Healthy churches don’t find great leaders by accident—they develop them with intentional systems and clear communication. This blog outlines two key leadership pipelines and how to build them using Planning Center workflows. Learn how to track progress, conduct meaningful check-ins, and foster sustainable growth in your volunteer leaders.

Struggling with last-minute volunteer scheduling? Planning Center Services just released a new feature—Scheduling Gap Alerts—to help you stay ahead of unfilled positions. Get customizable email reminders 1 to 7 days before your service so you never miss a spot. Plus, take advantage of tools like Rescheduling Declines, signup sheets, and auto-scheduling to streamline your workflow. Learn how to activate these features and keep your team organized every week.

Many churches today resemble service providers more than Christ-centered communities. This blog explores how the early church in Acts 2 offers a blueprint for authentic, relational ministry. Discover practical ways to bridge modern innovation with biblical community in your church.

Regular 1:1s are a powerful tool for building trust, alignment, and leadership development within your team. Using a consistent structure like the 4 C’s—Care, Communication, Challenges, and Coaching—helps guide meaningful conversations. Learn how to run effective check-ins that inspire growth and boost team engagement.

Unlock the full potential of your church database with strategic forms, smart lists, and automation. This guide helps you turn your ChMS into a powerful tool for engagement, discipleship, and ministry growth. Learn proven techniques to streamline workflows, personalize outreach, and measure what truly matters.

Looking to sell church merchandise online without the hassle of setting up a separate store? This step-by-step guide shows you how to use Planning Center Registrations to create a simple, integrated church merch store. Learn how to manage inventory, accept payments through Stripe, offer discounts, and streamline the buying experience for your congregation—all without needing Square or Shopify. Whether you're selling t-shirts or giving away free items, this tutorial makes it easy to get started.

Many churches confuse activity with progress, falling into “busy procrastination” instead of pursuing true spiritual impact. This blog challenges leaders to align their actions with God’s vision, prioritize meaningful relationships, and focus on fruitful ministry. Discover practical steps to move from busyness to intentional, kingdom-building leadership.

If your team uses Android and Google Calendar, subscribing to Planning Center calendar feeds is still possible—even if the “Share to Google Calendar” option seems missing. Most Planning Center apps now offer iCal feed links, which work seamlessly with Google Calendar. Syncing Planning Center events in personal calendars makes it easier for people in your church to participate, grow spiritually, and stay connected.

Here’s a quick, shareable walkthrough you can send to staff, volunteers, and even congregation members so they can add any iCal link to Google Calendar in a couple of minutes.

Clear communication isn’t just about how we speak—it’s also about how others receive it. By understanding team members' unique communication styles, leaders can build stronger, more effective connections. Learn how personality tools and intentional listening can transform your team’s collaboration.

Generosity is more than funding church programs—it’s a spiritual practice that transforms lives and fuels discipleship. This blog explores how vision-driven storytelling, practical stewardship, and consistent culture-building can grow generosity in your church. Discover tools, strategies, and insights to cultivate a culture of open-handed living.

Discover how Planning Center empowers small group leaders to simplify communication, attendance, and event planning. With tools like the Church Center app, organizing and connecting with your group has never been easier. Equip your ministry with the systems it needs to grow deeper in faith and stronger in community.

Your church’s website is often the first impression visitors have—long before they walk through your doors. If it's outdated or unclear, it could be turning people away. Learn how to create a digital lobby that’s just as welcoming and intentional as your Sunday morning experience.