State of Church Technology
As the Church continues to evolve in a digital era, learn about the latest technology trends, concerns, and what’s important for churches as they develop strategies for the future of ministry. Join Pushpay’s CEO Molly […]
As the Church continues to evolve in a digital era, learn about the latest technology trends, concerns, and what’s important for churches as they develop strategies for the future of ministry. Join Pushpay’s CEO Molly […]
In Part 1, we had so many questions from the live audiences, that we only got half way through the “10 Biggest Mistakes.” Now for the second half!
With decades of experience in publishing annual tax […]
Many leaders are making expensive financial mistakes that limit their impact. Avoid the seven most problematic areas within your financial operations and discover a blueprint to fully resource your ministry and maximize effectiveness. Join us […]
With decades of experience in publishing annual tax guides for ministers and churches, ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) is uniquely qualified to identify and explain the top tax mistakes made by pastors and churches […]
Let’s talk about tips for coaching your staff for their personal and professional development. This discussion will be with members of the Lead Self Lead Others Team.
The ability of your staff to perform will be greatly […]
Matt Steen, co-founder of Chemistry Staffing, and David Fletcher, have a poignant talk about the unspoken stress that is causing Churches to make fast and bad, far-reaching decisions. In this Chemistry Conversation, David Fletcher […]
You are thinking of a loan for your new building or you might be looking to refinance a current loan. How much debt can your church prudently carry? You haven’t looked at the covenant for your […]
Hiring and maintaining full-time, on-site workers is expensive, but churches that can successfully migrate—in full or in part—to outsourced work will position themselves to adapt, survive, and ultimately thrive. As many churches likely realized last […]
Data security breaches are constantly in the news, but the threat of phishing scams and ransomware attacks aren’t limited to large companies. In fact, ministries are increasingly under attack by savvy cyber criminals. That’s why […]
Back in May, we started a discussion with William Vanderbloemen. At that time, he said: We’re calling 2021 ‘The Great Covid Churn.’ Now, that churn has expanded into what is being called The Great Resignation. This […]
How do you as a church leader stretch yourself and stay fresh? Pastors must engage their minds in creative, fun and dynamic reading. As important as physical exercise, mental exercise excites intellectual curiosity. By seeking […]
The line from the Apollo 13 movie comes to mind: Houston, we have a problem. Many high-profile minister failings can be traced back to the board not holding the senior pastor accountable. This isn’t just an […]
Covid is the current stress factor for pastors. At day 584 and counting, it has brought many pastors to burnout, more than any other event in our lives. This discussion will […]
Join Fletch and Dave Travis, Director of Strategic Counsel to Pastors & Church Boards at Generis, for this fascinating topic. Dave has a vast perspective on how to build a productive legacy season in seven […]
Pastors and federal tax issues is always a hot topic. We all want to use the most benefits that are available … but are we? This broadcast with Fletch and Michele will discuss the benefits […]
Are you ready to trust—and relax?
Because to avoid burnout, you need to encourage your church employees to pour back into themselves a little each day – while you reinvest in yourself, too – so you […]
Most projects start with a vision, idea, or dream and then quickly run into reality—specifically, the reality of, “How are we going to pay for all of this?” Join us as we sit down with John […]
There is and will be a great deal of turnover in staff positions in the post-pandemic world. What do staff searches look like in this new landscape? Some think that it will be “same old, […]
Most banks have a culture of profit. What if a bank took a biblical world view that included profit with the biblical principles of honesty, integrity, truthfulness and fairness?
The bank created a document on Cass’s […]
When a new hire begins working at your ministry or organization, the first 90 days are a critical time for them to get onboarded and start well. Studies show that how […]
We would love to share a top list of proven tips for remote teams around accountability. Our team gets asked these questions very often:
Is a merger or acquisition right for your church? While there can be many benefits, a successful merger or acquisition requires more than just finding another church that feels like a natural fit.
Join us to […]
We all have ideas about how our church could grow in the next month. There are a number of digital tools and systems that can help you run your church, but what’s actually working well, […]
So … you’re an XP (or equivalent) and you’re in charge of (among other things) the financial health and operations of your church. You have […]
Church leaders usually fall into one of two categories: you love meetings or you hate them. But meetings are a critical part to building a healthy staff culture, communicating effectively, and developing your team.
