LONGWOOD, FL—Visitors are turned off by many 21st century churches. Instead of seeing excellence, they see mediocrity or worse. Instead of setting a good example, many church's poor financial planning undermines not only their mission and their growth but reflects poorly in the community. Banks don't want to lend to dysfunctional churches, and many businesses shy away from professional relationships with churches. Church business failings become a hot topic, eagerly magnified by the media. Why is this? It is because the world expects more from the church. What can be done? A new book gives churches hope. In Building God's House—Seven Strategies for Raising a Healthy Church Dr. Francene Hash coaches churches on a master plan for their operations. Hash's healthy church model has been reversing the downward trend of the church. This eagerly-awaited, practical guide is something every pastor, administrator, church leader, and helps worker in the church will benefit from reading.

In Building God's House—Seven Strategies for Raising a Healthy Church, The Reuben K. and Mildred T. Hash Story (October, $13.99, 1-59781-458-X, $23.99, 1-59781-459-8) author Francene Hash reaches churches on a whole new level. She tells the real-life experience of growing up and working alongside the late Bishop R. K. Hash and Mother Mildred Hash. The Hashes' administrative principles, taken directly from the Word of God, created a movement that is still in existence today. The author inserts case studies and success stories throughout her book, touching on everything from 'Financial Systems and Accountability' to 'Church Public Relations.' She focuses in on another area of deficiency: Churches usually lack human resources training. Therefore coaching staff, providing performance feedback, dealing with unique personalities is often challenging and makes for an awkward work environment. Hash points leaders in the right direction. She also places a strong emphasis on reaching out to 'the people in the pews.' Members may look whole and complete, but many times they are not. Hash has a knack for helping others find their gifts and talents. She encourages churches to focus their energy and attention on helping members become well-balanced people who are not only blossoming in every spiritual aspect, but also in personal confidence and financial well-being. She is transparent with her readers, using herself as an example of someone who needed to find healing, balance, and completeness.

'This book touches on something that needs to be said over and over to people in ministry. Whether one is building a church, TV ministry, Christian school, or all of the above, the legal structure and diligence to excellence of ministry is second only to the study of the Word and prayers….Jesus' ministry was and is a ministry of excellence, excellence on every level, not only in our living holy lives, but also conducting our business lives on just as straightforward holy level of excellence as our spiritual lives. Dr. Francene is writing from a long and strong heritage of faith and success in the midst of some seemingly impossible situations…Read the book…You'll be glad you did.' —Kenneth Copeland From the Foreword of Building God's House

Coming from four generations of preachers, Dr. Francene Hash has been active in church administration and management most of her adult life. She is one of 12 children of the world-renowned preachers and teachers, the late Bishop Reuben K. Hash, Sr., and Mother Mildred T. Hash. For more than 26 years, she has written operations manuals about church ministry and business operations. Her success in administration and leadership has developed a reputation whereby she is known throughout the country to be an expert in her field. She is an author, teacher, lecturer, motivational speaker, leadership trainer, executive facilitator, and consultant.

Xulon Press is the world's largest Christian publisher, with more than 2,500 titles published to date. Retailers may order Building God's House—Seven Strategies for Raising a Healthy Church through Ingram Book Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors.

# # #