The power of asset mapping builds as we relate to each other in small groups and in a larger community. What does doing asset mapping with other people look and feel like? With the help of other asset-building leaders, I…

A focus on routine tasks or unending crises tends to take over the agenda of congregational boards or governing bodies. Over time, board members may become disenchanted with their roles or burned out by long meetings that lack direction and…

Development of a new congregational vision promises exciting possibilities . . . and rough waters. A new congregational vision entails change, which is frequently met with ambivalence, trepidation, and disagreement. When the new vision is accompanied by saying “no” to…

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have demonstrated in ways almost too large to comprehend the importance of excellent disaster preparedness, training, and response. The role of clergy and caring teams in congregations is hard to fully outline in advance of a…

Congregational stress, like the personal and professional varieties, can both help and harm. Too little stress often means a congregation is not adequately experimenting, taking risks, or exercising creativity about its potential for ministry. A congregation under too much stress…

Leadership Practice Develop specific spiritual disciplines. Soul Principle Disciplines deepen our spiritual life and empower our leadership. I hate discipline. Now, I like the idea of being a disciplined person. I usually feel good when I act in a disciplined…

When Consulting for Vital Congregations: Foundational Practices & Perspectives was held earlier this year, Alban senior consultant Alice Mann shared with participants the following model for a board planning weekend. Not all congregational planning requires a lengthy period of time….

For the last three years, my job has been to go to church. As the project director of a research study on vital congregations, I have spent hundreds of hours in worship, attending programs and events, and talking to pastors…

A lack of theological content and clarity may be at the core of the current malaise of many mainline Protestant congregations. It is my belief that an integral and vital relationship exists between our core convictions, our theology, and our…