My friend Jeff, a writer in an advertising agency, oversees his company’s contract with a large relief organization. When an earthquake occurred in Bam, Iran, the relief organization wanted to get out a mailing as soon as possible. Jeff received…
Read MoreCoaching and Spirituality: A Journey from Atonement to Redemption
I recently introduced coaching in my ministry, and how it differs from traditional therapy, which has also provided benefit to me in my career. I had my first therapeutic experience 25 years ago, after a ministerial training program exposed dimensions of my…
Read MoreOne-on-One: The Unique Gifts of the Clergy/Coach Relationship
During my 10 years as a senior consultant for the Alban Institute, my work with congregational leaders has revolved around three main roles: educator, consultant, and coach. Over time, coaching has become a much more prominent feature of my work….
Read MoreThe Moveable Feast: A Continuing Education Drean Made Real
Twenty-three years ago, a conversation among three pastors planted the seeds for what was to become the most successful continuing education program of their careers, as well as that of many other pastors. It began in 1982, when these pastors…
Read MoreLife After Seminary Begins in High School
Presbyterian pastor Wade Halva believes that his experience in high school playing three varsity sports was one of his most valuable preparations for pastoral ministry. He says individual sports, like swimming and track and field, taught him to compete against…
Read MorePartnership Possibilities: Making Continuing Education a Partnership Between Pastor and Congregation
Most informed congregational leaders recognize that pastors need to be involved in regular continuing education opportunities in order to stay up-to-date on the latest information,knowledge,and resources for effective ministry. Most pastors understand this, too.After engaging in active ministry for a…
Read MoreA Journey with One's Peers: The Power of Group Learning Programs
Seminaries and other organizations offer a plethora of continuing education programs for ministers, but many of these same organizations are conducting research to discover new continuing education models that can provide even more benefit and impact. What is being discovered…
Read MoreA Matter of the Heart: Pastor John Wimberly Shares How His Passions Have Shaped His Lifelong Learning Agenda
Over the past 22 years, continuing education has been a big part of my life: I earned a Ph.D. in systematic theology, mastered the art of creating wheelthrown ceramic pots, and completed an Executive MBA program. During that time, I…
Read MoreAsk Alban: Defining the Role of the Executive Committee
Q: What should the role of the executive committee be? A: One of the most common concerns I encounter in board training is the relationship between the executive committee or board officers and the rest of the board. As one…
Read MoreThe Leading Edge: Re-valuing the Ministry
For the past several years, the largest research project ever undertaken on the ministry in America has been quietly gathering data, sifting it, and coming to conclusions. Based at Duke Divinity School, the Pulpit and Pew Project is now reporting…
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