Managing a church today is arguably more complicated, faced with more challenges, and competing priorities, than any time in recent history.  Understanding all aspects of church operations can be staggering.

Budgeting and church finance can become a particularly overwhelming concept because of the variety of language, terms, and outcomes. Before we go any further, let’s make it clear: the Church is not a business. But we do have a stewardship responsibility to use our resources effectively to carry out God’s work on earth. Frequently this responsibility requires us to employ sound business management techniques, including those concerned with budgeting and other aspects of church finance.

Mid-Atlantic Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Retreat – March 20, 2017 – 10:00am – 3:00pm

Join us on March 30, 2017 for a day of retreat to dialogue about methods and strategies that we can deploy to meet all aspects of our personal and pastoral financial priorities and goals. To sign up, contact me at mjcastrilli@gmail.com.

One might immediately think our time together on church finance is focused on “money.” But this is not a day about money. Rather it is a time for learning how to connect resources to achieve church mission, vision, and goals. All of the principles, methods, tools, and tips are centered on faith. Budget and financial management without prayer and discernment would be like building a ship and then realizing there is no rudder to steer, no engine for power, and no water to sail. Join us as we continue our journey connecting mission, vision, and our pastoral goals.

Artwork by Br. Mickey McGrath, OSFS

The Concept

Too often church management researchers, working independently, are conducting their research in silos. A process needs to be established whereby these researchers can meet face to face, present their research findings, and receive honest feedback from other researchers, entrepreneurs, and church management professionals

At the same time, our goal is to spread the creative knowledge of church management generated by this research, making them available to all those working within the Church, whether priests or lay people.

The core of the event will consist in the creation of a community of exchange and discussion among researchers, entrepreneurs, and church management professionals that is inclusive and goes beyond the usual, already existent, circles and networks, with the purpose of mutual inspiration and collaborative co-creation of a new vision of Church and of practices to build up future paths.

Monday morning coffee… is a blog series dedicated to the “business” of church.

The goal is to offer ministers, lay church managers, or those studying for ministry weekly posts that include tips, tricks, and other treats (or at least I hope treats) about church management topics. Please don’t stop reading! In my years working with churches, I can’t tell you how many times I have heard people say – The church is not a business so how does this apply to me? Even though churches are not a business per se, as a faith community, we are required to be responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to our care. Where stewardship meets business is where the fun begins!

No need to worry, this is not intended to be a boring blog of “best practices.” Actually, this can be enjoyable stuff! Who wants to read a boring blog on church management topics? Not me. So grab a coffee, or tea, or whatever you like to do to relax on a Monday morning, and join me each week for our discussion!

Coming Up Next Week…Learn tips on effective Church staff meetings!