Tag: Staff

Does Your Church Have a Healthy Social Media Presence?

Does Your Church Have a Healthy Social Media Presence?

Does Your Church Have a Healthy Social Media Presence?

Even if your church used social media prior to the pandemic, you likely are using it in new ways this year. The church quickly was thrown into the deep end of social media. Some small town pastors were on the cusp of figuring out their first live stream. Other churches may have been figuring out how to implement other areas of media, such as new social media and online giving. Maybe you already had all of this prior to the pandemic, but you likely have added something new in attempt to keep your congregation connected. 

One of those things you added or magnified was social media. I have heard and read many stories about pastors who were against social media (for a number of reasons) that embraced it one-hundred percent during the pandemic. Even if it was not new, you likely amplified your presence in some form of fashion. Whether we discuss our life or ministry, we should always take time to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of whatever we do.

Over half a year later, we must stop and ask: does my church have a healthy social media presence? Hopefully you have already been evaluating this, but after increased traffic and usage, this evaluation has never been more important. Here are five questions to ask to determine the healthiness of your social media presence:

1. IS THE BOTTOM LINE VIEWS OR ENGAGEMENT?

It feels like a shot of dopamine when your views are up. I am no medical doctor, but we thrive off of dopamine. Your dopamine levels will naturally increase when your brain expects a reward. It feels good to see a high number of views, therefore, dopamine levels are high. These views are good metrics, but are often surface level effects. A deeper dive will reveal more metrics that end up revealing differing results. Our focus should be on engagement. Engagement has long lasting impact on the believer or viewer. If I am engaged, I come back wanting more.

Our number one engagement is the Word of God. God’s Word engages our hearts through prayer, song, and through sound biblical teaching. Look at how God’s Word engages, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 ESV). Your social media presence must be engaging. Social media should have a clear pathway to push viewers and followers down a road of discipleship and growth. 

2. ARE MY FOLLOWERS A NUMBER OR A NAME?

Followers should not be a bad thing, but the dogma of the more the better should never flood our social media presence. Do not get me wrong, you should attempt to reach people on social media, which ultimately increases your following. Be sure to catch what was said, we are to be reaching people, not numbers. Each follower has a name. Their name is far more important than them being your one-thousandth subscriber! Our social media policies ought to have a plan to take followers into people with a name.

This gets tricky with live events. It is near impossible to get the names of all attending your live stream. However, with strategic planning, you can attempt to connect with these people through engagement questions throughout the stream. Do not settle for followers, aim for a name. Praise God that He knows our name! We should aim to know their name too!

3. DOES THIS NEW SOCIAL MEDIA FIT INTO YOUR MISSION AND VISION?

This is a question that should be asked of everything we do as a church. Things you have been doing for fifty years should annually be asked this question. For some, Snapchat and TikTok may fit, while for others, it does not. Do your research. Ask pertinent questions to experts or to others who are using various platforms. It is essential that you do not do something just because the church down the street is doing it. When it comes to preaching the Gospel, you better be doing that, but it may not be beneficial to jump head deep into the new craze. Viral fame is not worth the consequences of forgetting to make His name famous. 

4. ARE WE BEING SAFE WITH SOCIAL MEDIA?

Social media can be dangerous. This likely is something you have seen overtime these last few months. Social media can be addicting for both the viewer and the producer. You likely (if not, stop what you are doing right now and do it) have strict policies for those who help with children. We should err on the same side of caution with social media. Do not let just anyone have the reigns of your social media. Have policies and procedures that lay out precautions and social media usage.

This may be a stretch for some, but even consider having members of your social media team sign contracts that enable you to remove those not fit. With social media advancing at the rate it does, you can never be too cautious. 

5. DOES JEALOUSY DRIVE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA DECISIONS?

Jealousy should never be our driving force. The church seeing results down the street does not always delegate your church down the same path. Be lead by God and not by jealousy. With that said, you may implement the same things (and we should learn from others), but implement it in such a way that it drives your church’s mission and vision forward. Bathe social media usage in prayer as you would anything else. God is going to use social media to reach people. Let Him be your guide, not the church down the street. 

If you have yet to evaluate, now is the time to evaluate. Social media will likely have some value for you and your ministry. If it does not, do not use it. However, I imagine that you have realized the value social media can bring as you seek to connect people to Jesus. If you are going to use social media, do so with purpose and conviction. 

What are some guidelines you have in place for social media? How are you using social media to reach people? What does your church do now that you did not do prior to Covid-19?

Written by Justin Beville. Justin has been married to Amanda Beville for over six years and has one son named Luke and twin boys on the way! He received his Bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies with a minor in Student Ministry from the College at Southeastern. Justin went on to complete his Advanced MDiv. at Southeastern. He currently serves as the Pastor of Students and Outreach at Kingsland Baptist Church. Like this article? Read more from Justin here!

Looking for a new position? Stop by MinistryJobs.com and have a look at the jobs that are available! Ministry jobs are hard to come by and job hunting is no fun. We help ministry job seekers find their ideal role in their next ministry – for free! More than 6 million search for a job every day. Be found! Looking to list a job or an open position? We help churches and organizations get job openings in front of potential candidates. We have several plans and packages available. Today is the day!

Read more Ministry blogs at MinistryJobs.com/blog

8 Things To Consider As You Manage Remote Employees

Make Every Effort

8 Things To Consider As You Manage Remote Employees

I pray your church is doing well and managing through this new normal of uncertainty.

I know it has not been easy learning to have virtual church services, adjusting budgets to fit new giving trends, and managing employees from afar.

As you continue to manage remote employees, try to be aware of how they are managing this new normal, and work to provide the support and resources they will need until they can return to the office.

8 Things To Consider As You Manage Remote Employees

1. Communication

Church leaders understand the importance of communication.

Now is the time to take communication up a notch and communicate, communicate, communicate.

Talk to employees and ask their preferred communication method.

For instance, some employees need the social aspect of communicating.

