Posts Tagged ‘Church Administration’
Serpents & Doves
Jesus made an interesting statement in Matthew 10:16b, “…be as shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves.” (NASB) I believe these words of His are good guidelines for Christians for every aspect of doing business. We are to be shrewd, yet innocent. The word translated as shrewd sometimes means being prudent, sensible, and practically wise.  Jesus spoke this counsel to his disciples, and it may also have had the sense of acting with prudence with regard to their own safety. Being innocent, on the other hand, means to be pure, unmixed, and unadulterated.  In other words, negotiate wisely; but always honor the heart of the Lord by loving those with whom you negotiate. Be willing to ask in honesty, and to ask in such a way as to bring the other person closer to Jesus. What does all of this have to do with computers? Let’s see.
Read MoreFabric vs Steel
Our church just finished phase one of a four-phase site development. I was foolish enough to say that I’d help manage the programming, design, and construction by providing owner’s representative oversight. Phase one includes building four structures, of which only one will survive the entire four-phase buildout. “So,” we said, “let’s go with fabric since these are only temporary buildings!”
Read MoreCharting Your Ministry
While helping churches refine their general ledger chart of accounts, there are two issues that need to be wrestled through nearly every time: The level of detail in their chart; Cash or accrual accounting— which would be best for them?
Read MoreCalendaring in the Church
Churches have three types of calendaring needs: resource calendaring (rooms and equipment), publication calendaring (printed flyers), and personal / team calendaring. Surprisingly, each of these needs is so different that they require separate programs!
Read MoreOffice Furnishings & Layout
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.
Read MoreWise Shopping
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.
Read MoreIt’s A Roller Coaster!
You’re in a building project, and the problem solving seems to be done. But is it? Get ready! This process is a roller coaster ride like you’ve never been on before!
Read MoreComputer First Aid Kit?
Most organizations have an undocumented disaster recovery plan that has never been tested. As many ministries learned in last year’s hurricane season, waiting until the disaster hits is the worst time to test your system.
Read MoreDeveloping A True Ministry Team
Well coordinated ministry teams are rare! Ministry staff members are most often best characterized as entrepreneurial competitors who try to be diplomatic and work with each other– sort of. Why is that? How can we help our staff work together in a well-coordinated fashion?
Read MoreChanging Your System or Software? What Should You Expect?
When churches change computer systems or software, they’re often surprised at the enormity of the task. The time and costs often run over budget, and the transition often leaves a trail of unmet expectations. With a little understanding of the process and some preplanning, however, these unmet expectations can be minimized and even avoided.
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