Have you learned that nothing “goes without saying” anymore? That sobering truth runs counter to our tendency to think there are some universally shared assumptions that all of us agree upon. We may think that everyone agrees with us about…
VITAL SIGNS: Discomfort: Good or bad?
Here at the Center for Congregational Health, we spend many hours each week helping clergy and congregations navigate the tricky waters of expectations and living together in positive and encouraging relationships rather than confrontational ones. I’ve recently had three insights…
VITAL SIGNS: Seven things church members wish their ministers knew, but are afraid to tell them
After I shared with a group of laity what clergy are thinking, in the interest of fairness I asked them what they wish their ministers knew, but that they are afraid to share with them out of respect or fear…
VITAL SIGNS: Seven things your pastor wishes you knew, but is afraid to tell you
The transition out of local church pastoral and staff ministry after 33 years on the job is proving to be a provocative, illuminating and sobering experience. Sitting on the receiving side of the pulpit is a very different way to…
VITAL SIGNS: The prophetic pastor
One of the most precarious tasks a preacher faces is that of being a prophet. The role of prophet is one that many ministers feel a deep ambivalence toward. All preachers know that relevant preaching must address the great issues…
VITAL SIGNS: What do you lie to yourself about?
My seminary-student son recently told me about a website called soulpancake.com. Specifically, he mentioned a thread of responses to the question “What do you lie to yourself about?” When I went to the site and began to read the anonymous…
VITAL SIGNS: Everyone needs a Nathan
Who is your Nathan? Every minister needs a Nathan. No exceptions. You know Nathan, the bold truth-teller who finally broke through King David’s rationalizations and justifications. Nathan served the Kingdom by speaking God’s truth to David’s deceptions. Only Nathan was able…
VITAL SIGNS: Facing the raging blizzard
Why a regular column about healthy churches and healthy ministers? Some would argue that such a thing doesn’t exist. For far too many clergy and laity alike, healthy is not the word they use to describe their life in a…
VITAL SIGNS: Facing the raging blizzard
Why a regular column about healthy churches and healthy ministers? Some would argue that such a thing doesn’t exist. For far too many clergy and laity alike, healthy is not the word they use to describe their life in a…