Offer an option to do a Google chat or Zoom call for those social styles that crave interaction.

Communicate via technology with those employees who prefer that format.

Set up times to chat on email or messenger.

Find the preferred method and then determine the appropriate frequency for interactions.

Let employees know how often you will be communicating and what you will be asking to talk about.

Try to remember; more is always better!

2. Mental Health

Many employees have been thrown into the drastic change of working from home, learning to homeschool children, and trying to juggle the new norm.

Be aware of the stress and challenge employees are experiencing and provide resources to help them manage.

For instance, sometimes, employees simply need to talk about their struggles.

Provide a resource for employees to discuss their challenges.

This resource can be an organized zoom call with a pastor, a trusted mental health professional, or a support group with other employees.

Regardless, employees benefit from sharing challenges and learning coping skills from others.

Remind them of God’s promises with Bible verses about stress and anxiety.

Support their mental health, and you support the employee.

3. Resources

Employees who don’t typically work from home are not equipped with a comfortable workspace.

Make sure employees have access to fast internet, a working computer, and any other necessary office equipment.

For instance, if your accounting staff is now required to work from home, make sure they have a working printer and scanner to help them process weekly contributions.

Also, make sure there is technical support if employees have technical issues with their WiFi, computer, or other office equipment.

Downtime from technical issues is a waste of time.

Manage this by providing that support.

4. Balance

Employees are juggling a lot.

Help them with balance by allowing flexibility in their schedule and reinforcing your commitment to work-life balance.

Particularly during this time when employees are carrying so many additional responsibilities.

For instance, if employees are now responsible for homeschooling their children, allow them to modify their work hours, so they have the option to work evenings or weekends.

5. Reassurance

These are uncertain times for everyone and no one really knows how life as we knew it will look when the dust finally settles.

Be aware that employees have these concerns.

Share with them the steps the church is taking to manage its operation during this pandemic so they don’t worry about being let go.

Reassure them by reminding them that God is in control and He will work all things out.

6. Listen To Employee Concerns

Life is different when you work from home so talk to employees and ask them how you can help.

Listen to any concerns they have and follow up by either addressing their concerns or explaining why the problem can’t be fixed.

For instance, if employees have an old laptop that keeps crashing, work quickly to either get the laptop fixed or send them a new one.

Remember, it is better to not ask the question than to ask the question and not follow up with a resolution.

7. Try Not To Micromanage

Try to remember that just because you can’t see employees working doesn’t mean they aren’t productive.

Give employees the benefit of the doubt about how they manage their time and focus on ensuring they meet job requirements.

Be more concerned with getting the job done than the actual time they are working.

For instance, if a team member is responsible for updating the website weekly, focus on making sure it is updated by a predetermined day of the week, rather than what they are doing every day to get that done.

8. Be Available

Great managers have open-door policies, and now is the time to practice that management model.

You will hopefully connect with employees daily.

However, you should also reassure employees that you are there to help.

Allow them the flexibility to reach out when they have an issue or a barrier to getting the job done – even if your phone meeting was a few hours ago.

As the new norm continues, take the time to talk to employees, support their personal and mental health needs, and you will find that your team is productive amidst this new work from home model.

This too shall pass! God bless you for all you do!

Article was borrowed from Smart Church Management. To find out more about Patricia, click here. 

Looking for a new position? Stop by MinistryJobs.com and have a look at the jobs that are available! Ministry jobs are hard to come by and job hunting is no fun. We help ministry job seekers find their ideal role in their next ministry – for free! More than 6 million search for a job every day. Be found! Looking to list a job or an open position? We help churches and organizations get job openings in front of potential candidates. We have several plans and packages available. Today is the day!

Read more Ministry blogs at MinistryJobs.com/blog

9 Productivity Apps for Ministry Leaders

9 Productivity Apps for Ministry Leaders

9 Productivity Apps for Ministry Leaders

 
Do you know what it feels like to be “in the zone” with ministry work?  It feels great when you are cranking content out like crazy!  The magic happens when you are passionate about something and have both the energy and the organization to get things done.  
 

How often does that happen to you?

A personal mentor recently told me that I am one of the most productive and organized people that they know.  That may or may not be true, but I do tend to be organized and get things done before they need to get done.  I think my productivity is a result of a passion for my work and having found the right tools to help me with my work. 
 

Maybe some of the tools that I use can help you.

Task : Task Management
Tool:  OmniFocus
There are many apps and tools that help you manage your tasks.  Pick one that you like and commit to it.  My #1 suggestion is that it is syncable on all of your devices (computer, tablet, phone..)  I have been using OmniFocus for almost 5 years as find it powerful and effective. It follows David Allen’s Getting Things Done methodology precisely.   It syncs with my laptop, phone, tablet, and watch! The learning curve to fully utilizing all of its features is steep – if you are a technology novice, you should probably investigate a simpler system.
 
Task: Posting on Social Media
Tool: Missinglettr
If you post professionally on social media, you already know that scheduling your posts ahead of time is a game changer.  Missinglettr takes your content (blog, sermons, whatever..) and creates a social media (Facebook, Twitter) drip campaign that you can use to schedule and reschedule posts throughout the year!  I’ve been using Missinglettr for almost a year now and love it!  It is a game changer for ministry leaders and communicators who post in social media.
 
Task: Managing My Calendar
Tool: Fantastical
Fantastical is a calendar system that syncs between all of your devices.   It can manage and aggregate all of your calendars (Google, Outlook..)I paid for it and used it over the calendar that came with my Apple devices because it is more intuitive and simpler when entering appointments.  I’m a visual person and it is better designed than the stock calendar on my devices.  I can’t recommend Fantastical enough.
 
Task: Writing
Tool:  Apple Notes
Until recently, I used the Ulysses app for all of my writing.  They changed their pricing model and to be honest, it ticked me off.  I went in search of an alternative and didn’t love anything that I found.  I ended up using Apple Notes and it is getting the job done.  It is super simple to use and easy to export text to almost any other app.  I’m still looking for a better, more elegant option here.
 
