DanH

A goal-focused framework for evaluating congregational programs, staff, and ministries — asking whether goals were met rather than just whether people are satisfied.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed a pattern in which congregations competed to be the least demanding rather than the most effective. A call for more intentional planning.

Challenges five common myths congregations use to explain or excuse failure to grow. Uses evidence to push back against comforting but counterproductive narratives.

Practical strategies for congregations that need more staff capacity but cannot afford to hire — using volunteers, part-time staff, and creative role structures.

A congregation’s history and past clergy relationships powerfully shape the experience of clergy transitions. How incoming leaders can navigate the legacy of predecessors.

Congregations serve two different customers — members and the broader community — and confusion between these leads to strategic drift.

The challenge of evaluating ministry when outcomes are inherently qualitative or long-term. A goal-focused framework for measuring what matters in congregational ministry.

One unified leadership structure to lead both paid staff and volunteers effectively. Volunteers need the same goal-setting, supervision, and feedback as paid employees.

When should a new community initiative remain a church project, be spun off as an independent nonprofit, or pursued in partnership with another organization?

How to handle established elder boards or legacy leadership bodies that may be out of step with current governance needs — work with, work around, or restructure.