The Next Step in Churches
Featuring Mel McGowan
From the Magic Kingdom: Lessons Learned from Disney
A former Disney Imagineer brings vital insight to church design
Mel McGowan is the President and Founder of Visioneering Studios. This firm is a national “Envision.Design.Build. firm” with offices around the country. Mel had a decade-long tenure with the Walt Disney Company, helping to design the renovation and expansion of California Adventure at the California Disney Resort. He also has a background in film and urban design—and continues to work on many civic designs around the country. He brings a rich perspective on “sustainable Christ-centered community” and has written Design Intervention: Revolutionizing Sacred Space.
In Exodus, God gave His people complete instructions for designing and building a tabernacle. From specifying the colors of linen to the dimensions of each alter, God cared about the details of that environment and His connection to the people inside. God still seeks relationship with His creation, and our gathering places can still reflect it—if we’ll consider a Design Intervention. From the Old Testament temple to today’s most innovative building, churches create effective environments by using their unique story to share The Story. Design Intervention is a global journey through this revolution in sacred space.
Also check out Mel’s video interview with Christianity Today.
Highlights
Survival Skills for Managing Moral Failures Among Your Leaders
Paul has been an XP and SP, serving in ministry for decades. He has served with some of the most noted pastors in the nation. Paul has been a noted contributor to the XPastor world, giving mentoring to many upcoming XPs. Currently he is the XP of Springhill Presbyterian Church in Bozeman, Montana and earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Dallas Seminary.
There are two types of skills that help manage moral failures on your team: tangible and intangible. Tangible skills are the organizational decisions and processes that must be followed to have success. But there are intangible skills that many people ignore, to their later dismay.
Golden Buildings and the Architect-Client Process
Bruce Woody
Bruce Woody will share some of their “golden projects.” These are the church buildings that have special merit—things that architects really hit a home run for and with the client. Look for lots of concrete illustrations of the client-architecture process and its results.
This is a “tour de force” of great architecture. Bruce is the President and CEO of HH Architects.
SCOTUS on Marriage—Legal Considerations For Your Church
The majority opinion of the Supreme Court of the United Stated held that “The Fourteenth Amendment requires a State to license a marriage between two people of the same sex and to recognize a marriage between two people of the same sex when their marriage was lawfully licensed and performed out-of-State.” This was the Oberfefell v. Hodges case, argued on April 28 and decided on June 26, 2015.
In response, one Senior Pastor said, “Our church will never do any kind of marriage again—go to the Justice of the Peace.” An Executive Pastor said, “We won’t rent out our facility to any outside group.” Some changed the constitutions of their church to address the issue and others have done nothing. This imperative presentation contains material that you must consider as you audit your church policies and practices.
Every year, David Middlebrook and Matt Anthony from The Church Law Group bring the XP-Seminar imperative topics from the field of law, HR, safety, fiduciary responsibility and much more. This will be a growing time and invariably you will take away homework and a full to-do list.
The Constant of Change and a Track for Lead Pastors
You asked for Mike to return again! We heard from him, Mr. “Lightning in a Bottle,” at the 2014 XP-Seminar about his transition to EvFree Fullerton and the resulting phenomenal growth. But you wanted more of Mike. In 2015, he spoke on being a catalyst and directional leadership. This year he will address The Constant of Change–giving us a continued insight into a dynamic leader.
On Thursday afternoon, Mike will lead a workshop only for Senior Pastors/Lead Pastors. Before becoming the Lead Pastor of EvFree Fullerton, he served as the teaching pastor at Rock Harbor Church and Mariners Church. XPs, this is a prime opportunity to bring your SP!
The New SP and XP Team
Two years ago, Jon became the new SP of Maple Grove Church. He soon added XP Jim Hobbs to the team. Let’s learn the “start-up lessons” from Jon about his experience. You never know when you will get a new SP or join a new team. His observations and perspective will give insights to new and experienced XPs and SPs. Read Jon’s story of when he was a Campus Pastor to gain some perspective on his prior ministry.
Emcee
Eddie Park
Our emcee this year will be Eddie Park. On a 4-year learning gig at EvFree Fullerton with David Fletcher, he is an Assistant Executive Pastor overseeing church business and operations. Eddie provides church-wide strategic leadership and oversees EvFree’s internship program, along with developing skills in teaching and communication.
Eddie is an information addict, avid life-hacker, and leadership junkie. His passion is to change lives and organizations with the highest level of Christian leadership.
At the 2015 seminar, I was exposed to some of the most experienced church leaders from all over the nation. I never thought I would ever be prepared for senior leadership until I came to the seminar and received the invaluable wisdom and resources provided by David Fletcher, the speakers, and participants. ~Eddie Park
More About the Seminar
The Annual Event
XPastor’s unique format combines nationally-known authors, the most current thinking in church leadership and pastors from cutting-edge churches. No one has the mix of thought and practice that XPastor offers. Now in its 12th year, the XP-Seminar brings together Executive Pastors, Senior Pastors and other church leaders from around North America. We have pertinent and penetrating sessions together.
Why XPastor?
- XPastor is the market leader with proven capacity in reaching church leaders. XPastor brings together influential decision-makers from churches both coast-to-coast and from around the world.
- XPastor has hundreds of free, insightful online articles and receives 500,000 visits annually.
- XPastor’s online courses provide training to grow as a church leader. Learn from peers who are in cutting-edge churches around the globe.
Why Come to the Seminar?
Learn and grow with your peers. Meet leaders from similarly-sized churches as yours. You are a key decision maker in your church, so grow with others like you.
Get cognitive input in the large group presentations and your questions answered in the small group discussions. We always bring in outstanding national leaders. In prior years, we heard from Sam Chand, Gene Getz, Will Mancini, Reggie McNeal, Larry Osborne, Ken Sande, Jim Tomberlin and Dr. John Townsend.
We have a wide assortment of denominations and church polity. There are concentrations of attendees from California, Washington and Texas—the rest are from around the U.S. Read their stunning online comments but know that we cap our event at 200 people!
Short Rides
We will feature a short ride with a case study on church leadership issues. To the point. Clear. Impactful. Horse not provided.
Afternoon Workshops
On each afternoon, we have three sets of workshops led by some of the best church leaders from North America—people who are coming up with innovative solutions to practical ministry. Hear from your peers! The workshop leaders are church leaders who speak from their amazing areas of expertise. They talk to you as “one skilled leader to another.”
“Thank you so much for the obvious work that was put into the conference. It was my first time attending and it was very beneficial.”
“On our flight home, my XP said to me, ‘So was the conference worth it for you?’ I answered, ‘Yes it was.’ He agreed as well.”
“The most important part to me is the ability to ‘network.’ I loved being able to ask questions, probe and encourage the other folks I spent time with outside of the scheduled events.”
