Import Batch 10 Archives - Faith Teams

Marketing Automation Matters for Churches

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 22:58:00 GMT

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Preparing Your Church for AI in 2026

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:22:00 GMT

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Domain vs Public Email for a Church

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:25:00 GMT

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Thanksgiving Matters

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:01:00 GMT

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Advent is Near

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 09:26:00 GMT

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Faith Teams Now Includes Built-In Support Through Freshdesk

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 15:53:00 GMT

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Your Church Website, How to Make it a Must Read

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 19:11:00 GMT

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Sunday School to Small Groups

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 21:33:00 GMT

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5 Ways to Extend Your Ministry with Faith Teams Forms

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 07:13:00 GMT

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The Giving Mix

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 11:24:00 GMT

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Getting Ready for Fall! A Summer-to-Fall Growth Strategy Playbook

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 20:41:00 GMT

School is out across the United States and families are planning vacations, camps for their kids and activities at church. It’s the perfect time to begin announcing back-to-school events for both your members and guests.

Below is a playbook outlining an 8-week summer growth strategy designed to help your church attract new families and build momentum for a strong fall launch.

Week 1: June 23–29 — Community Listening

Activity: Neighborhood or congregation survey (via Faith Teams QR code to a form)
Goal: Identify event ideas and build local relevance.

Week 2: June 30–July 6 — Summer Celebration

Event: 4th of July Evening Gathering

Cook-out or potluck
Lawn games, trivia, acoustic music, cornhole
Short prayer or devotional

Goal : Community connection & visitor list building

Week 3: July 7–13 — Family Engagement

Event: Family Water Day

Water balloons, sprinklers, kiddie pools
Popsicles and lemonade lounge for parents

Goal : Build trust with young families

Week 4: July 14–20 — Vacation Bible School

Event: VBS Week (evenings or mornings)

Theme example: “Camp Firelight”
Sunday: VBS Celebration Service with kids singing

Goal : Connect with parents and promote Back-to-School Sunday

NOTE : Your VBS may start at a different time and may need to be switch weeks with other activities listed in this playbook. Other alternatives to VBS include day camps, mission-focused programs, sports clinics, field days, musicals, and even Christmas in July.

Week 5: July 21–27 — Community Need Week

Event : School Supply Giveaway

Partner with local schools
Free prayer/coffee booth for parents

Goal : Serve the community + invite to fall launch

Week 6: July 28–Aug 3 — Back-to-School Sunday

Big Sunday Moment:

Student & teacher blessing
Family photo booth
Launch fall kids/youth programs

Goal : Mark the official start of fall ministry

Week 7: Aug 4–10 — Welcome Series Launch

Sermon Series: “Fresh Starts” or “Faith for the Real World”

Promote online & in-person
Highlight small group launch dates

Goal : Draw visitors back with relevant topics

Week 8: Aug 11–17 — Group & Volunteer Launch

Event: Next Steps Lunch or Ministry Fair

Light lunch after service
Booths/tables for groups, serving, youth/kids
Simple gift: mug, magnet, or shirt

Goal : Get people connected and committed

Weekly social media posts (use Canva for simple graphics)
Text & email follow-ups to guests (with Faith Teams of course!):
- “Thanks for coming!”
- “Here’s what’s next!”
- “We’d love to see you this Sunday!”

Use QR code connection cards or paper sign-ins or even Faith Teams check-in at every event

Ongoing Sunday Highlights

2-minute event promo each week
Testimonies or quick interviews from guests or volunteers
Sneak peek of fall sermon series

Optional Considerations

Facebook or Instagram Ads for community events ($50–100 budget)
Invite cards or door hangers (members deliver locally)
Local newspaper advertisements

DOWNLOAD THE PLAYBOOK HERE !

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Faith Teams Sites is Live

Tue, 20 May 2025 08:14:00 GMT

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Ways to Keep Momentum Going at Your Church after Easter

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 18:19:00 GMT

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Scams that Target our Mobile Centric World

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 22:53:00 GMT

Faith Teams has focused its efforts over the last few years to add more and more features that are mobile friendly and centric. Our phones are powerful, always on and always at our sides. Even our Bibles are with us always. While our development team is always fighting cyber attacks, those that affect our users are may not be obvious.

Just this past week, a person on our staff received an email to their personal account telling them their credit card on file was expiring and that they needed to update it. First there was confusion as the email address for the business was a Gmail address. And the email address seemed strange and not descriptive of the business. So, it must be spam. Right? Well, a search through their email history found other emails for this person/business. It wasn’t spam. This was a person who had rented our employee some construction equipment. Their accounting system had just sent out an auto reminder. Sure, the person should have had a domain name and a website that was more descriptive. Even the email should have had more information in it. Such as a “signature”. Unfortunately, we all have to be paranoid to ensure our bank account balances aren’t stolen.

As so many people now give through their phones, join groups and events the same way, we should also help our fellow congregants to be careful. And we as church leaders should ensure our communications are clear and obvious (branded correctly). Here are some of the most common scams that affect mobile users and how to guard against these scams.

1. Phishing Scams (Smishing – SMS Phishing & Email Phishing)

Scammers send fake texts or emails pretending to be from banks, PayPal, Amazon, or other trusted companies, even your church..
They often include links asking you to log in order to steal a person’s credentials.
How to Avoid: Never click links from unknown numbers. Always go directly to the official website instead. You can also ensure your members and guests know your Faith Teams texting number and as well your primary outbound email addresses.

2. Fake Banking Apps & Mobile Malware

Some scammers create fake banking apps that look real but steal login info.
Malicious apps may also steal personal and financial data.
How to Avoid: Only download apps from official stores (Google Play, Apple App Store).

3. Investment & Crypto Scams

Scammers promise huge returns on cryptocurrency or stock investments.
They often pressure you to “act fast” before you “miss out.”
How to Avoid: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always research before investing.

4. Fake Customer Support Calls

Scammers impersonate banks, phone carriers, or tech support.
They ask for your account details, one-time passwords, or remote access to your phone.
How to Avoid: Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive info over the phone. Hang up and call the company directly.

5. Online Shopping & Marketplace Scams

Fake sellers on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or Craigslist ask for payment upfront but never deliver.
Some use fake tracking numbers to make it seem like an item is shipped.
How to Avoid: Only buy from verified sellers and use platforms with buyer protection.

6. Fake Lottery & Prize Scams

You receive a message saying you’ve won a prize, but you need to pay fees or taxes to claim it.
How to Avoid: Legitimate lotteries don’t ask for money upfront.

7. QR Code Scams

Scammers place fake QR codes on public signs or in restaurants to redirect you to phishing sites. They’ve even tried this in churches!
How to Avoid: Double-check URLs before entering sensitive info.

8. Job & Work-From-Home Scams

Fake job postings ask for an upfront fee for training or materials.
Some “employers” ask for banking details under the guise of setting up direct deposit.
How to Avoid: Research companies before applying and never pay for a job.

Here are some key ways to secure your phone against financial scams and fraud:

1. Strengthen Your Passwords & Authentication

Use Strong Passwords: Avoid simple passwords like “123456” or “password.” Use a password manager if needed.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): App-based authentication (Google Authenticator, Authy) or over SMS (text messages)
Use Biometric Security: Face ID or fingerprint unlock adds an extra layer of protection.

2. Be Wary of Unknown Links & Messages

Don’t Click Suspicious Links: If a message claims to be from your bank or another service, go directly to the official website.
Avoid Downloading Attachments from Unknown Senders: They may contain malware.
Check for Spelling & Grammar Errors: Many scam messages contain mistakes that legitimate companies wouldn’t make.

