It is becoming a consistent scenario in our work with conflicted churches. Anxious congregations overreact to symptomatic issues and cause great harm … [Read more...] about The Case of the Declining Congregation
Lessons from the Rumble Strips
You’ve probably been helped by a rumble strip. You know, the series of grooved cuts in the pavement just off the right side of the road that rattles … [Read more...] about Lessons from the Rumble Strips
Small things make a difference
Let’s eat grandpa. Let’s eat, grandpa. It’s true, correct punctuation can save a life. A comma is so very small, just a smudge of ink between two … [Read more...] about Small things make a difference
Headwinds Help Us Fly: Can resistance in church be an asset?
I had a first-ever experience recently flying out of New York’s LaGuardia airport. The weather was deteriorating, but we boarded our flight on time, … [Read more...] about Headwinds Help Us Fly: Can resistance in church be an asset?
Where Is Your Parish?
One of the polarities every minister must navigate is between ministry within the congregation, and ministry in the surrounding community. Is the … [Read more...] about Where Is Your Parish?
Success or Signifigance?
The novelist Walker Percy often said that the trouble with most people is that they are not up to anything significant. Bob Buford once wrote a book … [Read more...] about Success or Signifigance?
Christmas lessons
Our current Christmas celebration habits are a uniquely post-WW2 phenomena. Much of the excess we experience stands at odds with the way Western … [Read more...] about Christmas lessons
Describe a healthy pastor search process, please
The search process for a new pastor is both and exhilarating and a risky time for a congregation. Healthy congregations go at this task from the … [Read more...] about Describe a healthy pastor search process, please
Our Hidden Addiction
You know all too well that our society is prone to addictions. We do nearly everything to excess. Not just the obvious culprits: alcohol, gambling, … [Read more...] about Our Hidden Addiction