“Thank you for continuing to offer this most wonderful vehicle for growing, learning and stretching in service to Him!”
“A few of the beneficial things for me: The structure of the conference. The speakers are accessible. The large room is comfortable. The free material is amazing. Chatting between speakers.”
“I love that the conference is small.”
—attendance limited to 200 people—
Sponsors
We want to thank Generis for their twelfth year as a sponsor. Generis has worked with more than 2,000 churches over the past 25 years, during which they have helped raise over $5 billion. They are experts when it comes to capital campaigns, fund-raising, and creating a generous culture within your congregation. Generis’ team of highly experienced consultants meets churches where they are and partners with them to create a strategy unique to their culture in order to fund their God-sized visions. Brad Leeper has served in church leadership roles and has real-life experience to offer far beyond that of most industry consultants. We welcome Generis’ Principal and President, Brad Leeper.
We are very pleased that MinisterSearch is joining us for the twelfth year. Many of you have met David Lyons, their founder and president, at previous XPastor Seminars and events. MinisterSearch is the most experienced and successful pastoral search firm in the country. During their 15 years leading hundreds of pastoral searches, MinisterSearch has developed an unparalleled process that helps churches to identify their specific needs, to find candidates that they otherwise could not find, and to clearly discern who the right candidate is. David Lyons says, “We have spent years developing a very in-depth process that helps churches find the right candidates–who stick. We identify more than 100 different points about the church and candidate that need to align. If they don’t, we continue searching.”
For the tenth year, we welcome ACTIVENetwork’s Fellowship One, which partners with more than 4,000 ministries and 83 of Outreach Magazine’s Top 100 Largest and Fastest Growing Churches. The industry’s premier church management software, Fellowship One enables ministry leaders to offer exceptional member care and engage their communities. New this year, the exclusive patent pending technology used by Fellowship One Giving is transforming donation management. Join their free webinar to learn more at www.fellowshipone.com/giving.
We welcome GuideStone as a sponsor for the tenth year. GuideStone Financial Resources is one of the leading providers of retirement, medical, life and disability coverage, investment management and executive planning services to the evangelical Christian community. Since 1918, the organization has enhanced the financial security of more than 219,000 individuals and reported $10.1 billion in assets as of December 31, 2015. GuideStone offers its clients access to Christian-based, socially screened investment funds for retirement, endowment and operational assets.
For the tenth year as a sponsor, we welcome the Evangelical Christian Credit Union. ECCU is an alliance of Christian people and organizations committed to fueling Christ-centered ministry worldwide. While our mission extends far beyond banking, we have been providing ministry-centric financial services and resources for nearly five decades to churches and their members, missionaries, and many others.
For the seventh year, we welcome The Church Law Group. The Church Law Group focuses on the specific legal needs of nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, including numerous churches, ministries, faith-based organizations, and clergy throughout the United States. The Church Law Group is comprised of a talented and diverse group of acclaimed professionals sharing a singular calling and dedication to work with and further the successes of their clients.
For the sixth year as a sponsor, we welcome HH Architects. For nearly 40 years, HH Architects has had the privilege of working with and planning campuses for many of the fastest-growing and top-attended churches and private Christian schools across America. HH Architects has worked with a broad range of churches on a wide variety of facilities, from first-unit buildings to 7,000+ seat Worship Centers, providing Strategic Positioning, Master Planning, Architectural, and Interior Design services for nearly all aspects of religious facility projects.
For the fifth year, we welcome Clark. Sixteen years ago, Clark (formerly Clark ProMedia) began focusing on Audio, Video and Lighting systems for churches. Today, its offerings go beyond Technology and include Strategic Facilities Planning and Project Management. More than 20% of Outreach Magazine’s top 50 churches have relied on Clark to turn their visions into realities. We welcome co-founder Houston Clark.
For the fifth year, we welcome CapinCrouse. As a national full-service CPA and consulting firm devoted to serving not-for-profit organizations, CapinCrouse provides professional solutions to organizations whose outcomes are measured in lives changed. Since 1972, the firm has served mission-focused not-for-profit organizations, churches, and higher education institutions by providing support in the key areas of financial integrity and security. With a network of offices across the nation, CapinCrouse has the resources of a large firm and the personal touch of a local firm. We welcome Nathan Salsbery, Partner with CapinCrouse.
For the third year, we welcome Slingshot. Slingshot Group partners with the local church and ministry minded non-profits to find and develop next level people through relational search and coaching services. Founded in 2007 by Stan Endicott and Monty Kelso, Slingshot Group has 40 associates nationwide that serve in the following divisions: Senior Leadership, Students, Childrens, Worship Arts, and Communications. What sets Slingshot Group apart is their winsome and relational team who provide innovative solutions that facilitate the work of God on the journey of finding and developing the people you need.
For the second year, we welcome the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. ECFA enhances trust in Christ-centered churches and ministries by establishing and applying Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship™ with its members. Founded in 1979, ECFA’s membership includes 30 of the 100 largest churches in the U.S. plus many other leading churches that faithfully demonstrate compliance with established standards for financial accountability, transparency, stewardship, and governance.
For the second year, we welcome Church Community Builder. Church Community Builder is a technology and services company focused on equipping church leaders for better ministry. The Church is called to equip God’s people to do His work, and Church Community Builder exists to support you with a better how—through practical coaching, software, and ‘tribe’-based learning. We focus on the tools and processes so that you can focus on empowering people. Our inspiration is “the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:11b-12).
We welcome for the first year Frontiers. There are 1,108 Muslim people groups who don’t know Jesus Christ. By partnering with churches and passionate people, our hope is that by 2025 that number will have fallen to zero. It’s audacious, but it’s attainable with your help.
We welcome for the first year, Ziegler. Since their first financing in 1913, Ziegler has become a recognized leader in providing creative, tailored solutions to religious institutions. Ziegler offers fixed-rate financing for multidenominational churches, religious schools, colleges and universities, and other organizations in the healthcare and senior living sectors. Ziegler is headquartered in Chicago with regional and branch offices throughout the U.S.
We welcome for the first year, Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, one of the nation’s leading insurers of churches, Christian schools, and related ministries. Its comprehensive property and liability coverage for ministries fills gaps left by standard insurance policies. Its travel service, Faith Ventures®, helps missionaries reach the world without fear of being sidelined by illness, injuries, or lawsuits. And its payroll service, MinistryWorks®, takes the pain out of payroll administration. More than 50,000 ministries across America trust Brotherhood Mutual, so they can focus on ministry.
