Alban members receive a subscription to Congregations, our award-winning magazine. Our mission is to provide clergy and lay leaders with practical, research-based information and ideas for effective ministry as they grapple with an ever-changing environment. Congregations is sent quarterly to all members of the Alban Institute. It is the successor to Action Information, published since 1975.

“I cannot recommend this magazine and this institute to you highly enough!” — The Rev. Jan Smith Wood, Dean of Students, Church Divinity School of the Pacific. 

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CONTENTS

Change: Spontaneous or Designed in Advance?  (Member Only Article)
Ronald D. Anderson broaches the touchy subject of change and discusses the many ways, in a tight economy, congregations can and should implement changes within.  

Beyond Rubber Band Workshops: Finding a More Transformative Way for Continuing Education  (Member Only Article) 
Dwight L. DuBois explains in detail how he moved from workshops that are forgettable to ones that are life-changing—and the ways in which it’s possible. 

Changing Our Perspective (READ NOW) 
Amy Butler discusses her ministry as a female pastor in a large, traditional, urban congregation when changes have to be made. 

Life after Governance Change  (Member Only Article) 
Following his book Governance and Ministry, Dan Hotchkiss explains the impact governance change can have on a congregation. 

Faith and Environmental Impact: Congregations Learn About, Celebrate, and Care for Creation  (Member Only Article) 
Thomas D. Harries reveals the results of a study on what congregations are doing to make their congregations greener and how it impacts the community as a whole. 

COLUMNS

The Leading Edge  (READ NOW) 
Alban Institute president James P. Wind discusses the impact a congregation can have on the community around it. 

CENTERview  (READ NOW) 
Nancy L. DeMott, Resource Editor for the Indianapolis Center for Congregations, explains why one resource doesn’t fit all congregations. 

Ask Alban  (READ NOW) 
Alban senior consultant Bob Leventhal offers advice on creating a succession plan that is both stressfree and successful. 

DEPARTMENTS

From the Editor  
Reviews
New and Noteworthy 
Recommended Reading