Churches Learn to Take Care of Business
from The Associated Press via the Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 Many U.S. churches have been victims of embezzlement over the years, reflecting not just moral weakness by wrongdoers but lax financial controls. Often, church budgets are overseen by volunteers or employees with little guidance or professional training.
Now, some colleges and seminaries hope to prevent such faith-shattering abuses by offering programs devoted specifically to managing church finances and personnel. More
Southern Baptists Change Their Stance on Global Warming
from The Associated Press via the Dallas Morning News
In a major shift, a group of Southern Baptist leaders said their denomination has been "too timid" on environmental issues and has a biblical duty to stop global warming. The declaration, signed by the president of the Southern Baptist Convention among others and released today, shows a growing urgency about climate change even within groups that once dismissed claims of an overheating planet as a liberal ruse. More
Vatican Lists "New Sins," Including Pollution
from Reuters
Thou shall not pollute the Earth. Thou shall beware genetic manipulation. Modern times bring with them modern sins. So the Vatican has told the faithful that they should be aware of "new" sins such as causing environmental blight. More
Let's Get Organized: How Should Churches Structure Leader Groups?
from Associated Baptist Press
Deserved or not, committees often conjure negative connotations. A better option for churches wanting to organize their leadership structure is to form "ministry teams." While committees focus on tasks and agendas, ministry teams emphasize personal development and relationships. More
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 Small groups build connections between members and strengthen your church. Whether you need to implement a better connection process or strengthen your small group management, the ACS ministry guide, Planning for Big Success with Small Groups, offers valuable tips on how to better manage and organize your small groups.
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A Guide to the Internal Revenue Code Restrictions on the Political Activity of Religious Organizations
from The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life
During every election cycle, many religious congregations find themselves wondering what role, if any, they can play in the political process. Can a minister or other member of the clergy endorse a candidate from the pulpit or speak on political issues of interest to voters? Is a church or other house of worship legally permitted to register voters or distribute voter guides? Answers to these and many other questions are contained here. More
American Faith: A Work in Progress
from USA Today
The key question stirring around the much discussed U.S. Religious Landscape Survey released a couple of weeks ago by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life is what tale does it tell about the religious state of the union. In the author’s opinion, politics and a new view of morality have radically altered the religious landscape. More
WWW Equals Win-Win-Win for Florida Church
from AG News
New Life Assembly, led by founder and senior pastor Randy Burt, has come to appreciate the value and importance of ministering to people where they're at - rather than waiting for people to come to them. The church decided it was time to make the church available to the 21st Century and the generations who use the Internet as a main source of information. More
Analysis: Role of Religion in Remaining Primaries
from Christian Post
Religion has undoubtedly played a key role in this year’s presidential race. Although some of the religious characters have dropped out, religion will continue to be important in the race as large numbers of Christian voters could be the deciding factor in upcoming contests. More
Life Changing Stories on New ‘One Million Children Storytelling’ Web Site
from Christian NewsWire
Brent and Jenn Nims traveled to China, India and South Africa to document the real life stories of children around the world. They visited humble homes, orphanages, townships and churches filming children telling their own stories, some of which broke their hearts.
Despite these children’s bleak circumstances, all found faith, hope and love.
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Religious Broadcasters Take Gospel Message to Further Reaches
from Christian Post
Christian broadcasters and communicators who are meeting for the annual National Religious Broadcasters Convention this week say they are looking to expand the reach and depth of their message through new partnerships and technologies.
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Building churches without heavy debt
There are three major aspects to most church building projects - designing, financing, and fund raising. A successful capital campaign can save a fortune in interest, as well as... More |
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