FROM THE EDITOR
ARCHITECTURE THAT TELLS THE STORY
A church building should do more than house ministry. At its best, it can reinforce a congregation’ s identity, reflect its values and even help communicate what the church believes.
That idea runs through several stories in this issue— from architecture and technology to risk management and leadership development. Each, in its own way, asks a similar question: Are we being intentional about the things we build, choose and prepare for— and do they actually serve the mission?
Our cover story,“ ARCHITECTURE THAT TELLS THE STORY”( pages 10-12), spotlights Church of the Incarnation in Dallas, where 60,000 square feet of new ministry space was added without sacrificing the character of a nearly 150-year-old church.
“ By placing the new spaces [ the way we did ], people wouldn’ t feel as though we were two churches sharing space,” explains Rt. Rev. Anthony“ Tony” Burton, who oversaw the project.“ Instead, we’ re one parish family with different services.”
It’ s a compelling reminder that growth doesn’ t have to mean starting over— not when leaders begin with ministry needs and remain faithful to the congregation’ s identity.
That same intentionality comes into play in“ BUILT FOR BELONGING”( pages 16-18), our look at Pleasant Valley Community Church in Owensboro, Ky. Here, design was driven not simply by the need for more seats and classrooms, but by a desire to create opportunities for connection.
“ The thing we hear more than anything is that they love Pastor Jamus [ Edwards’] preaching, but before [ this building project ], he couldn’ t be in [ two ] places at once,” says Executive Pastor Jay Mills.“ Now, if you’ re coming to church and want to speak to him, you can. […] People just really enjoy the hospitality and the touchpoints we offer.”
PVCC’ s experience shows that a successful facility isn’ t merely efficient; it can shape how people experience hospitality, community and ministry.
Our CFX 2026 conversation,“ WHERE PRODUCTION, FACILITIES AND LEADERSHIP MEET”( pages 20-21), expands that idea beyond buildings. Jim Wagner and Stephanie Lippi emphasize the value of bringing ministry teams together— production, facilities, safety, creative and executive leadership— so decisions are made with a fuller understanding of the church’ s needs.
Meanwhile,“ COVERAGE vs. READINESS”( page 14) challenges church leaders to distinguish between having insurance and actually being prepared for disruption.“ Coverage answers part of the financial question,” author Jon Barron writes.“ It does not answer the leadership question: What happens to the organization when something goes wrong?”
Finally,“ IS AI SAFE?”( page 13) brings that same call for discernment into one of today’ s fastestmoving areas of ministry and organizational life. AI isn’ t something to blindly embrace or fear. As Jonathan Smith argues, the better response is wisdom: understand the technology, protect your data and carefully consider where— and where not— to use it.
Throughout this issue, one message is consistent: Intentionality matters. The goal isn’ t simply to keep up with change; it’ s to make thoughtful decisions that strengthen the ministry entrusted to you.
As ever, we hope you find this issue full of useful information.
CLA churchexecutive. com Volume 25, Number 5
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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
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RaeAnn Slaybaugh Editor in Chief
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6 CHURCH EXECUTIVE | JULY / AUGUST 2026