The Rev. Margaret Marcuson

Denomination: American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA)
Organization: Marcuson Leadership Circle

Rev. Margaret Marcuson helps ministers do their work without wearing out or burning out, through ministry coaching, presentations and online resources. Margaret is the author of Leaders Who Last: Sustaining Yourself and Your Ministry and Money and Your Ministry: Balance the Books While Keeping Your Balance. She served as a pastor for 15 years.

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 "Sustain Your Ministry Checklist" at at http://margaretmarcuson.com/.

Articles by The Rev. Margaret Marcuson

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Let Me Think About It

Wednesday September 25, 2024
Discover the power of saying 'Let me think about it.' In this insightful post, Rev. Margaret Marcuson explores decision-making, setting boundaries, and how pastors can balance ministry commitments without overcommitting. Learn practical tips for sustainable ministry.

Make a Plan, Even a Bad One

Tuesday April 02, 2024
I came across a book on my shelf recently: Wishcraft: How to Get What You Really Want, by Barbara Sher. It brought back a flood of memories. Early in my ministry, I faced a crisis in my call. I couldn’t find a position as a pastor. No one wanted a woman pastor--it was the 80s. Over many months, the only interview I had wasn’t a serious one. I seriously thought about pursuing another line of work. Then, my brother gave me a copy of Wishcraft. The book was transformative. It helped me step back from my

How Do You Know What to Say Yes To and What to Say No To?

Tuesday March 05, 2024
Life in ministry can feel like a barrage of requests and needs. Everyone wants a piece of you. And as you look around, you see so much that needs to be done. You’ve got to get to the hospital to visit someone. There’s a board meeting on Tuesday. And people are saying, “We should be doing (fill-in-the-blank).” Or, “We used to do (fill-in-the-blank), and we should start that up again.” Or, “you should visit (fill-in-the-blank).” Not to mention the denominational commitments and requests.

If You Get Tired, Learn to Rest, Not to Quit

Tuesday January 30, 2024
Most of the ministry leaders I speak with are tired. It’s been a long four years. Many of you started the pandemic already tired. It’s hard to take time to rest when you feel the weight of the church on your back. It’s hard to take sabbath when Sunday is your busiest day. I’ve been thinking about Sabbath time, as part of the chapter on time in the book about sustainable ministry that I’m working on. Here are some thoughts I’ve had so far...

Margaret Marcuson: Four Practices to Carry You Through Advent

Friday December 01, 2023
Advent is up on us! What practices do you have to get you through to Christmas? I’ve always found that doing at least a few things for myself through these weeks help me walk through them with less stress and more grace. Here are four practices I recommend:

Let it Ferment!

Tuesday October 17, 2023
Are you trying hard to get something going, and it isn’t going anywhere? Maybe it’s a new ministry initiative, a better relationship with a church member, or a new approach to budgeting like a narrative budget. You try, and try, and it just doesn’t go anywhere. What if you just let it sit for a while?

Use The Difficulty

Tuesday September 12, 2023
In ministry today, you could make a long list of the difficulties... ...What would it be like to use these difficulties? This doesn't mean you minimize them--we all know they’ve been a lot more than a chair in the way.

Margaret Marcuson: Never do this with regard to money

Thursday August 10, 2023
I don’t say “never” very often. However, here are a dozen “nevers” about money...

Margaret Marcuson: You don’t live longer, it only seems like it

Tuesday July 11, 2023
In ministry, it’s easy to spend a lot of time on the clock during the week and on the calendar over years doing things that don’t bring you joy, because you think you should.

Margaret Marcuson: Why do clergy have such a hard time showing grace to themselves?

Wednesday June 14, 2023
Here’s what I notice: the most responsible and hard-working clergy are the ones who are hardest on themselves. They are the least likely to give themselves a break or allow others to share the load. Why is that?

Margaret Marcuson: Slow thinking or fast thinking?

Tuesday May 02, 2023
Churches can make big decisions without enough reflection. But a lot of dithering goes on in church board meetings.

Margaret Marcuson: Lower Your Expectations

Tuesday March 07, 2023
My husband, Karl, says, “If you want to be happier, just lower your expectations.” Along the same lines, I recently discovered in a file a list of rules from family therapist and genogram expert Monica McGoldrick for relating to your family of origin.

Margaret Marcuson: The map is not the territory

Wednesday February 01, 2023
What’s going to happen to the church in the future? Everybody’s wondering, worrying, speculating. How much will stay the same? How much will change?

