The Church Inc. Review

Recently the Washington Post wrote an article about churches running themselves like a corporation and dealing with annual revenue greater than many companies on the NYSE. While it is an interesting read for those outside of the church industry, anyone on the inside understands the complexity of meeting the needs of their members.

What I wished the writer would have mentioned was the need for stretching the precious gift of a tithe. Using business savvy approaches to running a church is just plain being a good steward of God’s resources. In a way this should not even be news worthy.

One of our longtime webministry partners, Church of the Highlands , was mentioned in the article and Pastor Hodges is quoted saying: “I use more of my business degree than I do my seminary degree.” I recently visited The Highlands and after hearing his convicting sermon I doubt his comment. He uses that seminary degree. After meeting with Pastor Hodges, I was reminded of the importance of managing a church staff and budget to align with a church’s mission. Business sensibility is certainly needed.

One other note about the article, yes churches run themselves like a business but I don’t know of a lot of companies out there answering to God instead of investors. The comparison is weak.