Congregations, like individuals, often make resolutions for the new year. If your congregation still is mulling over possibilities for the year, Raising the Roof contains ideas that could spark a resolution or two. Visit www.sizetransitions.org for more about the book and…

Each congregational size presents its own opportunities and challenges, as well as its own set of leadership needs. In a recent Alban survey of pastors of large congregations (worship attendance of 500-2,000) and denominational professionals with responsibility to work with…

Nagging questions inevitably arise for even the most gifted congregational leaders, like: Why is my congregation not growing despite the fact that I spend more and more time and energy at church? Are my sermons reaching the minds and hearts…

When I first began planning the book that was published  as www.congregationalresources.org: a guide to resources for building congregational vitality, I needed to find contributors who could bring fresh thought to the key issues facing congregations. Knowing that one of…

You may have heard “I’m spiritual but not religious”—from talk show guests, the next door neighbor, or your daughter’s college roommate. What does it mean? And how do you respond? For some, the phrase “I’m spiritual but not religious” brings…

Forgiveness is a topic that has been receiving renewed attention in recent years both inside and outside of traditional religious circles. It is a broad and complex subject—too big for one Alban Weekly issue, but a topic that is important…

Redevelopment. Revitalization. Renewal. I often hear those terms from people who call to inquire about Alban’s consulting services. At times, individuals are clear about the process that is needed in their congregations. At other times, they simply know that something…

If you had access to a roomful of leaders of large congregations from various denominations and geographic locations, what questions would you pose to learn more about the large church? That was Alban’s challenge—and opportunity—during a recent research event it…

“The synagogue is not a business,” contends Alban Senior Consultant Bob Leventhal, “but it is in great need of the skills and tools that many business leaders have. It is in great need of leadership and management. It is in…

Do you ever need to know what the best book about strategic planning or congregational conflict is? The best resources for planning a capital campaign or a building project? The Congregational Resource Guide might be able to help you. For eight years…