Too many […]
The stewardship journey is not only the work of a faithful follower of Christ but those chosen to lead them. The church has a unique opportunity to provide leadership in encouraging the completion of essential […]
It’s critical to remember that the cycle of requesting and/or receiving a charitable gift is not complete until the expectation and intent of givers have been met.
Creating a realistic expectation of what will be accomplished […]
In today’s world, not even the church is immune to cyberattacks. Our ministries are vulnerable to phishing, data theft, and even extortion. The attorneys will provide examples of damage and recovery from organizations just like […]
Live and streaming worship continues to morph and change. Join us for a discussion of big ideas to consider in audio-visual design. The past year has taught us that we need flexibility, but what does […]
We’re calling 2021 “The Great COVID Churn.” Because of the exhaustion, burnout, and uncertainty people have experienced over the last 12 months, Churches are seeing an enormous increase in turnover and hundreds of pastors are […]
Churches are reflecting on the past year and how they adapted to the pandemic, including embracing the “new normal” of supporting operations with remote staff. While remote work can provide many benefits related to flexibility, […]
The pandemic season has done two things for a Senior Pastor succession thinking. For many, some long-term senior pastors under 60 years old and now planning to hand over leadership over the next few years.
On […]
If going through this recent pandemic has shown us anything, it’s that it’s critical for churches to have an online presence and engage with our online community. Not to mention, engaging digitally can fuel incredible […]
The world has changed dramatically over the past year. In the midst of the global pandemic, ministries are caught in the crosshairs of determining how to protect their religious practices and their flock.
There were several […]
What should you expect in projected giving through the balance of 2021? How will you engage more givers to end the year financially better than you expect? Get answers to these pressing questions.
We’ll dive into […]
Molly Matthews is the CEO of Pushpay, a leading provider of donor management solutions that simplify and encourage engagement, payments, and administration, enabling customers to increase participation and build stronger relationships in their communities.
Pushpay has […]
For years you’ve imagined that irresistible coffee hot-spot on the corner of your property that lures the community to your campus and increases the bottom line. But, you’re not sure how to pull that off […]
Join Fletch and Chris Lewis, Senior Manager at Thrivent, for a look at the financial implications of emerging from Covid. We will look at ministry strategy, costs, cash reserves, expansion issues and more. Your church […]
Less than 40% of churches Smart Church Solutions have surveyed in our national benchmarking have a defensible plan for capital reserve planning. Capital renewals are inevitable expenses. Every component of your building has a life […]
If your church has a facility, then you have been entrusted with the care and stewarding of your ministry tool. That means that you will have to set budgets, hire personnel, plan for capital replacement […]
The current pandemic and economic circumstances create uncertainty regarding future revenues, expenses, opportunities, and challenges. This brings shifting priorities, strategies and tactics. Let’s see how to tie budgets to strategy, even in uncertain times. We […]
What are the seven most common church designs mistakes? You know, the ones that create the biggest headache for church leaders. Dave Milam will explain a mistake, then watch Bob Bergmann fix it in real […]
Since the start of COVID-19, we have all seen social media platforms blow up with people providing ideas, strategies, warnings, 5 or 10 ways to completely change over the next 90 days, etc.
We know that […]
Fletch, William and Sutton walk through the vital area of church compensation and benefits. In a difficult year, many churches have faced reorgs and/or budget cuts, which means compensation and benefits must be assessed as […]
What is going on in megachurches? How are they growing and what is their racial composition? Fletch talks with Warren Bird and Scott Thumma—the premier researchers on megachurches who have just completed their Megachurch 2020 […]
Dave Milam always has ideas, and they are good ones about strategic design for churches. Dave and Fletch will talk about moving out of the COVID-19 season. How will you keep you vision moving forward? […]
Fletch and Mike Batts talk through challenging subjects that are often overlooked in board meetings: senior pastor compensation and benefits; compensation of family members; related party transactions; issues that could bring liability or reputational damage; […]
Even though more than 90% of pastors say groups are the primary vehicle for discipleship in their church, anyone who’s been around church small groups know that groups can be hit or miss. Ryan Hartwig, […]
Fletch talks with Dan Reiland about Dan’s latest book, Confident Leader! This will be a fast paced discussion on a vital topic. Come and learn—bring your questions! Dan says about Confident Leader! …
The moment you step […]
Why do some churches go from 50 to 500 to 5,000 and beyond, while others seem to cap out at a certain point? What kind of church leader does it take to break barrier after […]
Fletch talks with William Vanderbloemen about the next steps for the church. We are in challenging times and COVID-19 is here for a while longer. Perhaps the end date will be the arrival […]
Let’s go inside two different mergers. One looks through the eyes of the joining church, exploring what led up to starting the merger conversation, what issues they needed to work through, what they […]
Kadi puts it this way: “What would your church look like if it were to maximize the dormant gifts of the women God has brought there?”
