Services

Top Topics

Connections

Please join us on these social networks:

Day1 Store

Books, CDs, Videos & more

Visit The Store

The Passionate Jesus

Day1 host Peter Wallace's new book on the emotions of Jesus is, according to Marcus Borg, “An illuminating and powerful personal meditation." Ideal for personal or group study.

Buy Now

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson 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

Facing Financial Facts at Church

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

What are the financial facts in your congregation? For example:

o What are the trends in giving and expenses?
o What is the giving pyramid - how many givers do you have at successive giving levels?
o What is the pace of income through the year - what percentage comes in during December each year?
o What percentage of income goes to ministries outside your congregation?

Read full article...
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson

Fasting from complaining: 9 reasons why church leaders might want to try it

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

The weeks between Easter and Pentecost are more of a time for church leaders to celebrate than fast. But I'm thinking about fasting as a spiritual practice. While fasting from food has its place, I think a fast from complaining is worth a try. I'm committing to it.

Here are nine reasons to try fasting from complaints:

Read full article...

Other Recent Content by The Rev. Margaret Marcuson

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

May 02, 2013

What I learned from my father about ministry

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Here are ten things I learned from my father about ministry, in honor of his 90th birthday.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

April 09, 2013

5 Church Leadership Mistakes You Might Be Making

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

How do you know when to take a stand and when to let things go? Here are five common mistakes, and some questions to think about.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

April 03, 2013

Having Fun Is Not a Waste of Time for Church Leaders

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Having fun can benefit church leaders in their life and ministry.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

March 27, 2013

How to Enjoy Holy Week and Easter Sunday Services

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

This is a busy week. Yet it can be less stressful, if we think about the week and the many services a bit differently.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

March 18, 2013

Nine Indicators of a Healthy Congregation

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

What is congregational health? It has little if anything to do with the size of the congregation.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

March 14, 2013

What Does the New Pope Have in Common with Other Church Leaders?

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Here are eight things Francis I has in common with other church leaders, no matter their tradition or denomination.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

March 11, 2013

Three Things to Remember about Making Decisions at Church (and at Home)

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Do you have a decision you need to make - at church or in your personal life? Here are three things to consider.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

March 07, 2013

Finding Ministry Help in the Novels of Susan Howatch

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Do you want an opportunity to reflect on your ministry while entertaining yourself? Try the novels of Susan Howatch.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

February 26, 2013

How to Pray for the Difficult People in Your Church

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

We all have people at church we love - and then there are the others. Rather than lying awake at night, avoiding them or going head-to-head in a meeting, here is another option - pray for them.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

February 15, 2013

How Anxious Are You about Your Money?

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Do you find it hard to lead regarding church finance because you are distracted about your personal finances? Do you feel like you are not measuring up to what you preach and teach about money?
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

January 22, 2013

Is Your Church Polarized?

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Churches, large and small, can find themselves facing a divide over issues, large and small. What can leaders do when they find themselves facing a great divide?
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

December 12, 2012

Book Review: 8 Habits of Love

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

8 Habits of Love: Open Your Heart, Open Your Mind by Ed Bacon, is a book that can help you think about your own life, your place in the world and how you relate to others.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

December 03, 2012

Who at Church Gives You Energy?

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

If you're having struggles in your ministry - and even if you're not - spend more time with the people in your church who are happy and centered.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

November 19, 2012

How to Lead Stewardship without Over (or Under) Functioning

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

How can you engage more fully in the stewardship process, without overfunctioning or underfunctioning? Remember: the functioning of the leader is more important than any stewardship program.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

November 12, 2012

Veterans Day (Observed) for Church Leaders

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

With all due respect to military veterans, I wonder if we need a "veterans of church warfare" day.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

November 08, 2012

How Much Income Would Make You (or Your Church) Feel Secure?

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

How much would your church's income need to increase for you not to worry about it?
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

November 01, 2012

Do You Make These 7 Mistakes When You Communicate with Your Church Members?

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Here are seven mistakes it's easy to make when we attempt to communicate with our churches, both individuals and as a group.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

October 24, 2012

Have You Had Coffee with Someone from Church this Month?

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Staying connected is a critical part of leadership. Virtual connection can help, but there's no substitute for face-to-face interaction.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

October 15, 2012

How to Appreciate Your Predecessor: 5 Ways for Pastors to Connect with the Past

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

It's Pastor Appreciation Month. If you're a pastor, why not use this month not only to receive appreciation but to give it. Find a way to appreciate your predecessor.

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

October 05, 2012

What Do You Want for Christmas? Six Ideas for Advent and Beyond

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Advent starts in two months. What can you do now to make those weeks easier for yourself? Here are six ideas.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

September 27, 2012

Four Options for Church Leaders to Try

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Are you working hard and getting nowhere at church? Perhaps it's time for a different approach. 

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

September 10, 2012

Family Systems Basics about Money at Church 5: Differentiated Leadership

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

How do you get more reflective about your experiences with money at church? This is the fifth of a series of posts briefly looking at some basic systems ideas in relation to church and money.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

September 04, 2012

Family Systems Basics about Money at Church 4: Balance

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

This is the fourth of a series of posts briefly looking at some basic systems ideas in relation to church and money. A church system develops over time a certain balance, or homeostasis, in its relationships in regard to money.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

August 28, 2012

Family Systems Basics about Money at Church 3: Triangles

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

How do you get more reflective about your experiences with money at church? This is the third of a series of posts briefly looking at some basic systems ideas in relation to church and money.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

August 24, 2012

Ten Reasons to Celebrate that Your Church Doesn’t Have Enough Money

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

You can transform your experience of your church financial life if, rather than bemoaning the fact that you don't have money, you celebrate it.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

August 07, 2012

Family Systems Basics about Money at Church 2: Overfunctioning and Underfunctioning

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

How do you get more reflective about your experiences with money at church? This is the second of a series of posts briefly looking at some basic systems ideas in relation to church and money.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

August 01, 2012

Family Systems Basics about Money at Church 1: Anxiety

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

How do you get more reflective about your experiences with money at church? This is the first of a series of posts briefly looking at some basic family systems ideas in relation to church and money.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

July 23, 2012

Do You Celebrate Those Who Give to Your Church?