Promotional Sponsors
We welcome Leadership Network for the eleventh year, www.leadnet.org. Leadership Network is a Dallas-based nonprofit that seeks to help leaders move from ideas, to implementation, to impact. Leadership Network brings together innovative church leaders, creating an environment for collaborative discovery, dialogue and sharing. Leadership Network further enhances this process through the development and distribution of highly targeted ministry tools and resources—including video, podcasts, concept papers, special research reports, and e-publications. To stay updated with the latest articles, resources and opportunities for innovative churches, sign up for the free, weekly newsletter at www.leadnet.org. Leadership Network is here to help leaders move from ideas to implementation to impact. Want to become involved?
For the twelfth year as a sponsor, thanks to our friends at ChurchExecutive magazine. ChurchExecutive is a monthly how-to business information resource for 20,000 readers, reaching pastors, executive pastors and business administrators of larger and megachurches—throughout the United States.
We welcome Christianity Today for the third year. Christianity Today’s Church Law & Tax Team publishes the award-winning Church Law & Tax Report and Church Finance Today newsletters, the award-winning ChurchLawAndTax.com and ManagingYourChurch.com websites, and numerous print and digital resources that help church leaders keep their congregations safe, legal, and financially sound. The Church Law & Tax Team is led by senior editor Richard R. Hammar, a Harvard Law School graduate, CPA, and author of more than 100 books (including the annual Church & Clergy Tax Guide, Pastor, Church & Law, the biannual Compensation Handbook for Church Staff, and Church Finance, a new book co-authored with Michael Batts. The Church Law & Tax Team is led by an esteemed group of Editorial Advisors that include attorneys Chip Grange, David Middlebrook, and Frank Sommerville, and CPAs Michael Batts, Dan Busby, and Elaine Sommerville. We welcome Sam Ogles, Assistant Editor.
For the first year, we welcome the Historic Agency as a sponsor. Like any great novel or timeless work of art, well-built brands endure year after year. We want the same for you and your story. Whether print, digital, physical environments, or video, Historic can help craft and communicate your message in compelling ways that stand the test of time and reach a larger audience. Our people, strategy, and process set Historic apart. We are intentional. We begin with culture. We craft to endure.
Schedule
Tuesday—February 16, 2016
| 7:30-8:30 | Registration and Dessert. Evening welcome and social in the Beverly Ballroom. Join us for this informal time to pick up your materials, talk to old friends and meet some new ones. Coffee and a cookie dessert is open to all (and spouses are welcome to join you for this dessert time!) |
Wednesday—February 17, 2016
| 7:45 |  Full Breakfast sponsored by Clark. This is a fantastic time to start the Seminar and learn the latest. The folks at Clark always bring the best and the latest in the world of innovative audio, video and lighting solutions. Their mission is to help you communicate your story in a way that personally connects with your audience. This breakfast will talk about how to share your story using existing and upcoming tools, trends and styles! |
| 8:45 | Welcome by our Emcee, Eddie Park. On a 4-year learning gig at EvFree Fullerton with David Fletcher, he is an Assistant Executive Pastor overseeing church business and operations. Eddie provides church-wide strategic leadership and oversees EvFree’s internship program along with developing skills in teaching and communication. |
| 9:00 |   SCOTUS on Marriage—Legal Considerations For Your Church with David Middlebrook & Matt Anthony from The Church Law Group. Every year they bring imperative topics from the field of law, HR, safety, fiduciary responsibility and much more. This will be a growing time and invariably you will take away homework and a full to-do list. |
| 10:00 |  From the Magic Kingdom: Lessons Learned from Disney by Mel McGowan. A former Disney Imagineer brings vital insight to church design. Mel McGowan is the President and Founder of Visioneering Studios. This firm is a national “Envision-Design-Build firm” with offices around the country. Mel had a decade long tenure with the Walt Disney Company, helping to design the renovation and expansion of California Adventure at the California Disney Resort. He also has a background in film and urban design—and continues to work on many civic designs around the country. He brings a rich perspective on “sustainable Christ-centered community” and has written Design Intervention: Revolutionizing Sacred Space. |
| 11:00 | The New SP & XP Team by Jon Platek. Two years ago, Jon became the new SP of Maple Grove Church. He soon added XP Jim Hobbs to the team. Let’s learn the “start-up lessons” from Jon about his experience. You never know when you will get a new SP or join a new team. His observations and perspective will give insights to new and experienced XPs and SPs. Read Jon’s story of when he was a Campus Pastor to gain some perspective on his prior ministry. |
| 11:30 | Break |
| 11:45 |  Lunch sponsored by GuideStone with A Short Ride on a Hot Topic: Survival Skills for Managing Moral Failures Among Your Leaders by Paul Utnage. GuideStone is one of the leading providers of retirement, medical, life and disability coverage. Paul Utnage has been an XP and SP, a noted contributor to the XPastor world and mentor to many upcoming XPs. Currently he is the XP of Springhill Presbyterian Church in Bozeman, Montana and earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Dallas Seminary. There are two types of skills that help manage moral failures on your team: tangible and intangible. Tangible skills are the organizational decisions and processes that must be followed to have success. But there are intangible skills that many people ignore, to their later dismay. |
| 1:30-2:30 | Workshops: Session #1 |
| 2:30 | Afternoon snack on first floor |
| 2:45-3:45 | Workshops: Session #2 |
| 4:00-5:00 | Workshops: Session #3 |
| 5:15 | Take an XP/SP friend to dinner! |
| 7:00 | Optional evening at LIDE–Life In Deep Ellum hosted by Visioneering, Slingshot, and Clark. Coffee, dessert, entertainment in a fantastic church gallery setting. LIDE is truly a revolutionary church with a great story. Join us for this ‘hang-time.’ Shuttle from the hotel is available, sign up at the Clark table. |
Thursday—February 18, 2016
| 7:45 |  Full Breakfast sponsored by Brotherhood Mutual–one of the nation’s leading insurers of churches, Christian schools, and related ministries. Kevin Fox, National Director of Agency Alliances, will answer the burning questions of “when should I call my insurance carrier?” and “how can a carrier help me before ‘the big one?’—being prepared for a disaster of epic proportions”. |
| 8:45 | Golden Buildings and the Architect-Client Process by Bruce Woody. This long-time friends of XPastor will share some of their “golden projects.” These are the church buildings that have special merit—things that architects really hit a home run for and with the client. Look for lots of concrete illustrations of the client-architecture process and its results. This is a “tour de force” of great architecture. Bruce is the President and CEO of HH Architects. |
| 9:45 |  The Constant of Change by Mike Erre. You asked for Mike to return again! We heard from him, Mr. “Lightning in a Bottle,” at the 2014 XP-Seminar about his transition to EvFree Fullerton and the resulting phenomenal growth. But you wanted more of Mike. In 2015, he spoke on being a catalyst and directional leadership. This is an outstanding opportunity to get inside the ongoing thinking of an SP. Now Mike has left EvFree and on to something new–lightning came out of the bottle! |
| 11:00 | Break for Lunch—Pick up lunch outside the Ballroom and take it to a workshop |
| 11:30-12:30 | Lunch Workshops—Workshops: Session 4 |
| 12:45-1:45 | Workshops: Session 5 |
| 2:00-3:00 | Workshops: Session 6 |
| Have a safe trip home |
Workshops
The following workshop will be offered on Wednesday and/or Thursday afternoons of the XP-Seminar. Most will be offered twice. No pre-registration for the workshops is necessary, but it is advised to get to the room as soon as possible as some rooms fill up fast.
