Retirement Plans for Exempt Organizations Get Extension on Time to Complete Written Plans
from the Internal Revenue Service
 The IRS issued a notice this week announcing relief for certain retirement plans that do not have a written plan in place by Jan. 1, 2009. The new guidance is for retirement plans covering employees at public schools, colleges and universities, and other tax exempt organizations. These retirement plans are often referred to as 403(b) plans after the relevant section in the tax code. More
Before Reducing Church Staff
from Paul Clark
In the next weeks or months many churches could be discussing the potential for laying off staff in order to reduce personnel expenses and the budget. That's understandable since personnel budgets typically consume around half of the overall budget in most churches. Before considering downsizing staff, the author hopes you will first do all you can to reduce operating costs and offers several suggestions to consider. More
Churches Welcome Quirky Approaches to Spread Their Message
from The New York Times
This time of year, advertising is filled with religious imagery. But typically, little of it is actually sponsored by religious organizations. That is starting to change as churches seek to take advantage of the seasonal opportunity to communicate with prospective members. More
Adapt to Reach Adults, Speakers Say
from the Baptist Press
Young adults increasingly are making an impact in the world. "But it isn't so much happening in the church," said Jason Hayes, young adult ministry specialist for LifeWay Christian Resources. Hayes was among the speakers at an Adult Ministry Institute attended by ministers and young adult leaders from across the country at the Southern Baptist entity's Nashville, Tenn., headquarters. More
Engaging Youth in Worship- Give Them Ownership
from The Worship Community
I remember very distinctly in High School when my youth director sat across the table from me as we munched on chips and hot sauce. She looked at me and said, “I want you to consider leading the youth worship team.” I am still not sure that she knows to this day how important it made me feel and how much it meant to me to do what she did. I can tell you that it was a turning point in my life and today I am grateful. More
Should Your Church Build During Economic Uncertainty?
from Church Solutions
Should your church build given the economic situation? While a specific church situation may otherwise dictate, the author believes that the general answer is that the church should build, if certain conditions are true. More
Five Steps to a Strategic, Mission- and Vision-minded Budget
from Church Central
A budget guides a church in how it will spend its money, but too often it ignores the ministry’s values and the plan to accomplish its mission and vision. It may be that the church doesn’t even know what its core values are and may not have a biblical mission and a vision. Instead, it allocates funds to keep the doors open, meet salaries, pay the light bill, and so forth. That’s just a budget, nothing more. You don’t want that! So how can you develop a strategic budget? The answer is the following five-step process. More
Congregations Lack Sanctuary from Economic Woes
from the Saint Louis Beacon
In a score of interviews with the Beacon, religious leaders at nine congregations spoke about how world financial troubles are affecting their congregations. They talked about how fears loom about more lay-offs, more foreclosures, and more curtailing of credit. More
Don’t Miss the Opportunity to Reach People
from LifeWay
You may be thinking that now is not the time to think about New Year’s resolutions, however, it is the best time to plan for the opportunity. The question is, “Are you prepared for those who are not yet in your Sunday School?” You may feel that you have plenty of classes, but are the people open to new people attending. If not, you need new units for those making the resolution to come to your church in January. More
 Special Year End Pricing from PowerChurch Software
Church management software featuring Membership, Contributions, Accounting, and Event Scheduling in one complete and easy to use package. Until January 31, 2009 we’re offering PowerChurch Plus for the exceptionally low price of $295. For the Online version we’re waiving the setup fee (a $99 value). More info
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Small Groups Again on Rise
from the Western Recorder
In most churches, an estimated 40 to 60 percent of people attending worship each week also participate in small groups. Small groups offer the opportunity for more accountability and connection among members, creating a better environment for learning and maturity. More
At the Apollo, a Theater Gets Religion
from The New York Times
In a neighborhood with no shortage of places to worship, a new religious service may not draw much attention. But when the program is in one of the best-known venues in Harlem — the Apollo Theater — and focuses on realities like the economy, people take notice. More
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