Excellence in Ministry

One of the challenges that ECFA accredited churches and ministries face during this COVID-19 crisis is raising resources. Today our special guest will offer some practical advice. Join us for today’s podcast as we welcome our friend and author, Dr. Gary G. Hoag, to get practical advice for raising resources during and after a pandemic.

Get an inside look at a day in the life of an executive pastor at a large church.    ECFA's VP of Research and Equipping, Dr. Warren Bird, sits down with Danny de Armas, Executive Pastor at First Baptist Orlando.  Danny also just finished serving on the ECFA Board as board chair.  They discuss the inspirations and challenges of both roles. https://www.firstorlando.com/leader/danny-de-armas/

Learn from some of the top trends in ECFA member compliance!  Here are 3 major integrity points!  Dan and Michel also cover tools to serve your ministry.

ECFA is now over 2,400 members strong! Join in the celebration today as we sit down with Todd Wilson, President and CEO of Exponential – ECFA’s 2,400 member.  Exponential describes itself as the Chamber of Commerce for the church planting world, partnering with over 100 denominations and providing resources to strengthen church planters around the world. Find ECFA at the Orlando Exponential conference and come say hi!  https://exponential.org/

Board's that have focused parameters in how they operate can stay out of the "operational weeds", as Dan Busby says.  Having the policies in place can make this a reality for your board.  Also, how often are we listening to the tap, tap, tap of the Holy Spirit in the Board room.  Here at ECFA, we've been encouraging boards to make this a priority at every meeting!     Dan and John have released another book for Nonprofit Boards, aptly named, "More Lessons from the Nonprofit Boardroom."  Click the link to get your copy! https://www.ecfa.org/MoreLessons/Default.aspx

ECFA's Dan Busby and Michael Martin dive into more of the densely packed resource, Board Tools and Templates! This ECFA resource gives you practical tips, steps, outlines, and more in one book! You need to check it out, get your copy today! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1949365182/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1949365182&linkCode=as2&tag=e0b1e-20&linkId=bdd9f35cb00435f1356cd11716d9df08  

Your Ministry leaders can now get one of the most densely packed resources ECFA has ever produced.  Board Tools and Templates gives you practical tips, steps, outlines, and more in one book!   You need to check it out, get your copy today! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1949365182/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1949365182&linkCode=as2&tag=e0b1e-20&linkId=bdd9f35cb00435f1356cd11716d9df08    

Taking care of one's self is vital if we want to help others.  The practices of praying in silence and taking survey of our souls are essential when we prioritize taking care of our soul.  Jenni Hoag shares insights on how boards and ministries can benefit and practice Soul Care.

What is Soulcare and Why is it important?  Often overlooked, but the leaders of your ministry need spiritual care.  A board room full of men and women with healthy souls can overcome adversity and be lead by the spirit in profound ways.  Make sure every member of your board listens in!

Kurt Nelson, President & CEO, and Rick Creel, VP of Financial Services, of East-West Ministries have different roles, yet need each other's support to thrive.  The CEO's vision and planning is complimented by the CFO's management and reporting.  Kurt and Rick's discuss their complimentary relationship as it furthers their ministry's goals for God's glory!

What does it mean to have enough?  Scott Rodin dives into how boards need to be the temporary stewards, how ministries get caught up in growth, and being content with what God has provided your Ministry!  Today’s social media culture produces a lot of comparison and discontentment, and that even applies to Christ-Centered Ministries. 

Keeping honest people honest, is it as simple as that?  Fraud comes from places and people you may least expect.  Is your ministry organized to enhance fraud prevention?  Get the best practices on how your ministry can enhance its fraud prevention today!

On average, charitable giving has trended up in recent years, but not for all sizes of organization. We hear how ministries and churches are managing their reserves more carefully for future swings.  Also, Warren Bird shares his big takeaways from all the data he’s researched! ECFA has been conducting in State of Giving Survey and compiling the data for you!  Please dive into this helpful report.  www.ecfa.org/stateofgiving

The goal is to help boards improve their governance and go on to increase the effectiveness of their ministries. From the unique perspective of Christ-centered nonprofit boardroom experiences, Dan Busby and John Pearson share the lessons they have learned.

What’s in store for ministries in 2019? News, insights, trends, and brand new resources for ECFA members, we’re excited to give you a VIP first look at what’s to come! Here at ECFA, 2019 is the year of Excellence and Governance. Tune in for an exclusive sneak peek at the fresh resources, books, and events coming your way. Whatever milestones or goals 2019 holds for you and your ministry, we are here to help!

It’s that time of year again and if you have questions, here are the answers. Drop in for a refresher on all those year-end quirks and to-do list items.

When it comes to benefits, the return to the ministry can be significant if they are properly leveraged. Recruiting and retaining quality people relies on a clear benefits strategy. Join in for a thorough discussion of the role benefits play in the greater mission of your ministry.

Live by faith while planning ahead. A thoughtfully prepared budget will save you time by making decisions upfront.  Join ECFA’s Vonna Laue and John Van Drunen for tips on how to get there.   You wouldn’t set out on a cross-country trip without a detailed roadmap and itinerary. A thoughtfully and prayerfully prepared budget will get your ministry where it needs to go.   Does your budget function as a tool or as a weapon? Before the first amount is set, infuse your budget-setting process with prayer and spiritual discernment.

You’ve heard the adage of servant leadership, and perhaps someone comes to mind when you think of the concept. Hear from our President, Dan Busby, about his lifetime of service and how God is using those experiences to accomplish His purpose at ECFA.

Before that first call for donations, be sure that you are in the clear. This run-down of requirements will prepare your ministry for proper charitable solicitation.

The Christian Ministry Advancement Standards Council (CMASC) is a champion of “building faith and trust.” Hear from Steve Kerr about how accountability standards are benefitting the people investing, operating, and watching Christ-centered ministries in Australia.

Not everyone is a finance expert, but church administrators and leaders are called to ensure financial integrity. Surround your ministry with the support and financial leadership needed to stay on track.

How does God’s Word inspire us to be generous? Join us for a discussion on changing trends in giving, generosity, and how it applies to your ministry.

Be intentional about telling your story, even with your taxes. Dive in with Vonna and Dave for an in-depth review of your Form 990.

You’re a member, but are you fully aware of your benefits? Join us for an overview of available resources to equip you in your role at your ministry.