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Clergy Health
4/22/2003
African American Clergy: Stress in Ministry
This article deals with clergy stress in the African American community.
6/4/2003
Considering a Sabbatical
Is your congregation considering a sabbatical for the pastor? If so this article will give you some ideas on how to make that decision.
12/19/2003
Leading Change--Projecting a Vision for the Future
Every church needs a vision! Right? This article gives steps for creating a vision for the future of your church. This is from the Fall 2003 issue of the The Lamp.
2/27/2004
What is the Culture of Your Church Staff?
What can a group of ministers serving the same congregation do to connect with each other in a different way? The answer involves making adjustments to the culture of the staff. This article, that first appeared in our Winter 2004 edition of The Lamp, explores how the culture of the church staff influences the group dynamic.
10/31/2006
Why are Ministers Lonely
CBF Peer Learning Groups
Consulting for Congregations
4/22/2003
Conflict and Congregations
The real question is not if you have conflict in your congregation, but when. This article takes a look at the Center for Congregational Health's approach to helping churches manage conflict.
6/4/2003
A Safe Place for Dangerous Truths
In the Summer 2000 issue of Vital Signs, Bob Dale recommended A Safe Place for Dangerous Truths as a must read book for third millennium leaders. In this book, author Annette Simmons presents both the theoretical framework and the methodolgy for guiding groups into dialogue...where group members feel the safety necessary to discuss their feelings and ideas. Simmons provides a road map for engaging in the kind of open communication that is a part of developing trust within groups. One of the helpful tools Simmons outlines is a five-stage model for group development.
6/4/2003
The Work of a Search Committee
One of the most effective approaches to any type of personnel search is a Rounds Approach. The framework assures that the candidate's time and the committee's time and resources are well used.
6/4/2003
Being About the Church's Business
Should the church go about its decision making in the same way as government and civic groups? Should there be a different process for the community of faith? Chuck Olsen believes that congregations can adopt ways of working that leave leadership energized and empowered instead of burned out and frustrated, ways of decision making that give an opportunity for all voices to be heard and the leadership of God's spirit to be sought. Olsen calls this process "Worshipful Work."
6/4/2003
Leading Transitions
Making changes in a meaningful and productive way is important as we face the 21st Century. The Center for Congregational Health works with many congregations and their leaders in change processes. In this ministry, the Center regularly depends on the work of William Bridges. He is arguably the best known writer on the subject of transitions. His ground breaking book Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes was very influential in both the church and business worlds.
6/4/2003
Values and Vision: Strategic Planning for Local Congregations
The process came about for a dozen different reasons. The demographics of the church or of the neighborhood were changing. Or a new pastor had gotten beyond the initial phase of ministry and wanted to clarify the next direction for the church's ministry. The church was declining or the church was growing. Whatever the situation, congregations have turned to long-range planning as a tool to help clarify the church's vision, articulate its mission and set its direction for future life and ministry.
Consulting for Congregations
4/28/2006
Resources for Helping Congregations Discern Their Future
One of the ways that congregations can become clearer about their purpose and direction is to engage in a planning process.
Consulting for Congregations
6/22/2006
Asking the Big Questions
Few would argue against the need for effective leaders to utilize strategic thinking and planning. But what about congregations? Don't congregations also need to think and plan strategically in order to be effective?
This article, from the Spring 2006 edition of The Lamp, is written by Chris Gambill, Senior Consultant at the Center for Congregation Health. In this article Chris addresses some of the big questions congregations should be asking themselves when they start a strategic planning process.
Faith and Vocation
9/30/2004
Leaving Seminary: The Challenges of Getting Started in Ministry
The Center has been concerned about new clergy making the transition from school to congegation for several years. This articles outlines our work with the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond and The Lilly Endowment to find ways of helping new clergy make this transition a positive experience for both the clergy and the congregation.
9/15/2006
Big Questions About Church
Information from the Forum on Ministerial Excellence sponsored by the Pulpit & Pew from Duke Divinity School.
Leadership Development for Clergy
9/1/2005
Coaching for Recent Seminary Graduates
The Network for Ministerial Excellence is a network to deliver services to ministers and congregations focusing on recent seminary graduates.
The Lamp
3/1/2006
Winter 2006
This issue is devoted to the study the Center contracted for on the impact of Intentional Interim Ministry.
