NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | CONTENTS
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MISSION: ACCOMPLISHED
> ON THE COVER: BOB CHURCH / ADMINISTRATIVE PASTOR / SAGEBRUSH CHURCH / ALBUQUERQUE, NM
BOB CHURCH & SAGEBRUSH CHURCH: FUNDING EXPANSION WITH FLUIDITY, FAMILIARITY
In its early life, Sagebrush was a church on the move— for eight years, to be exact.
“ It’ s a funny thing; sometimes in the church world, people want you to have a building to legitimize you,” says Administrative Pastor Bob Church.“ And yeah, portability is kind of fun, because it’ s pioneering. It’ s just difficult to maintain over time.”
Back in 2006, when Church joined the staff at Sagebrush, it might have been difficult to imagine the rapid and unique growth trajectory the church would enjoy over the next several years, from a portable church to one with nine locations. As it unfolded, though, he participated and observed from a unique vantage point:
“ I’ ve watched this thing just explode over the last 11 years,” he says.
RaeAnn Slaybaugh Editor in Chief
SERIES
9 > NEW! PLANNED GIVING
So, what exactly is planned giving? 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. 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.
By Michael Prior, J. D.
10 > ENGAGING SPACES
How to make your lobbies & recreation spaces as engaging as possible
Today more than ever, we need this renewal to balance the overwhelming loads we carry and create a true fullness in the joy of life. To this purpose, let’ s discuss three concepts that are successful in designing engaging spaces for recreation.
By Mark R Ashcraft with Bruce Woody, AIA
12 > CHURCH FINANCIAL WELLNESS
Planning the annual church budget The annual budget planning process can bring feelings of unease and concern for pastors and church leaders. The reality is that it costs money to do ministry effectively, and a carefully thought out budget demonstrates a commitment to the missional goals of the church. We know that God will provide; but even though we trust that God will bless the work we do to serve him, we still need to have a plan— financially.
By Rev. Dr. Perry Hopper & Rev. Dr. Sara Day
16 > PASTOR-FRIENDLY A / V INTEGRATION
Steps 2 & 3: Design & Deploy How to make your A / V system dream a( practical) reality— from space evaluation, to resource assessment, to pre-built components, expert onsite installation and ongoing education
Q & A with Shane Skaggs
18 > CREATING A CULTURE OF GENEROSITY
How to cultivate a generosity culture when all you want is a nap
So, how is your holiday season going? If you’ re in some sort of vocational ministry, you might have a complicated response to that question. When you feel zapped of all energy by giving away so much time, talent and effort, often one of the last things you want to do is continue giving.
By Matt Johnson
20 > NEW! CHILDREN’ S SPACES
Is your facility too hot, too cold, or just right? As an architect, I notice my surroundings more than the“ average bear.” And lately, trends in youth ministry interior design bring to mind Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Some spaces are too hot, some are too cold, and some are just right. Here are 5 proven strategies to achieve the right mix.
By By Rebecca Calbert, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB
21 > CLOUD-BASED, COST-EFFECTIVE CHURCH COMMUNICATIONS
Friendly from the outside in! Communication tools church members, guests & seekers appreciate
Keith Goodling, Chief Strategy Officer for Intulse, discusses the most common signs your phone system isn’ t up to par; the biggest annoyances members, guests & seekers contend with when using a less-than-optimal phone system; and how both these factors have helped him and his team design a better way.
22 > CONTINUING EDUCATION
Justice, relevance and authenticity“ Social relevance” serves as a holy grail for those whose careers depend on the ability to identify current patterns of thinking and spot contemporary cultural trends. Success follows, conventional wisdom holds, the politician, recording artist, filmmaker, or company that can locate, commodify and project“ social relevance.”
By Trevor Eppehimer, Ph. D.
26 > FULLY FUNDED, FINALLY
C3LA funds key initiatives after growing digital giving by 372 % in 3 years C3LA is a young, vibrant multi-site church in the sprawling city of Los Angeles whose vision is to help people know God personally, find freedom from their past through the power of relationship, discover their purpose through servanthood, and ultimately grow into leadership. It’ s no secret that in order to make a difference for Jesus by impacting a city like L. A., resources are needed! Senior Pastor Jake Sweetman recalls how mobile giving has continually helped to fulfill the church’ s vision.
4 CHURCH EXECUTIVE | NOV / DEC 2017