Church Business Administrators can benefit greatly by setting up a network of colleagues that will keep up with each other and share thoughts and ideas. I am a big fan of networking but it takes so much time and is hard to keep up. Networking can be fun if you like meeting new people and and helping one another in the crazy world of Church Business. Take a look at some ideas i have used in setting up your group or network.
I have a large group that i email now and then and get responses pretty fast! It’s great to get counsel and advice from people that are or have already gone through what you are dealing with. Not that you copy everything others do, but get input and ideas to create your own solutions.
How do you set up this network?
1. Look for local groups and clubs in your area that deal with church business. The NACBA is a great start! See if there is a local chapter in your area and get connected. If not, start one!
2. Make a few phone calls to other churches around you and ask if they have Business Managers or Administrators and build a relationship there. Meet for lunch and get to know them more! You’ll find they are looking for networking just as you are.
3. Attend local events such as fund raisers, community events, banquets, and other business gatherings and get your name out there and meet people. It does not have to be all about church business. There are community leaders in other areas that you can network with that can help in general business issues we all face.
4. Attending national conventions like the one hosted by the NACBA as mentioned above can be a great way to build a network. Although a costly event, it is by far the best way to build your network with fellow administrators across the country and in all denominations.
I have several in my network from states all around in the US. I can easily call or email them with questions, short surveys, and sharing my advice on issues they may be dealing with. I am in Texas but i have networkers in South Carolina, Missouri, and major cities close by me! It’s great!
So start building now if you don;t have a network! Use the ideas listed about and before you know it you’ll be networking. It’s the key to success many times when you just need help; and beleive me we all need help now and then.
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Hi Rick, I’ve come to value informal breakfast meetings with a church administrator collegue from a similar sized church from my own denomination. We meet about three or four times a year over breakfast to discuss general church matters but more importantly to encourage and support each other in our ministries.
In addition to this meeting we meet with other administrators from our denomination – again around three or four times a year – over breakfast [food is so important in the ability to have a conversation......] – to discuss wider issues relating to churches of our size.
These meetings are a great way to share ideas and resources.
As we belong to a denomination that does not have strong central heirarchical links, these meetings are a wonderful way to share, encourage and support in our ministries.
By the way, I get a lot out of meeting with church administrators from other denominations and churches. We have a couple of good national organisations in Australia that provide opportunities to meet together.