6/22/2006
Spring 2006
This edition features information for strategic planning
9/15/2006
Summer 2006
Information from the Forum on Ministerial Excellence from the Pulpit & Pew Project at Duke Divinity School.
10/31/2006
Fall 2006
Information about CBF Peer Learning groups
12/15/2006
Winter 2006
Information about Emotional Intelligence, Ministerial Residents and Cultivating a Culture of Call in your congregation.
11/20/2007
The Lamp-Fall 2007
The Center for Congregational Health bids founding director David Odom farwell, and looks to the Future at it's 15th Anniversary Celebration.
5/23/2008
The Lamp-May 2008
Interested in Emotional Intelligence? Inside this issue we start a three-part series on Dr. Chris Gambill's research on Emotional Intelligence.
6/26/2008
The Lamp - June 2008
Part 2 in our series on Emotional Intelligence
7/29/2008
July 2008
Part 3 of our continuing series on emotional intelligence.
8/19/2008
August 2008
This issue announces a new partnership with the Center for Emotional Intelligence and Human Relations Skills.
YCORE Resources
1/12/2007
The Koinonia of the Spirit
In the midst of a hectic, disconnected, and depersonalized society, many persons hunger for community—for a place “where everyone knows your name.” Recognizing this hunger, many congregations are working at being friendly and inviting, as they attempt to become open and hospitable communities.
1/12/2007
The Missionary Spirit
As God’s energizing breath the Holy Spirit seeks to revitalize, renew, and transform life, to give flesh and breath to dry bones and to turn hearts of stone into hearts that beat again.
1/12/2007
Transformation
All communities and churches face the need to prepare themselves for a constantly changing, interconnected, and increasingly complex society. This means that congregations need to develop webs of learners throughout every community and within their own church. These people must have the capacity to understand the impact of future trends on community and church transformation.
1/12/2007
Preaching Past TiVo
A panel discussion with John Ortberg, teaching pastor at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in Northern California, Doug Pagitt, pastor of Solomon's Porch in Minneapolis, Efrem Smith, pastor of Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis, and Will Willimon, bishop of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church. This group addresses that fact that we preach in the world, but not of the world. So, how do we preach the Kingdom of God, a countercultural message, to people steeped in consumerism?
2/14/2007
To Lead in Church Transformation, Start From Where You Are
every church begins transformation at a different place simply because every church is at a different place. Further, transformation is a process that is different for each church because of that church’s history. If the leaders of a church want to lead it forward, those leaders must get in touch with where that church has been. [February 2007: Church Transformation]
2/14/2007
The Search for the Holy Grail of Congregational Transformation
George Bullard began thinking about the various approaches attempted over the past six decades to find the key to congregational transformation. He started making a random list and stopped after number 25. He compares this illusive search as similar to the search for the Holy Grail. [February 2007: Holy Grail of Transformation]
2/14/2007
How to Lead Your Church Through Change
This article underscores lessons it has taken Dave Galloway a lifetime to learn about renewal and increased health of congregations. [February 2007: Lead Through Change]
2/14/2007
The Debt Slayers
a result of the growing economic prosperity during the past two decades is the boom in the number of personal financial advisers who counsel Americans on how to eliminate debt and where to invest money. Christian stores are filled with books and DVDs warning of the evils of credit card debt. Christian radio talk show hosts dispense advice to the financially troubled. Churches regularly sponsor financial management seminars. A few dozen congregations have hired stewardship pastors. [February 2007: The Debt Slayers]
3/15/2007
No Simple Solutions
Book Review: Roxburgh, Alan and Fred Romanuk. The Missional Leader: Equipping Your Church to Reach a Changing World.
4/4/2007
Interim Ministry Today Spring 2007
the latest issue of Interim Ministry Today. Dr. Glen Bohannon is our guest writer, and I believe you will find his experience with the developmental task, “Examining Leadership and Decision-Making,” to be interesting, enlightening, and useful.
7/11/2007
July 2007 Facts on Growth
an executive summary of a comprehensive study of 14,000 congregations. Those working with interim congregations should particularly take note of items 11, 12, 15, and 16.
7/11/2007
July 2007 Fellowship
interesting design for developing relationships in the worshipping community. Lessons learned are valuable as interim congregations wrestle with different options.