3. Secure Mobile Carrier Account

Add a PIN or Password to Your SIM Card: This prevents unauthorized SIM swaps.
Set Up a Carrier PIN: Call your mobile provider and add a security PIN for account changes.

4. Be Cautious with Apps & Downloads

Only Download Apps from Trusted Sources: Use the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Check App Permissions: Avoid apps that request unnecessary access to your data.
Delete Unused Apps: Old apps can be security risks if they’re no longer updated.

5. Keep Your Phone & Apps Updated

Install Security Updates: Regularly update your phone’s operating system and apps.
Enable Automatic Updates: This ensures you get the latest security patches.

6. Use a Secure Internet Connection

Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Banking & Transactions: Use mobile data or a VPN for secure browsing.
Turn Off Bluetooth & Wi-Fi When Not in Use: Prevents unwanted connections.

7. Monitor Your Financial Accounts

Check Bank Statements Regularly: Look for any unauthorized transactions.
Enable Account Alerts: Get notified about any suspicious activity.

8. Protect Your Personal Information

Don’t Share Sensitive Info Over Phone or Text: Scammers often pose as customer service representatives.
Limit Social Media Sharing: Avoid posting personal details like your birthday, phone number, or address.

9. Install Security Software

Use a Mobile Security App: Apps like Norton Mobile Security or Bitdefender can detect threats.
Enable Find My iPhone (Apple) or Find My Device (Android): Helps locate your phone if lost or stolen.

10. Know How to Respond to Scams

Report Scams Immediately: Contact your bank, mobile provider, or local authorities.
Freeze Your Credit if Necessary: If your identity is compromised, consider placing a fraud alert.
Block & Report Spam Calls & Messages: Both iOS and Android allow you to report suspicious contacts.

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AI Email Generator is Live

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:38:00 GMT

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Easter is Always On ……

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 18:35:00 GMT

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Ensuring QR Code Safety at Your Church

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 02:37:00 GMT

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You Can’t Manage It If You Can’t Measure It.

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 02:58:00 GMT

Peter Drucker, an American management consultant and writer, is often credited with saying, “You can’t manage what you don’t measure”. Drucker’s point was that without measuring and tracking progress, what you’re doing is essentially guessing.

In the past, people came to Sunday school, to service (one or more times) and participated in church activities such as events and volunteer activities. Now they do these AND attend online at times. And there is a growing number of strictly online attendees. But how do you know how many people came in person and online? And who are they?

With almost 80% of churches now providing both in person and online services, they also can track the online viewing streams. However, they can’t necessarily track the number of people viewing a particular stream. And they may not be able to know WHO any of those viewers are. Let’s step back though to what has been done in the past.

Traditional Methods

Headcounts : Assign ushers or volunteers to count attendees as they enter the service or once the congregation is seated. Again, you may find a number, but not know who those people are.
Sign-In Sheets : Place sign-in sheets at the entrance where attendees can record their names. These though are easily and even innocently missed by attendees.
Offering Envelopes : Use personalized offering envelopes with attendees’ names as a proxy for attendance tracking. This is great for those who give but not so good for those who could be givers. And many who give in person prefer to do so anonymously.

Visual and Observational Methods

Photo Capture : Take discreet photos of the congregation (with consent) and count attendees from the image.
Seating Patterns : Track which sections of the sanctuary fill up to estimate attendance.

Events and Classes Tracking

Children’s Ministry Check-Ins : Track children attending Sunday school or youth programs as a way to estimate family attendance.
Event Ticketing : Use free or paid ticket systems for special services to track RSVPs and actual attendance.

Some of the newer ways to track attendance also make it easy for an attendee to let you know who they are. For example:

Online Check-Ins

Registration Forms : You can ask attendees to sign up for and use online services via an online form. A good example is the Faith Teams Welcome Form!
QR Codes : Share a scannable QR code on a foam board or on a screen during the service that leads to a digital attendance form.
Live Chat Check-Ins : Prompt viewers to say hello or type their names in the chat during the live stream.
Text to Check -In: Users can text a key word to a church number providing a unique checi-in.

Specialized Church Apps

Church Management Software (ChMS) : Tools like Faith Teams Community make it easy for a user to notify you that they are there (online or in person)
Custom Church Apps : Develop or use existing church apps with built-in attendance tracking features, such as check-ins or participation badges.

Event Check-In

ChMS apps also provide check-in for both events and for child classes with either the attendee using an app to check-in or with the volunteer checking-in the person.

Online giving provides churches with a more accurate and real-time view of attendance. Key benefits of an online digital approach are:

Trends Identification : Tracking attendance over time helps identify patterns in participation, such as seasonal fluctuations or the impact of special events.
Engagement Measurement : Regular attendance indicates how connected individuals feel to the church community.
Spotting of an Early Decline : Declining attendance can signal a need to re-engage members or address underlying issues.
Absence identification : Knowing who hasn’t attended recently allows church leaders to follow up and provide support, showing care and concern.
Visitors: Tracking helps monitor and integrate first-time visitors or new members into the community.
Foster Deeper Connections : Attendance data helps pastors focus on building relationships with those who may be at risk of disengaging.
Resource Allocation : Attendance trends help determine how many services or events to schedule and whether changes are needed in format or timing. Attendance data also informs decisions about staffing, facilities, and budgeting.
Improve Hospitality : Noticing patterns like a drop-off in newcomers returning for subsequent services can highlight areas for improvement in follow-up or inclusivity.
Measure Reach : In the digital age, tracking attendance across online platforms helps understand the church’s broader influence.

Engage Remote Members : Online attendance data ensures that remote participants are not overlooked and feel part of the community.

With ChMS tools like Faith Teams and the others on the market, it’s much easier to track exactly WHO attended, whether in person or online. And it’s also easy to use that information to bring your members and guests closer to your church.

The post You Can’t Manage It If You Can’t Measure It. appeared first on Faith Teams .

Mass Texting to Your Congregation. Reaching and Engaging More Quickly…..And Better!

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 22:45:00 GMT

We’ve just been through an election season with lots of signs, TV ads, canvassing and text messages. Finally, those are all abating. Most so for text messages. It seems that the politicians realize that text messaging is very effective. Marketing text messages have a higher open rate than emails. They have a near-instantaneous delivery, and a personal feel.

Here are some of the best reasons to use mass texting to your congregation:

Instant Reach

Timely Updates : Churches can quickly inform members about upcoming events, service times, cancellations (e.g., due to weather), or urgent announcements.
Event Reminders : Automated reminders ensure that members and guests don’t miss important events, prayer meetings, or special services.

Personalized Engagement

Prayer Requests and Encouragement : Members can reply with prayer requests, allowing the church to provide personal spiritual support.
Targeted Groups : Messages can be tailored to specific groups (e.g., youth ministry, small groups, or choir members), making communication relevant and impactful.

Reaching a Larger Audience

Broad Reach : Text messaging is used by people of all ages.
Youth : For younger audiences, text messaging may be THE most important way to reach them.

Simpler and Shorter Messages

Simple Messages : Text messages are much shorter than an email prompting higher open (and read) rates.
Relevant Links : Even though text messages are short, they can includes web page links to allow people to register for an event.

Simplified Overall Church Management

Volunteers : Churches can send mass messages to recruit volunteers for specific roles or events and to notify them of upcoming commitments.
Giving : Texts with donation links can remind members about opportunities to their church.

