Big Announcement at Meeting’s End
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Hey Fletch … I met with our volunteer drummer last night. We talked for an hour about life and ministry. At the end of the time, just as we were about ready […]
Managing People
Monday, June 18, 2018
Hey Fletch … As a pastor, managing people drains me. It sucks. It’s a skill that no one wants to do—a real pain. I don’t want to be the bad guy, like […]
Overeducated Beyond My Intelligence
Sunday, June 17, 2018
Overeducated Beyond My Intelligence
Many folks will say, “I’m overeducated beyond my intelligence.” This oft misquoted phrase comes from a 1922 Harvard monograph in education by Dearborn, Lincoln & Shaw. Their exact wording […]
Insurance for Sexual Abuse, Part 2
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Hey Fletch … Our church has $2 million in umbrella insurance. Does that cover sexual abuse as well?
DRF—When I get a question on insurance issues, I always turn to the professionals. Insurance […]
Insurance for Sexual Abuse, Part 1
Friday, June 15, 2018
Hey Fletch … Our church has $2 million in umbrella insurance. Does that cover sexual abuse as well?
DRF—When I get a question on insurance issues, I always turn to the professionals. Insurance […]
Issues with a New Non-Profit
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Hey Fletch … I met you years ago. I continue to read and enjoy the columns and posts at XPastor.org but it’s been a long while since we were in touch.
Recently, […]
XP in Church of 300 Needs Coaching
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Hey Fletch … I see on your site that you provide coaching. I am interested in the process and the price. I am currently in a split role of Children and Executive […]
Two XPs in a Church
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Hey Prof … I’ve been learning that there are a number of different ways churches use their executive pastors, more than I realized! The idea about the two XPs in a church […]
Percentages of Budget by Ministry Area
Monday, June 11, 2018
Hey Doc … You answered my question regarding the average percentage of General Fund that is allocated towards Creative Arts. Are there rough percentages of General Fund expenses for Youth, Children’s Ministry […]
A Clean Desk
Sunday, June 10, 2018
A Clean Desk
W.C. Fields had a great comic sketch from the 1935 film “The Man on the Flying Trapeze.” He had an enormous roll top desk that had hundreds of files messily […]
Do I Need to Register for XPastor Articles?
Saturday, June 9, 2018
Hey Fletch …Good day! There seems to be a technical glitch in signing up to your awesome website. When wanting to register, it keeps bringing up an error, as if you were […]
The Executive Pastor Indicator
Friday, June 8, 2018
Hey Fletch … I filled out the XP indicator. When do I get the results?
DRF—I love eager beavers! You are avid and want to learn about your strengths. You are saying, “I’m […]
Giving Away 50% of Church Income
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Hey Fletch … In all of the church connections you have, do you know of other churches that are attempting to give away large percentages (50%+) of what they receive annually? If you […]
Legal Issues with Songs on a Church Website
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Hey Fletch … We live-stream our worship service and also have some recorded worship songs on our website. Someone asked me if that is legal. Thoughts?
DRF—That is a huge can of worms. […]
Mrs. Gold and the $300,000 Check
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Hey Fletch … On Sunday, Mrs. Gold (that’s really her name) handed me an unmarked envelope with a letter in it. When I got back to my office and opened it, the […]
Posting a Job?
Monday, June 4, 2018
Hey Fletch .. I would like to post a job for a Pastor of Children’s Ministries on XPastor. How do I do that?
DRF—Yes, XPastor has a section to post ministry jobs. To […]
Exit Through the Gift Shop
Sunday, June 3, 2018
Exit Through the Gift Shop
Theme parks and museums have become experts in how people leave a ride or exhibit. The designers know that people will “buy stuff” when they exit through the […]
Was an Elder, now I’m an XP
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Hey Fletch … I have been an elder in our church for many years. Just last month, I became the new executive pastor. What are some of the major things that I […]
Weekly Financial Reporting Spreadsheet
Friday, June 1, 2018
Hey Fletch … Would you mind sharing an example of a Weekly Financial Reporting spreadsheet? I’d love to see it and incorporate it.
