"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ"

(Rom. 15: 5-6, NIV).

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Lindsay was commenting on a new "Faith in Flux" Pew Forum report that revealed that 16% of the adult population of America is now religiously "unaffiliated," with the vast majority of this group-79%-reporting that they were raised in a religion as children.

As sad as this situation may be, it is bound to happen.

The most important thing is to be very open and honest in the hiring process. Many times church members want to work in the church bookstore because they see it as a ministry. It is a ministry-and a very special one-but it is also a business, and any business will have personnel changes from time to time.

Hiring church members is wonderful, but they must understand three important things about their employment:

This week I read no less than three articles in retail trade journals about how we can strengthen our customer base and thus our overall business. In each piece, one term kept jumping out at me: customer service.

It does not cost us anything, and yet, I believe, it is the single most important element of our business. It is the one thing that can set us apart from the discounters and so-called "big box" stores. How frustrated have you gotten recently in a department or home supply store trying to find someone to assist you?

Jayson Payne, manager of the church's Rockpile bookstore, reports:

"We hosted Carrie Prejean in a one-on-one interview with Senior Pastor Miles McPherson. People came away inspired to stand up for their faith in each moment, every day. It was amazing. God is faithful when you are obedient.

Plans are being made for a Church Bookstore Network regional meeting Thursday, Aug. 20 at Gateway Church's Southlake Campus in Southlake, Texas, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Topics and vendors to be confirmed.

Regional director Bobby Williams adds: "Also, we are going to tag onto this at the same time. Any church with a coffee bar is invited, and Gateway's coffee bar manager is going to host them for a roundtable discussion and some training during the same time."

 

GEORGIA, CAROLINAS

The first Church Bookstore Network regional gathering for church stores and church libraries from Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina will be held Friday, June 5, at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, Ga.

Guest speakers will include novelist Maggie Brendan, addressing the value of Christian fiction, and David McIntyre, president and CEO of KVI Consulting and former manager of World Harvesters Church International Bookstore in Atlanta.

There will be giveaways, a drawing, and lunch will be provided at no cost. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the meeting will end at 3 p.m. To pre-register, contact Regional Director Dottie Poythress at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 770-795-3227.

 

DAKOTAS, INDIANA, MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN

The next "Frozen 5" Church Bookstore Network regional meeting will be held at The Living Well at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Farmington, Minn., on Thursday, May 7, 8-9:30 a.m. The topic will be "Spring Housecleaning"-what can you do to "spruce up" your store for summer, and what merchandise is "barking" at you to get rid of it?

The event is being co-hosted by Diane Sowieja. Contact her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

Retailers have learned that they can increase sales by appealing to customers' concern for others while meeting their consumer needs. In the commercial world, it's called "cause marketing," and church bookstores can learn to apply the principle effectively.

You have a great opportunity in your church to motivate people to purchase products from your bookstore so that a portion of the proceeds can be donated to a special in-church ministry or even a community need of some sort.

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