Drawing upon yesterdays explanation of some of the theological truths imbedded in the Sabbath, let us look at its implications…

As a framework for both the congregation and the pastor as they consider a sabbatical are the theological underpinnings of…

I am filling in for a pastor of a small church while he is away on a sabbatical. I am…

Now it is time for a family discussion. Depending on the ages of your children, you may want to make…

Today we are continuing the discussion between the couple. Later there is value for a full family discussion. The first…

Sometimes it is difficult to discuss family finances and this can be a source of underlying tension in a family.…

Clergy families have not escaped the challenge of obesity that is plaguing our nation. Some denominational studies suggest that pastors…

There is ample medical evidence that stress takes its toll on our physical bodies. Stress, both good and bad stress,…

A variation on the exercise described yesterday is to have members of the session list the four top things they…

You probably remember the old cynical quip that when you assume something you can make an ass out of U…

Here is a brief, simple exercise that can pay good benefits in several ways. Stick a couple of three by…

Recently you may have read that the average salary for corporation execs is $9 million. If you ask, they will…

Last week I was part of organizing a health fair for clergy. An ecumenical counseling center on whose board I…

During this past week, we have been working on various aspects of a congregation evaluating its ministry in light of…

Sometimes when we try to evaluate either the clergy or the congregation, we can become immersed in negative criticism. It…

As you continue the evaluation of your church’s ministry, it is important to be conscious of the values of our…

As we did yesterday, we begin today with the assumption that God is the critical factor in our evaluating our…

If we take the priesthood of all believers seriously, then evaluation of ministry should include the whole congregation. While the…

When congregations seek a new pastor, they want someone who will love them, forgive them, and lead them according to…

I’ve heard some business people say that pastors have their heads too far in the clouds. What is needed, they…