Clergy Transition and the Power of the Past
A congregation’s history and past clergy relationships powerfully shape the experience of clergy transitions. How incoming leaders can navigate the legacy of predecessors.
Resource Chapter: Ch. 6: Leading in Partnership
What Makes for a Strong Partnership?
What makes the board-clergy partnership work well, and what causes it to break down. Key ingredients: clarity, trust, shared mission, and appropriate boundaries.
Top Five Ways Ministers Get in Trouble
The most common leadership mistakes that get ministers into serious trouble with their congregations, boards, or denominations — boundaries, communication, delegation.
Relocating the Clergy Ego
How clergy can navigate the mid-career challenge of releasing ego-centered ministry and embracing a more facilitative, empowering leadership role.
Should the Leader Advocate for Change?
Whether clergy leaders should openly advocate for specific changes or maintain facilitative neutrality. The risks and benefits of leader-driven change initiatives.
What to Say When Your Side Loses
How leaders and board members can respond constructively when a congregational decision does not go their way. Modeling graceful acceptance of democratic process.
Some Fences Are Too Hard to Straddle
Some theological or values conflicts are too fundamental to paper over, and leaders must help communities make real choices rather than trying to keep everyone happy.
Boundaries and Partnership
Healthy boundaries between board and staff roles actually enable stronger partnership rather than tension. Clarity about who does what creates the conditions for trust.