Blog
Many large congregations are asking the question, “What is our obligation to the struggling smaller and mid-sizedcongregations in our Conferences/Regions/Districts?” Or, if the church is not asking the question, the middle judicatory is asking the question for them. Some large congregations think of themselves as resource centers for neighboring congregations. They design programs and ministries with the intent […]
Read MoreIt’s that time of year again. While all of you are scrambling to create magnificent celebrations of Hanukkah and Christmas my consulting practice slows down considerably. I have time to breath, reflect and …yes, clean out my book shelves. Several years ago I made a commitment to myself (and my spouse) that I wouldn’t add […]
Read MoreWe find ourselves in the midst of a season that holds both darkness and light in holy tension. During this season we seek to honor the paradox of a promise already delivered, a promise unfolding around us, and a promise not yet fulfilled. There is another tension that I often hear clergy leaders talk about at this time […]
Read MoreAs a consultant entering a congregation I’m often informed (warned, actually) that the church I’m entering has flagship status within the denomination. Denominational leaders will tell me. Congregants will tell me. The staff team tells me. I’m never quite sure what the label is meant to convey. What are people urging me to appreciate, or […]
Read MoreUnder the best of circumstances, lay leadership and staff leadership in the large church seem to have a difficult time finding a workable approach to board oversight of the staff team. Board leaders often fluctuate between being too hands off (not paying any attention to the activity of the staff team) or being overly involved (stepping […]
Read MoreThe Alban consulting table engages in pretty regular email dialogue about resources that congregations might find helpful. A round of emails flurried about these past two days regarding the topic of strategic planning, as it relates to building and space usage. In the midst of some very serious dialogue about the topic my colleague Dan Hotchkiss forwarded this […]
Read MoreClergy often have a difficult time getting genuine feedback on their leadership style. Some members of the congregation just want to shower love on their pastors. These people offer platitudes and compliments that are at best benign, and at worst misleading. Other members want to deposit all of their dissatisfaction at the feet of clergy, so they dish […]
Read MorePart of my consulting practice consists of individualized coaching sessions with senior clergy leaders who are interested in shaping their leadership roles more effectively. At some point in every coaching relationship the question inevitably arises, “Am I spending my time the right way? How do other leaders of large congregations spend their time?” In response […]
Read MoreThe 2009 Congregational Economic Impact Study has just been released jointly by the Alban Institute and the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving at the Center for Philanthropy at Indiana University. The report indicates that the large congregation is weathering this financial crisis better than the small to mid-sized congregation. “Growth congregations,” those where attendance […]
Read MoreAssimilation and Diversity Differences in the Large Church
Read MoreSusan's Books
