Are you Making a Good First Impression?

Posted by jhenry on Mar 19, 2012 in Church Management, Daily Thought, Facility, Visitors | 0 comments

I started my career post college as a golf pro. I was the one standing behind the counter at the course taking money, scheduling tee times, etc., etc. Some guys would think that is a great job… I’d beg to differ, but that’s another story.

There were quite a few things, however, that I picked up working at various golf courses that have had a transcendent impact into how I view ministry and ministry operations.

I remember vividly working at a golf course for a pro who evidently showed how stressed he was on a daily basis. While he was far from the best boss I’ve ever had, he did share with me something that has stuck with me. A small statement that I have remembered and used to this day.

“Josh, there are hundreds of golf courses that guys can choose to play. There are many within 40 miles that are very similar to ours, they are well maintained, provide challenge, and are in the same price point.

What is it that brings people to our course and keeps them coming back with all the alternatives? The SERVICE they receive when they walk in the door.”

Riding The Wave

Posted by jhenry on Mar 12, 2012 in Accomplishments | 0 comments

Some good things are happening here with our company. In the past few months we have experienced some rapid growth, added some new products and formed some solid new connections that we know will provide mutually beneficial relationships.

Just a quick note to update on what is happening:

• We are discussing with the North American Mission Board about how our services can help support their church planting efforts. It’s been great getting to know the leadership there and hearing their heart and direction for church planting.
• We have built our new portal that helps churches transmit information to us. The portal is live and has proven to be a great tool. We are currently working to expand its capability to be more robust and provide more.
• We partnered with Stewardship Payroll to handle payroll processing for our clients. We realized that while payroll is not difficult, it can be time consuming and is best left to professionals. The cost for clients of our Simple Church Accounting system is covered.
• We have partnered with EGS to offer online giving for our churches. This partnership allows us to provide the ability for churches to accept payments online for donations as well as registrations, etc. We are able to provide this at a cost lower than most other options on the market.
• We have partnered with a Church Management Software company, FreshVine CMS. We knew this was a necessary need in most of our churches as we were getting several questions about it. We contemplated building our own system, but realized after seeing what FreshVine has to offer, their system was everything we would have built and more. Church Business Guys clients get a percentage discount!
• We are forming partnerships and relationships with Church Planting Organizations across the country. Meeting up with groups that are planting churches effectively has been great. It is amazing to see a common effort happening among people that may never meet, yet their goals and vision are very similar.

To sum up, God is really moving in our company. We are rapidly expanding and the best way to explain it is that we are just along for the ride. God is opening doors and it is excited to be a part of what He is doing.

Our People Won’t Use That

Posted by jhenry on Feb 28, 2012 in church technology, Communication, Daily Thought, Technology Tuesday, Web | 2 comments

That is a statement that I’ve heard over and over again.

Too many churches are neglecting to have a functional, attractive website because they have fallen victim to the allusion that their church doesn’t need one. This statement can also be a window into a deeper issue about their stance towards reaching new people.

For most churches, a website serves two purposes:

1. To provide information to prospective visitors about your website. 85% of visitors will look for your church’s website BEFORE they step foot in your door. Your website is your welcome committee that works 24/7/365.

2. To keep your members and regular attenders informed. Notice I put this as secondary. Your website can be a very valuable tool for ministry if utilized effectively.

Now I realize that outreach is so much more than just a website, but technology has paved a way to simplify your efforts.

For our complimentary Church Website Analysis, Shoot us an email and we’ll take a look.

How does your church use your website?

Who Runs Your Church?

Posted by jhenry on Feb 2, 2012 in Church Management, Leadership | 1 comment

Pastor, Who runs your church?

Now I know the ‘churchy’ answer is God, and ultimately that is entirely correct. Without God at the head of our churches we are nothing more than a social club.

What I am asking here is who controls your church church.

I’ve met with far too many pastors who, while they may not admit it, are victims of a over-controlling secretary. Its not intentional, they just have personalities involved that dominate. They are the ones that tend to make the biggest contributions to the church. In many cases, rightfully so, they are putting in the leg work. However, how many times does their opinion, tastes or likes become the predominant culture of your church?

Instead of beating around the bush I’ll just come out and say it. How many times does your secretary plan an event, cater that event to what she wants, invite the input of circle of friends, and then everyone expects that event to be received from the overwhelming majority of the church…

** Disclaimer: I have met many God-fearing, loving secretaries that are humble servants to the church. I have, however, been around at least as many that are acting detrimental to their church. **

Pastor, here are some things to consider:

1. You are the pastor. You are the one called to lead the people of your church and grow. You are the spiritual guide of the church. Take Charge and Lead!

2. When secretaries become controlling it is often not their fault. Just like in a marriage relationship, when the woman doesn’t feel like her husband is a leader and protector, her natural instinct is to attempt to compensate. Take Charge and Lead!

3. The secretary is often over-looked as an ambassador for your church. The attitude and personality she (or he) presents is often the impression that people will get of your church. Take Charge and Lead!

4. Your staff is your team. Your staff is there to help you minister to the congregation. Share with them in victories and defeats. While you are their boss, you are also their pastor. Take Charge and Lead!

This could produce some heated discussions but I am interested to hear what others have to say on this topic.