he tried to convey those attributes in his letter. The salutation, however, completely defeated him. The obviously-photocopied letter began, Dear Contributor . If he and his staff had used the mail merge tools in their word processor, he could have written a letter that felt like he wrote it to me... right from his heart. Let's look together at some simple methods that can help you communicate personally to many, and do so quickly.

One of my favorite characters from the 1960s Laugh In television show was the telephone operator Ernestine created by Lilly Tomlin. Playing the role of an AT T operator sitting in front of an old-fashioned PBX, she would make, receive, and connect calls by using patch chords and dialing her rotary phone. Telephone communication has changed dramatically since then, and the PBX is no exception! Phone systems used by churches and ministries come in all sizes and prices! There are many worthwhile options; in this article we'll look at phone system features and options to help prepare you for identifying the system that's right for you and your church.

Some church offices are more often a collective progression of necessary solutions than a well-executed plan. Additional work areas are often carved out of classrooms, basements, and closets as ministries grow, but an efficient office suite is rarely the result. Churches that analyze and strategize their office needs can come up with some surprising solutions.