A message from Geni Hulsey, president of the Church Bookstore Network:

Welcome to the first edition of The Church Bookstore Newsletter. What an exciting way to stay connected, find out about new products and events in the industry, and to learn more about how to effectively manage a church bookstore ministry.

In late January I was told that Houston's First Baptist Church would be closing the bookstore I had managed there for 15 years. Since then, I've heard of a number of churches deciding to either cut back on the size of their bookstore or eliminate it altogether.

With the number of independent Christian stores continuing to diminish, I believe that now more than ever is the time for churches to maintain bookstores. But it is also time for managers to be very aware of their responsibilities to the church.

In the last few weeks as I have had time to talk with churches who are making decisions that affect their bookstores, I've learned that there are two main issues. Either the store is depending on the church for part of its budget-and that was not the intent when the bookstore ministry began-or the church leadership does not understand the store's ministry potential.

In beginning a church bookstore it is important to be clear about whether the store is expected to cover all of its expenses or if the church will buy equipment and fixtures, pay salaries or take care of other expenses incurred by the store. It is equally important to stay tuned to the leadership of the church, to understand if that basis changes at any point.

With the current economic situation, it is even more vital that you understand the overall financial picture of the church. And it is important to show your staff and congregation the ministry of the church bookstore.

We see the ministry in action every day, but if we do not share some of those experiences with others, they may only see your store as a retail operation and a convenience. So, find ways to share some of the stories that unfold in your store. You might ask for a regular space in your church newsletter, or time to share in staff meeting, or to give a report in your church's regular business meeting.

The finance committee needs to hear more than numbers. Be sure they are aware of the lives that have been touched by the products and the workers in the store. You might keep a journal of those times in the store when lives have been touched by the ministry there.

It's also important to remind your team that, in the midst of all of the work that needs to be accomplished, they must remember that God has given us this ministry to aide in spreading the gospel and discipling fellow believers. And it is important, too, to keep our own relationship with God strong and fresh.

I believe that as never before, the ministry of the church bookstore is a vital part of Christian retail, the Great Commission and the ministry of the local church. This new weekly newsletter is part of our commitment to help you find ways to make this part of the industry all that it should be.

Please join us in that effort. We invite you to send pictures and stories about your store, about what is working and what is not.

-Geni Hulsey

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