When I first began planning the book that was published  as www.congregationalresources.org: a guide to resources for building congregational vitality, I needed to find contributors who could bring fresh thought to the key issues facing congregations. Knowing that one of…

You may have heard “I’m spiritual but not religious”—from talk show guests, the next door neighbor, or your daughter’s college roommate. What does it mean? And how do you respond? For some, the phrase “I’m spiritual but not religious” brings…

Forgiveness is a topic that has been receiving renewed attention in recent years both inside and outside of traditional religious circles. It is a broad and complex subject—too big for one Alban Weekly issue, but a topic that is important…

Redevelopment. Revitalization. Renewal. I often hear those terms from people who call to inquire about Alban’s consulting services. At times, individuals are clear about the process that is needed in their congregations. At other times, they simply know that something…

If you had access to a roomful of leaders of large congregations from various denominations and geographic locations, what questions would you pose to learn more about the large church? That was Alban’s challenge—and opportunity—during a recent research event it…

“The synagogue is not a business,” contends Alban Senior Consultant Bob Leventhal, “but it is in great need of the skills and tools that many business leaders have. It is in great need of leadership and management. It is in…

Do you ever need to know what the best book about strategic planning or congregational conflict is? The best resources for planning a capital campaign or a building project? The Congregational Resource Guide might be able to help you. For eight years…

People often complain about the way congregations make decisions. Long board meetings, repetitive discussions, and slow action on important projects are some of the most frequent symptoms. Perhaps most tellingly, leaders are tired of spending so much time at meetings…

1. Congregations need help when they get into trouble. Middle judicatories need to develop a capacity to help congregations clarify what’s at the bottom of the trouble and work out a strategy for dealing with it. The middle judicatory does…

A number of issues surfaced in a recent consultation with leaders of a middle judicatory. As we looked at their data and their experience, it was clear they were frustrated by their attempts to serve their local congregations and by…