Tips for Effective Church Texting

Keep it Concise: Ensure messages are concise and focused.
Maintain Consent: Always get permission from recipients to receive texts and include an opt-out for those who don’t want to receive additional messages.
Be Respectful of Timing: Avoid sending messages too early or late in the day. Or on key holidays. You should be able to schedule when a message is sent.
Use a Consistent Voice: Ensure the tone aligns with the church’s values and mission. The phrase “too many cooks in the kitchen” can be true in many cases. Make sure the person or persons putting together messaging at your church do so in similar ways.
Include a call to action: A call to action ensures your message is “important” and vital to both the church and to the recipient.

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The Adoption of the Digital Bible

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 18:41:00 GMT

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Preparing for Christmas Outreach

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 20:08:00 GMT

While it is only October, it is time to prepare for Christmas celebrations with your people. It’s also time to reach those in your community who may not have plans for Christmas or even have a church home. While many religions exist in the United States, our culture still centers on Christmas in late December, even in its generic “Hallmark Movie” form. We don’t have to be shy about wishing someone a “Merry Christmas”. And perhaps that’s our opening to show that Christmas is a very special time.

There are many events and activities your church can have that will engage your current members and guests and pique the interests of those who are unchurched.

Below are some of the interesting ways you can bring the story of the birth of Jesus to your larger community.

A Live Nativity . A live nativity requires careful planning but can be an amazing way to tell the Christmas story . Here are things to consider:
1. Space . You may need a parking lot for an outdoor scene or a larger place indoors that can accommodate many people and even a few animals . Be sure to get any permits that may be required in your area.
2. Weather . If you’re in Florida or other parts of the deep South, the weather can be perfect . If you’re in the north, there may be snow . In most parts though, there can be rain, cold, and ice that can cancel your event . This means you need to have costumes that fit with the weather you may have. And you’ll need a “plan B” in case the weather cancels your live event.
3. Costumes . You need to consider the garments you will need to have to show Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the three wise men, and the angel . And your actors will need places to change clothes . Look online for costumes or consider working with people at your church to make them.
4. Animals . Find a local vendor now who can provide donkeys, sheep, or goats. Having live animals helps tell the story. However, you need someone who can transport them to your site and properly handle them.
5. Volunteers . A live nativity requires lots of coordination . You’ll need volunteers to play characters, handle animals (and work with the animal provider), set up, clean up, costumes prep , arrange set pieces , and props, and set up shifts.
6. Engagement . Advertise within the church, on social media, and in local community boards . Provide clear event details, including parking information and accessibility options.
7. Hospitality . Offer hot drinks, snacks, or small souvenirs (like ornaments or scripture cards) to make visitors feel welcome.
8. Other Considerations . Check your insurance coverage for live events and any other liability considerations . And look at waivers for volunteers, especially those that may work with the animals.
Hold Multiple Services . Many people are required to be at work on this day, especially if they work for a retailer . Having multiple services helps them be able to learn about the real meaning of Christmas while working around their work schedule . Even more, you can help accommodate visitors to your area.
1. Christmas Eve Services.
  - Multiple Times . It’s more common today to have services at different times on Christmas Eve to make it convenient for families, individuals, and different age groups.
  - Candlelight Services : A late-night , candlelight service is a popular tradition at many churches , often held around 11 p.m. or midnight (Catholics having a midnight mass) . This is often a more contemplative, solemn service.
2. Christmas Day Service . You can consider either a morning worship, a special blessing, or communion service, or both.
Have Giving Events . You can create a food or toy drive that encourages your volunteers and visitors to bring food and presents for delivery to food banks, assisted living homes, women’s shelters, and more . This is a way of capturing a community’s attention at a key time . Also , work with your local paper to highlight this work and to advertise the need for more volunteers and gifts Generosity makes an impression on unchurched people.
1. Operation Christmas Child . Samaratin’s Purse will send you materials for your group or your entire church . They will also send you labels, posters, flyers, inspirational videos, and more . Your people can then each pack the shoe box size boxes with items and designate them for a boy or girl. Many churches already act as dropoff locations enabling just about anyone to build and drop off a box . Here is their order site: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/order-materials/.
2. Toys for Tots . Toys for Tots is a charity that organizes toy drives from October to December . You can donate toys, gifts, books, clothes, or buy gifts for children aged newborn to 16 years . There are local chapters all over the USA . You can partner with a chapter and they will help organize a toy drive providing you with the materials and know-how to engage your church.
3. Roll Your Own ! There are many great local ways to get people to give their time and money to help those who most need to know the story of Jesus and experience the celebration of his birth . Here are some great ideas:
  1. A Bike Drive . Ask your church members to find old bikes that can then be fixed , cleaned up, and donated . Here’s an example of just such a drive: https://jcbc.org/event/jcbc-annual-bike-drive/ . With Johns Creek Baptist , they found a partner in North Fulton Community Charities who knew the children and parents in need and could quickly deliver the reconditioned bikes.
  2. Adopt Families . Johns Creek Baptist (JCBC) also partners with a nearby group called Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries . JCBC small groups then adopt a family for Christmas and then organize to buy for their family . This is a great way to give local and to put a face on the family and the church.
  3. Caroling . Yes , it’s still done ! And it is almost always appreciated . It requires a plan to determine where is appropriate .
    1. Get RSVPs from your carolers.
    2. Pick your locations such as nursing homes, retirement communities, and hospitals . You can also go door to door if neighborhoods allow it . And even city squares . Just make sure you have the permissions before you go.
    3. Pick your songs . Great ones are “ O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem, Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem, Silent Night, O, Holy Night, Hark ! the Herald Angels Sing, Joy to The World, and O, Come All Ye Faithful . These are all inspirational songs and more than likely are recognized by your planned audiences.
    4. Bring gifts . These can be as simple as candy canes or packaged treats.
    5. Be creative . You could ride and sing on an old fire truck . Or on a boat at dockside . You could also sing from golf carts . And town squares are always a favorite.

Christmas outreach is a great way to introduce God to the unchurched showing his love for us and willingness to come be with us. It can be hard to explain the entire story of the Bible and of Jesus’ time on earth. However, simple Christmas outreach showing celebration, sharing and love is a great way to help someone become curious and as well a great way to reinforce bonds between people at your church.

The post Preparing for Christmas Outreach appeared first on Faith Teams .

Your Year’s End Giving Campaign

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 20:35:00 GMT

The post Your Year’s End Giving Campaign appeared first on Faith Teams .

The Best Cloud File Storage Solutions for Churches

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:12:00 GMT

There are several online document storage solutions for individuals and businesses. And there are a few that are unique to churches. First though are the reasons your church may want to save documents “in the cloud”. Here are a few key reasons:

1. Cost Efficiency

- Remote Access : Church staff, ministry leaders, and volunteers can access documents from anywhere, whether they are working from home, at the church office, or in the mission field.
- Team Collaboration : Cloud storage allows multiple users to work on documents in real time, making it easier for church leadership, committees, and teams to collaborate on events, plans, or resources.
- Multi-Device Access : Cloud storage allows access from any device, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, ensuring that important documents are always available to those who need them.

2. Cost Efficiency

- Free or Low-Cost Plans : Many cloud storage services offer free tiers that provide enough storage for smaller churches, and affordable options for larger congregations.

3. Disaster Recovery

- Backup and Recovery : Documents stored in the cloud are protected from hardware failures, natural disasters, or theft. If a computer crashes or a building is damaged, files stored in the cloud remain safe and accessible.

