In the Shakespeare play, when Juliet suggests that a rose by any other name would be just as sweet, she dismisses the formative power of one’s name. She urges Romeo to claim his own personal identity and charism, or special…

“People don’t realize we’ve been doing ‘small group ministry’ for 150 years!” This comment from the leader of one of the many small congregations across the country got a laugh from the ministerial association of a small southern Indiana town,…

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said “Lead us not into temptation,” which in the NRSV is translated “And do not bring us to the time of trial.” As the first disciples knew what it means, so do we….

Managing your time as a minister just may be the single most difficult issue you face. The problem of managing ministerial time has a long and not always hopeful history. The minister’s need for Sabbath rest, time away from the…

Being busy and fully scheduled doesn’t always mean being productive. Too often we unknowingly become victims of what I call the “tyranny of busy-ness.”  We often are rapidly accomplishing things and crossing off  projects on our various lists yet not…

Being busy and fully scheduled doesn’t always mean being productive. Too often we unknowingly become victims of what I call the “tyranny of busy-ness.”  We often are rapidly accomplishing things and crossing off  projects on our various lists yet not…

Decreasing numbers in worship, smaller numbers of volunteers to do the work of the church, and old buildings in need of costly repairs are prompting many congregations to ask questions about their future. Quiet conversations are taking place everywhere about…