Task: Focusing on a Task
Tool: Focus
It’s a great looking countdown timer on my phone (and Apple Watch) that helps me focus on my work and reminds me to occasionally take a break.  Simple and it works!
 
Task: Email
Tool: Apple Mail
The standard Apple Mail App that comes with my Apple devices fits my needs.  I’ve investigated other options, but haven’t felt that their features justified the purchase price.  If you are overwhelmed by email and need help managing your inbox, I recommend InboxZero.
 
Task: Capturing Ideas
Tool: Just Press Record
There are times when I need to capture a quick idea and don’t have a pen and paper or typing something wouldn’t be appropriate.  Most often, this happens while I am driving.  I use Just Press record on my iPhone and Apple watch to record my ideas.  It records with a press of a button or voice commands.  Later, when I can take action on my idea, there it is waiting for me.  You can also translate your voice recording to text and export it to another app, email, or text message!
 
Task: Reading Online Content
Tool: Pocket
Ever find a good article online and want to save it?  Ever start reading an article and can’t finish it?  Install the pocket app and with the press of one button, save and organize all of your online reading for later.  You can also share articles with others easily with several share options.  I save several articles and use Pocket when traveling and do not have internet access to catch up on my reading.
 
Task: Social Media Management
Tool: Grum
Facebook has a built-in method for scheduling your future posts, Instagram doesn’t. Enter Grum. You can schedule your post ahead of time and interact/comment on them from your Grum Dashboard. This has been a huge time saver for me!
 

Bryan Blackford works with ministry leaders to help their ministries grow. He walks ministries through a planning process and resources ministry leaders, so they are equipped to lead well. Bryan serves as an Executive Director at a large church, so he gets ministry and the everyday struggles of ministry leaders. Check out his resources at blackfordsolutions.org

Looking for a new position? Stop by MinistryJobs.com and have a look at the jobs that are available! Ministry jobs are hard to come by and job hunting is no fun. We help ministry job seekers find their ideal role in their next ministry – for free! More than 6 million search for a job every day. Be found! Looking to list a job or an open position? We help churches and organizations get job openings in front of potential candidates. We have several plans and packages available. Today is the day!

Read more Ministry blogs at MinistryJobs.com/blog

Pastor Appreciation Ideas: Over 50 Creative Ways to Bless Your Pastor and Staff

Pastor Appreciation Ideas: Over 50 Creative Ways to Bless Your Pastor and Staff

Pastor Appreciation Ideas: Over 50 Creative Ways to Bless Your Pastor and Staff

The #BlessYourPastor movement was started to provide free grant-funded materials to Christians, church boards and congregations to help them creatively show and share God’s love with their pastor and church staff. There is a great need for an outpouring of personal care and support, since most pastors and church staff faithfully serve and love their congregations while often facing real financial struggles. 

Research by the National Association of Evangelicals shows that many pastors are operating with limited financial resources to meet their families’ current and long-term needs. Fortunately, God is bigger than church paychecks and has many ways he can provide for his shepherds and workers through the generosity of God’s faithful people.

1 Thessalonians 5:12 calls Christians to show their deep appreciation to those who minister to them. Galatians 6:6 says people are to share all good things with the one who teaches them. So, the Bless Your Pastor movement invites church leaders and Christians to intentionally show and share God’s love for their pastors and staff members.

Here is a list of over 50 creative ideas for how you and others can Bless Your Pastor and staff.

Faithfully Pray

The best way to help your pastor and staff is to faithfully and regularly pray for blessings for them. Some ideas for specific blessings include praying for: • Intimacy with God • Marital love and unity • Spiritual protection • Divine guidance • Emotional and physical well-being • Parenting skills • Genuine friendships • Financial provisions • Daily wisdom • Personal encouragement • Helpful mentors • Effective ministry • Time management • Quality study and prayer times • Helpful training, courses and books • Leadership skills

Fondness

Let the pastor and staff know how God is specifically using them to bless, help and teach you to follow God. Remember their birthdays and anniversaries with a card, gift or social media post. Show appreciation for their strengths and give grace in their weaknesses.

Freedom

Give their spouses the freedom to be themselves and to find their own niches at the church. Let their children “be kids,” care about them, and pray for them.

Food, Fellowship & Fun

Prepare meals or baked goods for them (ask about favorite meals or certain foods to avoid). • Give them a gift card for groceries, restaurants, gas, fast food or coffee shops. • Give them food from your garden, orchard, hunting or fishing trips. • Invite them to your home or a restaurant for a meal. • Invite them or their family members to go fishing, sailing, camping, hunting, to the gym, concerts, plays or sporting events.

Offer to cover some or all of the costs. • Offer them sports, concert or event tickets. • If you have a vacation home, timeshare, recreational vehicle or camping gear, offer to let them use it. • Share frequent flyer miles that can be used for conferences, vacation, mission trips or holiday travel. • Offer them the use of your dependable vehicle, SUV or minivan for a holiday family trip or vacation.

Freely Share

Share your skills and time to help with any of the following items: • Babysitting • Auto maintenance and repair • Home repairs, maintenance and projects • Decorating, painting and wallpapering • Haircuts and beauty treatments • Medical, dental and chiropractic care • Lawn and garden upkeep • Legal, estate and financial services • Tutoring or lessons for children

If needed, communicate in advance if there are any out-of-pocket costs they will need to cover (e.g., parts for a car repair or materials for home repair).

