I’ve just been through a humbling season in my life. After 54 years roaming this planet, I fractured some bones for the very first time. At the end of September, as a result of a fall during my morning run, I fractured my big toe in two places and my left collarbone in two places. …
By Tom Bandy The single most difficult group for churches of any variety to reach is Group O Singles and Starters. There are six segments included in the group: O50 Full Steam Ahead Younger and middle-aged singles gravitating to second-tier cities O51 Digital Savvy Young Singles who live digital-driven smaller city lifestyles O52 …
In an earlier post on hospitality (read it here), I discussed the importance of guest follow up, and I shared some tips and tools. I based my post on Hebrews 13:2 – “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” This is a reference …
By Tom Bandy Congregational Planning Method Most congregational users prefer to skip the initial “What Do You Want to Do” screen to explore a smaller, designated area. You can find the Opportunity Scan tool by clicking the “Demographics” tab on the bottom toolbar of the screen. Then find the Opportunity Scan tool at the bottom …
In the last few months, many people online have been posting their videos of the Beyoncé concert. I’m not a Beyoncé superfan, so I haven’t seen her perform on tour, but I’ve been impressed by her show, specifically her use of technology to enhance concert goers’ experience. It’s amazing. Google it for yourself so you …
I was scrolling through Facebook the other day and a meme jumped off the screen at me. It posed the following question: “What does the Church need to unlearn?” I shared this in one of my clergy colleague Facebook groups and here are some of the responses: Wow…I’m sure this list could go on and …
We are excited to have the Rev. Dr. Tom Bandy share monthly with us on how we can best use MissionInsite to support outreach and evangelism and the development of new faith expressions in local churches. This is his first post on how we can use MissionInsite when planning for September ministry events. Many of …
Read more “Making Good Use of PeoplePlot: Start-up Events for September”
As the song lyrics remind us, it’s “summertime and the livin is easy.” There is something about the rhythm of summer; schools are on break, for some work schedules are slower and people pile onto planes, trains and automobiles (and don’t forget cruise ships) to venture to familiar and new destinations throughout the summer months. …
When I started working at the Baltimore-Washington Conference, one of the first people I met on my tour of the building was Tony Martucci. Tony worked with our Facilities Assistant, Ricky, and spent the bulk of his time completing tasks with him. As a mother with a child on the autism spectrum, I noticed right …
On occasion I’m asked where my ideas for blog posts come from, and honestly they come from a variety of sources. Many are based on blogs, articles, and books I read. Some are reflections on training events or conferences I’ve attended. Several have been grounded in my own experiences as a local church pastor. A …