Building Before and After
A Picture is Worth 1,000 words
These before and after shots tell the story. Churches with adequate facilities become beautiful and functional places for ministry.
Setting Compensation: $2.5 Billion in Free Data
Salaries and benefits comprise 54.5% of church budgets. That makes setting fair salaries one of your highest priorities—and one of the most expensive! Fletch has just released the free 2026 Salary Forecaster with […]
Job Descriptions of Care Pastors
XPastor tries to help churches by providing some of the essentials for running a church—items like job descriptions, employment applications, review forms and policies. Below is the Job Descriptions from Southside Nazarene Church of Chesterfield, […]
Job Descriptions of Business Administrators
The following Business Administrator job descriptions have been collected by XPastor over the years. Learn from these examples and incorporate elements as they fit your church style and polity. All have been used by permission. […]
Job Descriptions of Executive Directors of Ministries
The following Executive Director of Ministries job descriptions have been collected by XPastor over the years. Learn from these examples and incorporate elements as they fit your church style and polity. All have been used […]
Job Descriptions of Elders
The following Elder job descriptions have been collected by XPastor over the years. Learn from these examples and incorporate elements as they fit your church style and polity. All have been used by permission. […]
Job Descriptions of Executive Pastors
The following Executive Pastor job descriptions have been collected by XPastor over the years. Learn from these examples and incorporate elements as they fit your church style and polity. All have been used by permission. […]
Job Descriptions of Communication Directors
The following Communication Director job descriptions have been collected by XPastor over the years. Learn from these examples and incorporate elements as they fit your church style and polity. All have been used by permission. […]
Job Descriptions of Senior Pastors
The following Senior Pastor and Lead Pastor job descriptions have been collected by XPastor over the years. Learn from these examples and incorporate elements as they fit your church style and polity. All have been […]
Artificial Intelligence Brings Legal Liability
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a helpful tool for churches. Many are using AI to ethically research sermon ideas. Others use it to redact a 45 minute message into a 1,000 word article for their […]
Facility Costs in a Church Merger
Hey Fletch … Our church is talking about merging with another church. We would be the lead and adopt their church. We are a setup/teardown church, and they have a paid-off building. I’m working on […]
Not the Fun Guy on Staff
Hey Fletch … I’m not the fun guy on staff. Do you have any ideas or resources for doing some fun or creative or helpful activities together that might help us? I’m thinking eating and […]
Teacher Salaries
Hey Fletch—Why do you utilize teacher compensation data for comparison data? I don’t necessarily believe they are compensated very well on average.
Fletch—Some folks don’t think teachers are paid a fair and living wage. During the […]
Talking to Visitors
Hey Fletch—We have a lot of people who visit our church but they don’t come back. We send out letters and emails to newcomers. Apparently these are not working. Any thoughts?
Fletch—I stumbled on an interesting […]
Be the Unicorn
William Vanderbloemen’s latest book, Be the Unicorn: Data-Driven Habits that Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest, is a goldmine of information. He gets right at what the best leaders do and how they think. […]
Guardrails to Strengthen Pastoral Integrity
My title may seem a little off-putting, perhaps even negative. Why do I need a guardrail? Or better, what is a guardrail for a pastor? This brings another question, If our church incorporated guardrails, what […]
Prepping New Leaders
Hey Fletch … A woman wanted to start an outreach ministry activity. She has good character and a right heart for the target audience. Now she’s drowning under the weight of being at the helm […]
Benevolence Support for a Woman with 4 Children
Hey Fletch … I am an elder in a church plant. Sadly, a couple who joined our church at the beginning is now in divorce proceedings. The wife and four children attend church faithfully. The […]
Taxable Sabbatical Expenses
Hey Fletch … Our elders developed a sabbatical policy that provides our pastors with benefits that includes normal salary and benefits. There is additional pay for activities like meeting with mentors, studying, developing relationships with […]
Forgetting the Sermon by Wednesday
The main segment in most worship services is the sermon. It receives the most time and is pivotal for teaching biblical truth. Yet, almost everyone listening to the sermon forgets it by Wednesday. Church leaders […]
Marijuana, Edibles and CBD Policy
Hey Fletch … Should our church have a policy on the use of cannabidiol or CBD oil? Our Lead Pastor is concerned about this. This stuff is legal in our state. We have a youth […]
Disposing of Church Assets: A computer, a cell phone and a 1932 Rolls Royce
Hey Fletch … We don’t have a policy for selling church property. Some staff have given furniture away, sold equipment, or sold things to family members. Do you have a recommendation on the sale or […]
Why Church Membership?