Mentoring and Coaching Your Staff
Mentor your staff and help them move their lives and leadership forward—helping them strengthen their gifts, talents and abilities while keeping balance in their lives.
Dr. Nathan Baxter, founder of Lead Self Lead Others has been leading teams and helping people move their stories forward for over twenty years. He has developed a unique coaching practice and resources that help people break out of plateaus. He has had the privilege of working with executives from fields as diverse as manufacturing, real estate, medical, banking, non-profit, direct sales, church, legal, insurance and energy. Nathan has also provided training for leaders around the world including Ukraine, Mali West Africa, South America, India and Mexico. As a certified consultant with Birkman International, Lead Self Lead Others also provides personalized leadership coaching using the Birkman Feedback Tool. Nathan earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Administration from Oklahoma State University, a Masters of Divinity Degree with Biblical Languages from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry and Leadership Degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. Before starting his Executive Coaching career, he served for 28 years in full time ministry, filling the roles of Youth Pastor, Senior Pastor, and Executive Pastor.
How Data and Metrics Help You Lead Well and Make More Disciples
Data and metrics aren’t just for businesses. Every day, we consciously and unconsciously use both to explain events, evaluate progress and tell stories. Data and metrics don’t necessarily give you all the answers and, by themselves, can’t make you better. However, used well, they can help you assess church engagement and measure the intangibles of discipleship. Please join us if you want to discover how data and metrics apply in a church context and how they help you close the gap between the ministry you have today and the ministry you want to become.
Steve Caton has been part of the Leadership Team at Church Community Builder since 2008. He leverages his unique background in team building, technology, revenue generation and leadership to encourage church leaders who seek to decentralize their processes and equip their people to make and grow disciples. Steve is a contributing author on a number of websites, including the Vision Room, ChurchTech Today, Innovate for Jesus and the popular Church Community Builder Blog. He has also co-written a number of eBooks, including The Ephesians 4 Church. While technology is what Steve does on a daily basis, impacting and influencing the local church is what really matters to him … as well as enjoying the brilliant blue skies and deep powder of Colorado with his wife and two sons!
Dave Bair brings a unique talent for system and process implementation to the Leadership Team at Church Community Builder. His history of consulting with major corporations to implement change has enabled him to build an impressive coaching framework to guide church leaders towards operational effectiveness. In addition for finding Dave at DaveBair.co you may occasionally spot him piloting his hot air ballon in the western sky.
Trends in Internships and Residencies
Seems like the new path today for developing future staff is through interns and residents (as in the medical model of in-the-trenches mentoring). Where do churches find these people? How are they funded? Who supervises them? What are the marks of an outstanding program?
Warren Bird is the Research Director for Leadership Network, co-author of 26 books and former pastor. He always brings the very latest of research in church ministry. In 2015, Warren and Ryan Hartwig published Teams That Thrive—this is a game changer to increase the effectiveness of your church teams. David Fletcher hosted a Teams That Thrive workshop in August and then the entire ministry staff of EvFree Fullerton walked through the book for three months. The book and discussion was of immense help in honing teams at the church.
How Church Missions Teams Impact Your Weekend
Bob Blincoe
The future belongs to churches that send, says J.D. Greear of Summit Church. Find out how church leaders are aligning their missions program with every part of the life of their congregations by sending long-term teams to plant churches in non-Christian countries. Biblically-based and practical, this workshop will enable leaders to envision sending their own church-based teams and stay in the driver’s seat, even while partnering with a mission agency.
Bob Blincoe is President of Frontiers, based in Phoenix.
5 Keys to Establish Church Financial Accountability
Dan Busby
This workshop will focus on key financial accountability issues that can make or break a church, including: adequate and quality staffing of the finance function, balancing policies vs. flexibility, handling restricted gifts with integrity, clearly communicating financial results, and developing an internal and external accountability structure.
Dan Busby is the president of ECFA, an organization that accredits Christ-centered ministries in the areas of governance, financial management and stewardship/fundraising. ECFA’s seal enhances trust of givers, which increases generosity, providing greater resources to help fulfill the Great Commission. ECFA accredits over 2,000 churches and nonprofits. These organizations have annual revenue of nearly $25 billion, receiving charitable contributions of nearly $17 billion. Dan has over forty years of experience serving the Christ-centered church and nonprofit community and frequently speaks nationally on related issues. He is a prolific writer with 55 volumes of five book titles published including a 2015 release, TRUST: The Firm Foundation for Kingdom Fruitfulness. Dan received a masters of business administration degree from Emporia State University, Emporia Kansas. The University also named him as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2014. Dan served as a member of the Commission on Accountability and Policy for Religious Organizations, a national legislative advisory commission convened to address legislative proposals for the nonprofit sector. Nonprofit Times named him as one of the 50 Most Powerful Nonprofit Leaders from 2010-2015.
What’s Wrong with My Staff and Why Do I Need A Technical Director Anyhow?
David Cherry
This workshop will examine how to deal with and conquer the frustration of staff not reproducing themselves. Plus, we will look at creating an environment for exponential growth by incorporating passionate people. This involves stewarding well your church resources (people, money and facilities). The bottom line is to help you see what you can do as an Executive Pastor to propel your church forward with great efficiency, effectiveness and excellence. David Cherry has served as Pastor of Technical Ministries in a large church for more than 20 years and now is the Business Development Manager for Clark, Inc.
How To Lead Organizational Change
Your boss has a bold new vision. He’s looking to you to implement it. Just how do you get from where you are today to where you want to be tomorrow? Rob Cizek explores the steps leaders take to effectively change organizations. For the last few years Rob’s life has been about changing Northshore from a program church to a relational discipleship church. He has learned a lot of transferable principles for organizational change. Rob will provide a roadmap for XPs who are under a mandate to lead change … and tips he has learned from the trenches while implementing change.
Rob Cizek is Executive Pastor at Northshore Christian Church, a non-denominational church of 1,500 and Christian academy of 1,000 in the Seattle area. He oversees daily operation of the organization and its ministries. He also organizes a networking group for executive pastors in the Puget Sound area. In his former business live, Rob was an Emmy Award winning newsroom producer. He brings clarity and insight to the role–and has many helpful articles on XPastor.
