Everyone is talking, but who is listening? In a world of sound bites, talking points, and one-minute management, how can we practice transformative listening that is adequate to the complex conditions we face in our personal lives, our religious communities,…
Read MoreChurch Governance: Where is the Beginning of Wisdom?
The question of governance has become the repository of all manner of discontent in churches and synagogues: “I feel that the real decisions are made outside the meetings and that we are a rubber stamp.” “The meeting lasted until 11…
Read MoreFaith at Work
If reports are true that Americans spend more time at work than anyone in the industrialized world, what role might congregations play in supporting their members’ work lives? Here are several ideas that might help your congregation begin imaging its…
Read MoreAsk Alban: Creating a Vision that Makes a Difference
Q: Why does our congregation need to have a vision? How can we ensure that it is not only worth the effort and time it takes to develop one—but that it also makes a difference for our congregation? A: Visioning…
Read MoreEmotional Intelligence Is…
“EQ is not destiny—emotional intelligence is a different way of being smart. It includes knowing your feelings and using them to make good decisions; managing your feelings well; motivating yourself with zeal and persistence; maintaining hope in the face of…
Read MoreWhat is the Mission of "Missions"?
Most congregations engage in some form of social ministry—or believe they should. Some call it missions, others outreach, social action, or benevolence. From relatively modest actions like collecting canned goods for the local food bank to major projects like building…
Read MoreWhat Is a Clergy Leader to Do? Quick Tips for Coping with Stress
As congregations gear back up for the increased demands of their fall schedules, their clergy leaders often find themselves also dealing with increased stress. A quick survey of resources related to clergy stress reveals that some of the key contributors…
Read MoreHow Well Do You Keep 'Sabbath Time'?
In their book The Spiritual Leader’s Guide to Self-Care, Rochelle Melander and Harold Eppley offer a quick checklist to help readers examine how well they keep “sabbath time.” Check each statement that is true for you: __ I always take…
Read MoreA New Conversation Begins at Alban
An important new conversation took place at the Alban Institute on September 17. Diana Butler Bass, a gifted scholar of American religion and a fine writer, shared early findings of her new research project, Congregations of Intentional Practice. The project, funded…
Read MoreCreating the Conditions for New Pastors’ Success
Two classmates graduate from seminary. Each has done well academically, and received glowing recommendations from the faculty. Each was affirmed by a field placement parish during the seminary experience. And each performed well amid the challenges of clinical pastoral education….
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