Church Business

The Business of Church…post pandemic

by Business Development

As the world slowly transitions from a post covid reality (at least from the standpoint of a pandemic) there are many unknowns regarding our social connectivity particularly around the idea of large pockets of individuals gathering together for extended periods of time. Few areas of our collective culture were impacted like the “Cooperate Church.” Beginning with the social normality of a shared space, to the impact economically, to the intimate nature of worship. According to the Hartford Institute for Religious Research the “U.S has more than 1,500 megachurches which defines them as very active Protestant congregations with an average of 2,000 or more weekly attendees.” These huge edifices were designed to accommodate hundreds of thousands of people, but currently many remain dormant or only modestly filled due to social distancing. This affects both our faith as well as the church’s sustainability.

Interestingly, similar to our economy’s dependency on small businesses, it is medium/small churches that uphold and fuel our national spiritual experience. But even those are in jeopardy. Moderator Chuck Todd of NBC news quoted a study that discovered for the first time in American history less than 50% of the country reported being a member and weekly attendee of a physical church. We know that online services were already prevalent prior to covid 19 and have skyrocketed since. So, what does this mean for the proclamation of the Gospel and its economic viability?

Honestly there’s not a one size fits all approach to this current conundrum but there are some effective ways we believe the church can pivot and even flourish. As one of the few vestiges of hope the church must grapple with her voice in the midst of a global identity crisis. Outlined are a few suggestions for consideration in the context of church relevancy and growth…

Church Partnerships- Of course this is easier said than done but if churches within the same local with a similar belief system could share resources and even go so far as to periodically participate in joint services.   

Utilizing space for other functions- Thinking outside the box the sanctuary can be used for more than just liturgical ceremonies. How about job fairs, community meetings, and social functions? (within reason)

Renting out space- Many churches already do this…it’s a surefire way to enhance the church’s bottom line as long as clearly defined standards are not violated.

Making investments in your church’s digital footprint- Every church should have an online component and if possible a social media czar to oversee its digital presence.

Utilizing the WING method, NClusive can assist your ministry with identifying the appropriate medium for your voice to be heard in the midst of a global identity crisis. Contact us to explore!

 

 

Explopring New Ideas 2021

Exploring New Business Ideas And Opportunities Post Pandemic!

by Business Development

Hooray! Due to the rolling out of the vaccine and other elements such as wearing masks and social distancing, we are now entering the Spring and Summer months where there are warmer days and shorter nights… and most of us can see a light at the end of the tunnel in relation to the Pandemic. 

For many of us the Pandemic brought a very long, unexpected and unanticipated Winter season in our lives with elements such as quarantining, illness, death, decline in business, schools and church doors closing and transitioning to virtual platforms, and certain areas of the economy taking a hit.

I don’t know about anyone else, but during the Spring and Summer months my attitude, my motivation, and energy level perks up and I want to get out and explore.

On that note, now that we are entering the Spring of the Pandemic and some of the restrictions are being rolled away, we must begin exploring new ideas and opportunities not only in our personal lives, but in our professional lives as well.

To be successful in business/ministry endeavors we must see the post Pandemic era as an opportunity to grow and enhance. This will apply if you are starting a new or operating an existing business/ministry. Based on an article by business.com (https://www.business.com/articles/recovering-your-business-post-covid/) here are some areas you can focus on as you begin to engage your customers and/or services:

  • Data Management – is your data interconnected? Is it relevant and accurate? Able to communicate and tell your story.
  • E-mail Marketing – statistics has proven that shoppers spend up to 138% more on products from an e-mail than from a lead on Facebook or Twitter.
  • “Say goodbye to tradition and hello to the future” – No longer business as usual. The new market is unpredictable, businesses must be adaptable to keep up.

Using the WING method, N’Clusive wants to assist with engaging your customers post Pandemic. While always valuing and acknowledging in the planning process that you know your business and your vision, we want to help transition your knowledge into actionable statements that will yield a return on investment (ROI). Contact us at [email protected] or visit our website at www.nclusiveministry.org.

Services examined pic

Service…examined

by Business DevelopmentReflection

As the economic devastation is assessed throughout the country there are important findings that will undoubtedly inform our collective understanding of a post pandemic workforce. One of the most affected industries across retail and consumer markets is the “service industry.” Its been reported that upwards of 75% of businesses/jobs lost were service related (with a majority of those positions held by women) from hair stylist to waitress to teacher assistant just to name a few. As someone who has worked in this industry for years (primarily in the auto-industry) I definitely noticed the decline in the quality of service in general and customer service in particular. I also witnessed the emphasis of companies abandoning customer service training in favor of more “product knowledge” based development that resulted in understanding product, but not understanding the art of service. In addition, when you factor in that direct contact and human interaction will continue to regress as we become more technologically dependent, this will continue to challenge our definition of how we adequately provide service.  

We realize these forces were already at play prior to COVID 19. However, this pandemic’s impact structurally in relation to the service industry has sent economic shock waves through the system similar to cracks in the fault lines from which earthquakes are formed. Now that a post covid world is emerging how do we navigate such a seismic shift in the service industry? 

Economists have already predicted that almost half of those who currently work from home or remotely will not return to the office which means fewer employees crowding local eateries for lunch breaks or shopping in local stores as often as before. These cultural realignments will force those of us who operate in service related industries to grasp and position ourselves  accordingly. Here are three questions anyone either working in or connected to a service related field should consider…

  1. Is your service PERSONABLE?…are you telling a compelling story that connects with potential customers by focusing on THEM?
  2. Is your service CUSTOMIZEABLE?…can your services be customized to individual clients based on THEIR needs?
  3. Is your service COMMUNICABLE?…is your service easily accessed? Do you have an online component?

If you believe these questions are not sufficiently answered within the service you provide, our team here at N’Clusive can help!!! Our WING method is designed to answer these questions and more!!! Please reach out and we would be happy to connect with you. Blessings