A young pastor was recently recounting the events that led to his dismissal. Throughout the painful ordeal, he had relied upon a small group of … [Read more...] about The High Cost of Self-Preservation
How to ruin a sermon
Healthy churches are marked by engaging worship. Engaging worship is nearly always marked by excellent preaching. Good preaching comes in a myriad of … [Read more...] about How to ruin a sermon
Cultivating a Culture of Call
Nearly all observers of the 21st century church in America agree that the next generation of leadership is a cause for concern. Many write, blog, … [Read more...] about Cultivating a Culture of Call
Staff-led or Staff-controlled?
One of the key predictors of strong congregational health is the type of leadership the ministerial and paid staff of a congregation offers. When the … [Read more...] about Staff-led or Staff-controlled?
The Conflict Pandemic
Whenever I address a group about the work our organization does, I mention that one of our frequent calls is to help a congregation, staff, … [Read more...] about The Conflict Pandemic
Holding your staff accountable
Previously, I suggested that the starting point for bringing health and effectiveness to a church’s ministerial staff is the critical work of … [Read more...] about Holding your staff accountable
Curbing an epidemic
There is a consistent theme in the conversations I have with clergy and laity alike about what frustrates or challenges them most. Without a doubt it … [Read more...] about Curbing an epidemic
Boundaries 101
The headlines are relentless. I wince every time I hear of a minister violating sexual or moral boundaries. I listen sadly as clergy describe … [Read more...] about Boundaries 101
Search Committee Ethics
A recent column about some of the positive experiences of clergy who have recently moved motivated some responses around the theme of “things that … [Read more...] about Search Committee Ethics