I Resigned as Senior Pastor, Now What?
The Senior Pastor Forum will feature Mike Erre. When Mike came to EvFree Fullerton as the Lead Pastor, the church had about 2,000 in worship. The church had been without a Lead Pastor or Executive Pastor for two years. The tenure of the two prior pastors was long, leaving a deep sense of history and culture. Chuck Swindoll had been the pastor for 23 years, followed by Dale Burke for 14 years. Both men were national leaders and authors. Mike served well but sensed that God was moving him on. Interact with Mike on how the decision was made and the big question of “Now what?”
Mike Erre was Lead Pastor at Mariners Church in Mission Viejo, California, for two years. Before Mariners, he had been the Lead Teaching Pastor at Rock Harbor Church in Costa Mesa, California for almost a decade. Mike holds an M.A. in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics from Talbot School of Theology. He has authored five books:
- Astonished: Recapturing the Wonder, Awe, and Mystery of Life with God
- The Jesus of Suburbia: Have We Tamed the Son of God to Fit Our Lifestyle?
- Why Guys Need God: The Spiritual Side of Money, Sex and Relationships
- Death by Church: Rescuing Jesus from His Followers, Recapturing God’s Hope for His People
- Why the Bible Matters: Rediscovering Its Significance in an Age of Suspicion
Thinking of Going Multisite? Recently Became Multisite? Let’s Talk!
Lutheran Church of Hope started its first satellite campus in September 2006; since then, they have started three more (June 2008, September 2011 and October 2014). Today they worship just over 3,000 (about 30 percent) at a campus outside their main location. Each of the campuses has unique characteristics and formats while still maintaining the overall DNA. While they had plans in 2006, 2008 and 2011, they also had to change several things as a result of what they learned, many times the hard way. This breakout will discuss how each of the campuses functions today and some of the lessons learned along the way. We will also have a time for those in the room to share their experiences and also answer any questions.
Read about Chris in the workshop below.
Forum for Churches Over 2,000 in Worship
Dr. David Fletcher
This forum will be for XPs in churches with over 2,000 people in worship. Gather with your peers to talk through an open agenda. We will identify specific issues to the church in this size range and then “have at it.”
The discussion will be open to all, rapid and exciting! Bring your questions, issues and thorny problems! Meet people who serve in the same size church as yours. This is a great way to form friendships with other XPs.
David Fletcher is the founder of XPastor and the XP of EvFree Fullerton. Chris Gunnare is the Executive Minister (COO/CFO) of Hope Lutheran Church in West Des Moines. Hope Lutheran is an amazing Lutheran church with more than 9,000 in attendance at multiple sites. They are innovative and reaching people for Christ!
Forum for Churches Under 2,000 in Worship
Kent Lawrence
Dr. David Fletcher
This forum will be for XPs in churches with under 2,000 people in worship. Gather with your peers to talk through an open agenda. We will identify specific issues to the church in this size range and then “have at it.”
The discussion will be open to all, rapid and exciting! Bring your questions, issues and thorny problems! Meet people who serve in the same size church as yours. This is a great way to form friendships with other XPs.
David Fletcher is the founder of XPastor and the XP of EvFree Fullerton. Kent Lawrence is the XP of Grace Bible Church of Dallas. Kent brings a warm pastoral spirit to his role, effectively leading a medium-sized church. He is one to get to know!
A Practical Diagnostic of Your Giving Culture
Review an XP checklist of general giving best practices to assess your culture. Learn where you are thriving and where you can elevate your systems. You will identify your top vital next steps to help fund your mission.
Brad Leeper is the President and Principal of Generis Partners. Based on experience and affinity, he is drawn to innovative, growing churches and the challenges of helping them expand practically and spiritually.
Working with the Team
What does it take to work with your Senior Pastor, Board and Staff team to develop a giving culture to abundantly fund ministry? Brad Leeper has worked with hundreds of churches around the nation, helping them instill a culture of generosity.
If you haven’t read the free eBook from Generis, download it now! The 2015 Year-End Giving Guide equips churches to accelerate a generosity culture through a successful year-end project. This free resource will give you the tools you need to frame the message, tell the story and measure their success through a successful year-end giving project. Click here.
Hiring to New Levels
While placing hundreds of people into ministry positions, David Lyons has seen the centrality of fit and gifting. Is one more important than the other? Can we compromise because “we know that person,” or “he or she is an insider” or “their gifts are just so strong that we …? If you are going to hire staff in the next twelve months, then this workshop will help you.
David Lyons is the Founder and President of MinisterSearch. Beside being the leader of one of the oldest church search firms in the nation, he continually does innovative things … like the television show that he was a part of—ask David about it! He has led workshops at each of the previous XP-Seminars, to rave reviews. Bring your questions for the discussion portion of the workshop as well.
Retirement Planning for Your Staff
Jeff Robinson
Thirty years ago, most workers retired with a traditional pension plan. Employers managed everything. Employees made no decisions, but retired with a set amount of money. The rise of 403(b) and 401(k) retirement plans in the 1980s and 1990s shifted responsibility from employers to employees. This workshop will help you think through the different options out there as you consider what would best benefit your employees in their retirement years.
Jeff Robinson, Regional Director of Retirement Relationship Management, has the privilege of serving GuideStone participants working in Georgia, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Washington DC. He joined GuideStone in 2002 and his background includes 26 years in the financial services area. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baylor University and Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas. His professional credentials include: the CFP®; CLU; ChFC; CEBS; FLMI; and the Series 6, 7 and 63 investment registrations.
Safeguards for Church Funds: Understanding the Theology of Fraud
Nathan Salsbery
Now this is a fascinating topic! Fraud has always been a risk and reality within the church and continues to be present in many churches in varying degrees. By reflecting upon scriptural accounts of fraud, occurrences of fraud throughout church history, and contemporary case studies and best practices, participants will be equipped with practical tools to help improve prevention and detection of fraud within their church.
Nathan Salsbery is a Partner and National Director of Talent Development for CapinCrouse. Nathan also served as associate pastor at his church for nearly ten years. In two of the churches where David Fletcher has served, they had been using CapinCrouse for years. This firm brings amazing talent to a wide variety of financial and fiduciary issues. David gives them two thumbs up every year for their external audits and professional advice. These are folks to learn from!
Raising Up Coaching and Development
Jim Moss
Clint Smith
Jim and Clint believe and practice the idea of developing people, not just ministry. Over the past several years, these two XP’s have discovered what it looks like to develop and maintain healthy leaders, both paid and non paid. In this workshop, you will learn practical ways to develop volunteer leaders, invest in staff members and take your team to the next level without a hire as the solution.