Hey Fletch … Why should people become members of a church and what are the tangible benefits of doing so? I need to give people a good reason, other than the spiritual ones, to become […]
Wolves Feasting on Lambs
Pastors and church leaders are biblically aware that predators will prey on their church. One of the biblical roles for the pastor is to be a shepherd and guard the lambs. What pastors generally miss […]
Job Descriptions of Finance Directors
Enjoy this sample role description for a Finance Director. Note that it has percentages of time for each area. Always include percentages so that everyone is aware of time expectations. When doing an annual review, […]
Sexual Harassment in the Church
Hey Fletch … I would like to bring our staff through some type of sexual harassment training and share our sexual harassment policy. Are you aware of any videos, articles or resources that you would […]
Ministry vs. Business Resumes
Hey Fletch … I have an excellent black and white style business resume but I’m not getting much response. After looking at the Great Resumes on XPastor, I may know why. Are churches really […]
Code of Conduct
Hey Fletch … We are hiring a part-timer in the tech area. The candidate is a great person, well qualified and a new believer. The issue is that I think he is living with his […]
How to Never Say, “Our Policy Won’t Allow It”
There is a bane in having a good church policy for your facilities. Here is what happens. A church leader plans an event on your church campus and turns in a facility request. The request […]
Setting Vision for Your Church
Vision is more than one short statement. Your church needs that short statement but it also needs much more. The vision statement is the tip of the iceberg. Vision statements set out far-reaching goals and values. […]
Epidemic Care Response Volunteer Procedures
Fellowship Bible Church of Winchester, Virginia has developed a 12-step procedure for Care Response Volunteers. These volunteers delivery grocery and medicine to those who are unable to travel to a grocery store or pharmacy. Special […]
When to Use Outside Experts
Churches used to be able to handle a crisis or major event on their own. The current scenario is complicated by publicity on social media, a tangle of laws and regulations and the prevalence of […]
WheatFields’ Report Card on Risk Management
In Fletch’s book, Predators—The Case of the Church Embezzler, uses a fictional case study of WheatFields Good News Church. Executive Pastor Dan Black created a report card to evaluate how the church is doing in […]
WheatFields’ Report Card on Embezzlement
In Fletch’s book, Predators—The Case of the Church Embezzler, he uses a fictional case study of WheatFields Good News Church. Executive Pastor Dan Black created a report card to evaluate how the church is doing […]
Areas of Risk Management
We have brought together material from Mike Batts and from Brother Mutual to see the scope of risk management. Mike Batts is the managing partner of Batts Morrison Wales & Lee. He has more than […]
WheatFields’ Report Card on Volunteer Screening
In Fletch’s book, Predators—The Case of the Church Embezzler, uses a fictional case study of WheatFields Good News Church. Executive Pastor Dan Black created a report card to evaluate how the church is doing in […]
WheatFields’ Report Card on Church Safety
In Fletch’s book, Predators—The Case of the Church Embezzler, uses a fictional case study of WheatFields Good News Church. Executive Pastor Dan Black created a report card to evaluate […]
Communicating a Crisis
Depending on the nature of the crisis, there are various levels of communication necessary.
