My parents were graceful dancers. They often went to dance clubs and then returned home to dance a little longer around the living room. I come from a line of elegant people. So I wasn’t surprised when my parents made…
Read MoreIs the Pastor Here?
When I landed as the first female pastor of a congregation, I spent a lot of my time in my office with the door open, getting to know the people of the church and the community. From time to time,…
Read MoreThere Are No Barriers To God’s Love
The television commercials were disturbing. Images showed congregants at traditionallooking churches barring or even physically ejecting members of racial and ethnic minorities, gay couples, and people with disabilities. One tag line read, “Jesus didn’t turn people away. Neither do we.”…
Read MoreShould We Have a Congregational Meeting?
Q: Our congregation is struggling with several difficult decisions, some of which have caused quite a bit of controversy and emotional responses among some members. We are considering having a congregational meeting to see what the members think, “clear…
Read MoreCongregations Magazine, Issues 3 & 4 2011
Alban members receive a subscription to Congregations, our award-winning magazine. Our mission is to provide clergy and lay leaders with practical, research-based information and ideas for effective ministry as they grapple with an ever-changing environment. Congregations is sent quarterly to…
Read MoreOur Practice of Havruta
1. “Sorry I’m late,” Rachel announces as she joins her colleagues around the table. “It’s one of those days. I’ve had three difficult situations this morning,” she adds, glancing at her iPhone; “and it’s barely noon.” “Can you afford…
Read MoreCenterView: Let’s Survey the Congregation!
I still remember how excited and hopeful I felt when my congregation embarked on the assessment process that was going to transform our ministry and lead us into a bright future. And I still remember the disappointment and let-down I…
Read MoreFrom Champion to Church: How Being on a Championship Team Taught Me How to Lead a Church
Back in May of 2011, I had the opportunity to be part of a rare event. At halftime of the NCAA Division II lacrosse championship game, I walked onto the field of M&T Stadium in Baltimore, the stadium where the…
Read MoreThe Three Rs and Your Congregation’s Future
The Past Used to Be the Future Let us begin with a deceptively simple question: “What has changed in the last fifty years?” Perhaps you are old enough to reflect on this question directly. Fifty years ago, John F….
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