ECCU Blog

To help you know what to expect if you attend the upcoming 2011 Financial Forum for Ministries, I’ve asked each of the presenters what they’ll be covering. Next up is George Martin, CLU with HUB International Insurance Services. His session is titled, “Slaying the Cost Dragon.” 

MBG: How will your presentation help attendees better serve their ministries?

George: My presentation will give information and ideas to those responsible for their ministries’ benefits programs so that their benefits costs might be more predictable, reasonable, and easier to budget for. 

MBG: What are three important takeaways attendees will learn during your presentation?

George: First will be to think differently about the design of medical plans. Second, we will talk about selling the “We’re all in this together” mindset and teaching employees how to be better consumers of healthcare. Finally, people will learn how to use the new benefit plans to project future costs to their ministries.                                                                                                      

MBG: What is one suggestion you’d offer to help attendees gain the most from this learning experience?

George: Come with an open mind. The plan designs are different, but they have worked very well for many organizations. 

MBG: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing ministries today?

George: Ministries, like all non-profit organizations, typically pay lower wages than other businesses with which they compete for employees. Therefore, most of the secular and non-secular non-profit organizations we work with want to be sure that their benefits packages are as strong as possible. The struggle is how to keep the benefits strong but still affordable to both the ministry and the employees in any economic situation, especially the current one. 

What is the biggest challenge you face regarding benefits packages for your ministry staff?

This is the fourth blog in our series of interviews with presenters at the upcoming 2011 Financial Forum for Ministries. This time I spoke with Bryan Taylor, CFA and principal with Cornerstone Management, Inc. His session is titled, “Survival Mode: Piloting Your Ministry’s Finances through the Waters of Economic Uncertainty.” 

MBG: How will your presentation help attendees better serve their ministries?

Bryan: A general understanding of the current global economic environment is critical for those in ministry leadership. It provides the canvas upon which daily ministry financial decisions must be sketched. An understanding of the current state of the domestic and global economy also helps provide a contextual framework for understanding the current fundraising environment and the hopes and fears of your ministry’s constituency.   

MBG: What are three important takeaways attendees will learn during your presentation?

Bryan:  One will be insight into the current state of the U.S. and global economy. Second is the effect of the current economic environment on debt and equity markets around the world. Finally, people will learn about the current implications for their investment portfolios. 

MBG: What is one suggestion you’d offer to help attendees gain the most from this learning experience?

Bryan: Attendees may want to scan the front page of The Wall Street Journal or Barron’s. They may also find it helpful to review the first couple pages of The Economist in the airport. This information will help provide context for my presentation. 

MBG: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing ministries today?

Bryan: Remaining relevant in a post-modern world is one significant challenge. Another is vision casting—the ability to differentiate the role of your ministry from others in the marketplace and to help others clearly see its value. Finally, financial stewardship and compliance are major areas of importance that ministries must master to remain worthy of the gifts they receive. 

How has economic uncertainty changed the way you manage your ministry’s finances?

This is the third blog in our series about presenters at the upcoming 2011 Financial Forum for Ministries. Here are John Butler’s email responses to a series of questions about his presentation. John is tax counsel with CapinCrouse LLP. His session is titled, “Tax and Legislative Developments: Long-Term Issues and Hot Short-Term Issues.” 

MBG: How will your presentation help attendees better serve their ministries? 

John: They will be more alert to possible issues and opportunities presented by tax and regulatory changes.                                                 

MBG: What are three important takeaways attendees will learn during your presentation?

John: The first takeaway will be the current status of several major issues affecting religious organizations. A second will be the potential for “refunds” to smaller organizations of a portion of their health insurance premiums. Finally, they’ll walk away with some wisdom for handling IRS notices. 

MBG: What is one suggestion you’d offer to help attendees gain the most from this learning experience? 

