Church Leadership Radar - October 14, 2026

Today on Church Leadership Radar: five blind spots in church risk planning, R. Scott Pace’s inauguration at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, resourceful outreach using what churches already have, and newly reported Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong missions-giving totals. Sources Five Blind Spots in Church Risk Planning Most Administrators Miss — Matthew Mattingly examines gaps involving volunteer screening, property values, outside groups using church buildings, informal care ministries and digital data. The common thread is coverage and policies drifting away from what a church actually does. R. Scott Pace Inaugurated as Southeastern Seminary President — R. Scott Pace was inaugurated as president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary on October 13. Religion News Service places the ceremony within a wider generational transition among Southern Baptist seminary leaders. Using What You Already Have to Jumpstart Outreach — Laura Heikes explores how overlooked space, congregational interests and neighborhood relationships can become starting points for outreach. Her examples include welcoming parade spectators and connecting service members with families for Thanksgiving. Churches' Missions Giving Reaches a Record Lottie Moon Total — In an October 13 year-end report, IMB and NAMB announced $212.5 million in Lottie Moon giving and $73.6 million in Annie Armstrong giving. The former is an IMB record; the latter is NAMB's second-highest total, supporting missionaries, church planting and compassion ministry. Church Leadership Radar newsletter | Healthy Church Staff Podcast