Kim Kira and Bobby Scott Discuss Race Relations
What makes this video of high value is that it is between an Asian American and and African American. This gives good insights into the care that we all must take to root out racism […]
Five Reasons Your Organization May Want to Elect the 8-Week Covered Period for Its PPP Loan
The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (the “Flex Act”), which became law on June 5, 2020, replaces the 8-week period (referred to in the law as the “Covered Period”) for spending Paycheck Protection Program loan […]
Registering to Attend our Church Service … Really?
If you ever attended a sporting event or concert, you likely paid for a ticket and in some cases obtained a reserved seat for that ticket. You may have even tried to obtain entrance to […]
Improv Leadership: How to Lead Well in Every Moment
Fletch talks with Stan Endicott, co-founder of Slingshot Group. Stan has developed Improv Leadership. Improv leaders apply five competencies to initiate powerful conversations, create memorable moments, and craft personal coaching strategies that help people grow. […]
Reopening Your Church
Christianity Today’s Church Law & Tax recently launched ReopeningYourChurch. This is free website curating important content from Church Law & Tax and other sister websites, including Preaching Today and Small Groups. The goal: A trusted […]
6 Powerful Currents to Saturate Your City for Christ
Fletch talks with Tim Lucas and Warren Bird on a fascinating story of a New Jersey church that began “on accident” and grew into one of America’s 100 Fastest-Growing Churches, with over 5,000 in weekly […]
Racial Issues & the Church: Is “Blackout Tuesday” the Best Answer?
Four church leaders explore race relations in the church and society. Fletch and Mike Gould will be joined by XPs Nicholas Smith and Tim Samuel. First we listened to Nick and Tim share perspectives from people […]
Re-Opening Checklist for Portable Churches
It’s a confusing time we live in now–especially if you are a leader in the church. Generally, leading is very real work. Specifically, leading during a time of pandemic is simply exhausting. Why? Because in […]
Befriending Your Monsters
Luke Norsworthy started a powerful conversation at this year’s XP-Seminar. Many pastors were deeply moved by Luke’s talk. Join us for more as Fletch and Luke Norsworthy discuss Luke’s latest book, Befriending Your Monsters: Facing […]
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. […]
PPP Loan Good Faith Certification: Now What?
As CapinCrouse previously reported, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has announced that the Small Business Administration (SBA) will perform a “full audit” of the loan applications of all recipients of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans […]
How to Measure Online Attendance?
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated change in churches at arguably the fastest rate in history! Back in 2015, megachurches led the church world in offering online church: 30% of megachurches offered an online campus experience—defined […]
Protocols for Reopening the Church
There are a maze of documents and websites covering when and how to reopen a church for live worship services and events. Tom Krawczyk is a Campus Pastor at Thornapple Valley Church in Michigan. He […]
Cass Commercial Bank: Outstanding Customer Service in the Pandemic
Cass Commercial Bank has shown tremendous help to its clients during the pandemic. The following note demonstrates their concern. It begins with the important question of “how you are doing?” It then acknowledges the workload […]
Leadership Live: Connecting to the Congregation
Leadership Live is a concept that Village Bible Church developed to connect with its congregation. Village Bible is a church of 1,500 people, spread […]
What Church Leaders Must Do, and Not Do, in the Pandemic
One of the CEOs I coach leads an organization with almost five hundred employees. In a video call with him this week, he began by explaining how he spent two days calculating when the organization […]
April 22 Analysis, Don’t Pop The Champagne, yet …
Don’t pop the champagne yet, but … Yesterday on April 22, the rate of growth of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. was its lowest ever at 1.9%. I was hoping in my estimate that this would happen 4 […]
Great Pastoral Communication by Video
Churches should always over-communicate with the congregation. This is especially so during a crisis, such as the pandemic. Here is a superb video from Lighthouse Community Church. It is a message from their elders to the […]
Virtual Instruction–Navigating Online Resources and Child Safety
Greg Love and Kimberlee Norris of MinistrySafe have created a five page document on Virtual Instruction–Navigating Online Resources and Child Safety. This is both an analysis and a collection of best practices. The document is […]
Post-Coronavirus Facility Reopening Checklist
Churches will reopen for public worship but the timing of that remains uncertain. It could be late May or in June. There are many questions about reopening, especially about safety protocols for a facility. We […]
Weathering the Pandemic’s Economic Impact
Fletch and Warren Bird talk about how church looks differently right now for all of us during the coronavirus pandemic. On this podcast, we cover finances, outreach, and other key insights to keep your church […]
COVID-19 and Culture Shock
COVID-19 has brought culture shock and angst to us all. David Fletcher and Mike Gould explain our discomfort at home, in the home-office, shopping and family life. Experience a one-minute street scene of India to […]
Nurturing Your Team Culture in Turbulent Times
Jenni Catron gets to the questions of: “How do I help my team adapt to this new work-from-home normal?” “How do I navigate the challenging financial and staffing decisions I’m facing?” “How do I provide guidance for my […]
The Green Squiggly Line and Your Church: Good and Bad News about Eradicating COVID-19
The good news is very good. By Sunday, April 19, the daily growth rate of COVID-19 in the United States should be at 1%. This is a sharp decrease from the 76% daily growth rate […]
Video Discussion of The “After Party”
Mike Gould and Fletch hosted Chad Cronin, Campus Pastor at 2|42 Community Church. In an informal discussion, Chad shares about how their church is hosting “After Parties” for newcomers. These Zoom rooms are ways for […]
Fletch’s Analysis on Monday, April 6
This crazy chart is hard to read, at first.
