Blogging Beyond the Numbers

Cell phones are such a normal daily part of our lives that it is hard to remember a time when we didn't have them around. Today, we use our cell phones to talk, text, check work and personal e-mail, read the news, record the kids' latest soccer game - the list goes on and on.   Not just cell phones anymore - smart watches and tablets are also commonly used for both personal and business matters. Unfo...

As members of a religious organization, we probably do not want to entertain the idea that the people handling the finances could be dishonest. But, the truth is that fraud is a serious problem in all types of organizations, and religious organizations are certainly not immune.  In fact, religious organizations often have limited resources and staff, which makes it difficult to establish adequate intern...

An important part of outreach for many religious organizations are mission trips.  It is an exciting opportunity for missioners to live into their faith by working in partnership with those they serve, be it across the state or across the globe. As spring approaches, the final planning for summer mission trips moves into high gear. Missioners and their churches have many important things to consid...

As stewards of critical resources that allow faith-based organizations to survive and do the good works they are called to do, those in position of managing the finances of religious organizations must develop the ability to identify financial problems that might be on the horizon. Unfortunately, as is shown by the number of churches and other religious organizations struggling to remain operationally af...