- Determine the facts of the precipitating event. Be accurate and report just the facts. Note if someone has been arrested but […]
The Complexity of Today’s Church—New Risks We Face
Learn from a Compiled Case Study
Dan Black, Executive Pastor of WheatFields Good News Church, thought on what had been said at the Risk Management Team meeting. “Maybe I need a better handle on what risk […]
Questions for Reference Checks
Hey Fletch … Are there any limits to the questions we can ask in a reference call? I ask because I used to work for […]
Borrowing Designated (Restricted) Gift Balances
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Hey Fletch … Our finances have trended downward and we borrowed $20,000 from the unused balances of restricted funds. This caused some controversy on the church board. What is your counsel?
DRF—I have […]
Hiring Questions
Hey Fletch … I have a question about hiring a new staff member. I am the lead pastor at my church and have never been […]
Numbers Based on Operating Budget or Total Revenue
Hey Fletch … Do you have benchmark data that documents total compensation as a percent of total revenue (restricted and unrestricted), not just of the […]
How Can We Do a ‘Love Offering’
Hey Fletch … We occasionally receive love offerings for our senior pastor and other staff members. How should we handle these gifts?
DRF—There are so many […]
Registered Agents with Our State
Hey Fletch … I would like to say that the XPastor website is awesome! My church has changed the treasurer for the church. Is it […]
Church Problems and a Senior Pastor Candidate
Hey Fletch … We have some serious problems at the church and are also […]
Building Campaign that Falls Short
Hey Fletch … Two years ago we launched a building campaign for our church, but we fell short of our goals. Now the board has […]
Sabbaticals
Hey Fletch … After 60 years of our church’s history, 28 years on the pastoral staff, our leadership has granted a 12-week sabbatical for our […]
Millennials and Discipleship
Hey Fletch … I’m a millennial and thinking about the call to prioritize and pursue discipleship in my own life, both upwards and downwards. Do […]
Supporting Missions Work
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Hey Fletch … Our church provides direct support to several international missionaries. What are the issues we should look at to provide this support with the utmost integrity?
DRF—There are so many questions […]
Questions for a Senior Pastor Candidate
Hey Fletch … We have a senior pastor candidate who will be visiting our church this weekend, Thursday-Monday. I am attaching a list of questions […]
Retaining Video from Church Cameras
Monday, April 1, 2019
Hey Fletch … How long do you suggest keeping video footage from church cameras?
DRF—As you are in the process of getting bids on surveillance cameras (CCTV), you are asking a million dollar […]
Help for Ministry Strategy
Friday, March 29, 2019
Hey Fletch … I found your site on a Google search and was impressed with all of the resources and tools to help pastors. You’re awesome! I have a question you may […]
Questions for an XP Interview
Hey Fletch … I am interviewing for an XP role in a church in another city in Europe. I am part of the shortlist of […]
Mileage Reimbursements
Hey Fletch … Some of my fellow XPs have a variety of polices regarding mileage reimbursement for staff. I am wondering about best practices regarding this issue. Any help?
DRF—Check the current IRS mileage reimbursement rate for business […]
Bullying and Harassment
Hey Fletch … An article on XPastor mentions a doctoral dissertation by Dr. Art Hunt, I Never […]
Giving to a Short-Term Missions Team
Monday, March 25, 2019
Fletch is back from his research break, writing Predators in the Church
Hey Fletch … I’ve been tracking with Dan Busby’s comments in the Hey Fletch column. I know gifts to the church […]
Security Cameras in Children’s Classrooms
Friday, March 1, 2019
Hey Fletch … Do you have any thoughts on putting security cameras in children’s ministry classrooms? If this is something you recommend, do you have any recommendations as to companies to get […]
Church Wants Privacy Apps on Personal Devices
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Hey Fletch … I am trying to find information about the legalities of requiring our church staff to install software on cell phones and laptops such as Covenant Eyes. We reimburse $100/month […]