4. Easy File Sharing

- Internal Sharing : Cloud storage allows churches to easily share documents internally among staff, ministry leaders, and volunteers. Shared folders can be used for specific teams or committees to access the documents they need.
- External Sharing : Churches can securely share files with members, external partners, or donors. For example, event flyers, sermon notes, or financial reports can be shared via secure links without needing to send large email attachments.

5. Confidentiality for Sensitive Documents

- Secure Member Information : Churches often handle sensitive information such as member contact details, counseling records, or financial contributions. Cloud storage with encryption ensures this information is kept confidential and only accessible to authorized individuals.
- Compliance with Legal Requirements : Churches are sometimes subject to data privacy regulations depending on the region. Cloud storage providers offer compliance tools (e.g., for GDPR, HIPAA) that help churches manage sensitive information in line with legal requirements.

You could consider your church management software, such as Faith Teams, as part of your storage plan. Churches keep member rolls, donation information, volunteer lists and graphics in Faith Teams. It is a good idea though to also keep broader and more greatly shared files in a cloud storage environment. The best ones on the market are:

1. Dropbox

Best for : Simple file sharing and collaboration for ministry teams.

Key features :

- - Easy to use interface, with 2 GB free storage (and more with paid plans)
  - Automatic syncing across devices
  - Shared folders and team spaces, useful for ministries, committees, and leadership teams
  - Version history and recovery options (for when files get changed or deleted)
  - Integration with other tools like Zoom and Slack

Security : Strong encryption, password-protected sharing, and 2 factor authentication.

Church Benefit : Easy for anyone to pick up and use, especially for sharing resources or managing files for small groups and committees. Dropbox does offer a non-profit discount for business accounts.

2. Google Drive

Best for : Churches needing a free, user-friendly option with good collaboration tools.

Key features :

- - 15 GB free storage
  - Real-time collaboration via Google Apps (documents, spreadsheets, and presentations). This is great for church teams working together on events or resources.
  - Easy sharing options for members and volunteers
  - Integration with Google Calendar and Gmail
  - Accessible from any device

Security : Secure sharing controls, encryption, and two-factor authentication.

Church Benefit : Easy for staff and volunteers to use with no cost for most basic needs. For paid accounts, Google does offer non-profit discounts for paid accounts.

3. Microsoft OneDrive

Best for : Churches that use Microsoft Office tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Key features :

- - 5 GB free storage, 1 TB with Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) subscription
  - Real-time collaboration on Office files
  - Strong integration with Microsoft Teams for church communication and file sharing
  - Seamless integration with Microsoft apps used for sermons, budgets, or planning

Security : Data encryption, two-factor authentication, and secure sharing options.

Church Benefit : Great for churches that are already using Microsoft products, with more powerful features through Microsoft 365. Works on Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android. Microsoft does offer a non-profit discount for Microsoft 365 and larger OneDrive subscriptions.

4. Box

Best for : Churches that need advanced security and detailed permission control.

Key features :

- - Designed with strong permission controls and access tracking (helpful for managing sensitive church documents like financials or membership records)
  - Collaboration tools for teams and ministries
  - Integration with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack, and others
  - Paid plans offer a large amount of storage

Security : Enterprise-grade security, encryption, and detailed access control.

Church Benefit : Ideal for churches that need secure document storage for leadership teams or sensitive member information.

There are other software application that can help you create and save documents, images and media. These include:

1. Canva

Churches can use Canva to store images (e.g., event photos, sermon graphics), videos (e.g., sermon highlights, worship session clips), and audio files (e.g., sermon recordings or background music for presentations). It supports:

- - Images : PNG, JPG, SVG
  - Videos : MP4, GIF
  - Audio : MP3, WAV, M4A

These media files can be easily integrated into graphics for social media, bulletins, flyers, or presentations, making Canva a practical tool for both design and media storage.

Canva is a great tool for temporarily storing and organizing media files that you’ll use in your designs, but it’s not intended to replace full-fledged cloud storage solutions. For churches, Canva is perfect for managing visual and media resources used in outreach, marketing, and communication projects.

2. Church Management Software

If your church management software (ChMS) offers file storage, this is another great way to store, share and collaborate. However, Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive and Box can also work right inside of Windows Explorer (Window) and Finder (Mac) making those services usable on a device or inside a browser and make it easier to move from one ChMS to another when needed. Just as with Canva, using your ChMS is a great temporary solution to use along with your longer term cloud storage.

By storing documents in the cloud, churches can modernize their operations, ensure the security of critical data, and improve collaboration and communication across ministries and staff, all while staying within budget and allowing almost any device/operating system to have access to the right files and the right time.

The post The Best Cloud File Storage Solutions for Churches appeared first on Faith Teams .

Preparing Your Church for the Christian Calendar

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 21:06:00 GMT

As a Christian, it’s highly likely that you celebrate the holidays of Christmas and Easter. And here in the United States, many “cultural Christians” also celebrate these “holidays”. Unfortunately, many Christians know little about the full liturgical calendar (also known as the Christian calendar) which divides the year into a cycle of seasons and days based on the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

The Christian or liturgical calendar has often been thought of as a primarily Catholic tradition. However, many Protestant denominations observe it in their churches today. So what is the Christian calendar (or year)?

The Christian calendar is the annual cycle of seasons and days observed in Christian churches in commemoration of the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Preparing for, presenting, and celebrating the Christian calendar can be a deeply meaningful way for a church to engage its congregation in the rhythms of faith and the life of Christ. Below is a guide for how a church can approach this throughout the year:

1. The Christian calendar

The Christian year is divided into seasons, each focusing on different aspects of the life of Christ. Here are those key seasons:
Advent (Preparation for the coming of Christ’s birth)
Christmas (Celebrating Christ’s birth)
Epiphany (Manifestation of Christ to Gentiles)
Lent (Reflection and repentance leading up to Easter)
Easter (Celebrating the resurrection of Christ)
Pentecost (The coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church)
Ordinary Time (Focus on the teachings and ministry of Christ)

How to present it to your congregation

Calendar Integration : Your church can create a Christian calendar and add it to your published church calendar (even in Faith Teams).
Education : Teach the meaning of each season through sermons, Bible studies, newsletters, and digital media (emails, blogs, social media) to explain the significance of the seasons. Encourage small group/Sunday school leaders to make the calendar part of their regular presentations
Visual Aids : Use church bulletins, websites/blogs, and bulletin boards to display the Christian calendar. And share it on Facebook too.

2. Preparation for the Seasons

Each season has its own focus, and spiritual traditions. Here’s how a church can prepare for these seasons:

Advent :
- Focus on waiting, hope, and expectation.
- Organize Advent devotionals or Bible studies.
- Encourage families to use Advent wreaths or calendars at home.
- Prepare the church space with decorations (purple colors, Advent wreath, nativity scenes).
- And yes, mix in cultural Christmas decorations such as those showing Santa Claus.
Christmas
- A season of anticipation and celebration of the birth of Jesus.
- Christmas pageants, and special Christmas Eve services are wa ys to celebration as a congregation.
- Encourage family gatherings to continue celebrations at home.
Lent :
- A season of reflection, repentance, self-denial, and sacrifice.
- Hold Ash Wednesday services to begin the season.
- Encourage practices such as fasting, prayer, or charitable giving.
- Offer weekly Lenten studies or devotional guides for personal reflection.
Holy Week :
- Special services, including Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil, to lead up to Easter.
- Reenactments of the passion story can be powerful for your congregation.
Easter :
- Celebrate the resurrection with joy and celebration. Consider organizing sunrise services (even outside), baptisms, or renewal of baptismal ceremonies.
- Prepare with joyful music, seasonal decorations, and messages of hope and victory over death.
Pentecost :
- Focus on the coming of the Holy Spirit.
- Encourage the congregation to wear red on Pentecost Sunday.
- Celebrate with services focused on the work of the Spirit and the global mission of the Church.

