Lately, as I have led retreats and workshops with pastors and deacons across the country, I have conducted a straw poll asking, “How many of you have ever had a sabbatical?” I have been downright shocked by how many clergy have never had a sabbatical. It’s a very high...
Close to 30 years ago I attended an Alban Institute workshop about visionary leadership, and if memory serves, it was led by Roy Oswald. The presenter was talking about how congregational leaders tend to enter a new call with a high level of vision and energy. But...
I am a person who burns deeply for generating ministries that serve to bring hope and healing into the lives of people. As a leader I strive to fan the flames of passion and vision in others that result in hands-on opportunities for service and generosity into the...
(This is the final installement of a 7-part series exploring the spiritual discipline of contemplative-action.) Elaine Heath, a Methodist theologian and former Dean of Duke Divinity School, has introduced us to the four steps of contemplative-action, which I have...
(This is the sixth of an 7-part series exploring the spiritual discipline of contemplative-action.) Full disclosure…my primary concern these days is not in saving congregations. I sincerely hope that those reading this don’t think that I’m advocating for a new type of...