Finances

Faithfully give to your church, so your pastor and church staff can be properly compensated. Beyond the church salary, the Lord may prompt certain individuals to provide personal funding to help with any of the following items: • Bless Your Pastor and Staff Appreciation Offering • Marriage conference or retreat costs • Christian camp fees • Back to school fees, clothing or supplies •

Children’s school tuition or contributions to 529 College Savings Plans • Mission trips • Lessons or tutoring • Family or couple’s vacation or getaway • Pastor’s conference, seminar or training • Seminary courses or sabbatical • Student loan debt • Retirement savings • Medical expenses

Pay It Forward

Most people have heard about “paying it forward.” Do you know you can also pay it forward by passing along possessions you no longer use or need? Possible items could include appliances, furniture, musical equipment, clothing, sports equipment or electronics. Ask if the items you may have available are actually needed and wanted by your pastor or staff families. Also, be sure they are in good condition and will not need costly repairs.

Note: Please be prepared to graciously allow your pastor or staff member to decline anything that you offer. Also note that most items mentioned here are not normally tax-deductible to the giver but are to be given out of gratefulness to God for what he has given to you.

For free PDF copies of this “50 Ways” list and a grant-funded 7-minute Bless Your Pastor training video and toolkit for church boards, visit BlessYourPastor.org.

Written by Brian Kluth. Brian is the national director of NAEfinancialhealth.org and spokesperson for the BlessYourPastor.org movement. Article was taking from Church Executive.

Looking for a new position? Stop by MinistryJobs.com and have a look at the jobs that are available! Ministry jobs are hard to come by and job hunting is no fun. We help ministry job seekers find their ideal role in their next ministry – for free! More than 6 million search for a job every day. Be found! Looking to list a job or an open position? We help churches and organizations get job openings in front of potential candidates. We have several plans and packages available. Today is the day!

Read more Ministry blogs at MinistryJobs.com/blog

Balance is A Dirty Word: 4 Reasons Ministry Leaders Should Stop Striving for Balance

Balance is A Dirty Word: 4 Reasons Ministry Leaders Should Stop Striving for Balance

Balance is A Dirty Word: 4 Reasons Ministry Leaders Should Stop Striving for Balance

Ministry is tough work. It is demanding of our time, energy, and presence. The reality of stress and burnout is always there. One of my favorite lines that I have ever written is this: “Those who work in ministry walk a fine line between being motivated by our mission and being overwhelmed by it.”

Many smart people write and speak about the need for ministry leaders to find balance in their lives. Balance your ministry, family, and personal responsibilities, and you will succeed! I’ve read several books and articles and listened to many seminar speakers address this topic. They are well-intentioned and do point out the many dangers of living an unbalanced life. Here’s the deal – I think they are wrong. They get the problem right – stress and anxiety. However, their prescription of balance to solve what ails you is wrong – and could be harmful.

I am not fond of the word balance. Here’s why:

Four Reasons You Should Stop Striving for Balance



1. Balance is nearly impossible to achieve

Balance is like a unicorn. You can spend a lot of time and energy searching for it but never find it. Two weeks ago I looked at my calendar and realized that I had a ministry-related meeting or event 7 nights in a row (including the weekend). I knew that this would be stressful and I wouldn’t be spending much time with my family – I would be out of balance.

I looked to see if I could get out of some of the meetings. Nope. I was leading 6 of them! Ugh. It was a busy week. If you work in ministry, you know what I know – finding the zen-like state of balance and staying there is nearly impossible. There are busy seasons in ministry that demand more of you.

You can attempt to implement more balance in your life, but you are unlikely to achieve balance.

You will always be neglecting something. I cannot think of a time when all of my work, family, and personal responsibilities have been balanced. Balance is not realistic. It is not attainable.


2. Seeking balance causes stress.

Think of a tight rope walker at a circus. They are balanced as they carefully walk the rope. One step at a time, carefully placing one foot in front of the other. There is a reason they always look nervous and tense – one little slip-up, their balance is ruined, and they fall. Who wants to live their life like that? In order to achieve and stay in balance, you are always walking a tight rope.

One thing goes wrong, one unexpected event occurs, and your state of balance crashes. Those who focus on achieving balance live in a constant state of stress, worrying that something will go wrong to upset that balance. Balance promises less stress in your life, but by its’ nature, balance is stressful.



3. Your ministry will suffer.

You know that there are times when you will have to give more to your work, and you will feel unbalanced. If you are trying to attain balance, there will always be a low-grade tension aimed at your ministry for keeping your life out of balance. This tension will eventually turn into resentment. You will blame your ministry for your unbalanced life. Live like this for a while, and you will flame out. If balance is your goal, you won’t be leading your ministry from a strong foundation.



4. Your family will suffer.

Balance naturally pits one thing versus another. If you are walking a tight rope, it is the weight on your right side versus the weight on your left side. Trying to balance your weight and diet? It is calories in versus calories out. If you are a ministry leader trying to achieve balance it is often ministry versus family. Balance sets up an either/or scenario.

Either things are perfectly in balance, or you are favoring one at the expense of the other.

Either your family wins, or your ministry wins.

There are almost always more family and work demands than we have the energy for, so in reality, neither wins! Don’t intentionally pit your work against your family for the sake of balance. Neither will win. You will lose.

Balance is an awful goal. It is a worse strategy for ministry leaders because it ends up causing the problems it intends to solve.

Balance is not the solution.  RHYTHM is.  I’ll write about that another time.

 

Bryan Blackford works with ministry leaders to help their ministries grow. He walks with ministries through a planning process and resources ministry leaders, so they are equipped to lead well. Bryan serves as an Executive Director at a large church, so he gets ministry and the everyday struggles of ministry leaders. Check out his resources at blackfordsolutions.org

Looking for a new position? Stop by MinistryJobs.com and have a look at the jobs that are available! Ministry jobs are hard to come by and job hunting is no fun. We help ministry job seekers find their ideal role in their next ministry – for free! More than 6 million search for a job every day. Be found! Looking to list a job or an open position? We help churches and organizations get job openings in front of potential candidates. We have several plans and packages available. Today is the day!

Read more Ministry blogs at MinistryJobs.com/blog

10 Characteristics Of An Amazing Leadership Team

10 Characteristics Of An Amazing Leadership Team

10 Characteristics Of An Amazing Leadership Team

Last night I walked out of the room shaking my head.

