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

Policy manuals, employee handbooks, operations guides ... these are subjects that continue to come across my computer. The most common question is simply, "Do you have one?" Others include, "How do you put something like this together?" and "How do I develop policies with just volunteers?"

After five years of being a part of the Church Bookstore Network, I am sure of only one thing on this subject: I don't have all the answers! But I have learned some things that may provide a foundation on which to build.

Most of our churches have policies and procedures for the way they operate, and many of them have them in the form of an employee handbook. So, as a ministry of your church, you should begin with that and then add to it policies that pertain only to your store.

The first regional Church Bookstore Network and Library Gathering for region 3 (Georgia and the Carolinas) was held June 5 at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, Ga. There were more than 50 people in attendance, with 21 churches represented.

From the surveys submitted after the meeting, by all accounts the day was a huge success. It began with three giveaways, for who had traveled the farthest, the newest store and the one who had been in ministry the longest.

by Karen Singleton

My faith has grown tremendously since I've accepted the assignment as bookstore manager. I have watched the bookstore transformed from a venue that sells sermon CDs and books that solely support our Bible institute to a ministry that offers something for the entire family.

In addition, my prayer life has increased tremendously. Since I do not have experience in Christian retailing or book-selling, I have to stay in prayer and trust that God will lead me to people and places where I can gain knowledge and obtain wise counsel.

The first time this happens and the manager/buyer is present, I believe you should, if at all possible, meet to at least establish a relationship. If you do not have the time to meet, then explain to the salesman that you are sorry you are not able to sit down and meet. Ask if he or she has catalogs, and offer to take them and look them over. Tell them at that time the proper way you can be reached and how an appointment can be scheduled.

If the manager/buyer is not present when the sales rep comes by, make sure that your staff knows the procedures, and how to explain the situation and how to set up an appointment ahead of time.

You learn that your church bookstore customer is a newcomer to the church, but how did they find their way there? Chances are it was through a personal invitation from a relative-but probably not because of a door-to-door visitation program the church may have.

That is the lesson from a LifeWay Research study on behalf of the Southern Baptists' North American Mission Board. Assessing 13 different methods used by churches to communicate with people who might be interested in attending, the survey found an invitation from a family member received the greatest level of openness.

"At The Church at Pinnacle Hills in Rogers, Ark., the childcare ministry designed their own program. We have a large church, and there were over 350 kids there every night. In our church bookstore, we put fliers out at the information desk letting folks know we would be open. We have a coffee shop along with frozen drinks, etc., in the store. We are located right at the main entrance to the church, so it's hard to miss us."

Jim Weeks
Manager, LifeWay Church Store
Reach for Life Bookstore
The Church at Pinnacle Hills
Rogers, Ark.

We asked, how can stores help train staff to sell Bibles more effectively?

How can stores get the most out of their time with sales representatives, whether visiting in-person or talking on the phone? What can they do to prepare, what do they need to ask, and how should they follow up?

Share your ideas, thoughts and experiences with others by writing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better."

Ephesians 1:17, NIV