Our Latest Perspectives
Boundaries and Partnership
by Dan Hotchkiss
Building a healthy partnership—negotiating roles, addressing misbehavior, setting and achieving goals—is hard work that requires an atmosphere of trust. Firm boundaries and self-differentiation—knowing who I am and how I feel while keeping lines of communication open—are essential for a healthy partnership.
Chaos Theory and Congregational Life
One reason for congregational decline may be that congregations are still operating on Newtonian principles in a social universe that no longer functions that way.
Congregational Culture is Crucial
by John Wimberly
Too many congregations are obsessed with finding the right pastor or creating the right programs, when we should be focused on congregational culture.
What to Do When Nothing Works Anymore
If you’re doing everything you’ve always done as a congregation but it’s not working anymore, you may be alarmed, but you’re not alone. Once upon a time, we all shared…
What’s Your Brand?
by Dan Hotchkiss
Successful store managers know there’s one thing customers like even more than quality, convenience, or low prices: People like to get what they expect. And so smart store managers advertise a strong, distinctive “brand” and consistently deliver customer experiences that fit that brand. Churches and synagogues can learn from this.
Three Marks of Healthy Congregations
Healthy congregations share three characteristics that over time produce effective internal community and external ministry: a clear center, permeable boundaries, and an outward focus.
Quick Wins
by John Wimberly
Yes, it is a gimmick. But it is a gimmick that works. When creating a strategic plan, I always encourage congregations to include one or two strategies that they will accomplish a highly visible change in a matter of one or two months. I call these quick wins.