3. Celebrating Each Season

Each season has its unique way of being celebrated, from gift giving at Christmas, to solemn fasting in Lent to joyful feasting at Easter. The following are ways the church can lead the congregation in celebrations:

Worship Services:
- Tailor sermons, music, and prayers to reflect the themes of each season.
- Use the seasonal colors (purple for Advent and Lent, white for Christmas and Easter, red for Pentecost) in church decor, vestments, materials and on websites and social media pages.
Community Events:
- Organize community meals, festivals, or social gatherings tied to the seasons. For example, have an Advent dinner or Easter brunch.
- Encourage service projects during Lent or Advent to express Christian charity and generosity.
Children’s and Youth Programs:
- Provide special lessons, crafts, and activities for children that correspond to the liturgical season.
- Host holiday pageants or dramatizations for Christmas or Easter that allow children to participate in the telling of the story.
- And while more cultural, host an Easter egg hunt or egg decorating contest.
Special Seasonal Practices:
- Introduce specific Christian practices associated with each season (e.g., lighting candles during Advent, foot-washing on Maundy Thursday, processions on Palm Sunday).

4. Incorporating Technology and Media

Use social media to share devotional thoughts, prayer prompts, and reflections during the seasons. Be bold as the cost to reach people in this way is low and the reach high.
Livestream special services for those unable to attend in person.
Develop or share podcasts, playlists of seasonal hymns, or videos to keep congregants engaged outside of services.

5. Encouraging Personal and Family Observance

Offer resources to help families and individuals mark the seasons at home. This could include prayer guides, reflection questions, and simple rituals.
For Advent, suggest the use of an Advent wreath or Jesse Tree at home. For Lent, encourage households to set up a prayer space or do a family fast.

Bringing the full Christian calendar to your congregation and community provides them with the opportunity to remember the whole ministry of salvation in each year and brings them together better with purpose. The Church calendar also keeps our focus where it should be, on Jesus Christ.

The post Preparing Your Church for the Christian Calendar appeared first on Faith Teams .

Ten Events Your Church Can Run This Fall

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 14:20:00 GMT

The post Ten Events Your Church Can Run This Fall appeared first on Faith Teams .

Ways Your Church Can Give As Well As Receive

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 16:57:00 GMT

Yes, our churches keep the doors open with donations provided by members and guests. Many not only give, but they also tithe and even donate their estates to their church. One of the key uses of Faith Teams software is to make it easy to receive monetary donations from members and guests. However, there are many other community organizations and nonprofits that help build our communities too. And they also rely on the monies and efforts of others for their success. Are there ways our churches can help other organizations thrive? There sure are. And those efforts also serve to introduce people to Jesus. Here are a few key ways your church can also donate to other people and organizations:

Give away your assets not in use

Old Bibles – Have you recently purchased all new Bibles and now have the old ones collecting dust? The binding may be old, but the words are still renewing. Give them another church or other organization that relies on the Bible for their efforts.
Furniture – If you have furniture no longer in use, give it to a food bank, an abuse shelter or an animal humane society. These organizations are not only in need of things, they also need care.

Give your prized writings

Books – Many pastors create books that sell on bookshelves and at Amazon. Package them up with wrapping and offer them as a giveaway at community fundraisers. Not only does this help those other groups raise money, it also lets other know about you. You can do this with Bibles as well.

Give to Other Churches

Loan Part of Your Building – As you grow, sometimes you end up with unused parts of your church. Do you have an old sanctuary that is no longer used but still important to the history of your church? Loan it to a church plant until they can get their own building
Give to Other Missions – Churches sometimes have the resources and not the people to fulfill on mission plans. Find another church and give them those monies to meet your church’s desires to reach those in greatest need.

Give Your Expertise

Multimedia – For most, livestreaming is difficult. If you know how to do it, teach other churches how. Perhaps also give them your last generation of equipment. While there is always some competition for new congregants, we all win when we spread the word of Jesus!
AI – AI can be scary. And yet, very beneficial in increasing efficiency at churches. If you’ve already mastered AI, teach it to other churches. Hold local on-site seminars with smaller churches than yours bringing in those with expertise in AI to teach smaller churches how to use it for good.

Churches do need to ensure they can keep their doors open with donations being a key way to make that happen. They can though play a key role in helping other churches who are in great need ensuring more and more people come to know Jesus!

The post Ways Your Church Can Give As Well As Receive appeared first on Faith Teams .

The Largest Invitation-only Networking Event in the Southeastern US is also ……

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 01:09:00 GMT

The post The Largest Invitation-only Networking Event in the Southeastern US is also …… appeared first on Faith Teams .

Best Practices for Running a Capital Campaign for your Church

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 08:46:00 GMT

Churches rely on their congregants to consistently give to ensure the bills are paid every month. However, even the most successful churches can have financial roadblocks. The economy goes up and down affecting congregants’ pocketbooks. Churches can lose people due to migration trends. Or they gain people but have a mix that involves younger givers with less means. Most churches today offer digital giving to appeal to younger generations and accelerate the receipt of funds.

Donations

Most funding comes through regular giving from church members. Some of that regular giving comes in the form of tithing, or the giving of 10% of one’s income. Other funding comes through offerings. These are usually for a special mission and can be one time or perhaps periodic.

Grants

Other funding can come from grants, usually from governments or private organizations to help cover repairs, community programs and youth activities.

Endowments

Churches can also do what other non-profits do and establish an endowment fund allowing supporters to direct gifts (usually large) for specific uses. These funds provide a church with income into perpetuity. While the original gifts grow through prudent investments, the church can use the earnings each year to enhance church ministries, outreach and care of facilities. Establishing endowments though may involve a larger capital campaign.

Products and Services

Churches can act a bit like businesses and use their resources to make money. For example, churches can rent their facilities and property, sell counseling services and financial planning. They can also sell t-shirts, have bake sales, run summer camps and have movie nights for children or teens.

Capital Campaigns

All of these activities keep churches going but don’t provide major funds for large-scale projects that go beyond the scope of regular operating budgets. Here are some of the key reasons churches launch capital campaigns:

Building or Renovating Facilities : Churches may need to construct new buildings, expand existing ones, or renovate facilities to accommodate growing congregations, provide better services, or create more functional spaces for worship, education, and community activities.
Debt Reduction : Some churches use capital campaigns to pay off existing debts, which can free up resources for other ministry activities and reduce financial strain.
Supporting Mission and Outreach Programs : Capital campaigns can fund new or expanded mission and outreach initiatives, allowing a church to have a greater impact on its community or support global missions.
Purchasing Land or Property : If a church is looking to acquire new land or property, a capital campaign can help raise the necessary funds for such a significant investment.
Technological Upgrades : In an increasingly digital world, churches may run campaigns to fund technology upgrades, such as new audio-visual systems, livestreaming equipment, or improved IT infrastructure.
Establishing Endowments : Some churches seek to create or grow endowment funds to ensure long-term financial stability and support for ongoing ministry efforts. Endowments ensure the monthly bills in the future can more easily be covered.
Launching New Ministries : A capital campaign can provide the financial foundation needed to start new ministries or expand existing ones, especially those that require significant resources, such as educational programs or community centers.
Creating Community Spaces : Churches might raise funds to build or improve spaces that serve both the congregation and the broader community, such as fellowship halls, gymnasiums, or youth centers. These community spaces can also be used for ongoing revenue generation as mentioned earlier in this post.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability : Some churches focus on environmentally sustainable projects, such as installing solar panels, improving insulation, or making other energy-efficient upgrades to reduce long-term costs and environmental impact.
Strengthening Legacy and Future Growth : Capital campaigns can help churches build a lasting legacy by investing in their future, ensuring that they can continue to serve their communities for generations to come.