DRF— A weekly financial reporting spreadsheet should contain a […]
Urgency Mode in Email
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Hey Fletch … I have a grid of how staff can send me emails to get my attention. I created a four-part numbering system. This lets me immediately know how important their […]
Being Directive with Staff
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Hey Fletch … I am struggling with how directive to be with my staff in terms of “expectations”?
DRF—For me, setting expectations is one of collaboration. I find that when I can have […]
Picture Scaling on Social Media
Monday, May 28, 2018
Hey Fletch … At the risk of coming across as a jerk, although I hope not, I did want to throw a suggestion your way. I’ve noticed your “Hey Fletch” images on […]
Let’s not Confuse Facts with Feelings
Sunday, May 27, 2018
Let’s not Confuse Facts with Feelings
DRF—All of us can make a decision based on feelings. It might be that new car or that new dress. We decide on what ‘feels good’ in […]
Sharing Stories of Ministry
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Hey Fletch … I like your suggestion about getting people’s stories. How do you do that in a church?
DRF—One of the best way to measure the effectiveness of your vision statement is […]
Thursday is Think Time
Friday, May 25, 2018
Hey Fletch … I have all Thursday called #NMT (No Meeting Thursday) and set it aside to do just that. I only do strategic planning. I don’t do any other self work […]
Weekly Report Spreadsheet for Church Income
A weekly financial reporting spreadsheet should contain a church’s actual income and the budget forecast. The following numbers are from WheatFields Good News Church. This is a compiled case study church, as no church wants […]
Church Grew to 2,000 in 5 Years
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Hey Fletch … I attended the XP-Seminar a few years ago and took one of your XPastor Online Courses. I am now on the leadership team of our church. We have grown […]
Pay Staff to not Take Health Insurance
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Hey Fletch … Thanks again for such a great XP-Seminar. It is truly run with excellence and is so helpful to me. Here’s a quick question for you or whoever you […]
3 Kinds of Executive Pastors
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Hey Fletch … I see that there are three types of Executive Pastors. There are those who are the solo XP for a church, an XP of Ministries and an XP of […]
Raised $10 Million for a Building and Now What?
Monday, May 21, 2018
Hey Fletch … I’m an XP and we just raised $10 million for a new building. Now what?
DRF—The simplicity of the question has profound implications. It reminds me of the movie “The […]
My Favorite Rabbi is from Nazareth
Sunday, May 20, 2018
My Favorite Rabbi is from Nazareth
A Rabbi is a Jewish teacher. We often forget that Jesus is called a Rabbi in the Scriptures. We also forget that he was Jewish. His teaching […]
Knowing God’s Call to a Ministry
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Hey Fletch … Question! What do you do, if you know God has called you but not sure what He is calling you to do? Moreover the person in question is careful […]
Measuring the Size of Your Church
Friday, May 18, 2018
Hey Fletch … In the XPastor Compensation Survey, it states it is based on average weekly worship. Do children who go to Sunday school during the worship get factored into the […]
Boss Stole My Idea
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Hey Fletch … my boss stole my idea and said it was his. What gives?
DRF—That’s a hard one to hear. I’m so sorry that you had this experience. Can you go back […]
XPastor Course Syllabus
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Hey Fletch … is there a syllabus available for the XPastor Staffing Course, Operations 101? I took your Generosity Course and enjoyed it!
DRF—I’m so glad that you enjoyed the Generosity Course. Let […]
Knowing the Giving of Congregants
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Hey Fletch … What is your position on the XP knowing the financial giving of a) the entire congregation, b) volunteers and key leaders, c) staff & elders and d) none at […]
Learning About Leading a Church
Monday, May 14, 2018
Hey Fletch … please I want to know more about the school. Thank you.
