The Congregational Consulting Group, organized in 2014 by former consultants of the Alban Institute, is a network of independent consultants. We publish PERSPECTIVES for Congregational Leaders—thoughts on topics of interest to leaders of congregations and other purpose-driven organizations. — Dan Hotchkiss, editor
It’s easy to prioritize short-term concerns at the expense of longer-term priorities. As pastors, we only have so much time. Our members only have so much time. If we don’t focus on the short term, we’ll have chaos in the fall. However, if we don’t focus on the long term, we’ll have difficulty realizing our strategic goals.
As I reflected on Mary’s death yesterday, I realized that Mary and I were good friends with very different perspectives. When it came to people, she always saw the glass as half full, which may explain her faith in my children but which got in her trouble sometimes when people she trusted turned out to be unworthy of trust. From my point of view, it took her too long to see the red flags that signaled emerging issues. I, on the other hand, see the glass as half empty. I spot red flags as soon as soon as they walk into the room, and it takes me too long to see the signs of blessing.
If you dread meetings, don’t despair! Four key questions can help almost any meeting to be better focused, more satisfying and productive. You can ask these questions in advance—or you can ask them shortly after the meeting has begun. Here are the four questions: 1. What is the purpose of this meeting? A meeting with …
I began my current career of teaching and consulting 30 years ago. In those three decades, I’ve watched several valued colleagues burn out, and also have experienced periods of stress and burnout myself. For the multitude of us who work in a “people profession” (and particularly in ministry), the seemingly endless demands of our work—along with family and community needs—can become overwhelming.
Lately, I have been getting a number of requests to evaluate the staffing designs of congregations with worship attendance in the 200–400 range. I am asked to assess the current staffing design and propose some options for the future. What are some of the trends I am noticing as I work with congregations about their staffing designs?
by Sarai Rice Today, I’m talking to the 95% of you who think IRS rules are not as interesting as biblical texts or pastoral visits. You may be right 🙂 ! However, not caring about IRS rules could cost your congregation time and money. Let’s start where I started this week—with a religious body that …
Recently I’m working on a pair of projects on opposite ends of the congregational survival spectrum. One project is a survey of the vulnerability of Philadelphia’s “sacred places.” The other is a freelance writing gig for Association Reserves, a company that does “capital plans” for various nonprofits, including congregations. The Philadelphia project is about the ever-looming threat of congregational closure, while capital plans are all about sustainability and thriving. Sometimes the contrast makes me dizzy!