FROM THE EDITOR
“ Show me , don ’ t tell me ”
Forums continue to be a priority for our editorial team , and with a good reason : simply put , church leaders can learn so much from each other ’ s experiences .
In this spirit , you ’ ll three different expert forums in this issue .
Small Space . Big Impact . So often , we focus on large church projects — a new sanctuary , a new campus , and so on . But for the first time , this unique Case Study Showcase shines a spotlight on smaller , more intimate spaces that drive personal , one-to-one fellowship and connection . You ’ ll learn how an Orlando church — which is located down the street from Disney World — quadrupled 2,000 square feet of unused space by “ going vertical .” The result is a small but effective “ hub ” that joins the church ’ s previously siloed children ’ s ministry buildings . You ’ ll also see how a church in Oklahoma transformed a tired , outdated fellowship hall into a vibrant space to reach students of families , as well as a Philadelphia church that transformed a dark 1950s church building ( with far too many narrow hallways ) into a facility that ’ s welcoming , open and has lots of natural light .
Lifetime Learning . As a publication , we focus a lot on continuing education . We know that you , our readers , are lifelong learners by nature . As an added incentive , your own personal enrichment delivers benefits to the churches you lead . With that in mind , this Forum first discusses why true disciple scribes must be lifelong learners in order to be effective . As author Corné J . Bekker , D . Litt . et Phil . explains : “ It ’ s because our world is complex and changing fast — and because ministers are discipled scribes leading their flocks into truth in such a world , they understand that they must be lifelong learners .” We also examine how embracing online education pays dividends , both monetarily and in terms of personal spiritual development ; the areas of study that are most in demand right now ; and how to make continuing education more affordable .
Finally , we tackle the topic of self-leadership . As author Justin A . Irving , PhD asserts , it begins ( and ends ) with God . “ God is not simply a means to greater organizational ends ,” he writes . “ He is the ultimate end and true joy that will satisfy our deepest longings . He is the end , not merely the means to some other end .”
Design Forecast : Trendspotting . When we say “ design ,” we ’ re not limiting it to the physical church facility . By embracing the word “ trendspotting ” in this Forum , the contributors are able to offer valuable , immediately applicable tips and strategies for everything from — yes — relevant church design , but also A / V / L / A trends , the types of venues churches are building more of today ( and why ), and even a lending veteran ’ s take on the state of church construction financing , both now and in the months to come . For most churches , their facilities are their biggest physical asset . They ’ re also the biggest expense and , in many senses , liability . So , it ’ s absolutely essential to “ build right ,” and we hope this Forum will help you do that .
As always , we ’ d love to get your feedback .
RaeAnn Slaybaugh Editor in Chief
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Volume 21 , Number 6
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EDITORIAL ADVISORY PANEL
Stephen Briggs Associate Pastor of Administration First Baptist Church | Hendersonville , NC
Denise Craig , CCA CEO-Elect 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
Gregory S . Love Kimberlee D . Norris Co-founders & partners Love & Norris & MinistrySafe
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