45 Minute Meetings. Really???
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Hey Fletch … I read the Hey Fletch column on February 12 about the 45 minute meetings. This just won’t work. How am I supposed to do an annual review in that […]
Gifts for a Needy Person
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Hey Fletch… We have a widow in our church that is going through serious medical challenges. She has exhausted her financial resources. Several wealthy members of the congregation want to financially support […]
Value of Courses
Monday, February 25, 2019
Hey Fletch … I am super excited to take your courses on XPastor! I am a worship pastor of 30 years who is looking to make a change in leadership. Is […]
New XP and Coaching
Friday, February 22, 2019
Hey Fletch … I am a new executive pastor at our church and recently took over this position. I have been a youth and family pastor for many years. I would like […]
Church Metrics
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Hey Fletch … I am wondering if you have any suggestions on books that show the importance of “Knowing Your Numbers.” I have found that keeping my finger on the pulse of […]
45 Minute Meetings
Hey Fletch … I heard you say once that you often limit meetings with staff to 45 minutes. Can you explain that to me?
DRF—Your memory […]
Can a Church Pay FICA for a Pastor?
Hey Fletch … It’s been one month after I got your answer to my question. I still don’t have my head wrapped around this issue […]
Staff Budgets Are Cut
Hey Fletch … I’m been on staff at our megachurch for many years. Every year, I have to worry about the budget for my area […]
Residency Program for XPs?
Friday, February 15, 2019
Hey Fletch … I read the Hey Fletch column of January 28 and was intrigued about the potential of a residency program. I’d love to be in one to learn how to […]
Is Pastoral Compensation over $500,000 Excessive?
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Hey Fletch … no names or cities on this one … Few in our church know this and it might be disturbing to many if it leaked out. I just learned that […]
Mileage Reimbursement for Missionaries
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Hey Fletch! First off, thank you so much for bringing such an informative and fun workshop to Hawaii. It was such a pleasure to see you and we look forward to next […]
Giving Envelopes and Designated Giving
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Hey Fletch…our church envelopes and website allow donors to make designations. There are words that say, “The board has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated funds.” Can our […]
Bonuses for Staff
Monday, February 11, 2019
Hey Fletch … Can you give some thoughts about bonuses for staff? We are toying with the idea and don’t know what to make of it.
DRF—There isn’t must hard research data on […]
Staff Not Responding to Email
Hey Fletch … I send out emails to our staff and don’t get a response. What should I do?
DRF—First, make sure that your emails ask […]
Campus Expansion
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Hey Fletch … I have admired you from afar and the work you do! We are a multisite church with over 3,000 people. We need some creative strategies for future campus expansion. […]
New Web Name for Our Church
Monday, February 4, 2019
Hey Fletch … We are wanting to come up with a new url for our church. What are your thoughts on what would be effective?
DRF—Many churches go with the name of their […]
Van Drivers
Friday, February 1, 2019
Hey Fletch … What kind of policy do we need for people that drive our church vans?
DRF—It’s a good idea to have a transportation policy that covers expectations when it comes to […]
Want To Become an XP
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Hey Fletch … I am looking to make a career change and looking for Executive Pastor positions. I was referred to you and thought I’d reach out to see if we could […]
Obligations with Donor Designations?
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Hey Fletch … What are our obligations in handling donor designations? These come either verbally during a church service, on our website, or by text. They can also be formally given in […]
XP Residency Program
Monday, January 28, 2019
Hey Fletch … I’m looking for a church that could train me as an XP. I’d like to get hands on training about how to be an XP. While I have a […]
Starbucks Is Cheaper than Shoes
Sunday, January 27, 2019
Starbucks Is Cheaper than Shoes
A problem in many marriages is that men don’t give their wives what they want. My wife thoroughly enjoys a Trenta Black Iced Tea from Starbucks. If possible, […]
Is There Still Room for Me at the XP-Seminar?
