The death of someone close to us changes almost all of our plans. It becomes the focus of our attention and the center of our responsibility. It … [Read more...] about Leading in the Face of Death
We Need to Talk
“We need to talk.” Those words often signal there is a hard truth to share, a difficult decision to make, a problem to solve, or a conflict to … [Read more...] about We Need to Talk
Gentle
Recently, when quiet enough to listen, I’ve heard whispered the word gentle. The whispers have become a beckoning to explore how to be gentler in my … [Read more...] about Gentle
On Not Losing Heart
It had been one of “those” Sundays: the sermon misfired, the choir was off-key, the chair of deacons mentioned a member who complained she didn’t get … [Read more...] about On Not Losing Heart
Part Two | Hope in Lament: A Regular Practice of Worship
Anne Lamott’s difficult relationship with her mother continued even beyond her death. After she died, Anne searched for clues to understand her … [Read more...] about Part Two | Hope in Lament: A Regular Practice of Worship
Part One | Freedom Through Lament: Acknowledging Reality, Naming Pain, and Opening to Grace
We’ve been through a lot. “A lot” could be the too-much of relentless demands, unrelieved pressures, and unrealistic expectations or it could be a … [Read more...] about Part One | Freedom Through Lament: Acknowledging Reality, Naming Pain, and Opening to Grace
Leading for Church Health in this Election Season
To say the least and the obvious, we live in a time of confusion and upheaval. It’s well-known that St. Anthony the Great, one of the church’s … [Read more...] about Leading for Church Health in this Election Season
Leading with the Good News
Congregational leaders use a variety of frameworks, processes, and tools in their work of guiding, shaping, and nurturing churches. Among others, I’ve … [Read more...] about Leading with the Good News
Ministry and the Gifts of Christmas
Among the myriad gifts of Christmas are: Assurance that God is with us—“Emmanuel.” God is not aloof from us or disinterested in us—not, as Bette … [Read more...] about Ministry and the Gifts of Christmas