Some Useful Tips for Effective Church Management |
Posted: March 17, 2020 |
Some Useful Tips for Effective Church Management
Many Americans visit the church regularly, but few realize all of the work that goes on behind the scenes. If you've just stepped into a new administrative role at your local church, or you're interested in helping out, church management can be far more complicated and difficult than people realize. In fact, the job can often require the same skills and knowledge as would be needed for running a small business. With the funds to track, the calendar to organize, the people to manage, and the physical structure to maintain, it's no wonder why people find the job so tricky!
If you're struggling with your new role, or you're simply looking for some creative new tips, this guide will help you to get back on top of your local church. With the right outlook and a comprehensive plan, you're sure to transform the church for the better.
Use modern computer software, and spend time learning how.
Begin by taking your new role seriously. You're now in charge of a small business. To serve the business well, make sure you and any other administrators are using high-quality, modern technology and software. Modern computers and computer programs will make everything else in the job infinitely easier.
There are several options when it comes to software. Do research on the best software for facilitated church donations. Make sure it's easy to use for both you and the church members. According to recent studies, only 10-25% of the average congregation participates in tithing. This is a relatively low number.
By improving your software, you'll make the tithing process much easier for your congregation, and you may notice an increase in weekly donations. If you can, try to find software that allows people to donate with the click of a button or a text. When tithing is made simple, more and more people will be inclined to contribute.
Organize team meetings and define wider goals.
Every business needs to have a clear and defined overarching goal. As the person in charge of running the church, it's your job to make sure that your entire team is on the same page. This will help you feel like a unified force, and it will help you make other more detailed decisions further down the line.
Team meetings are a great way to encourage everyone involved in the business to feel motivated, appreciated, and involved. Plus, once everyone understands the overarching goals of the church, you'll notice everyone's work becomes more thoughtful and considered.
Set out a detailed budget.
All businesses need to follow a comprehensive budget plan. To make improvements to the building and the operation of the church, you'll need to create a detailed budget plan that lays out all of your financial goals. Budget each section of the business, including the staff, the building repairs, the inventory, and the events. Then, create a target goal for your donations and your fundraisers.
Plan your church's events carefully and thoughtfully.
Church events are a fantastic way to bring the community together and generate some extra cash flow. Begin by thinking about what type of event will suit your congregation best. Some ideas include:
Once you've chosen an event, begin by setting out various tasks for your team. One person can be in charge of marketing, one person can be in charge of invitations, and so on. Make sure everyone is on the same page and understands the common goal of the event. This way, the event will feel more streamlined and cohesive on the day.
Don't neglect the building itself.
Whether your church is in a historic building, or it's a fairly recent construction, one of the most important parts of your job will be to keep it in good condition. A wide range of things can go wrong, so you must stay on top of the building's condition. Try to preempt issues that may arise, so that the building can continue to function properly and never has to close down for unexpected repairs.
If you have room in your budget, think about a few aesthetic updates that will help make the church look a little bit more impressive and inviting. Every church needs a good stained glass window. You could consider commissioning a new window as a tribute to your congregation, or you might wish to consider repairing one of the older windows in the building. A new stained glass window will completely transform the main part of the church and will create an exciting fresh atmosphere for the entire community.
Learn to be a good listener.
While you may have plenty of excellent ideas and plans, remember to listen to other people as well. Plenty of members of the community will have their own ideas about the direction the church should take. Listen to everyone's suggestions, and do your best to find some kind of middle ground.
People feel appreciated and worthwhile when their points of view are heard and acted upon. You'll notice a greater sense of community and unity when you begin implementing suggestions of all kinds from various people involved in the church community.
Learn about marketing techniques.
The words 'church' and 'marketing' aren't often heard in the same sentence. This is because most church administrations fail to treat their church as a small business. Small businesses require careful marketing. Learn about a few basic marketing techniques that will help spread the word about your church and its events.
You could start a church blog that posts articles about services, repairs, and events. You could also start an online newsletter that's sent to your congregation on a monthly basis. If you're trying to encourage new people to join the church, think about which demographic you'd like to target and develop a marketing approach that will appeal to them.
If you're unsure about where to begin, here are a few excellent tips for first-time marketers.
Give back to your volunteers.
Volunteers are the soul and heart of any church. Without them, the entire operation would be impossible. While you may think that your volunteers are happy to be serving their community, you'd be surprised how often resentments can develop when volunteers feel unappreciated.
Think of a few creative ways to give back to your church's volunteer team. You could consider hosting a volunteer dinner party. Or, you could give them all tickets to a local event. If your church doesn't have a budget for expensive gifts, you can surprise them with an exceptional service that focuses on all of their hard work.
Get to know the congregation.
Remember, the church should be about the community. If you're new to the job, you may not have a personal relationship with many members of the congregation. Try to ingratiate yourself with the church's community. Get to know them individually, and speak to them about their concerns and suggestions.
Getting to know the church's congregation will help to give you a sense of the general mood and attitude at the church. You'll have a better idea of how to serve this group of people if you know them.
Be easy on yourself.
If things feel overwhelming and stressful, don't panic. Being in charge of an entire church is a hugely demanding job. Others may not realize how many things you're juggling, and you may end up feeling lonely and isolated. Remember to be easy on yourself.
When things go wrong, try not to blame yourself. There's a wide range of problems that can arise, and the church won't always have the budget or the means to deal with them. Remember that this is sometimes the harsh reality of church maintenance. Take every day as it comes, and don't panic when things get tough. Ask for help when you need it. You'll always be surrounded by a generous and kind-spirited community willing to help you when things go wrong.
Final Thoughts
If you're responsible for a church, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. We hope these tips have made the job seem a little less daunting. Remember to take everything one step at a time. When in doubt, go back to basics. Make a detailed plan, and don't be afraid to ask for help.
Start with an in-depth budget plan that lays out some targets. Updating the church’s software and creating strong event planning and marketing mentality will help you reach these targets. Focus on delivering events and services that the congregation wants by getting to know them as individuals. Finally, make sure the building itself is in pristine condition and always looks its best.
If you keep these crucial ideas in mind, everything else should fall into place. Soon, you'll be at the center of an incredible community that you'll feel honored to be a part of.
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