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Hey Fletch … I have done an excellent job of procrastinating and haven’t enrolled in the XP-Seminar. Do you have room for one more?
DRF—You are cutting it close, so very close. […]
Issues with Assistant for a Blind Pastor
Hey Fletch … Our church is processing what I learned at the workshop on Smart Money […]
Church and School Issues
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Hey Fletch … We are seeking some consulting regarding our church and a school we have. We are trying to make strategic decisions regarding the school and looking for a consultant with […]
Oops, Needed a Bonfire Permit
Friday, January 18, 2019
Hey Fletch … One of our youth pastors asked his campus pastor if he could have a bonfire at an event on their campus. The campus pastor granted permission. Neither of them […]
Networking with other XPs
Thursday, January 17, 2019
Hey Fletch … I’m feeling a little dry and out of contact with other XPs. What can you suggest to help me get connected with people leading churches of a similar size […]
Should Our Church Pay for Passports?
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Hey Fletch … I’m wondering if you have any guidance around paying for employee’s passport? It’s not expressly written that employees have to go on mission trips through the church but it […]
Donor Designated Gifts
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Hey Fletch … I heard that if a donor designates a gift made to our church, we cannot provide the donor with a receipt under the theory that designated gifts are not […]
YP—Your Problem
Sunday, January 13, 2019
YP—Your Problem
Sometimes we take someone else’s problem and make it our own. In doing that, we don’t allow them the pleasure and pain of solving a problem by themselves. It can make […]
Pay for a Wedding
Friday, January 11, 2019
Hey Fletch … If a pastor performs a funeral or wedding and is paid directly, the pastor gives the check to our church finance office. I then add it to their salary […]
Which of the 30 Workshops Is Best for Me?
Thursday, January 10, 2019
Hey Fletch … I see that you are having over 30 workshops at the XP-Seminar. I’m already enrolled and am excited to be back. Give me some insight on which ones […]
DOT Number for a Church Bus?
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Hey Fletch … We have been getting a lot of conflicting opinions about whether churches need to apply for a DOT number for the operation of church buses that require CDL drivers. […]
New Year Help on Taxes
Monday, January 7, 2019
Hey Fletch … I heard you say at the Smart Money workshop, “If a pastor has low housing costs, it can actually hurt them financially.” My question is how? Isn’t it beneficial […]
Talk to Your Spouse/Talk to Yourself
Sunday, January 6, 2019
Talk to Your Spouse/Talk to Yourself
How you talk to your spouse says volumes about how you view yourself. Talk to him badly, then you will talk to yourself badly. Talk to her […]
Tax on a Church Parking Lot?
Saturday, January 5, 2019
Hey Fletch … Do I need to pay unrelated business income tax on my parking lot? I heard a lot of noise about this last fall but what was the final ruling?
DRF—The […]
Policies on Appropriate Spending
Friday, January 4, 2019
Hey Fletch … Do you have any policies or procedures which outline appropriate spending? Our SP has a credit card but we haven’t ever put limits on spending. We are currently running […]
Business vs Spiritual Side of Church Leadership
Thursday, January 3, 2019
Hey Fletch … I’m a new XP and struggling with this dichotomy of business and spiritual aspects of what I do. The rest of the pastors get to focus on ministry all […]
Spouse Travel and Expenses
Friday, December 28, 2018
Hey Fletch … Our senior pastor is going to a conference and purchased a ticket for his wife as well. I don’t have any policies regarding spouse expenses. Suggestions?
DRF—The bottom line is […]
Benevolence Gifts for Staff Pastor
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Hey Fletch … How do churches handle Benevolence Fund needs when a staff member is the candidate? The Board is trying to find out how other churches handle benevolence for a staff […]
PEO to handle Church HR
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Hey Fletch … I recently hired a PEO to handle most of our HR services. On the first two payrolls they issued, they collected federal and state unemployment tax. Historically, we had […]