May 8, 2012 in
ChMS, communications, community, generosity, leadership, metrics, ministry, social media, technology, volunteers with
If you follow my blog, I think it’s safe to say you get that technology has a place in the church. Technology distributes and accelerates our efforts to build community and foster deeper ministry engagement. I love it when I see churches using Church Community Builder to move members through processes which lead to greater connection, commitment and sense of belonging. It’s funny to me how those same churches don’t act concerned about money but I covered that topic already.
When churches take the time to understand the systems and processes that define how they do church, the church is empowered to use technology to maintain, manage, improve, and measure the effectiveness in core areas of ministry. Below are three examples of some of the core processes which can be improved with the right technology: Continue Reading…
April 24, 2012 in
ChMS, communications, community, generosity, leadership, ministry, mobile, multisite, social media, technology, volunteers with
As the Exponential Conference kicks off, I can’t help but think about how technology helps leaders overcome the hurdles of church planting. In fact, I had a great conversation with a few Stadia church planters about that very subject last night and I have to say it was really exciting to hear. I believe local communities of believers is exactly how God intended to spread the gospel. Church planting helps ensure new communities are emerging to reach even more people. Isn’t that what it’s all about, anyway?
I’ve been privileged to work with a number of church planters as well as leaders in that space. Church Community Builder works hard to make sure we can offer something beneficial to even the smallest of churches. We believe that if you can begin with great systems, you’ll not only grow faster but will also be able to sustain that growth over time.
Some of the biggest hurdles to church planting are: Continue Reading…
April 12, 2012 in
ChMS, communications, community, leadership, metrics, ministry, spiritual formation, technology, volunteers with
It exasperates me when I talk to church leaders who see their church management software (ChMS) only as a glorified rolodex or tool for tracking contributions. I am so passionately opposed to this viewpoint that I encourage our sales team at Church Community Builder to point those leaders to a different solution. Sure, we can do those things but that is so far removed from our mission and calling that it would only frustrate us and the church if we chose to serve them.
It is frustrating to see innovative churches adopt technology as a way to measure, manage, and improve the core processes of their ministry and yet see others who still wonder if a ChMS is worth the money, time, and effort. I have some grace here because I understand this opinion is largely the result of existing technology that simply can’t deliver on this promise or wasn’t designed with that vision in mind. There are, however, some amazing solutions available today that will, over time, change this perception. Now THAT is exciting to me! Continue Reading…
April 5, 2012 in
ChMS, community, ministry, technology, volunteers with
I’m not a fan of spring cleaning. I’d much rather be enjoying a Rockies game or a hike with the family than pressure washing the garage floor or cleaning windows. It’s not fun. But, I care about my home so I power through and get ‘er done! I am always glad I did.
A quick spring cleaning is also a good thing for your Church Management Software (ChMS). I would encourage every Church Community Builder (CCB) administrator to make it an annual event. Wipe off that dusty database and make sure your data is clean and accurate. Your ChMS is only as good as the information that goes into it. Things like misspellings or duplicate entries can really impact the confidence you have in segmenting groups of people for targeted communication or monitoring.
In the technology space, we call this “data integrity.” Large companies employ people for the purpose of ensuring the data being entered into the system is accurate and up to date. (How would you like to do that every day? I’m only asking you to do it once a year!)
Beyond that, spring cleaning your Church Community Builder solution affords a number of ministry opportunities which can help you make sure no one falls through the cracks. Here’s a few suggestions: Continue Reading…
March 20, 2012 in
ChMS, communications, community, leadership, ministry, technology, volunteers with
Easter weekend will create one of the best opportunities for your church to connect with new visitors and irregular attenders. That’s nothing new. My question is this: in the midst of the planning, preparation and prayer, have you given any thought to ways you can reach those in the margins (i.e. not members or regular attenders) after the celebration of Easter is over?
If you haven’t, you are missing a huge opportunity to build community and grow your church.
The process of identifying these folks used to be a largely manual effort. Ushers would walk the isles handing out visitor packs and collecting visitor cards. Today, people are more reluctant to give away their information, especially to people they don’t know or trust. You have to get creative and develop some new processes if you aren’t going to miss the new or occasional faces walking through your doors.
Here are seven things you can do to ensure a few more of those Easter guests return to your church. Continue Reading…
January 17, 2012 in
ChMS, community, leadership, metrics, ministry, multisite, spiritual formation, technology, volunteers with
If your church staff is split between “digital natives,” “digital adopters,” and those that have never heard the language, you’re not alone. Churches of various shapes and sizes are struggling to keep pace with social technology and how it intersects with doing church. Please don’t feel like you’re alone! But it doesn’t mean you have a “get out of jail” free card, either.
Technology is something you’re going to have to come to grips with and integrate into how you operate as a staff and communicate as a church. Continue Reading…