Clint Smith has served as the Executive Pastor of NORTHchurch in Oklahoma City for twelve years. Clint founded and owns Full Capacity Coach LLC. He is committed to personal growth, leader development and passionately serving the local church. Jim Moss is fully committed to seeing people discover and live out God’s unique mission for their life. He currently serves as the XP of City Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is one of the founding pastors and has seen the church grow from zero to nearly 500 in less than six years. Jim also founded 320Coach with a focus on executives and entrepreneurs.
Mega-Ideas for a Mega-Church Staff
A growing church creates growing opportunities. Each opportunity has a way of creating a new role that needs to be filled. How do we hire to create a balanced staff to opportunity ratio? Do we need to adjust the current staff’s duties? This session will answer these questions and many more!
Nick Smith is the Executive Assistant Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, Lindenwold, New Jersey, where he assists pastor/teacher Bishop David G. Evans. This is a dynamic church with mega-thousands of worshippers. Nick brings pastoral warmth to his staff and leadership style. He is one of our favorites! There are always great take-aways with Nick.
So I just became an XP, now what?
Enjoy a free flowing discussion on things new XP’s should care about. Any new job can be difficult, but when the job description is a constantly moving target and your scope of authority is … everything, it can be hard to know where to start. We’ll discuss your early days on the job, including where your focus should be, who you absolutely need to spend time with, and what resources are critical in your first couple of years.
Phil is the XP of Leadership and Development at Mosaic, a multi-site church in West Orlando and at Walt Disney World. He blogs at www.backstagepastors.org and his first book, Defining The Executive Pastor Role is available on Amazon. He is passionate about serving the XP community around the world through writing, speaking and coaching.
Brand and Communication Strategies for Today’s Local Church
Ted Vaughn
It’s never been more difficult to get the attention of those we most want to reach; both inside and outside our church. Learn how effective brands engage and retain their audience and which communication strategies your church should be taking advantage of in 2016.
After 21 years of staff leadership in multiple contexts, Ted serves multiple congregations in America, Africa, and the UK as a consultant and strategic advisor in areas of brand, strategy, and staffing. His most recent staff position (’09-’14) was as Chief Creative Officer for the Rock Church in San Diego, California—a young, urban, and forward-thinking church of roughly 16,000 weekly worshippers. With an additional 14 years of executive leadership experience in mainline denominational churches, Ted has unique insight into local church leadership, healthy cultures, staffing, branding, and strategy. Today Ted leads the Communication and Tech Arts divisions for Slingshot Group (slingshotgroup.org) and is a partner in Historic Agency (historicagency.com).
Attendees
- Steve All, Pastor/Administrator, GraceLife Church, Prineville, North Carolina
- Damon Andrews, Executive Pastor, The Church at Canyon Creek, Austin, Texas
- Matt Anthony, Attorney, Church Law Group, Grapevine, Texas
- Tim Arrington, XP of Administration, Christ Community Church, Tucson, Arizona
- Greg Atkinson, Secret Shopper, Worship Impressions, Rock Hill, South Carolina
- John Atkinson, Senior Consultant, The 127 Group, Leander, Texas
- Todd Austin, General Manager, Clark, Atlanta, Georgia
- Dave Bair, Leadership Team, Church Community Builder, Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Scott Barfoot, Director – DMin Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas
- Luke Barker, Pastor of Finance, Sojourn Community Church, Louisville, Kentucky
- Nathan Baxter, Executive Leadership Coach, Lead-Self Lead-Others, Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Dixie Beard, Director, Business Development, GuideStone Financial Resources, Dallas, Texas
- Gino Beltran, Director of Marketing, Visioneering Studios, Irvine, California
- Tim Beltz, Executive Pastor of Finance & Operations, Sojourn Community Church, Louisville, Kentucky
- Warren Bird, Director of Research and Intellectual Capital, Leadership Network, Suffern, New York
- Bob Blincoe, President, Frontiers, Phoenix, Arizona
- Lambert Boyd, Director of Operations, Austin Ridge Bible Church, Austin, Texas
- John Boyle, Director of Ministry Operations, Calvary Bible Church, Boulder, Colorado
- Dave Brandolini, Executive Pastor, Austin Ridge Bible Church, Austin, Texas
- Steve Bray, Executive Pastor, Fountain City Wesleyan Church, Richmond, Indiana
- Aaron Broberg, Next Generation Pastor, Cornerstone Church, Austin, Minnesota
- Darren Brown, Executive Pastor, Burke Community Church, Burke, Virginia
- David Burggraff, Executive Pastor, Colonial Baptist Church, Cary, North Carolina
- Dan Busby, President, Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, Westchester, Virginia
- Carlos Cambre, Sr., Executive Pastor, Destiny Christian Church, Ewa Beach, Hawaii
- Mark Carlson, Executive Pastor, Church on the Ridge, Snoqualmie, Washington
- Bob Carvalho, Chief Financial Officer, Cielo Vista Church, El Paso, Texas
- Steve Caton, Leadership Team, Church Community Builder, Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Ignacio Cerda, Intern, Iglesia Stonebriar en Español, Frisco, Texas
- Terrence Chavis, Chief Financial Officer, Concord Church, Dallas, Texas
- David Cherry, Business Development, Clark, Austin, Texas
- Linda Chiles, Regional Manager, New Business Sales, GuideStone Financial Resources, Dallas, Texas
- Rob Cizek, Executive Pastor, Northshore Christian Church, Everett, Washington
- Tom Clagett, Executive Director/Pastor, Crossroads Bible Church, Bellevue, Washington
- Rick Clapp, Executive Pastor, Mountain Springs Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Houston Clark, Co-Founder and Principal, Clark, Dallas, Texas
- Bryant Collier, Executive Coordinator, Concord Church, Dallas, Texas
- Errol Coner, Executive Pastor, Concord Church, Dallas, Texas
- Jeff Cooper, Executive Pastor, Bible-Based Fellowship Church, Tampa, Florida
- Trey Corry, College Pastor, Grace Bible Church, College Station, Texas
- Patrick Curles, Executive Minister, Trinity Presbyterian Church, Montgomery, Alabama
- Rob Curry, Executive Pastor, Cypress Bible Church, Cypress, Texas
- Larry Davies, Executive Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church, Easton, Pennsylvania
- Dave Eberhart, Executive Pastor, First Baptist Church, Richardson, Texas
- Bryan Eck, Lead Team Pastor, Irving Bible Church, Irving, Texas
- Tom Ellis, Executive Vice President, MHBT, Inc. Dallas, Texas
- Ken Engelking, Executive Pastor, Morning Star Church, Salem, Oregon
- Mike Erre, Resident Teaching Pastor, Coast Hills Church, Aliso Viejo, California