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

We often do little to acknowledge those who give. What can you do to thank givers and to celebrate what they contribute?
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

July 05, 2012

What Does the Bible Say about Money?

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

I've been thinking about the complex threads in the Bible related to money and wealth.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

June 16, 2012

How to Preach about the Economy

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

How can pastoral leaders address economic issues from the pulpit on an ongoing basis? It's vital to present an alternative view of economic reality, one founded in Scripture and the values of our faith.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

June 07, 2012

How Can Church Leaders Make Difficult Decisions?

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Church leaders are faced with the necessity to act, and to make decisions which are difficult. How can you find the courage to take the necessary difficult actions?
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

June 02, 2012

Missional Preaching: A Book Review

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Missional Preaching, by Al Tizon, is a valuable resource for preachers who are attempting to present the broad range of the gospel in their preaching.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

May 18, 2012

Ten Ways Church Leaders Can Get More New Ideas

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

I’d like to suggest some ways to generate new ideas. We all have more resources and creativity than we realize, both within ourselves and within our church.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

May 10, 2012

Eight Reasons Church Leaders Should Talk about Money More

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Church leaders can benefit from talking about money more often. Here are eight reasons why.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

April 27, 2012

Church Leaders Need to Be the Grown-Ups

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

April 07, 2012

What Is Easter Hope?

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Easter is a time to consider hope. Thankfully, our ultimate hope does not depend on our results.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

March 19, 2012

Ten Tips for Learning More about Money

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

March 08, 2012

I'm Giving Up Worrying for Lent

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

I'm giving up worrying for Lent. I'm not a constant worrier, but I do have my list.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

February 23, 2012

Is It Time to Be Silent or Time to Speak?

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

February 09, 2012

Book Review: Preaching in Plenty and in Want

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

February 02, 2012

What Helps Ministry Relationships Last?

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.

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

January 20, 2012

Is It Time to Rest?

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

January 05, 2012

How Well Do You Listen?

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

I practice selective listening, both in personal relationships and organizational life.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

December 30, 2011

How to Reframe Your Resources

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

December 16, 2011

How Will You Connect with Family This Year?

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,
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

December 09, 2011

Eleven Tips for Church Leaders for Advent/Christmas

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Here are eleven ways church leaders can use to stay grounded during the season.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

November 22, 2011

14 Things to Be Happy About

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

November 18, 2011

Are You Celebrating the Resources You Have in Your Church?

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?
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

November 11, 2011

What’s Your Perspective on Church Problems?

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

November 03, 2011

How Do Church Leaders Help People Deal with Challenges?

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

October 25, 2011

How Can You Make It Easier to Talk about Money at Church, Part 2

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Here are some more thoughts on making it easier to talk about money at church.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

October 05, 2011

Are You Avoiding Someone or Something at Church?

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Church leadership means dealing with challenging people and situations almost every day. How do we respond?
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

September 26, 2011

How To Ask People to Give More Money to Church

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

September 15, 2011

How Do You Exit a Church Gracefully?

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

September 06, 2011

Are You Tired of the Church Rat Race?

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

August 27, 2011

Do You Have a Hard Time Saying No?

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

August 01, 2011

What I Learned from My Mother about Ministry

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

June 18, 2011

How Can You Make it Easier to Talk about Money at Church?

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

June 08, 2011

10 Tips for Dealing with Change at Church

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Times of change at church raise anxiety. Here are ten tips for dealing with change.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

May 21, 2011

How Do You Preach about Money?

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

May 14, 2011

What Do Lay Leaders Need to Do about Church Finance?

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

April 30, 2011

How Do We Get Them to Do More?

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

April 22, 2011

Is It Dark Outside? A Good Friday Reflection

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Are you experiencing some dark in your life now? You may find yourself in the mood for Good Friday.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

April 16, 2011

Can You Find Silence during Holy Week?

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.”
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

April 08, 2011

Have You Broken Your Lenten Discipline?

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Have you broken your Lenten discipline? I have.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

April 01, 2011

A Question for Church Leaders: Who's the Expert on You?

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Do you know who you are? Every leader needs to consider this question.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

March 25, 2011

What Does Prayer Have to Do with Money?

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?
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

March 18, 2011

Is It Selfish to Focus on Yourself? A Lenten Reflection

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Our "self" is God's gift to us and our gift to others. That's not selfish.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

March 16, 2011

Are You Doing Something for Yourself for Lent?

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Lent is a time to focus on our own spiritual growth, not to simply find ourselves busier than ever.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

March 02, 2011

Ten Tips for Understanding Your Church's Money Story

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

February 19, 2011

What Is Your Responsibility for Church Finances?

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

February 05, 2011

Are You Embattled or Challenged at Church?

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

January 26, 2011

10 Books that Changed My Life and Ministry

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

What are the top 10 books that have changed your life and ministry? Here are mine.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

January 13, 2011

What's a Leader to Do about Money at Church?

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

January 04, 2011

Have You Broken Your Resolutions Already?

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

December 20, 2010

Five Gifts to Give Yourself

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.
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson Article

December 14, 2010

What Are You Giving Your Followers?

The Rev. Margaret Marcuson (ABCUSA)

Here are five gifts you can give your followers this Christmas and into 2011.