Although church dynamics may be invisible to most people within a congregation, they are a crucial factor in healthy, effective ministry. That claim was at the center of the workshop that Israel Galindo, author of The Hidden Life of Congregations:…
Read MoreHearing God's Voice through Change
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…
Read MoreElements of Discipleship
What needs to be part of the life of a person in order to grow as a disciple? There are probably as many ways to answer this question as there are disciples, for we are all unique persons who relate…
Read MoreEmbarking on a Capital Campaign
A few years ago, Southport Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, completed its first capital giving campaign in 40 years. Our theme, “From Heritage to Horizon,” was a phrase I had read in an article published in Alban’s magazine Congregations. These…
Read MoreFact or Fiction: Four Myths about Giving
Myth #1: Some people give time and some people give money. Truth: In general, our financial contributions follow our investments of time. People who give more time also give more money. Click here to check the facts. Myth #2: Money given…
Read MoreLearning from Congregational Asset Mapping
I hear all sorts of personal reactions, comments, and questions at the end of an asset mapping experience. The most common response is also the simplest: “It’s so positive.” Participants often express amazement at the energy and ideas that have…
Read MoreQ&A with Rabbi Shawn Israel Zevit
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…
Read MoreThe Future of Ministry
“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…
Read MoreA Time to Every Purpose: Competent Time Management
For many of us, the most serious challenge in competent time management is neither finding a block of time to take a sabbatical nor making the effort to create a healthy daily schedule on paper. The most serious challenge is…
Read MoreEffective Delegation
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…
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