David Brubaker Congregational Consulting Group

Preaching Our Principles—Not Our Politics

In the most unorthodox political season since I started paying attention to politics 50 years ago, the polarized national environment has thoroughly invaded local congregations. Pastors, priests and rabbis report pressure from some congregants to “Speak to the issues!” and from others to “Stay away from politics!” Many congregational leaders worry about the nasty tone of the national discourse and feel compelled to call for civility. What should a congregational leader say or do amid such omnipresent political tensions?

Congregations’ Stances Toward Society

by David Brubaker

Emperor_Tiberius_Denarius_-_Tribute_Penny — Denarius coin with Emperor Tiberius – Wikimedia

Is your congregation a fortress, a partner, a prophetic voice, or an enmeshed part of its community? How do its traditions, its membership, or political events shape its attitude toward the society around it? In a time when many people have strong feelings about changes in the wider society, they want to know and understand their congregation’s stance toward the wider culture.

Options for Congregations as Denominations Decline

by David Brubaker

hannah-busing-Zyx1bK9mqmA-unsplash — Hannah Busing on Unsplash

Denominational headcounts have declined sharply in recent decades, reflecting both the overall drop in religious affiliation and the rise of nondenominational churches. In this new religious landscape, congregational leaders are considering new options for affiliation.

Christian Nationalism and Congregations

by David Brubaker

US Flag with sunlight showing through it in the shape of a cross

Christian Nationalism is a significant force in American civic life, but “Christianity” and “Christian Nationalism” are two very different species. The former is a religious movement and the latter a political one. Yet because many (mostly white) Christians have imbibed the tenets of Christian Nationalism, Christian leaders must now contend with its presence. We will consider the phenomenon of Christian Nationalism and how to respond to its adherents in our congregations.

Knowing When to Let Go

by David Brubaker

kyle-hinkson-xyXcGADvAwE-unsplash — Kyle Hinkson on Unsplash

Six months ago, I announced my intention to retire at the end of this academic year. I’ve worked at the same university for 20 years—as a professor, a department chair, and a dean. But it’s time to step aside and let others move into these roles. How do we know when it’s time to let go and retire? For me, there were three key indicators:

When I realized that I was running out of fresh ideas.
When I noticed how much talent there was around me.
When I accepted that I could afford to do so.

I don’t intend to retire completely—I plan to submit a book manuscript by December (on congregations engaging their communities), do more consulting, and spend more time with grandchildren. But it’s time. As the Swiss-German poet Hermann Hesse noted, “Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go.”

Pairing the Process with the Problem

by David Brubaker

three pairs of pliers — JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

In the life of every congregation, problems will eventually surface. Such challenges may involve disagreements and conflict, genuine harm, or more serious allegations of misconduct. Pairing the process with the problem requires discernment about the nature of the problem, as well as a suite of relevant processes. An effective response may also require the involvement of the local judicatory and/or outside mediation or consultation.

Social Movements and Congregational Responses

by David Brubaker

Congregations often experience conflict in response to social movements in the world around them. Since World War II, movements regarding civil rights, the war in Vietnam, the ordination of women, and human sexuality—each vitally important in its own right—also have raised challenges inside congregations, forcing leaders to address internal questions of power and culture.

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