One trend that seemed to emerge at The Gathering was greater interest in and openness to inspirational gifts among church stores.

While some carry ministry-centered items like greeting cards and products that can be given to others for evangelism and encouragement, many have been more conservative and focused on books and Bibles.

But "they are realizing that book sales are down and people are finding other places to buy them," said Geni Hulsey, president of the Church Bookstore Network. "They know they have to make that up somewhere, and they are looking for high-quality gifts that are ministry tools."

Sue Carter, manager of the Seeds Bookstore at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill., which has always had an emphasis on books and music, said that one of the main reasons for attending the event had been "to look at the art and the T-shirts and to bring that back to my leadership team."

Annette Atwood, president of Show Offs Arts, noted high interest from church accounts at what was "a fabulous show." Gifts "are what is going to keep them afloat, really," she said. "I had some stores say they weren't allowed to carry gifts so they placed orders to decorate offices in the church" to show how gift products could offer ministry value.

"We have had a lot of church bookstores order from us," said Angela Riess, vice president of operations for Glory Haus.

• Prev
• Next