God, I don’t know how you pulled this off, but this team is simply amazing.

Unified. Visionary. Encouraging. Fun. Passionate. Gifted. Transparent. Gracious. These are just a few of the words I’d use to describe the people who faithfully serve on CCV’s Leadership Team.

Your church may use a different name – Leadership Council, Governing Board, etc. – we simply use the phrase “Leadership Team” to describe the group of people called to serve the function of what the Bible calls “Elders.”

Whatever you call them, my prayer is your group is as gifted and passionate as the volunteer servant leaders I have the privilege of serving alongside. I tell Senior Pastors that I coach that every church ought to know the joy of being led well.

[Tweet “Every church ought to know the joy of being led well.”]

Since these kinds of things rarely happen by accident, I’d like to share with you 10 reasons why I think this team is such a special group.

  1. I’m not the smartest person in the room.
  2. I’m not the best leader in the room.
  3. I’m not the most committed Christian in the room.
  4. I’m not the oldest person in the room.
  5. Everyone knows how to humbly submit to each other.
  6. Nobody is afraid to speak the truth, in love.
  7. When they ask me to jump, I might stop to ask, “How high?”
  8. We have each other’s backs.
  9. We hold our tongues in meetings and only speak to something when we are 100% sure we have something of value to add. I speak fewer words in those meetings than anyone in the room.
  10. We tremble at the realization that God is actually leading His local church here in Philly through us, and therefore, are sober-minded in our task.

I’m sure the same thing could be said about your Leadership Team. If not, how these leaders act and serve would be good things to emulate.

What are other qualities you’d add to the list to make an amazing Leadership Team?

Written by Brian Jones, Senior Pastor at Christ Church of the Valley.  – to find out more about Brain, click here!

Looking for a new position? Stop by MinistryJobs.com and have a look at the jobs that are available! Ministry jobs are hard to come by and job hunting is no fun. We help ministry job seekers find their ideal role in their next ministry – for free! More than 6 million search for a job every day. Be found! Looking to list a job or an open position? We help churches and organizations get job openings in front of potential candidates. We have several plans and packages available. Today is the day!

Read more Ministry blogs at MinistryJobs.com/blog

5 Apps to Increase Productivity

5 Apps to Increase Productivity

5 Apps to Increase Productivity

Technology has quickly infiltrated our society as both a blessing and a curse. Our fingers, hands, and even our voices are capable of doing a wide array of things. These pocket personal assistants are great when used properly and efficiently. On the contrary, these devices can get us into trouble and decrease our productivity rather quickly. A “quick” look at our Facebook notifications can quickly turn into an hour of watching random videos that end up wasting our time. They may be fun in the moment, but our productivity suffers greatly.

Even though these smart devices have been around for over a decade, we are still in a stage of infancy. Technology is rapidly advancing at a pace that causes us to jump past the training wheel stage. Content Creators are strategizing and planning so that they can control your precious time. Our time is precious and we must figure out how to redeem our time. The plans of a pastor can quickly change with a phone call or text from a church member with a need that warrants our immediate attention. Our time must be used efficiently and effectively so that we are ready to ride those unplanned waves. These five apps (listed by category) will increase your productivity and help you take control of your day in the office and on the road.

Time Management: Screen Time

Screen Time is an under the radar app that takes some digging to access. Screen time should be easily accessible and hopefully one day will. For now, you will have to rely on going through your settings or possibly a widget. The day I found screen time, was the day that I began taking control back of how I used my phone, rather than it using me. Weekly notifications that indicate how much I used my phone quickly gave me a desire to reduce that number. I still end up using my phone a ton, but the little things that matter less, cause less distraction because I am weekly aware of how I spend my time. Having a grasp on your usage will enable you to be more productive. Setting app limits or denying access to certain apps at various times of the day will reduce distraction and induce productivity.

Graphic Design: Canva/Over

Not everyone will have a need for making graphics. As a Youth Pastor, I make them all the time. There are many free apps that enable you to create quality graphics on the go or in the office. Inspiration often comes when it is least expected. The ability to quickly create a graphic allows me to free up time later. Canva and Over both are easy to learn and both have access to a desktop version (for those moments of creating in the office or without access to a smartphone). Many free apps require a purchase to remove a watermark. These are two that do not. Note: Churches can acquire Canva premium for free as a nonprofit. Note: The Over desktop version is still quite new.

Bible Study: Logos

Okay, the Logos app is not as powerful as the desktop version, yet it still packs a punch. This app does enable you to increase productivity though. I like to regularly review my sermon or lesson notes. While you cannot make additional sermon notes using the sermon editor on the app (I hope this changes one day), you can review and make Bible highlights that will later be reflected on the desktop via the cloud. It is great being able to have access to the prayer list anywhere you go. Reading commentaries or other books on the go can increase your productivity. It is much easier to pull out your phone or tablet to catch up on reading instead of lugging around your computer. Logos comes with a steep price; however, many are not aware of the limited and cheaper options that are provided by Logos. Faithlife offers a rental option (https://connect.faithlife.com/pricing) that includes some library options and some of the Logos features that are only available to Logos owners. You will not own Logos if you use this and cancel, but it may be a beneficial route for you to take to test out Logos Bible Software.

File Management: Files, Google Drive, etc.

I do not upload all of my files to a cloud, but I do upload ones that people will likely ask for when I am on the go. The ability to quickly forward a link via the cloud will make you more productive. Prior to doing this, I would have to send myself an e-mail or set a reminder. Doing that is not that difficult, but it takes processing time as you have to determine the best time for the reminder, etc. Some of these tasks can efficiently be executed by using an online storage system that you can access via an app. I use up to six devices on a given week. Knowing that I can access important documents and projects on any of these devices enable me to be more productive.

