When we aren’t sure what to do or where to start, we go back to what is familiar, comfortable, “normal.”
All tagged elders
Resource Highlight: What the Church Health Assessment Is Teaching Us About Leadership Strengths and Weaknesses
In this article, we look at member perceptions of leadership strengths and weaknesses in their congregation.
The Dementia Dilemma: A Pastoral Response
I want to offer some concrete suggestions on how to provide spiritual care and support to members of your communities whose loved ones are affected by dementias/cognitive impairments and/or in living facilities during this time of heightened precautions.
For Elders Who Are Facilitating Gender Inclusion, Don’t Be Surprised by the Anger
Is every woman angry and hurt? No. But there is a great deal more anger and damage than you might think. So let me share a glimpse of it with you.
Live Into Hope!
Let’s use this interruption as a time to re-imagine how we pursue God’s preferred future!
Three Things Church of Christ Elders Do Well
The elders in most of our churches today are deeply devout individuals with amazing spiritual maturity.
The Answer Is Not for Me to Be Less
The answer is not for your female ministers to be less; it’s for all of us to lead in such a way that only God’s name can be praised.
Courage, Prayer, and Hope
The pandemic is ushering us into liminal space – one that differs from the immediate past but is not yet whatever the future may eventually be.
For Elders Who Are Facilitating Gender Inclusion, Elders’ Meetings Can Be a Difficult Place to Be
When I asked my fellow female ministers what they want their elders to know, here are a few of the responses they shared.
Reopening After COVID-19: Treating Our Worship Spaces as Workplaces Rather Than Theaters
I think it’s time to think creatively about how to reopen churches in a way that honors both God and neighbor.
Back to Normal or Toward New Possibilities
Is going back to what used to be really possible? And – listen closely, church leaders – is going back to what used to be really desirable?
Stock Up on Hand Sanitizer, Toilet Paper, and Your Crisis Communication Plan
If this whole coronavirus mayhem has taught me anything, it’s that we seriously have no idea what is going to hit church leaders next and that panic spreads worse than the virus.
Leading Your Church Through the Pandemic
This global pandemic doesn’t have to wreck your church, but it will reveal your church’s latent leadership strengths or weaknesses.
The Complexity of COVID-19 for Churches
Should your church cancel worship services and other corporate gatherings? Here is how we are thinking through that question at my church.
Three Things to Remember About the Bible
Whether you are an elder, preacher, teacher, or parent, God’s leaders use and refer to Scripture.
For Elders Who are Facilitating Gender Inclusion, Create a Relational Map
Build relational bridges now, with intention and sincerity.
Equipping for Ministry: Coming Soon to a Texas City Near You
We invite you to set aside the busyness of life and enjoy good food, link arms with co-laborers in ministry, and let someone else pour into you.
For Shepherds Who Are Facilitating Gender Inclusion, Remember to Talk About Jesus
No matter what complex question was thrown at him, Jesus remained laser-focused on love and redemption.
Leadership Structures for Local Congregations
In far too many places, the structure of leadership—the way in which decisions and deliberations are handled—creates obstacles for the congregation’s mission.
We Needed a Trusted Advisor
Knowledge provides opportunity to choose areas in which we desire greater health, where growth is possible and ministries can become more robust.