DRF—I love hearing from folks overseas. We don’t offer a school so much as courses for church leaders. […]
Burn a Bridge When You Leave, Smell the Smoke Forever
Sunday, May 13, 2018
DRF—It is so easy to be upset and say the wrong thing when you leave a church. The problem with ‘burning bridges’ is that people remember what you said. Even more, you […]
Part-Time Pastor Ready to Burn Out
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Hey Fletch … I’m a church planter. We have a part-time pastor on our staff. Her husband makes a good living and we would love to pay her more. However, as a […]
Church Accounting Software
Friday, May 11, 2018
Hey Fletch … Thank you for putting together another successful XP-Seminar. I enjoyed it once again and look forward to it each year! I was wondering if you had any insights […]
Compensation Survey Data
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Hey Fletch … I noticed that some of the data in XPastor’s Compensation Survey seems dated. I’m sure if you made a plea to all the XP viewers they would be […]
Worship Pastor Salaries
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Hey Fletch … Do you have any data on salaries for worship pastors or music directors? I’m interested in both full and part time.
DRF—There are a number of sources for salary data: […]
Bitter in a Christian Sort of Way
Sunday, May 6, 2018
Bitter in a Christian Sort of Way
DRF—Of course, this is an oxymoron. Yet, we see it all the time. A person is bitter and a regular church attender. They can’t let go […]
Key Salaries in a Church
Saturday, May 5
Hey Fletch … Where should I email the compensation survey questionnaire I filled out for you?
DRF—XPastor has a Compensation Guide available for $49. You can get a $15 discount if you submit […]
Paying Teenagers at Church
Friday, May 4
Hey Fletch … Quick question for you. What is the best way to pay teenage minors who do occasional child care work for the church?
DRF—Whether they are occasional or not, you need […]
Unclear Instructions to Administrative Assistant
Thursday, May 3
Hey Fletch … You are certified in the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, so let me ask this. As the Senior Pastor, I have an assistant who is an ISTJ. He often says that […]
Thanks for XPastor
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Hey Fletch … Seriously—this is an invaluable resource. Love that you are doing so much writing. I like the “Hey Fletch” column. Thanks for featuring the 14 years of XP-Seminar in the […]
Can I Use the Online Employee Handbooks?
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Hey Fletch … Is it ok if I use the employee handbooks on XPastor to create my own? I didn’t see anything that states they are copyright protected, but wanted to make […]
Will You Lead a Workshop for Local Pastors?
Monday, April 30, 2018
Hey Fletch … I am new to the role of Executive Pastor and would like to try to pull together a workshop led by you for 10-15 Executive Pastors in our denomination. […]
Torn Between Senior Pastor and Executive Pastor Roles
Friday, April 27, 2018
Hey Fletch … Hi again! Been a couple years. Followed your advice. Finished my MBA. Started and currently running my own business. And this year began taking night courses for a Master […]
‘You Don’t Matter’ said the Senior Pastor
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Hey Fletch … I’m demoralized and ashamed to repeat what my Preaching Pastor said to me. In front of one of my staff, he said, “You don’t matter. People won’t remember you […]
Mentally Unchallenged
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Hey Fletch … I’ve been a pastor for 15 years and I’m mentally dying. I’m at a place of intellectual stagnation. What can I do to get out of my muddle?
DRF—Perhaps the […]
Solutions to Church Conflict
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Hey Fletch … There have been some good developments and resolution on the ‘leading the leadership team’ front. A person from the denominational ‘church health team’ has spoken to our leaders. He […]
The XPastor Site is Different
Monday, April 23, 2018
Hey Fletch … I’ve been in ministry a long time. Your XP-Seminar is unlike anything that I have attended before. I absolutely love it. The XPastor site exudes something different than […]
Set Event Horizon at Six Months, Minimum
Sunday, April 22, 2018
Set Event Horizon at Six Months, Minimum
DRF—Church leaders need to have a grasp of the day-to-day. More vital is that leaders plan and strategize for the future. How will today’s unemployment figures […]
Sample Church Employment Application
Churches have asked for sample Employment Applications. Use this as a basis for your own application form. XPastor supplies this information for education purposes only. Consult an attorney or labor specialist to determine the needs […]
Business Guy Doesn’t Know Church
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Hey Fletch … We hired an XP about a year ago and he is killing us. He is gruff, direct and all business. He doesn’t get what it means to be a […]
Hiring Church Staff
Friday, April 20, 2018
Hey Fletch … Here in Nigeria I have a question. I would like to know if there are templates on church staff recruitment decision making … like a decision grid.
