Church and Leadership Resources

Sabbaticals – Review the Local Church Pastoral Sabbatical Policy recommended by Converge Southwest. Please email Janie Plante and she will assist you with a link to this information.

Salary surveys – For help with research related to recommended pastoral salary and benefit packages, we recommend the resources from the National Association of Church Business Administrators.

Annual Pastor Review – Sample pastoral review guidelines are available at the Building Church Leaders website. 

Churches in Transition – When your church is facing the retirement or reappointment of your Lead Pastor, we encourage you to partner with Converge Southwest and Converge Placement Network (CPN) to assist during this time of transition. We will recommend Interim Pastor options, help develop and provide guidance to your Search Committee, and partner to discover the best possible candidates to find your next Lead Pastor. Then we stay the course, assisting through and beyond the initial transition for months and years to come. 

Personality consultations –  For specific resources, please email Janie Plante and she will assist you with an introduction to Bruce Sumner, District Executive Minister at Converge Southwest. 

Retirement Plan – Visit Converge Retirement Plan for an excellent retirement plan for full time pastors and church staff members.

Financial Resources – Converge Cornerstone Fund assists Converge churches and affiliated ministries by providing financial resources and services that enable them to expand their ministries. Visit Cornerstone Fund or call (877) 228-8810.

Generosity Summit – Converge President Scott Ridout facilitates the Generous Church Summit, a training to help leaders create a culture of generous giving in their churches. 

Pastoral Support – Whether facing burnout, marital or parenting issues, or if you just need some encouragement along your ministry journey, Standing Stone Ministry provides support by "Shepherding the Shepherds".

Lead Pastor & Spouse Retreat – Held in the fall for several consecutive years, REFRESH in the Desert has provided repsite for our Lead Pastors and Spouses in a quiet, relaxed environment. In 2018, we will take a detour from REFRESH, offering an alternative event for church planting/ministry couples - details coming your way soon.

Ordination – Review the Ordination Procedures Manual recommended by Converge Southwest.

Tax and Legal – For all tax and legal items, Converge Southwest directs you to Church Law Today. Churches interested in renting/leasing space to for-profit businesses, we encourage you to first contact your local county courthouse to learn the legal/tax ramifications. Here's a web link for California.Gov and a Church Property Tax Exemption guide for California, as of June 2017. 

Moral failure policies – Review the Moral Failure Policies recommended by Converge Southwest.

Personnel policies – For guidance with personnel matters, or to review a sample personnel handbook, email Janie Plante and she will provide information recommended by Converge Southwest, or assist you in connecting with Bruce Sumner, our Regional President. 

Books and Church Curriculum – Check out Harvest Books as your first stop to providing your church with curriculum for small groups, children's programs, focus groups, or personal enjoyment and spiritual growth.