Some information in the form appears in associational annuals and state convention annuals, but most of the information is not recorded in a published format. LifeWay Christian Resources maintains recent data from the Annual Church Profile in a computer format, but churches may find it difficult to retrieve copies or earlier forms. Keep copies of these forms in a safe and accessible location. They are also good candidates for microfilming. Photographs , although vital documentation media, are not even considered as church records.
Churches often display photographs of former buildings and special events.
These visual images graphically link the membership to their forebears and their heritage. Members need to be reminded that the church did not appear out of nowhere, but that faithful members of the past provided the resources and leadership for the church to continue in its mission. Photographs of former pastors adorn the walls of many churches. Usually great effort was made to collect these photographs. Good quality negatives should be produced of these special photographs, stored in archival quality sleeves, and placed in a safe and separate location from the originals.