What to do and what NOT to do.

The Dos . There are some best practices for running a successful capital campaign for your church. And there are some common mistakes that should be avoided. Below are steps to take that will help ensure a smooth and successful campaign.

Set a Clear “Why” for the Campaign : Identify why you need the money and the goals (amount of funds) you have in mind. And then ensure that these goals are realistic and aligned with the church’s mission and needs.
Develop a Compelling Vision : Craft a compelling narrative that communicates why the campaign is necessary and how it aligns with the church’s mission. This vision should inspire and motivate the congregation to participate.
Engage Leadership Early : Involve church leadership, including pastors, elders, deacons and key volunteers, early in the planning process. Their support and commitment are crucial for the campaign’s success.
Conduct a Feasibility Study : Before launching the campaign, conduct a feasibility study to gauge the congregation’s willingness and ability to contribute. This can help set realistic financial goals and identify potential challenges.
Create a Detailed Campaign Plan : Develop a comprehensive plan that outlines the campaign phases, including the pre-campaign planning, silent phase, public phase, and follow-up. Assign roles and responsibilities to ensure smooth execution.
Communicate Transparently : Maintain open and transparent communication throughout the campaign. Regularly update the congregation on progress, celebrate milestones, and address any concerns or questions.
Involve Everyone: Encourage participation from all members of the congregation, regardless of their financial capacity. Emphasize that every contribution, whether large or small, is valuable and contributes to the collective goal.
Provide Multiple Giving Options : Offer various ways to give, such as one-time donations, pledges over time, online giving, and in-kind contributions. Make the process easy and accessible for everyone. Faith Teams and other modern church management software applications offer online and text based giving for small and even large amounts.
Acknowledge and Thank Donors : Recognize and thank donors at every level of giving. Personal thank-you notes, public acknowledgments, and donor recognition events can help build goodwill and encourage continued support.
Follow Up and Report Back : After the campaign concludes, follow up with the congregation to report on how the funds were used and the impact of their contributions. These builds trust and set the stage for future campaigns.
Celebrate Successes : Celebrate the completion of the campaign and the achievements made possible by the funds raised. This could include a special service, a dedication ceremony, or a community event.
Plan for the Long Term : Consider how the campaign fits into the church’s long-term financial and ministry goals. Ensure that the campaign contributes to sustainable growth and doesn’t strain the church’s resources.
Leverage Technology : Use digital tools for communication, tracking progress, and managing donations. Social media, email newsletters, and a dedicated campaign website can help keep the congregation informed and engaged.
Prepare for Challenges : Anticipate potential obstacles, such as economic downturns or unforeseen expenses, and develop contingency plans to address them.

The Don’t Dos . There are also pitfalls that should be avoided. Here are a few of the common mistakes made when running church capital campaigns.

It’s Not Just About the Money : Avoid focusing solely on the financial aspect of the campaign. Remember to emphasize the spiritual and communal importance of the project, aligning it with the church’s mission and values.
Lack of Clear Vision and Purpose : Avoid launching a campaign without a well-defined purpose and clear goals. Ambiguity can lead to confusion and lack of enthusiasm among the congregation.
Rushed and Inadequate Planning : Avoid rushing into the campaign without thorough planning. Skipping important steps like a feasibility study or not having a detailed timeline can lead to unrealistic expectations and unmet goals.
Short-Term Focus : Avoid planning the campaign with only immediate goals in mind. Consider the long-term impact and sustainability of the project to ensure that it aligns with the church’s future needs.
Leaving out Key Stakeholders : Avoid excluding church leadership or influential members from the planning process. Their support is crucial, and lack of involvement can lead to a lack of buy-in from the broader congregation.
Ignoring the Feasibility Study : Avoid ignoring the results of a feasibility study or not conducting one at all. This study is essential for understanding the congregation’s capacity to give and identifying potential challenges.
Overemphasizing Large Donations : Avoid focusing only on large donors. This can alienate members who can only contribute smaller amounts, making them feel undervalued or unimportant.
Pressure Tactics : Avoid using guilt or pressure to solicit donations. This can create resentment and damage relationships within the church community. Instead, emphasize voluntary giving and the spiritual rewards of generosity.
Underestimating Costs : Avoid underestimating the costs of the project or campaign. This can lead to financial shortfalls and may require additional fundraising efforts, which can frustrate donors.
Failing to Acknowledge Contributions : Avoid neglecting to recognize and thank donors. Failing to acknowledge contributions can make donors feel unappreciated and discourage future giving.
Lack of Transparency : Avoid being vague about how funds will be used or not reporting back on how money was spent. Transparency builds trust and confidence in the campaign’s leadership.
Disregarding Congregational Input : Avoid dismissing feedback or concerns from the congregation. Engaging with members and addressing their questions is vital for maintaining unity and support.
Overextending Resources : Avoid launching a campaign that overextends the church’s financial or volunteer resources. This can lead to burnout and financial strain, impacting other ministries and operations.
Failing to Celebrate Milestones : Avoid ignoring key milestones or not celebrating progress. Celebrating successes keeps momentum and enthusiasm high throughout the campaign.

By following these best practices and avoiding common pitfalls, churches can run effective capital campaigns that not only meet financial goals but also strengthen community bonds and advance their mission.

The post Best Practices for Running a Capital Campaign for your Church appeared first on Faith Teams .

Most Popular English Versions of the Bible

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 20:36:00 GMT

The Bible is the most read book ever and the most translated book too. Today, the full bible can be found in 736 languages. This post is focused though on the Bible in English. The Bible in its entirety was not translated into English until the 14th century (middle English), with John Wycliffe’s translation in 1382. And since the 16th century, there have been around 900 versions translated into English (modern English). There are formal or “word for word” translations and also functional equivalent or “meaning for meaning” translations.

According to The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association the top 9 best-selling English translations of the Bible in the United States in 2023 were:

