FROM THE EDITOR
Gearing up for the year ahead
No doubt you’ re reading this issue of Church Executive in the middle of your busiest( but most blessed) time of year as church leaders.
In the midst of it all, we hope you’ ll take a little time to peruse the pages within. All are devoted to helping you and your staff wrap up 2017 strong and begin 2018 on the best possible footing.
In this issue, you’ ll find a brandnew series driven by reader demand: Planned Giving.
In our most recent reader survey, only 25 % of churches indicated they currently offer planned giving, or estate giving; however, eight in 10( 81 %) consider the topic important for their churches’ daily operations.
So, would more churches start offering planned giving if they knew more about it, and how to get started? We certainly think so … and so does series author Michael Prior, J. D.
“ For centuries, the faithful have answered the call of contribution through sacrifice or abundance... from one pocket which contains our income, liquidity and cash. It often contains only 10 % of our net worth,” he says.“[ But ] there is a second pocket that contains the growing value of our homes, IRAs, 401ks, life insurance— roughly 90 % of our remaining estate. If we could give from our 90 % pocket, we’ d multiply the force of our generosity … and we can, if we plan ahead.”
Intrigued? To learn more, check out“ So, what exactly is planned giving?” on page 9.
You’ ll also find two insightful, in-depth Remote Roundtable Discussions:
In“ How to keep your design within budget,” two church design and construction experts— Randy Seitz, AIA & Scott Nelson, AIA, LEEP AP BD + C— spotlight the most common culprits that drive construction projects beyond the budget. They also offer proven advice about who to enlist for the building committee, as well as offer some real-life examples of successful projects they’ ve led.
“ Buildings continue to become increasing complex, and ever-increasing costs make it vital that all the necessary expertise for a successful project is at the table from the start,” advises Seitz.
Nelson agrees:“ We believe the best project teams are both small in numbers( 5-7 people) and diverse in expertise: visionary, businessman / accountant, construction expert.”
In“ Making continuing education work for busy pastors,” two seminary professionals— Barkev Trachian, PhD & Chris Kalna, MS— examine online and satellite MDiv and DMin options you should know about. You’ ll find out how much of study is conducted online or at
satellite locations versus on campus, as well as how seminaries are embracing technology to ensure that the study experience is studentfriendly and personal.
For Trachian’ s part, he says that Temple Baptist Seminary of Piedmont International University has“ seen a definite increase in enrollment” since MDiv and DMin programs began to be offered online.“ Pastors find their studies very convenient, without taking away from the academic rigor and seriousness of the programs.”
And at Grand Canyon Theological Seminary, Kalna says the majority of the students enrolling in MDiv and DMin programs are in full-time ministry.“ We see associate pastors, youth pastors and various ministry pastors who want to be considered for senior and executive pastoral roles,” he shares.
Additionally, be sure to check out articles on engaging recreation area design strategies( pages 10-11); expert advice for planning the annual church budget( pages 12-13); how to make your A / V system dream a( practical) reality( page 16); church investment options and advice for your church’ s cash( page 33); two insightful pieces on cultivating generosity in your church( pages 18-19 & pages 23-25); and a rundown of the best employment practices for houses of worship( pages 28-29).
As ever, we’ d love to hear your thoughts on these offerings, or on any other article in this issue.
All the best,
RaeAnn Slaybaugh Editor in Chief
> LET’ S CHAT: Email: rslaybaugh @ churchexecutive. com Facebook: Church Executive Magazine Twitter: @ churchexecutive. com
Stephen Briggs Associate Pastor of Administration First Baptist Church | Hendersonville, NC
Denise Craig Chief Financial Officer Abba’ s House | Hixson, TN
Mike Klockenbrink Chief of Staff Lakeside Church | Folsom, CA
Dan Mikes Executive Vice President Bank of the West | San Ramon, CA
John C. Mrazek III Executive Pastor Pathways Church | Denver, CO
Sam S. Rainer III Senior Pastor West Bradenton Baptist Church | Bradenton, FL
Mark Simmons Business Manager Christ Community Church | Milpitas, CA
Eric Spacek Senior Manager GuideOne Insurance | West Des Moines, IA
CLA churchexecutive. com Volume 16, Number 6
4742 N. 24th St., Ste. 340 Phoenix, AZ 85016 • 800.541.2670
Judi Victor CEO, Publisher and Director of Sales jvfly @ churchexecutive. com
RaeAnn Slaybaugh Editor in Chief rslaybaugh @ churchexecutive. com
Stephen Gamble Art Director sgamble @ churchexecutive. com
Joyce Guzowski Assistant Editor jguzowski @ churchexecutive. com
Mitch Larson Business Manager mlarson @ churchexecutive. com
Hollie Broadbent Marketing & Sales Associate hbroadbent @ churchexecutive. com
EDITORIAL ADVISORY PANEL
A publication of:
Church Executive ™ Magazine is published bi-monthly by Power Trade Media, a division of The Producers, Inc., 4742 N. 24th Street, Ste. 340, Phoenix, AZ 85016. Subscription rates for non-qualified subscribers, single issue prices and pricing for reprints of 100 or more are available from: info @ churchexecutive. com. All articles in Church Executive ™ Magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publisher. Copyright 2016 by Power Trade Media. No advertisement, sponsorship or description or reference to a product or service will be deemed an endorsement by Power Trade Media, and no warranty is made or implied. Information is obtained from sources the editors believe reliable, accurate and timely, but is not guaranteed, and Power Trade Media is not responsible for errors or omissions. Opinions expressed in Church Executive ™ Magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or sponsors or advertisers. Content addressing legal, tax and other technical issues is not intended as professional advice and cannot be relied on as such; readers should consult with their own professional advisors.
CHURCH EXECUTIVE. COM | 3