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)
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
(
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
May 02, 2013
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Here are ten things I learned from my father about ministry, in honor of his 90th birthday.
April 09, 2013
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.
April 03, 2013
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Having fun can benefit church leaders in their life and ministry.
March 27, 2013
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.
March 18, 2013
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
What is congregational health? It has little if anything to do with the size of the congregation.
March 14, 2013
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Here are eight things Francis I has in common with other church leaders, no matter their tradition or denomination.
March 11, 2013
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.
March 07, 2013
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Do you want an opportunity to reflect on your ministry while entertaining yourself? Try the novels of Susan Howatch.
February 26, 2013
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.
February 15, 2013
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?
January 22, 2013
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?
December 12, 2012
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.
December 03, 2012
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.
November 19, 2012
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.
November 12, 2012
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
With all due respect to military veterans, I wonder if we need a "veterans of church warfare" day.
November 08, 2012
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
How much would your church's income need to increase for you not to worry about it?
November 01, 2012
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.
October 24, 2012
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.
October 15, 2012
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.
October 05, 2012
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.
September 27, 2012
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Are you working hard and getting nowhere at church? Perhaps it's time for a different approach.
September 10, 2012
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.
September 04, 2012
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.
August 28, 2012
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.
August 24, 2012
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.
August 07, 2012
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.
August 01, 2012
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.
July 23, 2012
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?
July 05, 2012
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
I've been thinking about the complex threads in the Bible related to money and wealth.
June 16, 2012
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.
June 07, 2012
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?
June 02, 2012
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.
May 18, 2012
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.
May 10, 2012
The Rev. Margaret Marcuson
(ABCUSA)
Church leaders can benefit from talking about money more often. Here are eight reasons why.
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.