7/11/2007
July 2007 Ministry Gone Stale
great article about leadership limits. We can use some of this thought process in working with interim congregations as they explore the skill sets of their next pastor. Share with Search Committees!
7/11/2007
July 2007 Spirituality
a good reminder for interims that we must remain a non-anxious presence even in the hardest of situations. This article also gives some useful advice as to how to grow in this area.
8/6/2007
Interim Ministry Today Newsletter Summer 2007
This issue continues to discuss the Developmental Task of "Examining Leadership and Decision Making Concerns and the work of Rev. Johnny Ross
9/13/2007
Art of Self Leadership
Bill Hybels, pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, wrote this article for Leadership sometime ago. However, its principles and insight are well worth reading – for the first time, or again.
9/13/2007
Hidden Lives of Congregations Book Review
Dr. William Pyle, intentional interim minister, reviews The Hidden Lives of Congregations: Discerning Church Dynamics, Israel Galindo. Alban Institute, 2004. An excellent text on systems thinking.
9/13/2007
Is Being Coached in Your Future?
George Bullard does a good job of distinguishing between the terms mentoring, counseling, consulting and coaching. We encourage Interim Ministers to consider coaching as a way to enhance their ministry skills. If you would like more information about our coaching ministry, contact Melissa Clodfelter, Director of Coaching for the Center: clodfem@wfu.edu.
10/5/2007
Interim Ministry Today Newsletter Fall 2007
The October YCORE mailing is the next issue of Interim Ministry Today. Dr. Ray Frazier is our guest writer. I believe you will find his sharing of, “What I Have Been Reading,” an enlightening experience – and it may even lead you to your next reading!
11/7/2007
Why People Resist Change and How to Overcome It
Those readers who are familiar with the writings of Bill Easum know that he seldom “pulls punches” when he writes.
Why People Resist Change and How to Overcome It: an article from the end of last year that challenges us to get ready for 2050!
11/7/2007
Back to Basics
Those readers who are familiar with the writings of Bill Easum know that he seldom “pulls punches” when he writes. Two articles in this mailing are his contributions:
Back to Basics: the church is challenged to be a warm, loving, accepting group of people.
11/7/2007
Background Check
unfortunately, the days of the “do-nothing” approach are over. As interims, we have an obligation to strongly encourage Pastoral Search Teams to conduct background checks. This article may be helpful in convincing those slow to respond
11/7/2007
Four Words That Make Me Cringe
the author asks “What's so great about their old church back home? And why should I care?” She gives us some good reasons
12/4/2007
Interim Ministry Today December 2007
The last YCORE mailing for 2007 is also the final 2007 issue of Interim Ministry Today. Rev. Jimmie Sheffield is the guest writer, and the focus is a third article on “Examining Leadership and Decision-Making Concerns.” This has been our featured Developmental Task for 2007, and grows out of research that indicates this is the weakest link as we engage congregations in the intentional interim ministry process.
1/16/2008
January 2008 Blogs, Podcasts & Text Messages
Blogs, Podcasts & Text Messages: connecting to the next generation can be powerful. The key is to reach out with the popular communication tools that young people use daily. Here are some timely tools and suggestions
1/16/2008
January 2008 Crossing the Boundaries
Crossing the Boundaries: crossing the boundaries which our fears and anxieties create between ourselves and those who are different, helped Mt. Lebanon become a missional church experiencing God’s peace and reconciliation.
1/16/2008
January 2008 What Pastors Get Paid
Surprises on What Pastors Get Paid: an article based on a survey of more than 2,000 churches on 13 church positions in American churches.
2/25/2008
Jesus as Small Group Leader
there is a lot of renewed interest in small groups today. In fact, there are many who would say that the greatest learning and commitment comes from small groups. Mike Shepherd provides some helpful thoughts in this first of a two-part series
2/25/2008
Americans Embrace Various Alternatives to a Conventional Church Experience
Americans Embrace Various Alternatives to a Conventional Church Experience as Being Fully Biblical
we are consistently challenged by the material that George Barna and his associates develop relative to religious life. This article is no exception
2/25/2008
Making Changes
the principles of limiting conflict while leading change are timeless. That is evident in this Leadership classic, originally published in 1987
3/13/2008
March 2008 Ten Global Trends
George Bullard provides us with some very interesting thoughts about the challenges that lie ahead for the global religious community
3/13/2008
March 2008 Temporary Leader
although not written for an interim minister, as we understand it, there is good information and reminders in this article. This also is good material for use with volunteers who are asked to serve an interim role.