That’s a questions that every male and female leader needs […]
Of all the things you as an XP have to navigate and worry about, what if a downturn in financial resources this fall is added to your list? Let’s talk about how to position yourself […]
Whether to pay interns or not has been a sticky subject for a long time. Do you know about the recent decisions from federal appellate courts that have adopted a more flexible, pro-internship approach? This […]
Fletch talks with Jenni about Team Culture. Crisis either unites or divides us. And my guess is that you are seeing this more than ever with your team. You want your team to be the […]
Fletch and Troy Pollock always have intriguing discussions. This time they will focus on how to hone your online giving. This will be coupled with new features in online giving. Fletch loves technology—automation that enhances […]
Fletch talks with Mike Batts on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that churches have to reinvent themselves. Mike is the managing partner of Batts Morrison Wales & Lee. He has more than 30 years of experience serving nonprofit […]
Fletch talks with Tim Cool about his latest book “Entrusted: A Guide to Intentional Church Facility Stewardship.” Tim has extensive experience in all aspects of church buildings. Get in on a great discussion about budgets, […]
What makes this video of high value is that it is between an Asian American and and African American. This gives good insights into the care that we all must take to root out racism […]
Fletch talks with Stan Endicott, co-founder of Slingshot Group. Stan has developed Improv Leadership. Improv leaders apply five competencies to initiate powerful conversations, create memorable moments, and craft personal coaching strategies that help people grow. […]
Join a lively discussion that tries to make sense of why evangelical churches and Christ-centered nonprofits are expressing so much optimism about their financial future. Learn who is most optimistic—and also who is most pessimistic.
Our […]
Fletch talks with Tim Lucas and Warren Bird on a fascinating story of a New Jersey church that began “on accident” and grew into one of America’s 100 Fastest-Growing Churches, with over 5,000 in weekly […]
Four church leaders explore race relations in the church and society. Fletch and Mike Gould will be joined by XPs Nicholas Smith and Tim Samuel. First we listened to Nick and Tim share perspectives from people […]
Bishop David Evans is the Senior Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, Lindenwold, New Jersey. Nicholas Smith is his Executive Pastor. Twenty years ago, Bishop Evans named Nicholas as his designated successor. Their long time relationship is […]
Fletch and Mike Gould talk with veteran XP, Keith Duff of Village Bible Church and Christopher Nelson, Director of Business Development at Gloo. Keith used a free congregational survey from Gloo to discern what their […]
Luke Norsworthy started a powerful conversation at this year’s XP-Seminar. Many pastors were deeply moved by Luke’s talk. Join us for more as Fletch and Luke Norsworthy discuss Luke’s latest book, Befriending Your Monsters: Facing […]
Leadership transitions are crucial. A successful handoff propels an organization forward in its vision and strategies. Rocky transitions cause multitudes of ongoing issues, from which some organizations never recover. This is true for churches, for-profit […]
Leadership Live is a concept that Village Bible Church developed to connect with its congregation. Village Bible is a church of 1,500 people, spread […]
Churches should always over-communicate with the congregation. This is especially so during a crisis, such as the pandemic. Here is a superb video from Lighthouse Community Church. It is a message from their elders to the […]
Fletch and Warren Bird talk about how church looks differently right now for all of us during the coronavirus pandemic. On this podcast, we cover finances, outreach, and other key insights to keep your church […]
COVID-19 has brought culture shock and angst to us all. David Fletcher and Mike Gould explain our discomfort at home, in the home-office, shopping and family life. Experience a one-minute street scene of India to […]
Mike Gould and Fletch hosted Chad Cronin, Campus Pastor at 2|42 Community Church. In an informal discussion, Chad shares about how their church is hosting “After Parties” for newcomers. These Zoom rooms are ways for […]
Chemistry Staffing led a recent webinar on the “The Nuts and Bolts of Virtual Leadership.” This conversation with church leaders is about how to make the shift from in-person ministry to leading a remote ministry […]
Fletch and Jonathan Jarboe talk on five keys to make 2020 a great year for your church. In the 40 minute webinar, they will discuss 1) Staffing—how to maximize volunteers in your church, 2) Culture—two […]
Fletch talks more with Warren Bird and Jim Tomberlin about the preliminary findings on “Church Mergers” for those who participated in their online survey. Bird and Tomberlin write:
Topics include:
• What motivated your church to get […]
Fletch continues his discussion with William Vanderbloemen about staffing in the church. Hear this noted leader talk about staffing and how it impacts your church.
