Blog
“Hi, my name is Carol. I’m sorry to arrive late. I’m part of the foundation that paid to finance this work that brought you here.” (Big Smile) These were the words of a late arrival at a recent training session in a congregation. I was training facilitators who were about to conduct focus groups as part […]
Read MoreOne of the challenges of large church leadership is learning to recognize stagnation before it drags you down. The large church is often likened to the ocean liner; slow to respond and slow to turn. The large congregation is capable of maintaining momentum over long periods of time, but when stagnation seeps in and the […]
Read MoreCan I supervise someone more gifted or more knowledgeable than I? This question came to me in the form of a potential case study submitted by a participant in my upcoming 3 day workshop on staffing and supervision. Many a supervisor has failed at the act of supervision by convincing himself that he is not […]
Read MoreI’m frequently asked to consult with strategic planning teams as they formulate their process for self study and strategy formation. In my first meeting with church planners some version of this question inevitably surfaces. “What assurances can you give us that we will actually execute the strategy that we claim during this self study period?” […]
Read MoreI’m frequently asked to consult with strategic planning teams as they formulate their process for self study and strategy formation. In my first meeting with church planners some version of this question inevitably surfaces. “What assurances can you give us that we will actually execute the strategy that we claim during this self study period?” […]
Read MoreLife changed in unexpected ways when my husband and I had our third child. Becoming first time parents had been jarring. We expected life as we knew it to disappear upon the arrival of that first child, and although we were stressed by the transition we were more or less prepared for the turmoil. The […]
Read MoreThis past week I led a leadership retreat for a group of denominational executive leaders. We used the theme of narratives to explore the shape of leadership they are providing in this difficult chapter of Church life. I loved hearing them share their stories of call and vocation. On the opening night of the retreat many […]
Read MoreSeveral colleagues have asked for my response to an interview that took place on NPR last week titled, “Annual Job Review is Total Baloney”. I imagine that many of you heard or read the interview as well. The interviewee was UCLA business professor Samuel Culbert who claims that annual performance evaluation is dishonest and fraudulent, and […]
Read MoreThe role of membership director is one of the most confused roles that I encounter in large congregations. Is it an administrative role or a programmatic one? Is it mostly about tracking people, their giving and their whereabouts, or is it about developing programs of assimilation and membership? And how is the role related to […]
Read MoreGreetings Readers! I’m sorry to have been so silent these past few weeks. It’s the end of the program year and that’s a very busy time in the life of an Alban consultant. Every client needs us onsite in late May and early June to get in one last piece of work before the summer hiatus begins. […]
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