Leading Worship from a Posture of Presence, Not Performance

by Shawna Um   Worship leadership can easily become centered on what is visible: the songs we choose, the quality of the music, the transitions, the preparation, and the hope that everything will come together smoothly. While some level of excellence, quality, and preparation matters, they are not the heart of worship. Worship is an […]

How Consistent Liturgical Rhythms Strengthen Your Church

by George Welty   I grew up in the Churches of Christ, with multiple generations of family on both sides planted firmly in that world. So, when I eventually found myself serving as a consultant in the Episcopal Church, it was not exactly the kind of plot twist anyone from my childhood could have predicted. […]

What I’ve Learned About Creating Space for Participation: Lessons from Our Congregation

by Chris Goldman   There’s a common assumption in church culture: small churches are naturally better at participation. There’s some truth to it — smaller congregations often depend on everyone pitching in just to keep things running. But participation isn’t a small-church virtue. It’s a human one. Every congregation, regardless of size, needs to be […]

Designing Gatherings That Form Disciples: Practical Steps for More Meaningful Worship

by George Welty   As it turns out, the New Testament gives surprisingly little detail about the mechanics of Christian assemblies, and that silence is actually a gift. It means church leaders have room to shape worship gatherings in ways that genuinely help people draw near to God, grow together, and leave changed. That freedom […]

Healing After Conflict

by Shane J. Mushonga Conflict is like an unwelcome friend on life’s journey arriving uninvited; and it lingers if left unaddressed. How do we rid ourselves of this unwanted companion? Consider these three steps to choose healing as a better travel companion: 1. Be Intentional in the Process While conflict is common, healing requires an […]

How To Have Healthy Conversations About Hard Topics in Your Church

by Steven Carrizal  Conversations are a cornerstone for social interaction and communication. In the context of a church family on a Sunday morning, conversations are how we learn about and share the events of our lives as we greet one another. We talk about the weather, the game, the weekend, and our children. We make […]

Leadership as Immune System

by Jon Mullican Peter Steinke has equated leadership to the body’s immune system. According to Steinke, leadership establishes the boundaries of what is of self, what belongs in the body, and what is foreign – what is not of the body. Leadership is responsible for identifying behavior that is allowed and behavior that is prohibited. […]

The Post-Conflict Show

By Amanda Box – It was Saturday, with Sunday fast approaching. Due to travel and family emergencies, I was the last minister standing. Having several things to accomplish, while getting dressed, I texted my husband, Chuck, who was in the kitchen. “Can you take Hazel for ice cream or something so I can finish running […]

Look Around: Who Needs Encouragement?

by Dana Welty   Who Needs Encouragement? The obvious answer to that question is, “All of us.” It’s a basic human need, and it’s especially true when it comes to ministerial staff. The reality is that the ministers and their families have a tough job and, because they are often overlooked, can be starving for […]

Tell Me a Story

by Amanda Box   Church leaders have no small task in finding a way forward for our church families. There will always be intense controversies and difficult challenges on every front. That’s part of what it means to lead people who care deeply and who aren’t shy about saying so. In these moments, when leaders […]

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