William Vanderbloemen is the CEO & Founder @Vanderbloemen. William is an entrepreneur, […]
Recently a church leader noticed an old sign in the parking lot which said “towing enforced.” That was the first sign that a visitor saw upon entering the property! This webinar will explore similar issues […]
Fletch talks with Warren Bird and Jim Tomberlin about the preliminary findings on “Church Mergers” for those who participated in their online survey. Bird and Tomberlin write:
Have you experienced a church merger first-hand? If your […]
Spiritual growth is a process and you can help people on that path. Identify your process and key milestones to measure. Obtain and utilize the right data. Fletch and Mark DeMoss will examine this topic […]
Sex abuse claims remain the top reason churches go to court each year. Fletch interviews Matthew Branaugh, editor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, about this troubling ongoing trend in the church. What policies and protocols does […]
There is the familiar story of the church that built a new building, only to discover on opening day that needed aspects were missing. Does a church ever have enough closets? Is the lobby well […]
Join Fletch and leaders from Thrivent for an insider’s look into church loans. Both Chris Lewis and Teresa Loker have extensive experience that can pull back the curtain on these issues. When your church is […]
Every church wants their people to be as involved as possible. No one wants a church of people on the sidelines. So, why isn’t better engagement happening more often?
A connected family engages all members. The same is true for the church family. It takes the wisdom of seniors, the commitment of adults, the passion of youth and the innocence of children to be […]
Few staff members feel they can be completely forthright with their superiors concerning “tough situations.” This puts church leadership in a jam. How can leaders know how staff are feeling about their pay, work pressures […]
Michael Martin and Fletch examine a vital topic of how to ensure your church has financial integrity. When you have a problem in this area, your donors get nervous and may stop giving. From his experience […]
Fletch and Troy Pollock began an intriguing discussion at the 2019 XP-Seminar. Back by popular demand, this “state of digital giving” continues that discussion. From his vantage point of working with thousands of churches around the […]
Dave Milam has helped hundreds of churches around the country with their facilities. One of his most frequent questions is, “How can we make our campus safer?” This webinar provides a lively discussion from a […]
The most expensive hire you will ever make is the wrong person. So how can you discern who’s the right person? Staffing is one of the greatest challenges church leaders face. Learn how to know […]
Getting a church loan is an area that most church leaders find murky and complicated. Chris Lewis from Thrivent has expertise from his years of helping churches with their borrowing capacity. The video ranges from determining […]
Fletch takes questions live from webinar participants about a wide range of church ministry. Mike Gould hosts the time as questions come in about how to run a church, staffing, compensation and more!
Fletch founded […]
XPastor gives a “Gold XP” rating to Mosaic Church of Orlando for the intro shot in their welcome video. David Fletcher recently was at Mosaic, helping them on a project. Fletch says, “Do you ever […]
Salaries for pastors have unique challenges and quirks that need to be addressed. In this podcast, Michael Martin of ECFA interviews Fletch on this hot topic. Tune in to make sure your church obeys the law […]
The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability recently said, “XPastor to the Rescue with Church Salary Workshops.” Compensation can be a murky issue for churches. Few resources are available that are both approachable and accurate. Michael Martin, […]
In these three videos, Fletch and Brad Leeper (President of Generis) talk about generosity in the church. As they answer questions posed by Executive Pastors, many illustrations will be shared regarding how churches have succeeded […]
Are you ready for a flood? Are you praying for a flood? Are you anticipating a flood? A flood can be devastating, transformative, or a combination of both. Imagine waking up one Sunday morning to […]
David Fletcher and Brad Leeper began a video dialogue regarding giving, money, leadership, culture and many other important topics that fall on the shoulders of the Executive Pastor in a church. In Part One of this […]
David was featured on the unSeminary podcast. He talked with Rich Birch about a system for training and releasing next generation leaders. If you don’t know UnSeminary yet, dive into their website for rich information […]
Whether you should hire from within or outside the church when a staff position becomes available is a common question. Truth is, there is no right or wrong answer. Watch this video as David Lyons, Founder […]