Each week, we try to highlight a discussion from the Church Marketing Lab that needs a little kick start to get going. You guys have been making my job tough. It seems that everyone who brings a question to the group gets flooded with responses. That has two implications,
- If you have a question, take it there! You’ll probably find an answer.
- If you have some answers, be contributing. The more answers, the more effective!
Over in the Church Marketing Lab this week, user ‘hosh’ asks about annual financial reports. Last year, his church didn’t do a report, but put his information on the web instead. They’re getting ready to try a report again, but he’s got a philosophical crisis on his hands. Here’s his question:
Leo Crosby
June 18, 2007
My company’s CEO frequently says, “You can’t manage, what you can’t measure”. (I currently serve as the director of marketing for a large denominational financial institution.) Think of a publicly traded company. It is owned by the people (shareholders). In this case the members would obviously be the shareholders. Each shareholder has a stake in what and how money is being used. If they see its being managed well they might be more inclined to up a pledge for the next campaign.
It is also a great opportunity to reinforce brand awareness, highlight some ministries while at the same time showing a balance sheet. It doesn’t have to be a lame numbers piece, but can help continue to cast the church’s vision.
michael
June 19, 2007
Being a CFO, this is the same for any company in any industry.
You want to overtly demonstrate your progress towards your goals. It is a static look at your financial, treasury and administrative operations, and stewardship.
They should be used to plan and make a case for what you want to do and where you want to go.
You then develop processes to support the purpose.
The problem with most financials is that they are a picture of where you were not where you are.