Reflections & Research:
Sustainability
April 14, 2020
How to turn a vicious cycle in ministry into a virtuous one
Grand View University students talking about their faith in the campus library. Photo courtesy of Grand View University Faced with dwindling student interest in campus ministry, a pastor rebuilt by creating a “virtuous cycle” of opportunities that feed one another. I moved from Southern California to Iowa in the middle of January to work as […]
read moreabout How to turn a vicious cycle in ministry into a virtuous oneJanuary 21, 2020
Why I love program evaluation
iStock / filo Yes, many people think evaluation is a chore. But done right, it can be an astonishingly effective tool in building excellent ministry, writes the director of a Youth in Theology and Ministry program. I love evaluation. Yes, that’s right. I love evaluation. I realize that many people in theological circles would equate […]
read moreabout Why I love program evaluationNovember 12, 2019
How do I make my program sustainable?
Planning for the future is not primarily about trimming costs or adding a bit of revenue. A strategic sustainability plan involves regularly revisiting foundational questions about your program’s purpose and impact. Sustaining a program is a heavy burden. The program may bring in less money than it spends. Some constituents may question its worth. Additional […]
read moreabout How do I make my program sustainable?October 15, 2019
When does a grant help an institution?
It is logical to think that water will fix or bring health to dry land. But the conditions of the water and the land determine whether it will bring nourishment or ruin. Unsplash / Red Charlie Before submitting a grant proposal, consider whether it is the right grant for the right organization at the right […]
read moreabout When does a grant help an institution?