A message from Geni Hulsey, president of the Church Bookstore Network:

Do you ever feel like you are the only one who is struggling with knowing what to buy, how to create an effective product display or-well, you name the situation or problem? When I first came to this industry I was sure I was the only person faced with the myriad questions and concerns I had.

I realized a church bookstore does have issues that other retail stores just don't face, and I needed to be able to talk with someone who understood the particular issues of church-related retail. In 1991 there were few people to turn to, especially in close-enough proximity. So I went to Dallas, and spoke with the manager of the store at Prestonwood Baptist Church-at that time the store was about 500 square feet, the same size as the one I was establishing at Houston's First Baptist. I also spoke with the manager of the store at Second Baptist in Houston and she, too, was helpful.

Somewhere in the midst of all of this a light bulb went on, and I began to realize that two--or three or 10 or 15--heads are certainly better than one. As more church bookstores were established in Houston, several of us began talking on the phone, visiting at my store or meeting for lunch. Then one of the managers phoned all the larger churches in the area, asking if they had a bookstore or book table. Once she had a list, she sent out an e-mail and "snail mail" invitation to come to her church for a brunch and get-together. For about five years now, the group in Houston has met twice a year.

The meeting is centered on open discussion, allowing everyone to ask those burning questions, air their frustrations and fellowship with each other. We invite local vendors and vendor reps from publishing and gift companies that we buy from-sometimes there are two, sometimes as many as six. Many times one of the vendors will prepare a training session. "How to Sell Bibles," "How to Have an Author Event," "How to Cross Merchandise," are just a few have been presented.

We normally have some type of refreshment--it can be as simple as doughnuts and coffee or, depending on the time of day, lunch or brunch.

Obviously, I am telling you all this for a purpose. Are you aware of other church bookstores in your area, those within an hour's drive of your church? It does not have to be 15 or 20 stores-three or four would be a wonderful start for a group. Why not make a phone call to just one other store and discuss the possibility of meeting, and ask that person to call one other store? You may be surprised how many stores you locate, and that they are as anxious as you to connect and have someone to talk with about the ministry they have at their church.

Keep it simple. Establish a time and place-a room at the church, a restaurant that is centrally located. The time should be convenient for most of you to be away from the store. Invite some of your vendor reps and provide a table for a small display of their products. Allow them five minutes or so to tell about their company. If you have a meal, be sure that you establish whether there will be a cost or if the host church is providing the meal--several times one of our vendors has covered the cost of our meal or refreshments.

If you need further help planning a local event, your regional director (www.thechurchbookstore.com) can assist you, or feel free to contact me (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). If you do have a local event, please let me know about it. We would love to feature the meeting in this newsletter. If you need extra copies of The Church Bookstore magazine for your meeting, we can arrange that.

The Church Bookstore Network exists to encourage and educate church bookstores around the country. One of the ways we do this is through regional and local meetings. You can help us expand this effort by sponsoring one of these meetings. You will be blessed and encouraged when you do.

Remember, God has promised that "where two or three are gathered," He will be there. May He bless you, as you gather together.