If there is one part, one aspect of what software companies do that few people understand, it is implementation. It is -- in my opinion -- what makes or breaks a client relationship. During implementation, the client discovers:

• If they were mislead during the evaluation process...either by their internal staff or the salesperson.
• If they failed to ask a business critical question about a must-have feature or functionality.
• If they fully understand their own business processes.
• If they have a culture that is receptive or resistant to technology and change.

I talk a lot about how CCB is more interested in supporting the work of the local church and providing tools to expand the Kingdom than just being a software provider. One of the ways that we express that is through an event we call the Connected Church Conference.

Wait. Just so were clear on this...the Connect Church Conference is not a CCB “user’s conference.”

I’m always blown away by how creative and strategic our churches are in leveraging CCB for maximum ministry and community impact. We get to hear amazing stories all the time about churches meeting needs for schools, partnering with community organizations, reaching people no one thought a church could reach and more.

I've noticed that there seems to be some correlation between the churches making an impact and the way in which they integrate CCB into their ministry. While there are many different nuances to how they do this, one common thread exists: They see their Church Management System (ChMS) as much more than "just a database".

Please take two minutes to watch a short video featuring three very different, but very successful churches who are building community and making an impact through life change.

Connections is an important aspect of welcoming people to your church and to the core ministry where life change occurs. If we are ever going to fully realize the potential God has given our church through our people, we must give serious thought to what we do when a person says “yes” to the faith and “yes” to doing life together with our church.

I am surprised by the number of churches that simply don't dedicate resources to this essential process. Shouldn't we steward our people as carefully as we steward our money?