FROM THE EDITOR
WHERE CLARITY LEADS
If one theme runs consistently through this issue, it’ s intentional leadership.
It’ s leadership fueled by clarity and a commitment to making decisions based on what’ s best for your churches in the long term. Not what’ s easiest. Not what’ s least costly. What’ s best. churchexecutive. com Volume 25, Number 1
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You’ ll see that immediately in our cover story,“ Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow” on pages 10-12. At St. David of Wales Episcopal Church, honoring history didn’ t mean resisting change. Instead, leaders created a new church that incorporates the best elements of the original sanctuary with modern construction methods and budget adherence— all on the same campus.
“ We heard over and over again:‘ Can’ t we just have the same thing but bigger?’” recalls Building Committee Chair Jesse Davis.“ We knew the architectural vocabulary of the new church had to come from the old church.”
Of course, leadership clarity is tested most during times of uncertainty— especially when it’ s financial in nature. In“ Financial Wellness in an Uncertain World” on pages 14 & 15, Colin Nass, CFP ®, AEP ®, RICP ®, outlines four categories that denote real financial wellness right now— something he describes as a state of minimal stress about money, clear awareness of budgeting and cash flow, a strong financial foundation, and an ongoing plan for the future.
“ Today, financial wellbeing isn’ t just about savings or investments— it’ s about how people feel about their money,” Nass writes.“ Financial stress, anxiety and confidence are now essential parts of financial planning conversations.”
And sometimes clarity comes down to the questions we ask before making decisions. That’ s the heart behind“ TCOs and ROIs and KPIs, Oh My!”— a practical look at using objective metrics to evaluate technology and facility choices so teams aren’ t just busy, but effective.
“ Many times, technological decisions are made based on emotion or what someone wants, not sound metrics,” writes Tech Bytes author Jonathan Smith.“ Here are some good metrics to use, and I think you’ ll find they can be applied beyond the geeky stuff.”
Be sure to check out this article on page 13.
Meanwhile,“ The Church Executive Top 10” looks back at the articles readers engaged with most in 2025. It makes sense that these offerings resonated; they tackle a multitude of familiar, enduring challenges for church leaders.
Managing money wisely so ministry can grow. Building spaces and facilities that act as ministry tools, not as destinations or end goals in and of themselves. Using technology to connect, protect and engage. The absolute necessity of working with the right partners— whether it’ s your lender, builder or a technology provider. As these articles demonstrate, the“ right” partners are, without exception, the ones who understand churches.
As ever, we hope this issue is useful for you and your ministries.
Judi Victor Publisher jvfly @ churchexecutive. com
RaeAnn Slaybaugh Editor in Chief rslaybaugh @ churchexecutive. com
Stephen Gamble Art Director sgamble @ churchexecutive. com
Mitch Larson Business & Accounting Manager mlarson @ churchexecutive. com
EDITORIAL ADVISORY PANEL
Stephen Briggs Associate Pastor of Administration First Baptist Church | Hendersonville, NC
Denise Craig, CCA CEO The Church Network
Mike Klockenbrink Chief of Staff Lakeside Church | Folsom, CA
Dan Mikes Senior Relationship Mgr., Faith Based Banking Division Cass Commercial Bank | Des Peres, MO
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
GUEST EDITORS
Gregory S. Love Kimberlee D. Norris Co-founders & partners Love & Norris & MinistrySafe
CLA
A publication of:
RaeAnn Slaybaugh Editor in Chief TALK TO ME:
Email: rslaybaugh @ churchexecutive. com Facebook: Church Executive Magazine X: @ churchexecutive. com
Church Executive ™ Magazine is published by Power Trade Media, LLC, PO Box 82, Cave Creek, AZ 8532. 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 2026 by Power Trade Media, LLC. No advertisement, sponsorship or description or reference to a product or service will be deemed an endorsement by Power Trade Media, LLC, 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, LLC, 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.
6 CHURCH EXECUTIVE | JAN / FEB 2026