Rev. Margaret Marcuson works with churches who want to create a ministry that lasts and clergy who want to have more impact on the people they serve best. She speaks and writes on leadership and works with church leaders nationally as a consultant and coach.
Member of:
American Baptist Churches USA
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
American Baptist Churches USA
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson works with churches who want to create a ministry that lasts and clergy who want to have more impact on the people they serve best. She speaks and writes on leadership and works with church leaders nationally as a consultant and coach. Margaret is the author of 111 Tips to Survive Pastoral Ministry, Leaders who Last: Sustaining Yourself and Your Ministry and Money and Your Ministry: Balance the Books While Keeping Your Balance (forthcoming). A graduate of the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, Margaret is an American Baptist minister and was the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Gardner, Massachusetts, for 13 years. She lives in Portland, Oregon.
Get the free mini-course, "Five Ways to Avoid Burnout in Ministry" at http://margaretmarcuson.com/.
Latest Content by The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(
ABCUSA)
Are you stuck in a rut? Do you find yourself searching the web for solutions to ministry problems, or looking for the latest church leadership workshop? I'd like to suggest some other ways to generate new ideas. We all have more resources and creativity than we realize, both within ourselves and within our church.
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The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(
ABCUSA)
1. According to the gospels, Jesus talked about money and possessions frequently. It seems like it is worthy of more of church leaders' attention than we give it in our preaching and teaching.
2. People have to deal with money every day. We need to provide more spiritual support for them in their daily lives with money.
Read full article...
Other Recent Content by The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
April 27, 2012
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Just as mature parents are the best gift to their teenage children, mature leaders are a gift to the congregation.
April 07, 2012
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Easter is a time to consider hope. Thankfully, our ultimate hope does not depend on our results.
March 19, 2012
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
What's your financial IQ? Most pastors have a lot to learn. Here are ten tips for church leaders for broadening your perspective on money and society.
March 08, 2012
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
I'm giving up worrying for Lent. I'm not a constant worrier, but I do have my list.
February 23, 2012
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
When is it time to shut up and when is it time to speak up? Sometimes anxiety leads us to be silent when we should speak, and to speak when we shouldn't.
February 09, 2012
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Preaching in Plenty and in Want, by Matthew Tennant, is a thoughtful reflection on how pastors can engage with economic matters in their preaching.
February 02, 2012
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Ministry is about relationships - no relationships, no ministry. As I reflect on the many things I have learned from our marriage, I see elements that have kept us going that can help church leaders, too.
January 20, 2012
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
The New Year is a time when our culture tells us to push on with those new resolutions, but winter is a time our bodies may want to slow down and, if not hibernate, at least sleep more.
January 05, 2012
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
I practice selective listening, both in personal relationships and organizational life.
December 30, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
We are programmed by our culture, and often by our families, to think we do not have enough. Christians, however, are called to gratitude and celebration.
December 16, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Christmas is a time when you have the opportunity to be in touch with your family. Connecting with family is an opportunity for growth,
December 09, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Here are eleven ways church leaders can use to stay grounded during the season.
November 22, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
I have the book 14,000 Things to Be Happy About, by Barbara Ann Kipfer. If I'm having a bad day, I read a page, and it always makes me smile.
November 18, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Our society is very good at noticing what we don't have. What are the resources in your church, financial and otherwise, that you might celebrate?
November 11, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Are you able to take the long view when you think about ministry challenges? The Grand Canyon gives us some perspective.
November 03, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Like trees, people grow stronger when faced with moderate stress. Part of your job at church is to frame the challenges at hand for those you lead.
October 25, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Here are some more thoughts on making it easier to talk about money at church.
October 05, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Church leadership means dealing with challenging people and situations almost every day. How do we respond?
September 26, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Testifying, then asking, is one of the best ways to encourage others to give more. It is far more powerful than the leader telling others what they should do.
September 15, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
How can you leave a leadership position in a way that benefits those you have led? It's easier when we remember leaving is a process, not a point in time.
September 06, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Church leadership doesn't mean sprinting: it's more like a marathon. Leaders need stamina and determination, and the willingness to stay in the race.
August 27, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Have you ever said "yes" to a request, and then gone back to your office kicking yourself because you didn't say "no?" Leadership involves a series of yeses and nos, and it's important for leaders to be thoughtful about both.
August 01, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
My mother died in June. I've been thinking about what I learned from her that has helped me in my ministry, in the midst of family responsiblities, grief and all kinds of memories.
June 18, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
If you struggle with preaching, teaching and talking about money at church, here are some reminders to ease the way.
June 08, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Times of change at church raise anxiety. Here are ten tips for dealing with change.
May 21, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
What does it mean to preach about money? Often it only means one thing: to get people to give more money to the church.
May 14, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Volunteer church leaders have a key role to play in church finance. Here are some thoughts on how you can make a difference, whether you are on the board, finance committee or team, trustees, or simply a key leader in congregational life.
April 30, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
It seems like the same people are willing to help with the ministry every year. The church might be able to learn something from a secular organization: Toastmasters.
April 22, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Are you experiencing some dark in your life now? You may find yourself in the mood for Good Friday.
April 16, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Is there silence in your life? T. S. Eliot wrote, “Where shall the world be found? Where will the word resound? Not here. There is not enough silence.”
April 08, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Have you broken your Lenten discipline? I have.
April 01, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Do you know who you are? Every leader needs to consider this question.
March 25, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
We don't usually think of Lent as a time to focus on finances. But what better time to look for spiritual support or guidance for this aspect of your leadership?
March 18, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Our "self" is God's gift to us and our gift to others. That's not selfish.
March 16, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Lent is a time to focus on our own spiritual growth, not to simply find ourselves busier than ever.
March 02, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Understanding your church's story in relation to money can help you lead in the present and move toward the future. Here are ten tips for paying attention to the past.
February 19, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Church leaders can respond differently to the challenges of dealing with money in congregational life. Some take too much responsibility; others don't take enough.
February 05, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
What is the difference between a church leader who is embattled, and one who is challenged? You can see the difference.
January 26, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
What are the top 10 books that have changed your life and ministry? Here are mine.
January 13, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Leadership at its best is about being present with those we lead and being less reactive to the inevitable ups and downs of church life - including the inevitable financial ups and downs.
January 04, 2011
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
New Year's resolutions are an opportunity to pay attention, not a chance to beat up on yourself for failing.
December 20, 2010
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
As you finish up your gift-giving for Christmas, I want to suggest five gifts you can give yourself to help you manage your anxiety around money.
December 14, 2010
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Here are five gifts you can give your followers this Christmas and into 2011.