DRF—I’m not sure […]
Is a Donation ‘Thank You’ Too Pushy?
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Hey Fletch … Do you encourage churches to acknowledge first time givers through a thank you letter? I am considering starting this because I see this as a significant opportunity but […]
General Fund Robbed by Disaster Donations
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Hey Fletch … I have been a fan of your work and website for several years. I have a question and would love your insight. As a board member, let me say […]
Worship Pastor for 30+ Years Wants to be an XP
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Hey Fletch … I’ve been on the phone with a friend where my son is on staff. He suggested that I reach out to you. I’ve served 30+ years in Worship Ministry […]
Few Cheerleaders for Ministry
Monday, April 16, 2018
Hey Fletch … Thanks for the encouragement. As you might expect, working with the church does not come with a cheerleading squad. The more we work with churches in the ditch, the […]
Digital Film Is Expensive
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Digital Film Is Expensive
DRF—I learned about photography when film was expensive. I shot with a camera that used 120 film and you only got 12 exposures on a roll. I carefully weighed […]
Is Deficit Budgeting an Act of Faith?
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Hey Fletch … Our church is barely keeping the payroll and bills paid and we enter the budget process in June. Our elders keep casting a vision that requires 10% or more […]
Best Practices for Church Apps
Friday, April 13, 2018
Hey Fletch … There are several good articles on XPastor.org related to website best practices. I am looking for one related to Apps for churches. Apple has changed the rules for Apps […]
Larry Osborne Responds on Multiple Worship Services
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Hey Fletch … In response to the March 8, 2018 “Hey Fletch” column, let me add (and feel free to use my name here): In regard to how often our people come […]
People Attending But Not Buying Into Vision
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Hey Fletch … If I were to put our problem in one line, I would say, “People are not leaving our church but they haven’t bought into our vision.” Could you give […]
Can Our Church Join the ECFA?
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Hey Fletch … I’ve heard about the Evangelical Council of Finance Accountability. Is that something that a church can join and how could I find out if my church qualifies? Would they […]
Key Selection Criteria for Hiring an XP
Monday, April 9, 2018
Hey Fletch … I am just working to word up some Key Selection Criteria and interview questions to present and get signed off so we can move to advertise the XP position. […]
The Check Is in the Mail
Sunday, April 8, 2018
The Check Is in the Mail
DRF—Your church is about to receive a $100 million dollar donation from a prince via email. Your uncle is giving you his Ferrari. Your church wants to […]
Percentage of Overall Budget for Worship
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Hey Fletch … I doubt you remember me but I was part of a group in 2011. I am currently an XP of Operations. I serve under two Co-Lead Pastors…two young guys […]
Hurting Pastor in a Jungle of Chaos
Friday, April 6, 2018
Hey Fletch … You know, there’s a lot of material for counseling marriages. There is little out there that I’m aware of for counseling for pastors who take the shots and still have […]
Board Member Goes AWOL on Church and Family
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Hey Doc … In your experience, what are the best practices for a church board when a fellow board member goes AWOL, wants his wife to leave the home and wants a […]
Post-Ministry Event Evaluation
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Hey Fletch … We are attempting to develop some type of post-ministry evaluation form for the purpose of getting feedback from attendees of selected ministries or outreach events. Do you all have […]
I’m a Paid, Professional Christian
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Hey Fletch … I feel like I’m a paid, professional Christian. I work in a church as a pastor and it is feeling like a job. The joy is begging to fade […]
Public Television Research on Circuit Preaching
Monday, April 2, 2018
Hey Fletch … I am a researcher for a public television station. I wondered if you have ever heard of a trend where a pastor in a small, rural area may minister […]
The Resurrection Changed Everything
Sunday, April 1, 2018
The Resurrection Changed Everything
DRF—I can’t claim ownership of this adage. Somewhere in the depths of church history, someone first said this. For us mortals, death is still the great divide. It is […]
What is the Purpose of the Church?