- Marc Evanger, Executive Director, Crossroads Bible Church, Bellevue, Washington
- Gerald Farley, Vice President, Generis, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Kyle Fleischmann, Executive Pastor, New Life Bible Fellowship, Tucson, Arizona
- David Fletcher, Executive Pastor, EvFree Fullerton, Fullerton, California
- Tami Fletcher, Director, XPastor, Fullerton, California
- Chris Fowler, Leadership Team, Church Community Builder, Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Kevin Fox, National Director of Agency Alliances, Brotherhood Mutual, Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Justin Frazier, Executive Pastor, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, Allen, Texas
- Terry Geter, Executive Director of Operations, Mosaic Church, Oakland, Florida
- Joel Gilbert, Executive Pastor, First Baptist Church, Rockville, Maryland
- Cory Goetz, Executive Pastor, Cornerstone Church, Austin, Minnesota
- Jason Golden, Executive Pastor, Venture Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
- Jeff Gonzalez, Executive Pastor, Vale Church, Bloomington, Illinois
- John Gordon, Executive Pastor, Wayside Chapel EFCA, San Antonio, Texas
- Matthew Greene, National Sales Director, Brotherhood Mutual, Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Chris Gunnare, Executive Minister, Hope Lutheran Church, West Des Moines, Iowa
- Todd Hauge, Former Elder/Treasurer, Mesa, Arizona
- Bill Hawks, Executive Pastor, Highland Colony Baptist Church, Ridgeland, Mississippi
- Jeremy Heavey, Pastor of Community Life & Operations, Gracespring Bible Church, Richland, Michigan
- Nick Henderson, Executive Pastor, River Valley Christian Fellowship, Bastrop, Texas
- Jim Hobbs, Executive Pastor, Maple Grove Evangelical Free Church, Maple Grove, Minnesota
- Jack Holloway, Executive Administrator, Franklin Christian Church, Franklin, Tennessee
- Kyung-Ho Hong, Executive Director, Young Nak Celebration Church, Los Angeles, California
- Daniel Houck, Executive Pastor, Victory Christian Center, Lowellville, Ohio
- Steve Hron, Director, Ziegler, Greenwood Village, Colorado
- Josh Hughes, Executive Pastor, Four Oaks Church, Tallahassee, Florida
- Jon Hurst, Assistant Executive Pastor, EvFree Fullerton, Fullerton, California
- Brett Inman, XP of Ministry, Christ Community Church, Tucson, Arizona
- Chris Johnson, Executive Pastor, Antioch Church of the Y, Lebanon, Ohio
- Hunter Johnson, Director of Administration, Crossroads Church of Denver, Wheat Ridge, Colorado
- Adam Kane, Executive Pastor, Hope Church, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Gary Kehr, Vice President, Evangelical Christian Credit Union, Brea, California
- Ed Kelley, Executive Pastor, Bay Area Community Church, Annapolis, Maryland
- Monty Kelso, President, Slingshot Group, Irvine, California
- Hyo Kim, Associate Pastor, Young Nak Celebration Church Jefferson, Whittier, California
- Brad Kinney, Director of Operations, Watkinsville First Baptist Church, Watkinsville, Georgia
- Mike Knab, Associate, Ziegler, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Rodney Lara, Senior Associate Pastor of Family Life Ministries, Concord Church, Dallas, Texas
- Kent Lawrence, Executive Pastor, Grace Bible Church, Dallas, Texas
- Brad Leeper, President, Generis, Atlanta, Georgia
- Bill Leick, Director of Church-Based Teams, Frontiers, Phoenix, Arizona
- Rusty Lewis, Vice President, Generis, Atlanta, Georgia
- Bruce Lininger, Executive Pastor, The Chapel, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Mark Lydecker, Executive Pastor, Living Faith Christian Church, Farmingdale, New York
- David Lyons, Founder and President, MinisterSearch, Lewisville, Texas
- Mike Makidon, Director of Strategic Initiatives – Español, Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas
- Michael Martin, Vice President, Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, Westchester, Virginia
- Ed Martinez, Executive Director, New Hope Church, Manvel, Texas
- Reggie Mason, Executive Pastor, Calvary Chapel Newport News, Yorktown, Virginia
- Ryan McCreery, Associate Pastor, Fellowship Bible Church, Waco, Texas
- Samuel McFarland, Frontiers, Phoenix, Arizona
- Mel McGowan, President and Founder, Visioneering Studios, Irvine, California
- Brad McKerley, Executive Pastor, First Baptist Church, Doylestown, Pennsylvania
- Marc McMurrin, Executive Director Operations, Northland, A Church Distributed, Longwood, Florida
- Sean Metcalf, Executive Pastor, Community Bible Church, San Antonio, Texas
- Dave Michener, Executive Pastor, Bridgeway Community Church, Columbia, Maryland
- David Middlebrook, Attorney, Church Law Group, Grapevine, Texas
- Jim Mitchell, Senior Associate Pastor, Chief of Staff, The Chapel, Akron, Ohio
- Matt Morgan, Executive Pastor, Sanctuary, Marietta, Georgia
- Jim Moss, Executive Pastor, City Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Doug Napier, Executive Pastor, Maryland Community Church, Terre Haute, Indiana
- Kim Neal, Executive Minister, Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, New York
- Zack Nigliazzo, Children’s Pastor, Grace Bible Church, College Station, Texas
- Sam Ogles, Assistant Editor, Christianity Today, Westminster, Colorado
- Frank ONeill, Executive Pastor, Shelter Rock Church, Manhasset, New York
- Darrell Owens, Senior Pastor, Christ the Rock Community Church, Cooper City, Florida
- Eddie Park, Assistant Executive Pastor, EvFree Fullerton, Fullerton, California
- Doug Parks, CEO, Intentional Churches, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Todd Parks, Partner, MinisterSearch, Lewisville, Texas
- Dale Peak, Administrator, Reston Bible Church, Dulles, Virginia
- Lee Pennington, Director of Operations, Centerpoint Fellowship Church, Millbrook, Alabama
- Jon Platek, Senior Pastor, Maple Grove Evangelical Free Church, Maple Grove, Minnesota
- Matt Porter, Executive Pastor, Westmoore Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Ricky Pounders, Executive Pastor, Capshaw Baptist Church, Harvest, Alabama
- Caleb Price, Music/Admin. Assistant, Collective Church, Los Angeles, California
- Scott Rachels, Senior Leadership Lead Associate, Slingshot Group, Irvine, California
- Steven Ragan, Executive Pastor, Riverside Baptist Church, Greer, South Carolina
- Samuel Raj, Executive Pastor, Buckhead Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia
- Bart Rendel, President, Intentional Churches, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Jerry Rich, Director of Client Services, FCMM Benefits & Retirement (EFCA), Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Bo Richardson, Executive Pastor, Rose Heights Church, Tyler, Texas
- Jerry Roberts, Associate Pastor, Hope Church, Fort Worth, Texas
- Jeff Robinson, Regional Director–Retirement Relationship Management, GuideStone Financial Resources, Dallas, Texas
- Darrell Roland, Executive Pastor, Northeast Bible Church, Garden Ridge, Texas
- Nathan Salsbery, Partner and National Director of Talent Development, Capin Crouse, Greenwood, Indiana
- Tim Samuel, Chief Financial Officer, Bridgeway Community Church, Columbia, Maryland
