As people become wealthier, they tend to think in more individualistic terms and they become less responsive to needs of community, say researchers studying the habits of people in different income groups. One theory? Poor people need to rely on others, and so they weave a tighter social fabric. Fascinating story you an read or listen to.
You have agreed to lead the stewardship effort this year? Congratulations! If you’re wondering what to do now, here are some GREAT ideas on how to build your committee, recruiting people with the skills needed to bring your congregation the results it needs and deserves. Good advice for a stewardship newbie and veteran alike. (Photo […]
Clergy’s practice of putting others first can be detrimental to their own health, say researchers at Duke University. Pastors have been found to have higher-than-average rates of chronic disease and depression. But it may be difficult to get pastors to seek care because they typically default to caring for others first. (Photo by Doug McCaughan, used […]
Across the Episcopal Church, a number of small congregations are finding strength and growth. Close examination revealed they have some common characteristics: They are ‘spiritually vital and alive,”‘ they have a “strong mission and purpose,” they are ‘moral beacons in their local communities,” and they are “willing to change to meet new challenges.” The free 100-page booklet reveals their successes and strategies — and provides extensive resources for further study. (Photo by Navdeep Raj, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
Here is some important leadership advice from the founder and senior pastor of the Willow Creek Community Church. In contrast to what most people think, Hybels says the most important asset is not time, but rather the ability to energize and motivate others. Good watching, from churchleaders.com.
Time – the final frontier! Manage time well, and you’ve got it licked. As for me, I used to forget stuff, important stuff, on a regular basis. But I’ve discovered a low-tech wonder tool that has made my life a LOT easier. (Photo by Justin See, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
Many churches are now firming up their plans for the fall stewardship program and who will lead it. The leadership you engage will set the bar for your parish. For your parish to fulfill God’s vision for ministry, your leaders need to fully understand the roles they have been asked to fulfill and given clear […]
It’s a challenging time for nonprofit organizations, with greater need and reduced resources, and most leaders believe the outlook will not get brighter. As organizations tighten their belts, they are wise to look at all funding options, including grants. This article from On Philanthropy magazine gives advice to help. (Photo by Steven Depolo, used by […]
We American workers have increased our productivity more than 80% since 1973 . . . and we work 10% longer. Since we increased our efficiency by 80%, shouldn’t we be working 80% less, not 10% more? Numerous commentators have opined about how crazy it is that our wages have stagnated while our productivity has soared, but few mention that we also work longer hours. (Photo by 19melissa68, used by Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Catholic Bernard Unabali of Papua New Guinea serves people who became the world’s first Climate Change Refugees when rising sea levels overran their atoll communities, and he expects there to be many more refugees coming years. Part of a Catholic symposium on climate change, his witness helps connect faith and the environment.