Member Management: Planning Center People

You are highly unlikely to carry around your printed church directory with you wherever you go. You are likely to take your phone. Some churches have directories built into their website and some use third party software for the church member database. The Planning Center Suite offers subscription based software for most of their platform. However, they offer Planning Center People for free. You can import your database and have access to church members on the go. From the app, you can quickly get directions to a home, or quickly call them as needs arise. Your productivity is increased when you reduce the steps required to complete a task. As an added bonus, you can create workflows from this app to track visitors or new member progress.

There are likely better apps out there to complete these tasks. However, I have found that these apps increase my productivity. Find apps that work for you! Declutter your apps, reduce your screen time, and use your phone to complete tasks instead of allowing your phone to control your precious time.

What apps would you add to this list? What are some boundaries that you set to reduce screen time?

Written by Justin Beville. Justin has been married to Amanda Beville for over six years and has one son named Luke and twin boys on the way! He received his Bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies with a minor in Student Ministry from the College at Southeastern. Justin went on to complete his Advanced MDiv. at Southeastern. He currently serves as the Pastor of Students and Outreach at Kingsland Baptist Church. Like this article? Read more from Justin here!

Looking for a new position? Stop by MinistryJobs.com and have a look at the jobs that are available! Ministry jobs are hard to come by and job hunting is no fun. We help ministry job seekers find their ideal role in their next ministry – for free! More than 6 million search for a job every day. Be found! Looking to list a job or an open position? We help churches and organizations get job openings in front of potential candidates. We have several plans and packages available. Today is the day!

Read more Ministry blogs at MinistryJobs.com/blog

12 Interview Tips for Youth Pastors

This is it! You’ve been working with a youth-ministry goal in mind, and you’re about ready to go in for your first interview—but how do you prepare?!

Don’t freak out. We’ve got you covered with 12 tips that will help you nail that interview.

1. Do your research

The church is not just looking for a rock star youth pastor. They’re looking for someone that can be an asset to their team. Their main concerns are finding a candidate who will fit with their culture and fulfill their mission and vision.

If you’re able to convince them that you’re that person, the job’s yours. Adversely, if you go in knowing nothing about them and simply talk about yourself, you’re likely going to miss out on this opportunity.

So make sure you:

  1. Scour the church website paying particular attention to their goals and mission.
  2. If possible, visit the church on a Sunday morning.
  3. Read up on the senior leadership. Check out their social media feeds.
  4. Discover what you can about the church’s history.
  5. Read this list of interview questions for youth pastor candidates, and prepare for each one.

2. Don’t overdo spiritual talk

While you definitely want to confirm your calling and show that you have a legitimate relationship with Christ, you don’t want to come in with your spiritual guns blazing.

They’re trying to get to know you, and stacking the conversation with too much spiritually charged language actually makes their job harder. It might feel like it helps you, but your interviewer will feel like they didn’t get to know you—and you might even come across as flaky.

3. Get your testimony under 2 minutes

It’s likely that the interviewer will want to hear how you came to know Jesus, so be prepared. If you’re not prepared, you’re probably going to ramble. You don’t want to do that. Practice your testimony until it’s a tight two minutes.

4. Turn your ringer off

Having your phone ring or alert you to notifications during an interview probably won’t ruin everything, but it’s definitely not going help. Nothing’s more awkward than that moment when you have to apologize and sheepishly remove your phone from your pocket in order to mute it.

It’s best to do it ahead of time.

5. Communicate your understanding of youth issues

You know that youth work isn’t all about pizza parties and shut ins. It’s about helping kids negotiate their way through the cultural minefield. Be prepared to communicate the major issues facing teens today.

The key here is not to simply focus on the obvious national issues that anyone could come up with off the top of their head, but to be able to also articulate local needs and concerns.

6. Have a plan to grow the youth group

Remember, you’re not simply selling your experiences and successes. You’re working to convince your interviewer that you’re the best candidate for the job. By coming in prepared with a plan to grow their youth group, you’re:

  • Communicating your preparedness and attention to detail
  • Addressing a specific concern for the church
  • Demonstrating that you understand how to grow your group

7. Be honest about your goals

There’s a strong pull to share the things you think your interviewer wants to hear. That means that you might be tempted to hedge on certain questions. For instance, if they ask you what your five-year goals are, you might be worried about telling them that you plan to be pastoring your own church by then.

It’s in everybody’s best interest to be honest. If you’re thinking about taking a youth working job as a stop-gap measure, the church deserves to factor that into their decision. And your honesty might even open up job opportunities in this church that you weren’t aware of.

8. Demonstrate that you understand the big picture

I know that you’re interviewing for a youth worker position, but you can’t allow yourself to be that myopic. The church is a community and by ministering to individuals, you serve the church. Be able to show that you can see the bigger picture.

You may be working closely with the youth, but you’re actually ministering to families—and, ultimately, the church. Your ministry isn’t happening in a vacuum, and they’re going to breathe a sigh of relief when they discover that you get it.

9. Be prepared to share your successes

This one can be really difficult. If this is your first interview for a youth position, you might not feel like you have enough wins to really sell yourself. Prepare by thinking about all of your accomplishments and academic, church, or work acknowledgements.

Try and come up with five successes that you can share, and make sure that you can communicate how they apply to this position or demonstrate that you’re the right candidate for the job. Make sure to prioritize those those accomplishments from most important to least. If the conversation veers away from this topic, you don’t want to have started with your weakest material.

10. Have a list of influencers

You can almost count on being asked about theologians, authors, and bloggers that have influenced you. If you’re not prepared for this question, your brain will go into panic mode and just give you white noise. Then, no matter how well read you are, you’ll end up giving the most obvious names.

Think through this question so that you can answer well. You don’t want to simply pull from the first A-list Christian celebrities that come to mind. They want to know that you’re thoughtful, and pulling out obvious choices is going to convince them otherwise.

11. Be able to articulate your call to ministry

Ministry isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. Be prepared to cogently (and briefly) explain when and how you knew that God had called you into ministry, and who helped to confirm that calling.

