I know first-hand how utterly boring and laborious creating a building use policy can be. Every church I have ever served has entered into a major … [Read more...] about Why your building use policy matters
Put your heart into it!
Recently, our staff was talking about things our parents would tell us that we find ourselves repeating to our children or ourselves. We had to admit … [Read more...] about Put your heart into it!
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?
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
Tables and Barns
In an excellent sermon, NYC pastor Alan Sherouse suggested that a most appropriate stewardship metaphor for a New Testament church is that of a table. … [Read more...] about Tables and Barns
The hardest issues we face
One of the most helpful insights I have gained in recent years for understanding the leadership culture of congregational life is the concept of … [Read more...] about The hardest issues we face
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
