by CHC | May 2, 2017 | call, clergy
The treasurer reported that everything looked good. Giving was slightly exceeding our budgeted needs and financial obligations. Immediately, there were smiles all around the room. Everyone relaxed, happy to know that we didn’t have to worry and stress about our church’s budget this time. Everyone, that is, except me. We knew it was going to happen. The grant money that fully funded my position would not last indefinitely. Our small church wasn’t in decline. In fact, we were seeing growth and our participants were generous and sacrificial givers, many of them going well beyond a traditional tithe. Nevertheless, we knew that significant financial changes were inevitable. A few months before, I had volunteered to essentially become “bivocational.” I had a few other projects that I wanted to pursue and I was willing to see if they could generate some income to cover the resulting shortfall. It seemed like a win-win situation. The church was able to breathe a collective sigh of relief. The unintended consequence of that shift was that what began as a challenge for our entire congregation essentially became my problem to solve alone. It was no longer a case of “This is our challenge. We’ll solve it together.” Instead, it was assumed that I had it covered. I was now responsible for making up the difference between our current level of giving and my intended salary. I reduced my work hours accordingly and the church continued with minimal disruption to our regular worship schedule. While it is easy to count the cost of financial adjustments that result in a loss of materials, programs, or staff positions,...
by CHC | Apr 3, 2017 | Social Media
Belmont University, Nashville, TN April 18, 2017 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Transitioning to the Digital Communication World Now that your church is ready to communicate in the age of the Internet, the next steps can be daunting. What exactly does a communication director do? How do you manage a Facebook page? How important is your print newsletter? What do you do with email? And what are you missing? We’ll talk about all these needs and more as your church transitions to the digital communication world. We’ll also discuss the rewards as well as the risks of how and when to use social media for your church and as an individual in ways you may not have considered yet. Question and answer time will be provided. Our workshop presenter for the morning is Natalie Aho. Natalie is the Interactive Communications Specialist for Baptist News Global. In addition, she works as a communications specialist for the Alabama Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and as a communications consultant for the Center for Healthy Churches. She brings years of experience in both social media and church engagement to the workshop. Cost: $40 – Includes Breakfast & Materials To register go to www.belmont.edu/ifbl and click on the “Upcoming Events” tab. (For information on how to register more than one participant from the same organization, contact Jon Roebuck, 615.460.6073 or...
by CHC | Mar 10, 2017 | creativity
Jay Lynn Executive Director / Pastor St. Martin Baptist Fellowship www.stmartinbaptist.org Faith Foundry Studio www.faithfoundrystudio.com Dear Friends, Join us May 15-18, 2017 as we explore the many facets of creative expression in the Big Apple, New York City, focusing particularly on ways in which the Arts can be integrated into faith communities. Bring your curiosity (and your walking shoes) for some of the following experiences: (Specific events and venues may change as plans continue to develop) Exploring the biblical history of the arts and the use of individual artistic gifts in a ministry setting in partnership with Marble Collegiate Church Worship together through music in jazz vespers. Central Park and its prolific works of sculpture and inspiring venues. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and its vast collections of works in the visual arts Attending a performance of The Most Reluctant Convert, C.S. Lewis’ journey from atheism to faith at the Fellowship for The Performing Arts, followed by a Q&A session with the production team. Reflections on architecture and design at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, The Cloisters, and Riverside Church Designing experiences with an emotional impact at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum All of the experiences will involve aspects of presentation, observation, and reflection, guided by Learn By Going staff or on-site subject experts. For more information, go to www.learnbygoing.com Where do you want to learn?...
by CHC | Jan 26, 2017 | Consulting
The Center for Healthy Churches (CHChurches.org) is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Joel Snider to its team of consultants. Snider retired in 2016 after 40 years in active ministry, and spent the last 21 years as pastor of First Baptist Church, Rome, Georgia. Joel has an active coaching practice with a wide variety of clients, including ministers, small business owners, and financial planners. In his work with CHC, Joel will focus on creating a faith development ministry with young families and churches, in addition to consulting for minister search committees and congregational health. With a Ph.D. in preaching, Joel is also available to coach those who want to grow in their preaching skills. Joel serves as chair of the board of Directors for the Community Foundation for Greater Rome and is a member of the Floyd County Hospital Authority. He and his wife, Cherry, have two two daughters and 3 grandchildren. He is currently working on a resource for parenting entitled, Seven Conversations to Change Your Family. CHC Director Bill Wilson says: “Joel Snider represents the kind of pastor I think of when I think of a healthy church and a healthy pastoral leader. His track record shows how his intellect and insights have been translated into effective and meaningful ministry. I am so pleased that we will be able to offer his wisdom and leadership to a national audience.” Snider said: “I believe in the church, and I am pleased to partner with CHC as an organization that supports congregational ministry and shares common values about leadership style and healthy relationships.” The addition of this new service...
by CHC | Nov 10, 2016 | innovation
Dear Friends, I’m writing you to invite you to join us at Disney World in 2017 for a great immersive learning experience for church leaders (both laypeople and professionals). I consider the inaugural Disney-based event, “Hospitality and Creativity,” to have been a great success and we’re working hard to make this event even better when we return to Orlando January 30 – February 2, 2017. This is not a thinly veiled tourist trip to Disney World disguised as “professional development,” but an intentional exploration of how to engage the diverse populations that walk through our doors in meaningful and creative ways. Disney has spent millions of dollars understanding what makes a positive interaction with individuals and families and creating the standard by which customer service is measured. I firmly believe those insights can have a significant impact on the way churches understand the ways in which they interact with their congregations and communities. We will be using the Disney World theme parks as an immersive learning opportunity for exploring how we might develop and foster a culture of intentional hospitality and creative thinking within churches. Led by a former Disney Institute professional and author of The Wonderful World of Disney Customer Service, this experience includes: – An in-depth exploration of Disney Hospitality, Customer Service, and Creativity – Two partial days in Walt Disney World experiencing hospitality and creativity first-hand -A private, behind-the-scenes tour led by Walt Disney World staff -Free time to spend in the park on your own -Practical discussions and learning about Christian hospitality. How can we better engage and minister to those in our communities? -What Does...