12. When asked about your weaknesses, be honest

If I ask a candidate what their weaknesses are, I’m not looking for a reason to disqualify them. I want to know how honest they are and, more importantly, how introspective and self-aware. It’s a huge strike against them when they give me answers like:

  • I love too much
  • I work too hard
  • I’m too focused on my spiritual life

Be honest about your struggles. If it helps, be able to communicate the strengths that those weaknesses represent—and the steps you take to mitigate those problems.

Nailing an interview is a skill

When you’re prepared, you feel confident. When you feel confident, you help create an environment where everyone is comfortable and affable. Remember the most important element of any interview is the prep that goes into it. If you’re adequately prepared, the interview should be a breeze.

Good luck!

Written by Jayson Bradley – to find out more about Jayson and read more of his writings, check out his blog!

Looking for a new position? Stop by MinistryJobs.com and have a look at the jobs that are available! Ministry jobs are hard to come by and job hunting is no fun. We help ministry job seekers find their ideal role in their next ministry – for free! More than 6 million search for a job every day. Be found! Looking to list a job or an open position? We help churches and organizations get job openings in front of potential candidates. We have several plans and packages available. Today is the day!

3 Big Shifts in Post COVID-19 Ministry

Crisis changes you. The extent of the change may vary, but a crisis will leave its mark. 
 
A loved one’s death, a car accident, cancer, a miscarriage, losing a job, an epic public failure—all will change you, for better or worse. Crisis changes communities and nations as well. Wars, economic depressions terrorist attacks, and now the global COVID-19 pandemic all usher in a period of rapid change. 
 
COVID-19 is a significant crisis that is a disruption to your ministry. It is not a mere interruption. Your leadership in the next 12 months will go a long way in determining if your ministry dies, survives, or thrives. A crisis illuminates your strengths and weaknesses, and a wise leader would view it as an opportunity to assess where you are and plan for where you need to be.
 
Two things you need to know about crisis:
 

#1 Crisis is a Revealer

It always amazes me that two different people can respond to the same crisis in two very different ways. I’m from the American Midwest, where tornado warnings are not uncommon. When the sirens wail, some people come out of their homes and look to the sky in curiosity. Others retreat to their basement or storm shelter in fear. Same sirens, two different reactions. I’ve driven past the scene of more than one minor traffic accident where one party seems calm, cool, and collected. The other is red-faced and yelling at anyone who will listen. Same accident, two different reactions. 
 
How we react in a crisis often reveals our normal emotional state. You are likely able to hide or cope with strong emotions in everyday life, but they bubble to the surface for all to see during a crisis. You could probably write a theological treatise on what the crisis of Jesus’s arrest revealed about the disciples as they ran and hid!
 
A crisis reveals a lot about your ministry. It may show that you are a decade or more behind the times with digital technology. Your lag was always there, but this crisis amplified it. Maybe it reveals that your ministry was operating with no financial margin. The restrictions against gathering as a congregation in one place may demonstrate that personal connections and relationships were either a strength or weakness in your church. By its very nature, a significant crisis breaks down the facade. It exposes who you really are—and you may not like what you see.
 

#2 Crisis is an Accelerator

A crisis tends to serve as a reality amplifier. 
It reveals what reality is—and puts it on steroids. 
 
We all have that one person in our social media feeds that just can’t seem to control their thoughts and negative comments. I’ll call her Karen 🙂 Odds are that Karen has been louder than usual during the COVID-19 crisis! If you struggled with anxiety before COVID-19, it’s likely a larger struggle for you now. If a business owner had difficulties with paying their employees before, that struggle is much greater now. 
 
The same is true in ministry. The trends that were happening pre COVID-19 are still happening, but faster and more apparent than before. A crisis doesn’t create a trend—it accelerates it. COVID-19 didn’t create the momentum or lack of momentum that your ministry was experiencing the last few years. It has spotlighted what was already there. Because crisis is both a revealer and an accelerator, it will reveal and amplify the strengths and weaknesses of your ministry that were already present. 
 
In this context, here are three shifts that are occurring and will continue to happen in the immediate future of ministry. 
 
 
Here are 3 big ministry shift:
 

#1 From Analog to Digital

Undoubtedly, this shift has been forced on you in the last few months. This is one that you cannot fight if you want your ministry to operate in the future. This shift is here to stay. How you deal with this reality will say a lot about where your ministry is headed. 
Are you the newspaper publisher in 1999 who thought that people would come back to reading print publications after the digital fad ran its course? Or are you the newspaper publisher who saw their company as a content provider no matter the medium and invested in the digital realm? Research revealed that before the crisis, the average person viewed your online presence seven times before stepping foot on your campus. What will that statistic be after the crisis? 
 
Digital is much more than uploading a video of your Sunday worship service. It is now the primary means that you have at your disposal to communicate with those who are not yet part of your church. Your resources and staffing should reflect that fact.
 

#2 From Attendance to Engagement

One of the failed strategies of the Church Growth Movement of the late 1980s and early 1990s was the idea that churches should offer a lot of affinity-based programs. Sewing clubs. Fishing clubs. Book clubs. Clubs for people who liked clubs. The more programs, the better! Many ministries still operate out of this playbook. The more things we offer, the better. The more people are busy doing church activities, the better. 
 
The way to measure success in this model is attendance. More people than last year participating? Success! More butts in the seats on Sunday? Success! But as it turns out, busyness wasn’t the best ministry strategy. Participation doesn’t effectively produce disciples. So what does?
 
Engagement. It’s that simple. For the past decade, smart churches have been simplifying their ministry to increase their engagement. They’ve been eliminating excess programming that might confuse or diffuse their mission. They are clear about their discipleship process and are always encouraging people to take a next step. They’ve measure their ministry growth/success with one metric—the number of people who are taking steps to grow. How many worshippers have committed to serving twice a month? I wonder how many members are actively participating in a small group? How many first-time givers have committed?
 
