FROM THE EDITOR
BUILDING MINISTRIES THAT SUPPORT THE MISSION
Church health requires more than growth. It requires intentionality— in leadership, facilities, operations, staffing and stewardship. Across this issue, church leaders and subject matter experts explore what it looks like to build ministries that not only expand, but do so in ways that strengthen mission effectiveness for the long term.
Our cover story,“ REBUILDING WITH MINISTRY IN MIND”( pages 10 – 12), examines the remarkable transformation of Central Baptist Church in Owasso, Okla., under the leadership of Pastor Clayton Chisum. What began as a facility that unintentionally hindered connection, hospitality and guest engagement ultimately became a complete reimagining of how physical space can actively support ministry. By partnering with the right design-build firm, Central Baptist consolidated underused classroom space, created intentional gathering areas, improved wayfinding, modernized children’ s ministry environments, and redesigned its worship center to foster stronger communication and engagement. Just as importantly, the church addressed deeper leadership and organizational health before moving forward with construction— a reminder that buildings rarely solve foundational ministry challenges on their own.
Expansion with intentionality is also the focus of“ EXPANDING WITH INTENTION + FOCUSING ON CONTINUITY”( pages 16 – 17). As Compass Christian Church continued growing across the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex, leaders worked with their building partner to create a scalable, repeatable campus model designed not only for immediate needs, but for future ministry opportunities. Through lessons learned at multiple campuses, the church refined its approach to circulation, guest experience, children’ s ministry security, flexible expansion and cohesive branding. The result is a long-term strategy that prioritizes continuity, operational efficiency and a unified identity across every campus.
Operational scalability also takes center stage in“ FROM SURVIVAL MODE TO SCALABLE MINISTRY”( pages 18 – 19). Citizens of Heaven Church discovered that rapid growth can expose weaknesses in communications systems and operational workflows just as quickly as it creates ministry opportunities. By consolidating fragmented tools into an integrated church technology platform, leaders streamlined administration, improved their digital front door, reduced training burdens and freed staff members to focus more fully on ministry.
Technology staffing, meanwhile, remains one of the most pressing challenges churches face today. In“ STAFF SMART: SOLVING THE CHURCH TECH TALENT PUZZLE”( page 13), readers will find practical guidance for evaluating persistent staffing needs and determining when outsourcing or hybrid staffing models might provide better operational continuity and stewardship.
Finally,“ TEACHING FINANCIAL LITERACY TO CONGREGATIONS”( pages 14-15) reminds church leaders that stewardship extends beyond church budgets alone. By incorporating biblical financial education into discipleship, leadership development and congregational care, ministries can help families build healthier financial habits while strengthening generosity, wisdom and long-term stability.
As always, we hope this issue is useful for you and your church team.
churchexecutive. com Volume 25, Number 3
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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
CLA
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RaeAnn Slaybaugh Editor in Chief
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6 CHURCH EXECUTIVE | MAY 2026