A revolution in digital communication has hit many congregations. And, like many revolutions, we are finding that this one has its casualties. There is the pastor who gets an ornery email that feels like the last straw at the end…

Worship is the most important and most consistent element of congregational life. It is the practice of worship that defines a church as a church and not a social club or service organization. The size of a church has a…

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…

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…

The Vital Worship, Healthy Congregations book series is published by the Alban Institute in cooperation with the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. Series editor John Witvliet, director of the Calvin Institute, writes that the series “is designed to reflect the…

Visit the Web site, /rabbizevit/index.asp, for the insightful writings of Rabbi Shawn Israel Zevit and information about his best-selling Alban book, Offerings of the Heart: Money and Values in Faith Communities. A teacher, performer, writer, and spiritual leader, Zevit is director of outreach…

Visit the Web site, /rabbizevit/index.asp, for the insightful writings of Rabbi Shawn Israel Zevit and information about his best-selling Alban book, Offerings of the Heart: Money and Values in Faith Communities. A teacher, performer, writer, and spiritual leader, Zevit is director of outreach…

“So, if we are planning for the future of ministry, what are the trends we ought to be aware of?” It is a good question, but in a way a trick question. Any claim that something is a trend is…

Delegation can strengthen the life of a congregation in significant ways. It can enhance the quality of decision making by involving staff members and lay leaders with expertise and insight, help individuals develop and grow in their leadership capabilities, contribute…