The shift to engagement requires that you define steps for people to take to develop their relationship with Jesus and then track engagement in those steps. Is attendance part of engagement? Sure. Showing up counts. But it only counts if you are showing up for something that matters. Post COVID-19, people will have even less interest or tolerance for programs that don’t matter. People are busy and stressed. The current crisis will accelerate this reality.
 

#3 From Teacher to Equipper

Most churches operate their ministry from the “Come—Sit—Get” model. That is, attend church, sit passively, and get theological information. Learning a Biblical story or some kind of ecclesiastical truth is the goal of most Sunday messages. Many growing churches have been providing more practical applications for the last two decades, and the debate between preaching/teaching for head knowledge versus application is a salient one. The reality of our modern world has, I believe, settled this matter in favor of practical teaching.
 
This is what the last decade of ministry has taught us: People don’t need you or your church for head knowledge. They have Google and YouTube. We no longer live in an illiterate society where the pastor read the Bible and had to tell the people what it said. Modern technology has enabled us to carry a Bible around on our phone! 
 
Here is what people do need now more than ever: wisdom on how to apply the Gospel and Biblical teachings in their lives. People don’t struggle with a lack of information. We struggle with parenting our kids. Struggle with marriage and dating. We struggle with money, with anxiety, and from having more knowledge than we can process! To be frank, we struggle with churches that don’t seem to understand that this is what we struggle with!
 
Churches need to equip people with the resources, tools, and relationships they need to engage in practices that will grow their faith. This is a need that the COVID-19 crisis will amplify. As a result of this crisis, people will have more needs—relational, practical, and spiritual. Your church can help them meet those needs if you can recognize what the needs are and plan an effective response to them. Everyone needs Christian people in their lives to guide them. What better place to find Christian people than the church! 
 
If your ministry is based on the one-way communication of head knowledge, you will struggle to meet people where they are, and you’ll never be able to help them get where they want to be.
 
You may see these shifts already happening in your ministry. You may think that these shifts are not real and won’t happen in your ministry. As in all things, time and our collective experience will tell if these shifts become a reality or are merely passing trends. The church has been around for over 2000 years. It has survived and thrived in many circumstances, and today’s crisis is either a disruptor of the status quo or an opportunity for growth—you decide which it is going to be for your ministry. 
 
Based on our historical record, here are three truths I am certain of:
The mission of the church should never change.
Our ministry strategy should probably change with each new generation.
The way we do church has already been changed forever.
 
If you want a printable version of this article to share with your staff, click here.
 

Bryan Blackford works with ministry leaders to help their ministries grow. He walks with ministries through a planning process and resources ministry leaders, so they are equipped to lead well. Bryan serves as an Executive Director at a large church, so he gets ministry and the everyday struggles of ministry leaders. Check out his resources at blackfordsolutions.org

Looking for a new position? Stop by MinistryJobs.com and have a look at the jobs that are available! Ministry jobs are hard to come by and job hunting is no fun. We help ministry job seekers find their ideal role in their next ministry – for free! More than 6 million search for a job every day. Be found! Looking to list a job or an open position? We help churches and organizations get job openings in front of potential candidates. We have several plans and packages available. Today is the day!

Why the Grass Isn’t Greener at that Other Church

If you haven’t noticed, church staffing has become a competitive market in recent years. So much so that a quick Google search of “Church Staff Search Firms” will provide you with a list of companies whose entire purpose is to help staff local churches, and whom didn’t exist 20 years ago. By the way, some of these search firms are very good at their jobs.

It’s easier than ever for church staff members to change churches…and they are. Unfortunately, staff longevity is becoming a rare thing in churches. I frequently have conversations with churches that are looking to hire a new team member or a team member who is looking to make a move to a new church.

And while moving to a new church may be what God wants you to do, it’s important to remember that the grass isn’t always greener at that new church.

Your Expectations may not be Reasonable

Often times I hear sad stories from church staff members about how the church or their Pastor hasn’t met their expectations. Expectations that go unmet can create all kinds of hurt and disillusionment. However, your expectations may not be reasonable. It’s not your pastor’s job to disciple you, working at a church isn’t always rainbows and unicorns, and I know you got into ministry to be a part of life-change and people meeting Jesus but this is your job, you don’t get to get paid to do a hobby (and you shouldn’t get paid to have coffee with people all day long). So, temper your expectations (by the way, the secret to happiness in life is low expectations).

The Problem isn’t “out there”

Typically, when I hear church staff members talk about leaving their church the conversation focuses on a problem or series of problems at the church they’re currently serving in. The first bit of input I consistently find myself providing is this: “If God has given you the insight through His Spirt to see something in the church you serve at that needs to change, instead of criticizing it why don’t you try and help it be what you see God wants it to be?” Maybe the problem isn’t with the church, maybe the problem is you’re not being solution oriented and you’re focusing on what’s wrong instead of trying to help it get better.

Planting a New Church may not Fix it

When things get tough, many young leaders are opting to leave and plant a new church. And while I’m all for planting new churches to reach new people, too often these new churches are planted for all the wrong reasons by all the wrong people.

Sometimes you have to Create the kind of place you want to be

I firmly believe, that if at all possible (it isn’t always), the best option for you and the best option for your church is for you to stay and figure it out. You will grow through the process and the church will experience the benefit and fruit of you staying and figuring it out. Sometimes it’s worth staying and creating the kind of place you want to be.

Work at a church? Trying to figure out if it’s time for you to leave your church? Check out this post about “Why Church Staff Change Churches.”

Written by Paul Alexander – to find out more about Paul and read more of his writings, check out his blog!

Looking for a new position? Stop by MinistryJobs.com and have a look at the jobs that are available! Ministry jobs are hard to come by and job hunting is no fun. We help ministry job seekers find their ideal role in their next ministry – for free! More than 6 million search for a job every day. Be found! Looking to list a job or an open position? We help churches and organizations get job openings in front of potential candidates. We have several plans and packages available. Today is the day!