John: People often hear great ideas and learn important things at conferences, many of which are good or even necessary. But no one can do everything. Therefore, instead of trying to go home and do many things, plan to leave the Forum with three to five specific action steps that can be implemented at your ministry in the next 30 days. Be concrete and specific. Actually accomplishing those three to five things will benefit your organization far more than a long list of unfulfilled desires. 

MBG: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing ministries today?

John: Our resources—people, time, money—seldom increase at the same pace as people’s expectations. The people I’m talking about are donors, staff, government, even ourselves.   

What is the biggest challenge your ministry faces regarding taxes or government regulations?

This is the second blog in our series of interviews with presenters at the upcoming 2011 Financial Forum for Ministries. This time I spoke with Dan Busby, president of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). His session is titled, “What Is Happening on Capital Hill Impacting Churches and Nonprofits?” 

MBG: How will your presentation help attendees better serve their ministries?

Dan: With the latest information on church and nonprofit information from Capitol Hill, they will be well-armed to keep their organization abreast of issues that will be or may be coming down the pike. 

What are three important takeaways attendees will learn during your presentation?

Dan: They’ll learn the current status on three important issues. First is threats and options related to the charitable contribution deduction. Second is the progress of the “Super Committee” with respect to deficit reduction and the possible impact for churches and nonprofits. And third is the work of the Commission on Accountability and Policy for Religious Organizations as they address a litany of tax policy issues given them by Senator Charles Grassley. 

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing ministries today?

Dan: I see four major challenges. First is effectively telling their story. Too many ministries lead with facts and figures instead or leading with good stories about their ministry and supporting those stories with the facts and figures. Next is innovating with courage. Innovation is not just for for-profit organizations—it’s for nonprofits as well. An economic downturn is an ideal time for ministries to review all programs and processes and determine how to streamline, focus, and save dollars. A third challenge is to communicate appreciation. Ministries should have a mindset of continually expressing appreciation to staff and donors. Many staff members are feeling uncertain about their positions. Donors may be wondering about the viability of ministries they have been supporting. Express appreciation! A final challenge is to sweat the small stuff. Yes, the big issues are always important, but in this environment, it’s time to sweat the small stuff—being sure that the organization is running with precision from top to bottom. 

What is the biggest challenge facing your ministry today?

How do you decide if an event is worth your time? I usually start by asking people who’ve attended before. Since ECCU’s 2011 Financial Forum for Ministries is happening soon, I thought I’d save you some time by interviewing an alumnus.                                                                               

Jim Clark is the associate pastor of business and stewardship at the First Evangelical Free Church in Fullerton, California. Here’s our conversation about the upcoming Forum.

MBG: Have you attended the Financial Forum for Ministries in the past?

Jim: Yes, in fact it is a priority event for my team.

MBG: You’ve signed up again this year. Why?

Jim: We love the partnership of ECCU, CapinCrouse, and ECFA to serve ministries and particularly the local church. We can drive literally a few miles and receive valuable training and legislative updates while networking and being encouraged in our kingdom work. This is the best value of its kind while allowing us to quickly get back to work and apply what we have learned.

MBG: Please talk about the format of the forums. How does it add value to this particular learning opportunity?

Jim: The presenters are always top notch. These are the experts in their fields who are at the forefront of changes that could affect our ministries. The material presented goes deep, but is always done in a format that we can easily apply. The setting is wonderful and the time we have to network with those who we don’t normally get to be with, and share our challenges, is fantastic.

MBG: What’s one reason you’d recommend that others attend the Financial Forum for Ministries?

Jim: We are all looking for ways to stretch our budget dollars while staying current on issues facing our ministries. The ability to stay local, glean expert knowledge, and network is an excellent value and an opportunity to be good stewards for our ministries.

MBG: How can someone who attends make the most of the experience?

Jim: Come ready to learn. Think of who in your organization might benefit from this day. It’s a great opportunity for board members to gain a better understanding of the challenges your ministry faces. There is normally plenty of time for Q & A, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Have you attended past financial forums? What was your experience?

Follow this link to learn more and sign up for the financial forum in your area.