Church Bookstores

[DeWayneTN]

Seems like church bookstores are somewhat taking the place of what used to be church daycares - an additional way to bring in ministry funds. Especially in bigger churches, but in some smaller churches, they set aside a room and have someone selling books, gifts, music, etc. I was wondering if any of your churches have them and are they a benefit?

[crispfin]

The only place I've seen a church store is in my neighborhood Orthodox church. But I think it's mainly there 'cuz you're not gonna find too many stores here selling Orthodox items. At least my local Family Christian store didn't when I asked them about their Orthodox section.

[dbserv]

We don't.


But, in Fresno, almost every church we have visited has a "bookstore" - even the moderate sized ones (100+).


Our church has a library for free checking out of books, DVD's, CD's, etc.


We also have many new books available for "donations" at our Deeper Impact Groups ministry table. If folks can't donate, they can still have the books. We don't want anyone to miss a blessing because they can't afford the materials.

We don't have things like Bible covers, jewelry, etc. like I've seen in a lot of church stores.


I always wonder how the store affects their tax exempt status. ?????????????????????

The prices are definitely MORE than the cost of the materials. So, they are making a profit. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[paul]

We don't.


But, in Fresno, almost every church we have visited has a "bookstore" - even the moderate sized ones (100+).


Our church has a library for free checking out of books, DVD's, CD's, etc.


We also have many new books available for "donations" at our Deeper Impact Groups ministry table. If folks can't donate, they can still have the books. We don't want anyone to miss a blessing because they can't afford the materials.

We don't have things like Bible covers, jewelry, etc. like I've seen in a lot of church stores.


I always wonder how the store affects their tax exempt status. ?????????????????????

The prices are definitely MORE than the cost of the materials. So, they are making a profit. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Our church has a book store that is set up each week. It is in a area off the entry way. Books, tapes, DVD's, Cd's, and other items are offered. It makes a small profit....the main purpose is to make material available to the members, a convience.

As far as the tax is concerned, it is declared as unrelated income and a sale tax permit was obtained.

[Gerald Creasy]

Our church has a library for free checking out of books, DVD's, CD's, etc.

I have thought this would be a nice idea, beginning a lending library at church. Yet two things prevent it:
1) It's hard to get people to be steady attnendees enough to be back to return what's borrowed.
2) Building such a library would probably bring in a ton of "Good Morning Holy Spirit", T D Jakes and Joyce Meyer and I'd be tempted to have a book burning instead.

[crispfin]

2) Building such a library would probably bring in a ton of "Good Morning Holy Spirit", T D Jakes and Joyce Meyer and I'd be tempted to have a book burning instead.

just be sure to keep it in the parking lot. Fire's a beast on carpet.

[Pastor Bill]

I've always felt a little funny about a store at the church, just gives me too much of an image of tables being turned over.

I feel like the purpose of the church is to serve, a day care fits into that (and if you thought it would be an "an additional way to bring in ministry funds" you don't have much experience in day care! most of the time they do good to break even, but are a great way to reach out, having people dropping by your building on a daily basis gives them some familiarity, which if they decide to go to church somewhere, your church will come to mind, plus Christmas programs, VBS, etc can be tied in or at least advertised to, and will draw many in.

[Billy n NC]

I've always felt a little funny about a store at the church, just gives me too much of an image of tables being turned over.

.

Yes and No Pastor Bill. I can see where you are coming from but the bookstore that are being including in the larger churches are also designed to become a Third Place. Most also have some sort of Coffee Bar also.

[Dr. Ron]

Please......don't give me the "money changers" thing concerning bookstores, or coffee shops....etc. good grief....surely you know better....

We just started the Cedar Ridge Cafe and I am getting some flack about it. "Why am I now having to pay for my coffee"? Because for so many years no one bothered to bless the church with a pound or two of coffee so we could have it free............and besides, we are trying to get ready for the real coffee shop in the new building...which will likely be open to the public on a daily basis.....or at least that is the plan being considered.

I am an advocate of bookstores, cafes and other options if we want to deal with all that entails....some time it is not as simple as it sounds.

However, I would have to closely monitor what we sell.....I agree with Gerald....Just because some one teaches or preaches on TBN/CBN or CNN wouldn't make it to my bookstore....I am kinda picky like that.

[Mike Vande]

My church has a coffehouse type shop that also sells some books & CDs. No biggie, really. I think the money generated goes to support missions.

How many churches have an ATM in the lobby?

[paul]

My church has a coffehouse type shop that also sells some books & CDs. No biggie, really. I think the money generated goes to support missions.

How many churches have an ATM in the lobby?

I wonder how many on this forum pay's their tithes with their debit card ?

All our envelopes have a place to put your card number and info on it. I generally do, just convience.

[Full Quiver]

When pastoring in NC I threatened to get a credit/debit swipe machine and place it on the wall in the auditorium. I had one member in particular that "never" had cash for an offering. I actually spoke with the bank about it but we were not quite big enough.

[Linda]

My church has a coffehouse type shop that also sells some books & CDs. No biggie, really. I think the money generated goes to support missions.

How many churches have an ATM in the lobby?

I wonder how many on this forum pay's their tithes with their debit card ?

All our envelopes have a place to put your card number and info on it. I generally do, just convience.

We do electronic deposits/payments directly into the church's account. We then turn in an envelope listing which sections the monies go into, ie, tithes, SS, general expense...etc.

[Pastor Gary]

When pastoring in NC I threatened to get a credit/debit swipe machine and place it on the wall in the auditorium. I had one member in particular that "never" had cash for an offering. I actually spoke with the bank about it but we were not quite big enough.

Like this?
http://www.securegive.com/

COG Pastor developed it.

[soulsearcher]

Had one for years. It was a "full-fledged" store (books, music, art, etc.) until two years ago. We needed the space (a large section of our lobby) to accomodate our growing congregation, so we took the store out completely and now have counter space for purchase of our own music and teaching CDs only.