Category Archives: leadership

Thoughts on leadership

Children’s ministry mission statements

Posted on July 7, 2007 by igalindo

I’ve been doing a survey of children’s ministries in preparation for some new courses. I’ve been intrigued by the use of “mission statements” by children’s ministry programs in congregations. I’ve got mixed feelings about mission statements in general. As someone … Continue reading →

Posted in children, Christian Education, leadership | 1 Comment

Transformation With Time

Posted on July 5, 2007 by GregR

This past weekend I headed off with Matthew, my 10 year old son, for a father-son weekend at Camp Piankatank. We’ve been for four years and we always look forward to it. We get to play sports, canoe, swim, practice … Continue reading →

Posted in children, discipleship, leadership, retreats | 2 Comments

Church Council or Christian Education Council

Posted on July 3, 2007 by mcanaday

Many years ago, I developed a relationship with an older church member who resided in a local Baptist retirement community. This friend taught me how to make kitchen clocks using skillets. One of the first questions he asked was, “How … Continue reading →

Posted in administration, assessment, Christian Education, humor, leadership | 1 Comment

Like a Three-Legged Stool

Posted on June 26, 2007 by mcanaday

Eric H.F. Law, Episcopal priest and internationally known consultant on multiculturalism, in his book, Inclusion: Making Room for Grace, invites congregational leaders to think of their church ministries in three components. The three ministry components and descriptions are:

Posted in assessment, leadership | 1 Comment

Six Practices For Effective Staff Ministry

Posted on June 19, 2007 by mcanaday

I recently had a conversation with a staff minister who shared his frustration that his staff team did not conduct staff meetings. The result, he said, was a lack of communication and collaboration. He continued with a comment that little … Continue reading →

Posted in assessment, Christian Education, leadership, second chair | 1 Comment

Knowing when to fold ’em

Posted on June 14, 2007 by igalindo

Congregational staff who occupy the “second chair” often find themselves in a precarious position related to the prospects of their tenure. Sometimes circumstances dictate this, but also, the relationship with the senior pastor can be a big determinative factor. One … Continue reading →

Posted in leadership, personal growth, second chair | 3 Comments

A Suggestion for Effective Enlistment

Posted on June 10, 2007 by mcanaday

In discussions about church enlistment we’ve often heard the statement, “we enlist our own problems!” How many nominating committee processes have you experienced that were exercises in filling slots without giving intentional consideration to the passions and gifts of leaders … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Education, leadership | 2 Comments

Christian Formation in the Life of a Minister

Posted on June 9, 2007 by mcanaday

I was thinking some time ago about the factors and influences that shape the Christian formation of ministers. This reflection led me to several observations born out of my curiosity. My initial observation is that many ministers do not prioritize … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Education, leadership | 3 Comments

Clergy formation

Posted on June 4, 2007 by igalindo

I had an interesting conversation around the dinner table with some seminary professors recently. The on-going topic of assessment related to “ministerial formation” came up, as it often does. Given that this is now an ATS (Association of Theological Schools) … Continue reading →

Posted in ecumenical, leadership, theology | 4 Comments