All I Really Needed to Know I Learned at Work
Talking openly about occupational subcultures helps make board conversation richer and more fruitful.
Dan Hotchkiss
Relocating the Clergy Ego
As a young minister, I often wondered, “How am I doing?” It was a good question! But at midlife I began to ask, “How am I helping others to succeed?”
What is the Mission of “Missions”?
Most congregations engage in some form of social ministry—but why do they do it?
Some Fences Are Too Hard to Straddle
It’s fine to say, “We’re one big family. We agree to disagree.” But when the disagreement is about a matter of fundamental principle, such as who can be recognized as a full member of the family, it’s not so simple.
3 Ways to Make Board Meetings Less Excruciating
Is your board members’ time well spent? Ask them! If your board is like many others, you’ll tap into a deeper well of dissatisfaction than most leaders suspect.
Project, Spinoff, or Partnership?
Churches and synagogues often serve as incubators for soup kitchens, food pantries, nursery schools, retirement homes, arts programs, and other worthy ventures. Once those ventures are established, how much control should a congregation have over them?
Top Five Ways Ministers Get in Trouble
It’s not easy being a pastor, priest, or rabbi. People come to congregations bearing an incredible variety of hopes and aspirations. When reality falls short—as it inevitably does—the clergy leader often takes the fall. That process is almost always painful, even when it turns out to be a good thing for all concerned. A lot of clergy fail, but others manage to avoid the pitfalls and succeed despite the odds. A key to success is to remember that the congregation’s mission, not its minister, is the central issue.