Margaret Marcuson: Is it time to rest?

Monday January 02, 2023
When is it time to push, and when is it time to rest? 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.

Margaret Marcuson: Don’t do these things this Advent

Thursday December 01, 2022
How are you doing this Advent? Here are some "don'ts" to keep in mind through these weeks...

Margaret Marcuson: If you feel resentful, you are probably overfunctioning

Wednesday October 19, 2022
Do you feel resentful? You are probably taking more responsibility than you need to, and overfunctioning for some person or group--or even for the whole church.

Margaret Marcuson: Never Do This In Ministry

Monday September 19, 2022
I’m not inclined to make absolute statements. But here are ten “never” statements for your reflection about your ministry...

Margaret Marcuson: The Pinch of Little Things

Thursday August 18, 2022
It’s easy to put up with things that don’t quite work. Should you?

Margaret Marcuson: Do the Opposite

Friday June 24, 2022
Family therapist Elaine Boomer has a challenging suggestion for her clients. When you understand the way you typically relate to others, your own “emotional process,” Elaine says, “Try doing the opposite.”

Margaret Marcuson: There are no unpickable locks

Wednesday June 01, 2022
What’s your most insoluble problem? Innumerable problems arise in church life. You had a long list before the pandemic and it’s longer now.

Margaret Marcuson: Fasting from Complaining: 9 Reasons Why Church Leaders Might Want To Try It

Tuesday April 26, 2022
It’s the Easter season, more of a time for church leaders to celebrate than fast. But I’m thinking about fasting as a spiritual practice.

Margaret Marcuson: Learning about leadership from Brother Cadfael

Wednesday March 23, 2022
Here are four lessons for church leadership from a surprising source: a fictional medieval monk.

Margaret Marcuson: Is It Time to Rest?

Tuesday February 23, 2021
When is it time to push, and when is it time to rest? Our culture tells us to push on with resolutions early in a new year, but winter is a time our bodies may want to slow down and, if not hibernate, at least sleep more. This winter, pandemic exhaustion is also part of the mix.

Margaret Marcuson: Celebrate last year (you heard that right!) before you launch into this one

Wednesday January 06, 2021
2020 was a year like no other, for most of us. There have been endless retrospectives on the challenges the world, the United States, schools, the medical community, churches and families have faced this year. I recommend you consider another question: What went right last year?

Margaret Marcuson: Drawing pictures for Advent--even though I’m not an artist

Tuesday December 08, 2020
Paying attention is an essential part of spiritual leadership. Drawing is one way to learn to pay attention.

Margaret Marcuson: Is It Possible to Give Thanks in a Pandemic?

Thursday November 05, 2020
This Thanksgiving, as so many will choose not to travel or gather in person with loved ones, can we be grateful for anything about the covid-19 outbreak? Over 47 million people have suffered from the disease and over a million have died from it. Isn’t it heartless to be grateful for anything about this?

Margaret Marcuson: It's all in the execution

Tuesday September 29, 2020
I love genre fiction. I read a ton of mysteries for years, and now I read a lot of romance (don’t knock it till you’ve tried it…) My husband likes sci-fi. We have a catchphrase: “It’s all in the execution.” All genre fiction has what are called “tropes,” tried and true formulas which are used over and over....

Margaret Marcuson: What a motley space crew says about church leadership

Tuesday September 01, 2020
Do you wonder how to handle the diverse personalities you’ve ended up with in your congregation? Have you seen their quirks intensify under the stress of the times we are living in? Are you finding it harder to make progress with ministry when you can’t talk in person?

Margaret Marcuson: Three ways to handle a money crisis

Saturday July 25, 2020
What is the approach to giving churches should take through this time? Do you worry that yours could be one of these churches that close? Or, is your church doing well financially through the pandemic?

Margaret Marcuson: A little at a time: Learning from a 100-year-old man

Wednesday June 03, 2020
I was inspired last month by the story of Captain Tom Moore who wanted to raise money for the British National Health service charity by walking 100 laps around his yard with a walker. He hoped to raise $1250 by his 100th birthday. His efforts went viral, and he raised over $39 million. He’s being honored with a knighthood. I don’t cry often, but this brought me to tears.

Margaret Marcuson: Tips for Dealing with Change

Tuesday May 12, 2020
In the depths of my hard drive (from 2011), I found the following tips I wrote back then to help leaders deal with change at church. They all still apply as we walk through these days when so much has changed.