The orange bars are the number of COVID-19 cases. They rise from 13,677 on March 19 to an estimated 367,408 for today, April 6. These are the […]
Free Qnnection App: A Conversation Starter
Each question in the free Qnnection app leads to a meaningful conversation. The app is designed to empower and enable the individual to improve conversation, small talk and daily interactions rooted in the rhythm […]
Streaming Sunday Slowed COVID-19
When 60 million Christians began to gave up in-person worship on Streaming Sunday, they helped slow the growth of Covid-19. Although there is tremendous economic loss in the Stay-at-Home orders, this helped reduce the growing […]
Video Calls – They’re Pandemic!
The coronavirus (Covid-19) has many staff working from home, and there are a number of things worth considering as you manage the ‘brand’ of your church in a distributed work environment.
Video Call Solution Standardization
It’s important […]
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) administered through the SBA 7(a) program
Cass Commercial Bank has prepared preliminary information on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) administered through the SBA 7(a) program. Things may change some as the program works itself out on website and lenders. Thanks to […]
Great and Free Resources from Around the Web
There are many free resources on XPastor about Covid-19. There is a wealth of free information on the web. Here is just a smattering of those that we follow. Beware of information overload. There are […]
How to Lead a Staff Remotely
Chemistry Staffing led a recent webinar on the “The Nuts and Bolts of Virtual Leadership.” This conversation with church leaders is about how to make the shift from in-person ministry to leading a remote ministry […]
New Law Requires Employers to Pay Certain Benefits to Employees
Michael E. Batts, CPA, is the managing partner of Batts Morrison Wales & Lee, P.A., Certified Public Accountants. Along with partner Michele Wales, CPA, and CPA Kaylyn Varnum, they unpack a complicated new regulation from the federal government. […]
Covid-19 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 […]
Brotherhood Mutual Coronavirus Update
It is always a good idea to stay in touch with your insurance carrier in a time of crisis. Brotherhood Mutual is a sponsor of XPastor and has provided a free resource guide for the […]
Fletch and CapinCrouse on Covid-19, Free Webinar Recording
David Fletcher joined Rob Faulk and Lindsey Whinnery to talk about Managing the Impact of COVID-19: How Churches Can Respond. Rob and Lindsey are both partners with CapinCrouse, a national full-service CPA and consulting firm devoted […]
Keeping Data Secure for Remote Workers
Where are you working right now? If you are working remotely, it’s likely your employees and coworkers are, too. So how do you secure remote workers and the devices they use to access your resources? Remote […]
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly about Coronavirus for Your Church
The past seven days have been a slow burn of bad news. Just when you think things couldn’t get worse, they do. Then they do again. The Coronavirus has touched all of us in one way, shape, or […]
Connecting with the Congregation During the Corona Virus Pandemic
XPastor uses Hub365 for secure and private communications in its classes. The President of the firm, Philip Paul, has created a PDF that discusses many ways for “Connecting with the congregation during the Corona Virus […]
Coronavirus: Stay Prepared and Stay Informed
As Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreads across the globe, so does the misinformation on the internet. So, who can you trust? It is especially important that church (nonprofit) leaders are using credible information sources, such […]
How to Live Stream and Start Church Online
In light of the Coronavirus pandemic, XPastor is sharing an article that highlights one vendor of online streaming. There are many vendors and ways to accomplish a video worship service. Enjoy this as a way […]
It’s Time to Test Remote Operations–Conduct a Drill
Michael E. Batts, CPA, is the managing partner of Batts Morrison Wales & Lee, P.A., Certified Public Accountants. He gives great insight on what churches should be doing now regarding their financial operations using the Coronavirus […]
I’m Thinking About Giving Up Church for Lent
You heard me right. I’m thinking about giving up church for Lent. Last year I attended a church that placed a high priority on all the disciplines associated with Lent Season, beginning on Ash Wednesday and […]
Covid-19–A Reasonable Response
As of this writing on March 12, 2020, Covid-19, the disease cause by the Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), is on everyone’s mind. Questions abound, stirred up by a 24•7 media cycle that thrives on catastrophes. There is […]
Next: A US Quarantine?