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Hey Fletch … My question to you is ‘what is the purpose of the church’?
DRF—That’s a pretty broad question and I don’t know what perspective you are coming from. So, let me […]
Coaching for New XPs
Friday, March 30, 2018
Hey Fletch … I’ve heard you might provide coaching for new XPs. If that’s the case, how do you structure the coaching experience and how much does it cost?
DRF—Great to hear from […]
Transition to Ministry after 30 Years in Government Service
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Hey Fletch … Good morning! I am searching for a church that has leadership development as its culture and focus. I just finished a seminary degree in Virginia Beach, VA and am […]
Concealed Guns in California Churches
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Hey Fletch … Is it legal in California to have a concealed gun in a church with permission from the church leaders? Is it different with or without a CCW?
DRF—You are hitting […]
Who Should Communication’s Leader Report To?
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Hey Fletch … We are a church of 1,400. We do not currently have a dedicated communications person. If we explore going to a new hire, who do they typically report to? […]
Two XPs in Our Church
Monday, March 26, 2018
Hey Fletch … I’m trying to research churches that have a double XP organization. We are thinking of an XP of Operations and an XP of Ministries. We currently have a Lead […]
Parenting is Simple—Any Child Can Operate One
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Parenting is Simple—Any Child Can Operate One
DRF—To get a driver’s license, you pass the state test. To get a High School or College degree, you attend four years of classes. However, to […]
Asset Replacement for Major Repairs
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Hey Fletch … Do you know of or have an Asset Replacement Policy that sets aside money for major repairs/replacement of systems like HVAC? I have not been an XP in […]
Speed Racers
Speed Racers are just getting started at 60 mph. Racers are built for speed, topping out at over 200 mpg. While you can go fast, it’s easy to run out of gas—or worse, crash!
At the 2018 […]
Ministry Jobs & ‘Seminary School’
Friday, March 23, 2018
Hey Fletch … Seems it is quite hard to find a job at a church unless you have gone to Seminary school. I live in Austin, Texas. Is there a certain website […]
Online Donations Confusing for a Church School
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Hey Fletch … Our school is owned by our church. They are the umbrella. All online donations are being completed through the church. For example, if I want to donate to our […]
Pastor & Assistant Falsifying Timecards
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Hey Fletch … A pastor here at the church allows his assistant to work overtime and then they don’t put it on the assistant’s timecard. I have warned both of them but […]
Managing Upward to a Board
The monthly board meeting is coming up on Tuesday night. The agenda is packed and you have key items to bring before the board. Your items could take thirty minutes to two hours to discuss! […]
Who Can Use Our Buildings?
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Hey Fletch … We’re re-working our policies that deal with who can use our facility, how often, what to charge, if anything. It’s partially a stewardship issue, but also the common perception […]
Ultimate Tax Avoidance?
Monday, March 19, 2018
Hey Fletch … Someone who is a supposed tax expert emailed me the following letter in response to a question: “If you buy everything you need or want in the name of […]
Humor, Trace
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Humor, Trace
DRF—I’m guilty of having dry humor, sometimes arcane or zany. I can’t tell a canned joke to save my life. Spontaneous humor, puns, play on words, situational comedy … these are […]
One Size Fits All Retirement Plan
Saturday, March 17, 2018
Hey Fletch … My question is regarding retirement and employer contributions. We’ve had a one size fits all approach but now our staff has grown in numbers and levels of responsibility and […]
Stolen W-2s: Follow-up
Friday, March 16, 2018
Hey Fletch … There was a column on January 14, 2018 that all of a church’s W2s vanished. Some insurance policies have coverage for this and the church may have a legal […]
Spiritual Trucks
Trucks are built solid. On a dirt road, you can easily drive from 30 to 60 miles per hour. On a paved road, a truck could top out at 100 mph. Trucks are built to […]