Margaret Marcuson: Do You Have Leaders Who Are Burned Out?

Friday March 13, 2020
Most clergy are overfunctioners, with a tendency to take responsibility in relationships and in leadership. Of course, they are not alone. Many church leaders are as well, and they can get to the edge of burnout. What do you do when you’ve got a volunteer who is exhausted or resentful?

Margaret Marcuson: When Should a Pastor Duck?

Tuesday February 11, 2020
There’s a time to take a stand--but there’s also a time to get out of the way. When should you duck? Here are three times to duck...

When you should apologize -- and when you shouldn’t

Friday January 17, 2020
Church leader, when someone is upset with you or with something that has happened in the ministry, should you apologize? Sometimes.

Margaret Marcuson: Here’s what positive relationships at church really look like

Wednesday December 06, 2017
What do you see in the relationships in your church? It’s easy to get focused on the negative people and interactions and spend a lot of time discussing them (if not complaining). I think focusing on what’s working and how to get more of it can be more productive.

How to increase generosity in your church: ask!

Monday October 23, 2017
If you want people in your church to be more generous, be bolder about asking them to give.

Pastors, do you struggle with supervising staff?

Wednesday August 09, 2017
Managing staff is an essential skill for church leaders. Here are ten things I’ve learned about supervision at church.

How to disarm church antagonists: don’t take them so seriously

Tuesday March 14, 2017
Are you struggling with an antagonist in your church? How we respond to those who seem to be threatening us can be as critical as any inherent threat in them.

What is your purpose this Advent?

Wednesday November 30, 2016
It’s not too late to consider your purpose at church this Advent. Take five minutes and think about it. You’ll be less stressed and have a more meaningful experience.

Can’t keep up? Nine ways to simplify your ministry

Tuesday November 08, 2016
Fall is well underway. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Ministry is hard work, but there are ways to make it easier. Here are nine ideas to make your ministry (a little) simpler.

Three reasons to love asking people to give

Tuesday October 25, 2016
When you provide leadership in stewardship at church, you do essential work.Here are three reasons to love asking people to give.

Doing nothing: an essential spiritual practice for church leaders

Wednesday July 13, 2016
It's important, especially for church leaders, to do nothing every day, every week and every year.

Warning: being nice in ministry can be a problem

Wednesday June 01, 2016
Are you too nice? Being nice won't take you through a whole career in ministry, and it won't help you help your church reach its potential.

7 Things Your Church Doesn’t Need to Hear You Say about Money

Friday May 13, 2016
Here’s a list of things your people don’t need to hear you say. I’ve said most of them over the years, or some version of them. But I think I was mistaken.

Are You Looking Up Enough?

Tuesday April 19, 2016
Looking up at the sky (literally!) can help you get perspective on your ministry.

Are you trying to make people grow?

Tuesday April 05, 2016
our efforts to make people change often produce the opposite effect. It’s counterproductive to be willful. Here's another way to approach the process of change at church.

How to Survive Holy Week: A Guide for Church Leaders

Monday March 21, 2016
Here are some ideas for surviving Holy Week with more grace and less stress.

7 things your church needs to hear you say about money

Tuesday March 08, 2016
Whether or not you like to talk about money, and whether or not they want you to, your church needs you to talk about it, probably more often than you do now. Here are seven things they need to hear you say.

How to disarm church antagonists: don’t take them so seriously

Tuesday February 23, 2016
Are you struggling with an antagonist in your church? How we respond to those who seem to be threatening us can be as critical as any inherent threat in them.

Can’t keep up? Nine ways to simplify your ministry

Thursday February 11, 2016
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Ministry is hard work, but there are ways to make it easier. Here are nine ideas to make your ministry (a little) simpler.

Are you too nice?

Friday August 22, 2014
Being nice can get in the way of leadership. This is what Edwin Friedman called called "valuing peace over progress."

Is Your Church in Conflict?

Wednesday June 11, 2014
When anxiety is high, people often function reactively. Here are three responses that can help.

Help for Church Treasurers

Saturday May 24, 2014
I recently wrote tips for church treasurers. Several pastors e-mailed me to say they had forward the tips to their treasurers. Here are five of the tips for treasurers.

Thinking about Saints in May

Thursday May 08, 2014
This is a Day1 Key Voice article by The Rev. Margaret Marcuson.

Giving thanks: a spiritual experiment

Tuesday November 26, 2013
We can cultivate gratitude daily, and what better time than Thanksgiving to remind ourselves of this practice?