Coronavirus data is readily available in the news. For example, Italy has more than 5,800 cases and 233 were fatal. That’s an increase of 800 cases and 49 deaths over the day before. In response, […]
The Kryptonite of Multisite Momentum: Sustaining A Vision For Rapid Multiplication
Unfortunately, I am old enough to reminisce about the original “Adventures of Superman” created in the 1950s. But proudly, I am young enough to have only viewed them as reruns in the 1960s! It may […]
Five Insider Tips for Pastoral Success in 2020
Fletch and Jonathan Jarboe talk on five keys to make 2020 a great year for your church. In the 40 minute webinar, they will discuss 1) Staffing—how to maximize volunteers in your church, 2) Culture—two […]
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 […]
When Embezzlement is Discovered
The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability has a downloadable PDF detailing what to do when fraud is discovered.1 When a church discovers embezzlement within the ministry, the following issues should be considered with the assistance 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 […]
Red Flags of Embezzlement
This material is from The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. With its mission of Enhancing Trust, ECFA now certifies nearly 2,300 Christ-centered churches and ministries based on its high standards in financial management, governance and […]
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 […]
9 Essentials of Avoiding Fraud
Fraud is just about losing money, right? Fraud does have negative financial implications for churches, but the impact goes far beyond money.
Fraud and misuse of church resources can create sensational news—and not good news. Sadly, […]
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 […]
Utilize the Experience of Your Insurance Agent
Charlie Cutler is the Managing Partner of ChurchWest Insurance Services and works with over 3,000 churches. He offers these thoughts from the perspective of an insurance agent. As ChurchWest says, “A good agent will provide […]
US Screening Trends 2019
Not all background checks are created equal, while Protect My Ministry educates and emphasizes proper ordering, 40% or 4 out of every 10 churches are knowingly ordering a lesser search than they should. This could […]
Background Check Blueprint
When making personnel decisions including hiring, retention, promotion, and reassignment, employers and organizations sometimes want to consider the backgrounds of volunteers and employees. For example, some organizations might try to find out about the person’s criminal […]
An Insurance Company on Child Protection
Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company has a free, 60-page ebook, Child Protection in a Ministry Environment: Guidelines for Ministry Workers. With sample policies and forms, the major areas of the book are:
- Identifying Abuse: Disrupting the […]
An HR Professional’s Perspective on Reference Checks
Tiffany Henning is an expert in human resource issues. Henning earned certifications of Professional Human Resource (PHR) and Chartered Retirement Professional Counselor (CRPC). She created a non-profit human resource network called HR Ministry Solutions to […]
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 […]
From Pastors in Sutherland Springs, Texas
On May 19, 2019, David and Tami Fletcher met for over three hours with Frank Pomeroy, Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Paul Buford, Senior Pastor of River Oaks Church of Sutherland […]
Developing a Church Safety Team
Insurance agents and companies often have a trove of helpful information for churches. The insurance company desires to avert tragedy from your people, prevent incidents at your church and […]
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 […]
A Federal Agent on Safety & Concealed Weapons
Often a Risk Management Team will begin as WheatFields’ did—see The Case of the Church Embezzler.” The church knows something must be done, but does not know the needed scope. Experts help teams learn the […]
Tools for Averting Predators—Preventing and Discovering Fraud
These tools are provided by The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. With its mission of Enhancing Trust, ECFA now certifies nearly 2,300 Christ-centered churches and ministries based on its high standards in financial management, governance […]
Reflections from an Attorney on Sexual Offenders
Eventually most churches encounter a known registered sex offender who is either already in the congregation or desires to attend. Trying to determine whether or how to live with a wolf is dangerous and fraught […]
10 Discoveries: The Latest Research on Church Mergers, Part 2
Fletch talks more with Warren Bird and Jim Tomberlin about the preliminary findings on “Church Mergers” for those who participated in their online survey. Bird and Tomberlin write:
Topics include:
• What motivated your church to get […]
Strategic Designs for Active Shooter Readiness
Use this Report Card to help you evaluate your readiness for an event at your church. Score 0 for not prepared to a 10 for fully prepared.
