FROM THE EDITOR
WORDS OF ADVICE
These days , so much depends on metrics . As more and more of our world — including publishing — moves to embrace the power of digital tools and strategies , we ’ re always paying attention .
As magazine editors , we ’ re always measuring how our content resonates with readers , and planning future coverage accordingly .
In that spirit , our cover story this month spotlights the top 10 Church Executive articles of 2024 .
To accurately rank the articles , we used Google analytics , social media activity , and statistics from our magazine hosting software to determine average views per day , per article . We did this for all the feature pieces that appeared in Church Executive in 2024 . The result is 10 highly engaging stories which vary a lot , topically — but all are worth a second look .
With the crucial help of our thought leader partners , among these most-read articles , we ’ ve provided resources for managing rapid expansion . This includes documenting much-needed expansion projects — and the challenges and successes related to them — from the pastor ’ s perspective . We ’ ve also spotlighted the financial partnerships needed to navigate these ( and future ) projects with excellence .
Also , among the top 10 articles , our subject matter expert partners have delved into how your church should respond to a child sexual abuse allegation from the past — something that might not seem like it could happen at your church … until it does . These same experts offered incredibly wise advice on how to minister to victims of sex trafficking in a meaningful way , today .
We ’ ve explored A / V technologies and managed services that save valuable time — yours and your church family ’ s . We ’ ve guided you in how to maintain your church ’ s insurability in an increasingly challenging coverage environment . We ’ ve shined a spotlight on ministry transition and / or bi-vocational options you might not have considered before . We ’ ve even provided solid , simple advice to help you and your loved ones avoid falling victim to a phone , text or email scam .
While the subjects are all over the map , one common thread is that this is hard-to-find guidance . And we can only provide it by asking the individuals who are in the trenches with churches every day , navigating these challenges , to partner with us and share what they know . Each of these 10 articles is akin to having dedicated time , at no cost , with a professional who wants your church to thrive as much as you do .
We all hope you ’ ll take some time to revisit these 10 articles , as the issues they tackle are perennial in the Church . And as the strategies and solutions needed to overcome these challenges evolve , we ’ ll continue to provide that guidance , as well . churchexecutive . com
Volume 24 , Number 1
29834 N . Cave Creek Rd Suite 118 -1015 Cave Creek , AZ 85331 • 1-833-627-0472
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
Eric Spacek Risk Control Program Manager Church Mutual Insurance Company | Merrill , WI
GUEST EDITORS
As always , we welcome your feedback .
Gregory S . Love Kimberlee D . Norris Co-founders & partners Love & Norris & MinistrySafe
RaeAnn Slaybaugh Editor in Chief
> TALK TO ME :
Email : rslaybaugh @ churchexecutive . com Facebook : Church Executive Magazine Twitter : @ churchexecutive . com
CLA
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Church Executive ™ Magazine is published by Power Trade Media , LLC , 29834 N . Cave Creek Rd , Suite 118 -1015 Cave Creek , AZ 85331 . 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 2025 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 .
4 CHURCH EXECUTIVE | JANUARY 2025