Over the years I’ve learned that guilt can be an effective tool. I’ve been on both ends of it too; being guilted into certain things and guilting others. Sadly, most of my experiences with guilt were in the context of…
The day I was cursed at in church
In ministry, one day is always different from the next. Sometimes, there are wonderful and rewarding experiences. Other times, there are difficult experiences. I’ll never forget the day I was cursed at in church. Samuel L. Jackson style. I was…
Rebalancing congregational finances for missional ministry
Your congregational budget has become a straitjacket. What do you do to rebalance your finances for missional ministry? You have at least two choices. One is to take an allocation approach and the other is to take an innovation approach….
Bridging the hospitality gap
By Terry Maples Recently I read an article by a newly retired Baptist minister who recounted experiences while searching for a new church home. He sadly reported members in most churches where he visited ignored him. Hospitality was lacking. Members…
Re-thinking pastor appreciation
By Elizabeth Evans Hagan Last year about this time, I posted a question to several pastoral colleagues on Twitter: “It’s Pastor Appreciation Month, do you feel appreciated?” I was curious about its observance. Many of my colleagues responded back quickly,…
The problem with people …
If it weren’t for the people, church ministry would be easy. That’s the problem with being called to be a shepherd—you’ve got to learn to like the sheep. Most of the time, that’s easier than you’d imagine. But sometimes, only…
Curbing staff conflict
Bill Wilson There is a consistent theme in the conversations I have with clergy and laity alike about what frustrates or challenges them most. Without a doubt it is staff. Every pastor’s gathering in which we ask for issues that…
Six ways to set a positive blog tone
I had an epiphany regarding my Albany Times Union blog and the tone of negativity in the comment section. In the interest of freedom, openness, and free speech I had unknowingly allowed my blog to become a swamp of negativity….
What do you do when your budget becomes a straitjacket?
How has the budget development process gone in your congregation this year? Was there plenty of money to go around? Or, once again did you lower soft or flexible costs like program support and missions because hard or fixed costs…
The polling place vs. the pulpit
By Amy Butler In general, it’s probably not a great idea for the preacher to get too political in his or her day-to-day life. For one thing, waxing poetic on one’s own personal positions can be mistaken for public endorsement…
Redefining what it means to be great
Pride is essentially competitive; it’s competitive by its very nature. We are not prideful because we are rich, clever, or good-looking. We are prideful because we think we are richer, clever-er, and better-looking. It’s the comparison that makes us proud….
Coalition faces ‘post-Christian’ challenges
By Robert Dilday A diverse coalition of pastors and theological educators has launched an initiative offering a platform for evangelicals to develop theology and practice for mission and ministry in “post-Christian” North America.” The Missio Alliance will “provide a place…