Information Technology
Information Technology includes hardware, software, IT security, worship technology … yeah, pretty much everything that’s expensive!
Data Informed Discipleship: Leveraging Data for Spiritual Growth and Community Impact
The Church is evolving, and so is the way we measure engagement. Understand what metrics truly matter in assessing the vitality of your church and learn practical ways to measure and enhance your church's [...]
Transforming Your Data into Discipleship
Every data point represents a soul. Are you treating it that way? You and I got into ministry because we know people matter. We feel compelled to help people meet, follow and share Jesus. [...]
5 Keys to Success with Your Church Management Software
Sometimes the relationship with your Church Management software becomes tired, brittle or even broken. No software is perfect, but is your ChMS working as well as it should? Your software does not have to [...]
Password Management and LastPass
I’ve been asked a lot of questions about password managers, especially due to the LastPass hack that started in 2022 and was fully disclosed in 2023. Before getting too far into this, let me [...]
What Does ‘Data’ Mean to Your Church?
What is data anyway? You don’t have to look far to find data. Megabytes in your cell phone plan. Visits and results in your electronic health record. Expenses and deposits in your bank account. [...]
Defending Your Church from Cybersecurity Threats
Data security breaches are constantly in the news, but the threat of phishing scams and ransomware attacks aren’t limited to large companies. In fact, ministries are increasingly under attack by savvy cyber criminals. That’s [...]
Compensation in 2022: Raises, Bonuses, Perks and Inflation
This year is a crazy year for compensation. Inflation is high and house prices are even higher! How can you give adequate raises to your staff? What bonuses and perks should you offer? Fletch [...]
State of Church Technology
As the Church continues to evolve in a digital era, learn about the latest technology trends, concerns, and what’s important for churches as they develop strategies for the future of ministry. Join Pushpay's CEO [...]
Freedom in Hiring vs. Software Platform Policies
The U.S. Supreme Court gave churches and ministries the legal right to only hire those who agree with their religious and doctrinal views, but many IT solution providers require churches and ministries to certify [...]
Three Strategies that Protect from Ransomware
Ransomware is a serious threat that costs a lot of unbudgeted dollars to fix. Effective protection is available! Here’s what I recommend. Ransomware is not like most malware threats that slip into systems under the [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
How to Keep IT Staff in the Local Church
Personnel salaries and benefits are usually the largest expense category for churches and ministries. Sometimes facilities is higher, but there’s no getting around the fact that salaries and benefits consumes a large portion of [...]
Retaining Video from Church Cameras
Monday, April 1, 2019 Hey Fletch … How long do you suggest keeping video footage from church cameras? DRF—As you are in the process of getting bids on surveillance cameras (CCTV), you are asking a [...]
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 [...]
Church Wants Privacy Apps on Personal Devices
Thursday, February 28, 2019 Hey Fletch … I am trying to find information about the legalities of requiring our church staff to install software on cell phones and laptops such as Covenant Eyes. We reimburse [...]
FaceBook Blocking My Posts
Wednesday, January 30, 2019 Hey Fletch … I’ve been posting some of my articles on social media. Out of the blue, Facebook blocked my account. They said that the content was inappropriate by their standards. [...]
The Inherent Risk of Guest WiFi Access at Your Church
With the myriad of wireless devices in constant use, many churches provide Wi-Fi for the convenience of employees and guests. However, this complimentary benefit can come with a heavy price if security is taken [...]
Is It Hard to Launch a Ministry Website?
Tuesday, December 4, 2018 Hey Fletch … Who set up the XPastor.org website? I’ve explored the XPastor site and like how it is set-up. I’m currently serving on the board of a ministry. They tasked [...]
Recordings of the XP-Seminar?
Saturday, August 18, 2018 Hey Fletch … I’m a new XP and would love to listen to past sessions of the XP-Seminar. Do you record them? DRF—One year we purchased some thumb drives that had [...]