- Gaby San Paolo, Director of Operations, Mountain Springs Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Kim Seebach, Executive Pastor, Centerpoint Church, Murrieta, California
- David Simerson, Lead Pastor, Cornerstone Church, Austin, Minnesota
- Damon Simpson, Associate Pastor, First Baptist Church, Porter, Texas
- Paul Singleton, Intern, Church Project, Dallas, Texas
- Arian Smith, Communications Director, Clark, Atlanta, Georgia
- Caleb Smith, Executive Pastor, Epikos Church, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Clint Smith, Executive Pastor, NORTHchurch, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Kenny Smith, Executive Pastor, Church of the Crossing, Aledo, Texas
- Lorenzo Smith, Lead Pastor, Collective Church, Los Angeles, California
- Marty Smith, Executive Pastor, Resonate Church, Fremont, California
- Nicholas Smith, Executive Pastor, Bethany Baptist Church, Lindenwold, New Jersey
- Karen Strong, Senior Director, The Falls Church Anglican, Falls Church, Virginia
- Jack Sweany, Executive Minister, University Christian Church, Manhattan, Kansas
- Billy Tarka, Creative & Communications Pastor, EvFree Fullerton, Fullerton, California
- Bobby Taylor, Worship Arts Pastor, Mountain Springs Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Phil Taylor, Executive Pastor of Leadership and Development, Mosaic Church, Oakland, Florida
- Chris Thompson, Creekside Campus Pastor, Grace Bible Church, College Station, Texas
- David Thoroughman, President and CEO, MortarStone, Reno, Nevada
- Michael Tolle, Executive Pastor, Ministries, Lakeside Christian Church, Lakeside Park, Kentucky
- Tom Truex, Church Administrator, Christ the Rock Community Church, Cooper City, Florida
- Kevin Urichko, Executive Pastor, Northland, A Church Distributed, Longwood, Florida
- Paul Utnage, Executive Pastor, Springhill Presbyterian Church, Bozeman, Montana
- Ted Vaughn, Client Strategy Partner, Historic Agency, Gilbert, Arizona
- Keith Vessell, Pastor of Discipleship, First United Methodist Church, Jefferson City, Missouri
- Matt Watson, Next Generation Pastor, Burke Community Church, Burke, Virginia
- Kevin Wethington, Executive Director–Ministry Support, Lakeside Christian Church, Lakeside Park, Kentucky
- Jason Wiesepape, Lead Pastor, Grace Bible Church, College Station, Texas
- Tim Willows, Associate, Ziegler, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Brian Wilson, Attendee, EvFree Fullerton, Fullerton, California
- Jerry Wilson, Ministry Development Pastor, Mountain Springs Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Bruce Woody, President, HH Architects, Dallas, Texas
Pre-Seminar Event
Generosity: Unveiling the Mystery of Your Church’s Donors
Tuesday, February 16, 2:00-4:30 pm
$250 when you also enroll in the Seminar. Limited attendance.
Enroll in the Generosity Workshop and receive the XPastor Online Course MS202–Generosity for free!
Why did donors leave you last year? Job transfer? Getting mad? How do you shut the back door and how do we emphasize the front door? Are you attracting new donors? This session will give a different slant on your church’s data. It will tell you many things that are different than what is readily apparent.
Generosity
Most of us have assumptions about our donors
Brad is President and Principal at Generis, a team of 20 coaches that accelerates generosity toward God-inspired vision. He works with churches across the country, and now internationally, to increase everyday church giving, project giving and legacy giving. Over the last eleven years, Brad and David have teamed up on many workshops and presentations. If you know Brad, then you know there won’t be a sales pitch. This workshop will stand alone and you will have plenty of data to work with.
We are using an amazing tool from MortarStone. This tool is free for the session and for ten days afterward.
Suppose you see that giving is up ten percent. Is that more donations per attendee or more donors?
Knowing your metrics tells you where you are, where you are going and measures how you are doing getting there.
With a ten percent increase in donations, how many of those were new donors? Are you attracting new donors?
Increase your giving (without requiring a capital campaign to do so).
Even with a ten percent increase in donations, how many donors stopped giving? Are they still attending? When do people stop giving and how much later do they typically leave your church?
We will examine these pivotal concepts
- Why did donors leave you last year? Job transfer? Did they leave mad?
- How do you shut the back door and how can you emphasize the front door?
- Are you attracting new donors?
This session will give a different slant on your church’s data. It will tell you many things that are different than what is readily apparent.
Samples of Data
From the scores of metrics, you will see charts like these from MortarStone:
Ministry Fund
Are giving increases a result of a growing donor constituent base or are you pressing into a small portion of donors to make budget growth? Learn why one is sustainable while the other is short lived:
Connecting and Growing First Time Donors
First time visitors are great! However, are you able to on-board them as donors? Are you able to assimilate them into the fabric of the ministry? If not, learn why weekend attendance growth can be a false positive for healthy ministry growth.
Donor Churn
New faces in church are great, but what is the financial impact of losing the old ones? Minimizing donor churn can supercharge weekend attendance and annual giving growth. Monitoring donor trends is one way to surface ministry opportunities. Rule based push reporting can increase your ministry efficiency and connect with those that need pastoral care:
Comments from MortarStone
MortarStone conceived donor analytics platform for churches in 2012 wanting to answer the questions: What does a healthy church look like from a metrics standpoint? And how can we apply these indicators to a Web app to help other churches?
Almost three years later, we are now tracking giving from over 1.75MM donors and more than $4 billion donations from some of the largest and fasted growing churches in America.
Our heart is to help the local church find the true value in their data. We don’t believe that your team should have to guess what reports to run or spend hours on repetitive month-end analysis. We developed an economical software solution that makes the data more manageable—and its insights more actionable.
- In-depth, click-of-a-button reporting on the Key Performance Metrics.
- Enriched donor profiles to facilitate identification of high-potential donor engagement and analyze donors based on their real-life interests and affinity for your church
- Analyzing trends over time by leveraging existing historical data
Our team doesn’t equate data with bureaucracy or report running. Rather, we see data as a versatile asset that can direct leadership teams’ strategies and empower communities that the local church serves—given the right tool.