3/13/2008
March 2008 Pew Forum on Religion
most of us are familiar with research being done through the Pew Forum. This summary of an extensive new survey details the religious affiliation of the American public and explores the shifts taking place in the U.S. religious landscape.
4/1/2008
How Things Have Changed
Bill Easum reminds us of our need to be a stable presence in a fragmenting world – and asks a very poignant question: “Have you figured out yet what it is about your relationship with Jesus that the world can’t live without knowing?”
4/1/2008
How to Sabotage Your Church
Bob Perry discusses five behaviors that can sabotage the work of the church – and ways that these issues should be handled by both members and leaders. This could be a good teaching tool for interims to use with church leadership.
4/1/2008
Spotting New Leaders
as we all know, finding leaders is an on-going challenge in the church. Here is some material that may be of help as we encourage the Transition Team to work on the Leadership task.
4/1/2008
Trouble Brewing
MacDonald asks, “What might happen if a community of Christ-followers, a church, were to follow the Starbucks example and temporarily close its doors for similar (retraining) reasons?”
5/6/2008
Community of Reconciliation in a Culture of Fear & Revenge
As I was sitting in the airport reading this article, an announcement was made over the loud speaker was, “Please be advised that the Homeland Security Terror Alert has been raised to orange.” This was followed by watch your luggage, etc. Orange means there is a high risk of terrorist attacks – there is just one level above orange! Perhaps you will understand my dilemma when you read the article
5/6/2008
Five Kinds of Christians in America
a thought-provoking nationwide survey of more than 1,000 self-identified Christians reveals five distinct types of practitioners with very different views on salvation, the Bible, morality, and the cultural impact of their faith.
5/6/2008
Asking the Right Questions
The way churches engage mission today is radically changing. A paradigm shift is underway. Formerly, faith communities considered mission as one of many programs. Today, dynamic and vital churches embrace mission as the lens through which they view all of their ministries. Here are encouraging words to consider during budget preparation.
5/6/2008
Lead From Your Strengths
An assessment tool that provides an interesting approach to leadership.
6/5/2008
June 2008 Putting Fear In It's Place
“Missional congregations are called to put fear in its place by embracing an ethic of risk rather than an ethic of security. Faith must be daring because Christian discipleship is risky. Jesus told his disciples to ‘take up your cross and follow me….’” Dietterich continues the series of articles on Reconciliation in a Culture of Fear and Revenge.
6/5/2008
June 2008 People of the Book
John Ortberg shares some of the assumptions that help him to teach Scripture in a culture that isn't always big on hearing.
6/5/2008
June 2008 Thumbnail of the House Church
Interesting statistics from Barna on the impact of the House Church.
7/9/2008
July 2008 Tending or Processing
“Managing a farm around food honors William R. Inge's observation that ‘all of nature is a conjugation of the verb 'to eat,' in the active and in the passive.’” Hawkins has an interesting twist on how sustainable agriculture applies to the church.
7/9/2008
July 2008 Two of Me
“Among church leaders I have seen the subject of simplicity elicit two very different responses…like an exhausted athlete, or defensive of their crazy schedules.” Good article for us to ponder personally, introduce to lay leaders, and leave on the desk for the next pastor.
7/9/2008
July 2008 Failure to Thrive
We have tended to think of the word salvation as the forgiveness of sins or the escape from punishment, but according to Ortberg, the Scripture writers actually had a much more robust meaning in mind.
8/14/2008
August 2008-Life Before Winter
a unique ministry that has much to teach us about ministering to those who are in the grief process.
8/14/2008
August 2008-Compassion Fatigue
brief outline from a seminar on the topic of compassion fatigue. Signals that you or church leaders need to look for professional assistance.
8/14/2008
August 2008-The Gift of Opposition
John Ortberg writes a great article acknowledging that there are no “opposition-free” churches, but if we come to appreciate opposition, we will learn much about our own motives.
8/14/2008
August 2008-Communities of Reconciliation
A thought-provoking look at the penal system. This would make an excellent study for a Sunday School class or other small group. Connection to interim work – opens the subject of reconciliation to a new level!
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