Five reasons to celebrate All Saints Day all year

Saturday November 16, 2013
Who are the saints who contributed to your life and to your church? There's never a bad time to celebrate the saints of the past.

Are there spooks in your church?

Thursday October 31, 2013
Sometimes the ghosts of the past are present in the life of a congregation.

Four secrets for enjoying your stewardship campaign

Thursday October 24, 2013
Are you in the middle of your annual stewardship campaign? Are you having a good time?

What books help you spiritually with your leadership?

Thursday October 03, 2013
Here are a few books I've found helpful recently and over the years. Many of them come from a slightly different angle than I am used to, such as those from the monastic tradition. The difference in language and perspective helps me wake up and pay attention to see what God might have to say to me that day.

Ten ways for church leaders to lead like Winston Churchill

Saturday September 21, 2013
Are you facing some difficulties at church lately? Whether your challenges are internal or external, you can learn something from Winston Churchill.

Title: Six tips for relating to church musicians

Sunday August 11, 2013
Here are six tips for pastors for dealing with music and music staff in the life of the church.

Have you made the same mistakes about church finance that I made?

Thursday July 25, 2013
I've been thinking about the mistakes I made about money when I was a pastor. Here are ten.

Nine ways to work on connecting with church members in the summertime

Wednesday July 03, 2013
Leadership depends on relationships. Why not take summertime not only to plan for the fall but also to build relationships?

Talking about church stewardship all year long

Friday June 21, 2013
What if churches engaged in a practice of year-round stewardship education and promotion? A little emphasis year round, rather than a few weeks once a year can help people grow in faith as they relate to their resources-and help develop greater support for the ministry of the church in the world.

Is ministry like taking a test?

Wednesday June 05, 2013
Here are some test-taking tips from elementary school which just might apply to ministry, too.

Facing Financial Facts at Church

Tuesday May 21, 2013
Knowing and communicating financial facts (whether good or bad) can calm anxiety in a congregation.

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

Wednesday May 08, 2013
While fasting from food has its place, I think a fast from complaining is worth a try.

What I learned from my father about ministry

Thursday May 02, 2013
Here are ten things I learned from my father about ministry, in honor of his 90th birthday.

5 Church Leadership Mistakes You Might Be Making

Tuesday April 09, 2013
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.

Having Fun Is Not a Waste of Time for Church Leaders

Wednesday April 03, 2013
Having fun can benefit church leaders in their life and ministry.

How to Enjoy Holy Week and Easter Sunday Services

Wednesday March 27, 2013
This is a busy week. Yet it can be less stressful, if we think about the week and the many services a bit differently.

Nine Indicators of a Healthy Congregation

Monday March 18, 2013
What is congregational health? It has little if anything to do with the size of the congregation.

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

Thursday March 14, 2013
Here are eight things Francis I has in common with other church leaders, no matter their tradition or denomination.

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

Monday March 11, 2013
Do you have a decision you need to make - at church or in your personal life? Here are three things to consider.

Finding Ministry Help in the Novels of Susan Howatch

Thursday March 07, 2013
Do you want an opportunity to reflect on your ministry while entertaining yourself? Try the novels of Susan Howatch.

How to Pray for the Difficult People in Your Church

Tuesday February 26, 2013
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.

How Anxious Are You about Your Money?

Friday February 15, 2013
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?

Is Your Church Polarized?

Tuesday January 22, 2013
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?

Book Review: 8 Habits of Love

Wednesday December 12, 2012
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.

Who at Church Gives You Energy?

Monday December 03, 2012
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.

How to Lead Stewardship without Over (or Under) Functioning

Monday November 19, 2012
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.

Veterans Day (Observed) for Church Leaders

Monday November 12, 2012
With all due respect to military veterans, I wonder if we need a "veterans of church warfare" day.

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

Thursday November 08, 2012
How much would your church's income need to increase for you not to worry about it?

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

Thursday November 01, 2012
Here are seven mistakes it's easy to make when we attempt to communicate with our churches, both individuals and as a group.

Have You Had Coffee with Someone from Church this Month?

Wednesday October 24, 2012
Staying connected is a critical part of leadership. Virtual connection can help, but there's no substitute for face-to-face interaction.

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

Monday October 15, 2012
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.

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

Friday October 05, 2012
Advent starts in two months. What can you do now to make those weeks easier for yourself? Here are six ideas.