New International Version – The New International Version (NIV) is a completely original translation of the Bible developed by more than one hundred scholars working from the best available Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. In 1955, Howard Long, an engineer from Seattle, embarked on a 10 year quest for a new Bible translation that would faithfully capture the Word of God in contemporary English. The NIV was finally published in 1978. Biblica/HarperCollins is the copyright holder of the NIV.
King James Version – In 1604, King James I of England authorized that a new translation of the Bible into English be started. It was finished in 1611, just 85 years after the first translation of the New Testament into English appeared (Tyndale, 1526). The Authorized Version, or King James Version, quickly became the standard for English-speaking Protestants. The KJV is public domain in the United States.
English Standard Version – The English Standard Version is a literal translation of the Bible, firmly rooted in the tradition of Tyndale and King James but without archaic language. Published in 2001 by Crossway, the ESV was created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors. The ESV relies on recently published critical editions of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek text and is considered a “literal” translation.
New Living Translation – The New Living Translation (NLT) is a translation into contemporary English. Published in 1996 by Tyndale House Foundation , the NLT was created by 90 leading Bible scholars. The origin of the NLT came from a project aiming to revise The Living Bible (TLB) and is considered a “meaning for meaning” translation.
Christian Standard Bible – The Christian Standard Bible (CSB) is a translation into contemporary English. Published by Lifeway Christian Resources in 2017 as the successor to the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB), the CSB “incorporates advances in biblical scholarship and input from Bible scholars, pastors, and readers to sharpen both accuracy and readability.” The CSB relies on recently published critical editions of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts.
New King James Version – The New King James Version (NKJV) is a translation into contemporary English. Published by Thomas Nelson , the New Testament was published in 1979 and the complete NKJV was released in 1982. With regard to its textual basis, the NKJV relies on a modern critical edition (the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia) for the Old Testament,
New International Reader’s Version – The New International Reader’s Version (NIrV) is a translation into contemporary English. Translated by the International Bible Society (now Biblica ) following a similar philosophy as NIV, but written in a simpler form of English making it easier for children and non-native English speakers. The full NIrV was first published in the fall of 1996.
New American Standard Bible – The New American Standard Bible (NASB) is a translation into contemporary English. Published by the Lockman Foundation , the complete NASB was released in 1971. The latest revision was published in 2020. The NASB relies on recently published critical editions of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts and is considered a more literal translation.
New Revised Standard Version – The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) is a translation into contemporary English. Published in 1989 by the National Council of Churches , the NRSV was created by a committee of 30 scholars. A major revision was released in 2021.

Sales today don’t take into account bibles used. Many people receive a bible from their family or their church. A staff member here at Faith Teams received his first bible from his church at 8 years old (King James Version) and then his second (that is still in use) from his in-laws at 30 years old (New International Version). He’s over 60 today!

While the NIV is the best selling bible today, KJV is still the most widely used with NIV being second.

Many today use technology to access the bible. The YouVersion app which is available for both iPhones and Android based phones provides 144 English bible translations. The app is free and easy to use. And it’s available via a browser at here .

American Standard Version – The American Standard Version (ASV), officially referred to as Revised Version, Standard American Edition, is a translation into English that was completed in 1901 with the publication of the revision of the Old Testament. Work on ASV began in 1870 with an effort to revise KJV of 1611. The revised New Testament was published in 1900. The Revised Version of 1885 (England) and the American Standard Version of 1901 are among the Bible versions authorized to be used in services of the Episcopal Church and the Church of England. The American Standard Version entered the public domain on January 1, 1957 upon expiration of its copyright.
Bible in Basic English – The Bible In Basic English (BBE) is a translation of the Bible into Basic English. The BBE was translated by Professor S. H. Hooke using the standard 850 Basic English words. 100 words that were helpful to understand poetry were added along with 50 “Bible” words for a total of 1,000 words. This version is effective in communicating the Bible to those with limited education or where English is a second language. The New Testament was released in 1941 and the Old Testament was released in 1949. Cambridge Press in England published the BBE in 1965 and as well distributed it in the USA without any copyright notice and thus it falls in the public domain.
Darby Bible – John Nelson Darby published a translation of the New Testament in 1867, with revised editions in 1872 and 1884. After his death, some of his students produced an Old Testament translation based on Darby’s French and German translations . The complete Darby Bible, including Darby’s 3rd edition New Testament and his students’ Old Testament, was first published in 1890. Darby’s purpose was to make a modern translation for the “unchurched” who have neither access to manuscript texts nor training and knowledge of ancient languages of the Scriptures.
King James Version – See Above.
Webster’s Bible – Noah Webster’s (of dictionary fame ) 1833 limited revision of the King James Version, (more commonly called Webster Bible) focused mainly on replacing archaic words and making simple grammatical changes. For example: “why” instead of “wherefore”, “its” instead of “his” when referring to nonliving things, “male child” instead of “manchild”. He also introduced euphemisms to remove words which he found to be offensive: “whore” becomes “lewd woman”. He changed some of the spelling of the 1611 version, some of which had been changed by British usage since 1611 and others that he himself had deliberately changed in his dictionary to reflect an American identity over a British one.
World English Bible – The World English Bible (WEB) is an English translation of the Bible. The translation work began in 1994 and was deemed complete in 2020. Created by Michael Paul Johnson with help from volunteers, the WEB is an updated revision of the American Standard Version from 1901. The WEB has several versions available on its website , including both American and British styles of English.
Young’s Literal Translation – Young’s Literal Translation (YLT) is a translation of the Bible into English, published in 1862. The translation was made by Robert Young of Scotland, compiler of Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible and Concise Critical Comments on the New Testament. The Literal Translation is, as the name implies, a very literal translation of the original Hebrew and Greek texts.

The post Most Popular English Versions of the Bible appeared first on Faith Teams .

Streaming Your Church Services on a Budget.

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 20:37:00 GMT

There are both pros and cons for streaming your church services to an online audience. Viewing or hearing a church service remotely isn’t a substitute for the fellowship you can only find when you’re at the live services on site. Being on site also opens opportunities to take communion and attend other activities such as Sunday School.

On the other hand, a live or recorded service allows those not yet affiliated with a church to experience it in a safe setting. It also helps those who are ill or injured and can’t easily attend services in-person. Even more, those who travel can now hear the word no matter where they are ensuring all can experience the continuity of planned church services. While a live streamed service isn’t a perfect substitute for an in-person service, it can strengthen faith and act as a conduit to in-person attendance.

For small churches looking to stream their services, there are several things to consider, balancing ease of use, cost, and quality. Even before choosing a streaming method, you need to ensure you have strong internet access and matching wireless internet (WiFi) connectivity (if Ethernet or wired connectivity isn’t possible). For the methods listed below, you need at least 10 Mbps of upload speed to accommodate 1080p streaming. Further, if using WiFi, your connection must be strong where your camera is.

Equipment You Will Need

A camera (and perhaps microphone)
A tripod to hold your camera
An audio interface (microphone or the existing audio feed at your church)
Another tripod to possibly hold your microphone if not using an existing audio feed
A computer/laptop (to capture from your camera and microphone/audio feed and send to your live streaming platform)

You will also need a streaming platform to capture your audio and video and present it online and then record it for later viewing.

Here are some of the best ways to stream your church service:

Social Media Platforms

Facebook Live . Facebook is easy to use, integrates with existing Facebook pages, and allows for interaction through comments. And it’s free!
YouTube Live : YouTube is ubiquitous and global. It also supports high resolution streams. And just like Facebook Live, it is also free to use.

NOTE: If you’re going direct to a social media platform, you may have limited cross publishing to other platforms.

Dedicated Streaming Services

ChurchStreaming.tv : ChurchStreaming.tv is made specifically for churches, offering features like automated captioning, sermon archiving, multi-streaming to Facebook and YouTube and integration with church websites. ChurchStreaming runs between $79 and $139 per month.
Sermon.net : A focused platform that specializes in sermon broadcasting. The platform supports both live and on-demand streaming and podcasting. Sermon.net allows multi-streaming to Facebook, YouTube and your church’s website. Sermon.net ranges in price between $22 and $154 per month.
Streamyard is one of the most popular streaming platforms and offers a free edition. And it allows multi-streaming to Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and to your own website (with additional software added to your site). Streamyard pricing ranges between $0 (free edition) up to $299 per month. The $49 edition provide 1080P resolution, a must for live video. Click here for Streamyard’s guide to live streaming for small churches. https://streamyard.com/blog/live-stream-setup-for-small-churches-the-ultimate-guide .
Restream is also a popular stream platform for all industries. Restream offers multi-streaming on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and X. They also allow for streaming to your website. Restream also has a free version. Prices range between $0 and $199 per month. The $39 version provides 1080P resolution, where most would want to be. Here’s a link to Restream’s guide to live streaming church services. https://restream.io/blog/how-to-begin-streaming-live-church-services/ .