1. Is there a standardized campus-wide warning system?
In the […]
Email Scams Targeting Churches
There are two email scams occurring with increasing frequency. These scams hurt churches in two ways, by stealing finances and by breaking congregational trust. What are these scams? What can or should you do about […]
An Executive Minister on Church Event Safety
Our youth and children’s ministers recently said, “This is one of the most spiritually transformational events that we do.” We were discussing a camp for elementary age kids where our youth serve as counselors. It […]
Reflections From a Chief of Police
1. Make It Easy for the Cops
Today’s public safety personnel are busy. Given the workload placed on public safety, anything you can do to make their job easier is greatly appreciated.
Collect the 5 W’s and […]
Board Meeting Minutes and the Four Social Styles
I’ve recently had numerous inquiries about board meeting minutes. You can snooze now or later. So I’ve been thinking about the four social styles. Those four styles are analytical, driving, amiable, and expressive. I […]
A Personal Perspective on Worship Songs
I recently visited with a pastor of a large church who articulated his concern for the state of music and worship in the church. He described his view of church music as a “cutting of […]
Important Considerations for Church Benevolence Programs
Many churches have benevolence programs to assist members and others in the community during times of emergency or financial crisis. Situations of need can — and often do — arise unexpectedly. Having a written policy […]
10 Discoveries: The Latest Research on Church Mergers, Part 1
Fletch talks with Warren Bird and Jim Tomberlin about the preliminary findings on “Church Mergers” for those who participated in their online survey. Bird and Tomberlin write:
Have you experienced a church merger first-hand? If your […]
Spiritual Development and Ministry Metrics
Spiritual growth is a process and you can help people on that path. Identify your process and key milestones to measure. Obtain and utilize the right data. Fletch and Mark DeMoss will examine this topic […]
Preventing Sexual Abuse in Your Church
Sex abuse claims remain the top reason churches go to court each year. Fletch interviews Matthew Branaugh, editor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, about this troubling ongoing trend in the church. What policies and protocols does […]
Four Ways to Nurture Your Community to Increase Participation
Every church wants their people to be as involved as possible. No one wants a church of people on the sidelines. So, why isn’t better engagement happening more often?
Watch the Video
David Fletcher and Mike Gould Answer Questions about Church Ministry
Fletch takes questions live from webinar participants about a wide range of church ministry. Mike Gould hosts the time as questions come in about how to run a church, staffing, compensation and more!
Fletch founded […]
Watch Out for Boards Asleep at the Wheel
Golden Opportunities Are Missed When a Board’s Eyes Are Wide Shut
It was a Busby family vacation trip to Texas. The afternoon we drove from Houston to Dallas is still etched in my memory. It was […]
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 […]
Becoming a Healthy Church
What will it take for your church to become a healthier church? Given the realities of your particular ministry setting, how will you begin that process? If you were to start that process today, what […]
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 […]
A New Scorecard: Why Your Church Needs Spiritual Measurements
Four years ago, our staff huddled up in the Senior Pastor’s office to answer one question: What are the marks of a disciple? The person leading the meeting drew a figurine on the board then […]
Five Common Problems in Multisite Churches
When the modern multisite practices were started, I had the happy accident of being around. Working with our team at Leadership Network, we set up a gathering of 100 or so practitioners in Chicago in […]
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 […]
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 […]
Bullying and Harassment
Hey Fletch … An article on XPastor mentions a doctoral dissertation by Dr. Art Hunt, I Never […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
What Does It Mean? “Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven Is at Hand”
Thursday, February 7, 2019
Hey Fletch … Thank you for all you are doing in the will of God. Matthew 4:17 says, “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
How to Review the Elders, Senior Pastors and Staff
Friday, December 21, 2018
Hey Fletch … Our church doesn’t have a clue about how to do reviews. We want to review our Elders, Senior Pastor and staff. Can you help us?
DRF—The place to begin on […]