Four Options for Church Leaders to Try

Thursday September 27, 2012
Are you working hard and getting nowhere at church? Perhaps it's time for a different approach. 

Family Systems Basics about Money at Church 5: Differentiated Leadership

Monday September 10, 2012
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.

Family Systems Basics about Money at Church 4: Balance

Tuesday September 04, 2012
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.

Family Systems Basics about Money at Church 3: Triangles

Tuesday August 28, 2012
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.

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

Friday August 24, 2012
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.

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

Tuesday August 07, 2012
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.

Family Systems Basics about Money at Church 1: Anxiety

Wednesday August 01, 2012
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.

Do You Celebrate Those Who Give to Your Church?

Monday July 23, 2012
We often do little to acknowledge those who give. What can you do to thank givers and to celebrate what they contribute?

What Does the Bible Say about Money?

Thursday July 05, 2012
I've been thinking about the complex threads in the Bible related to money and wealth.

How to Preach about the Economy

Saturday June 16, 2012
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.

How Can Church Leaders Make Difficult Decisions?

Thursday June 07, 2012
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?

Missional Preaching: A Book Review

Saturday June 02, 2012
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.

Ten Ways Church Leaders Can Get More New Ideas

Friday May 18, 2012
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.

Eight Reasons Church Leaders Should Talk about Money More

Thursday May 10, 2012
Church leaders can benefit from talking about money more often. Here are eight reasons why.

Church Leaders Need to Be the Grown-Ups

Friday April 27, 2012
Just as mature parents are the best gift to their teenage children, mature leaders are a gift to the congregation.

What Is Easter Hope?

Saturday April 07, 2012
Easter is a time to consider hope. Thankfully, our ultimate hope does not depend on our results.

Ten Tips for Learning More about Money

Monday March 19, 2012
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.

I'm Giving Up Worrying for Lent

Thursday March 08, 2012
I'm giving up worrying for Lent. I'm not a constant worrier, but I do have my list.

Is It Time to Be Silent or Time to Speak?

Thursday February 23, 2012
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.

Book Review: Preaching in Plenty and in Want

Thursday February 09, 2012
Preaching in Plenty and in Want, by Matthew Tennant, is a thoughtful reflection on how pastors can engage with economic matters in their preaching.

What Helps Ministry Relationships Last?

Thursday February 02, 2012
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.

Is It Time to Rest?

Friday January 20, 2012
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.

How Well Do You Listen?

Thursday January 05, 2012
I practice selective listening, both in personal relationships and organizational life.

How to Reframe Your Resources

Friday December 30, 2011
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.

How Will You Connect with Family This Year?

Friday December 16, 2011
Christmas is a time when you have the opportunity to be in touch with your family. Connecting with family is an opportunity for growth,

Eleven Tips for Church Leaders for Advent/Christmas

Friday December 09, 2011
Here are eleven ways church leaders can use to stay grounded during the season.

14 Things to Be Happy About

Tuesday November 22, 2011
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.

Are You Celebrating the Resources You Have in Your Church?

Friday November 18, 2011
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?

What’s Your Perspective on Church Problems?

Friday November 11, 2011
Are you able to take the long view when you think about ministry challenges? The Grand Canyon gives us some perspective.

How Do Church Leaders Help People Deal with Challenges?

Thursday November 03, 2011
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.

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

Tuesday October 25, 2011
Here are some more thoughts on making it easier to talk about money at church.

Are You Avoiding Someone or Something at Church?

Wednesday October 05, 2011
Church leadership means dealing with challenging people and situations almost every day. How do we respond?

How To Ask People to Give More Money to Church

Monday September 26, 2011
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.

How Do You Exit a Church Gracefully?

Thursday September 15, 2011
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.

Are You Tired of the Church Rat Race?

Tuesday September 06, 2011
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.

Do You Have a Hard Time Saying No?

Saturday August 27, 2011
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.

What I Learned from My Mother about Ministry

Monday August 01, 2011
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.

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

Saturday June 18, 2011
If you struggle with preaching, teaching and talking about money at church, here are some reminders to ease the way.

10 Tips for Dealing with Change at Church

Wednesday June 08, 2011
Times of change at church raise anxiety. Here are ten tips for dealing with change.

How Do You Preach about Money?

Saturday May 21, 2011
What does it mean to preach about money? Often it only means one thing: to get people to give more money to the church.

What Do Lay Leaders Need to Do about Church Finance?

Saturday May 14, 2011
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.