Video Conferencing Tools

Zoom : Zoom works well for interaction types of services and would be geared for smaller churches. The free version only allows 40 minutes and a limited number of attendees. Zoom can stream to YouTube to reach a larger audience.
Google Meet: Meet also works well for smaller churches. Support for larger audiences though requires a Google Workspace subscription. Meet can also stream simultaneously to YouTube.

Start Small

A computer, a camera, a tripod, a microphone or audio feed, a streaming platform, planning and setup are just the beginning. Each church has its own needs based on its audiences, service plans and staff. Find that one person who help your church get started with a basic setup, test what works best for your church, gradually get better and then train others on how to help. All along get recommendations from your viewers, real time in chat or perhaps through surveys. Live streaming your services can help those who can’t be there in person and can also be the perfect way to introduce your church to those who are looking for a home.

The post Streaming Your Church Services on a Budget. appeared first on Faith Teams .

The Top 5 WordPress Themes to Use for Your Church’s Website

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 11:30:00 GMT

You never get a second chance at a first impression. And so many things impact that first impression. How good does your church’s website look on a mobile phone? More than 50% of sites now are viewed on phones. How fast is your site? Your choice of hosting of the site and perhaps of video on that site can affect site rendering speed. People typically abandon sites if it doesn’t load in 3 seconds.

Today, over 40% of all websites run on WordPress representing over 400 million sites. Faith Teams’ site also uses WordPress. Other popular website platforms include:

– Squarespace with approximately 5 million sites
– Wix with around 8 million sites
– Drupal with 450 thousand sites
– Joomla with 1 million sites

By far the most popular with churches is WordPress. WordPress is supported and provided by many hosting providers (standard and premium) and can count over 30,000 themes and 70,000 plugins to help you build just the perfect site for your church and its members and guests.

With 30,000 themes, which ones are the best to get going with? A WordPress theme is a collection of templates, graphics and core files that modify the way a WordPress website is displayed without modifying the core WordPress code (which can be modified). Some WordPress themes are bundled with a page builder that can provide quick creation and editing.

Top WordPress Themes for Churches

We’ve handpicked themes that we ourselves use and have used (and recommend to our church customers) that we think are worth consideration. These will give you the ease of implementation and flexibility that any church needs. Here are the key items we looked at:

Search Engine Optimization (SEO). A theme should follow best SEO practices so your website will ranks higher in search results.
Speed . Themes should be designed to be fast so as to give a great first impression.
Support . While themes should be intuitive, there are times help is needed. Not only should a theme be backed by great documentation and a knowledge base, it should also provide email support with fast turnaround.
Page Builder Support. WordPress is great out of box but becomes very user friendly with support for page builders. Page builders are easy to use, and often have drag and drop functionality and predesigned templates, layouts, and design elements. Page builders also typically let you preview the appearance of a page as you edit it.
Mobile Responsiveness. More than 50% of visitors to web sites are on a phone. Great themes support responsiveness allowing a page to be visible on a phone in a nice way without requiring the site developer to do anything special.
Out of Box Church Templates. A great theme has templates for sites. And a really great theme already has complete church and/or non-profit templates ready to use.

Impreza

Impreza by Upsolution is a responsive template that provides almost everything you will need to create a modern and impressive site. Key features include

Over 50 templates (including a church template) WPBakery Page Builder, one of the best on the market
A live builder tool
Over 7,800 icons included
Supports the most popular plugins

Impreza is $59 and includes six months of support. Faith Teams uses this theme has first hand experience with their support. It’s great!

Elementor

Elementor can be viewed as a page builder and a theme, all in one. They even provide hosting so you can sign up and get going right away. Elementor’s interface is drag and drop and supports all the elements you would want in your website. Elementor also provides hundreds of out of box website kits. None appear to be church specific. However, there are other themes (child themes) that use the Elementor page builder to help you accelerate getting a site live.

Elementor offered as a hosted option runs between $2.99 and $19.99 per month. And the page builder by itself is between $59 and $99 per year.

Divi

Divi too is both a page builder and a theme. As well, it’s key differentiator is its drag and drop capabilities. Divi offers on top of their theme, over 300 “layouts” including church layouts and layout packs.

Divi is also priced annually at either $89 or $277 for a pro edition that adds storage and AI support.

Astra

Astra is the most popular WordPress theme ever. It’s fast, easy to use and works well with page builders such as Divi and WPBakery. It also provides over 250 prebuilt website templates including one for a church. However, it’s flexibility also means the website builder has to know how to get around WordPress. And their support is not as good as other theme providers.

Astra is very affordable. $49 for the core theme and $79 with Elementor (see above) bundled.

Avada

Avada powers close to 1 million sites and boasts non-reliance on outside helper apps like page builders, advanced menu creators and a forms engine. It also provides over 100 website templates including a church site. They also provide updates for life.

Avada is $69 and comes with 6 months of support that can be renewed on a regular basis.

WordPress, Squarespace and Wix are all good choices for your church website. WordPress though provides you with the most choices in themes, plugins and templates, the most choices in hosting and the most flexibility in building something unique. And Impreza is a great way to get there quickly.

The post The Top 5 WordPress Themes to Use for Your Church’s Website appeared first on Faith Teams .

Church in the Summertime. Keeping Church Participation Up.

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 10:37:00 GMT

The post Church in the Summertime. Keeping Church Participation Up. appeared first on Faith Teams .

5 Ways to Increase Online Giving at Your Church in 2024

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 10:36:00 GMT

Almost one half of all church donations today are made with a credit or debit card. Even more, up to 60% of givers are willing to do so digitally. But giving digitally doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy.

Givers donate for several reasons. They “believe”. They believe in God and in his word. They believe in the cause. They see the needs of their church and in the communities the church serves and feel moved to help.

While charitable giving is still strong in the USA, a sizable proportion of has shifted to non-religious giving. With younger generations being so focused on technology, digital giving methods are a great way to ensure giving stays strong in the church and religious space. Here are 5 ways to increase online giving at your church:

Make access to your online giving form easy to find. Your online form should be easy to find on your website via a button or link that is prominently displayed. Show a link in your menus, on your home page and in the footer of every page of your site. And Display QR codes throughout your church that link to your giving form. Most church management software applications, including Faith Teams, provide QR codes you can download and add to fliers, posters and larger foam boards.
Add text-to-give to the mix. Text to give technologies provide you a number you can present to your church members and guests allowing them to text, say, “give $100” to that number to initiate a donation. It’s easy and immediately personal to the giver.
Promote recurring giving. We live in a busy world. The last thing we want to do is make it easy to NOT give. Recurring donations capabilities allows the giver to setup a giving plan and then let the software do the rest. Yes, you need to maintain the relationship with the giver. But, you don’t have to inspire them multiple times.
Good old-fashioned follow-up . People want to know you received their gift and are using it for the things that are important to them. Ensure the forms that drive their giving also have automated follow-up responses such as an email or text message. And report on overall giving back to them in automated newsletters.
Have more than just one call to action. You can have more than just one mission or giving campaign. A “General Fund” is great and many give no matter what the church’s plans are. But having other focuses that are important to a portion of your church can inspire many more to give. And technology makes it great to present and collect for those specific missions.