Interviews

Assessment, Reflection, and Adaptation- the main moves of the Ecclesial Health Workout.  The Rev. Dr. Christian Boyd shares how these three practices shaped his congregation's work on developing its mission, vision and core values and how they are living into them in exciting ways that engage the whole congregation.

God's Call and Our Deep Gladness: Exploring Possibilities in Ministry through Healthy Discernment. A conversation with Milwaukee/Boise Presbytery Exec Rachel Yates on what makes for healthy transitions in ministry.






Building Together: The Heart to Heart Human Stuff of Being Church.  A conversation with Shavon Starling Louis, co-moderator of the PC(USA) asking the question "Who should I be talking to?" and acknowledging the ongoing reality that "the Lord shows up in faithful ways".

Resources

View the presentation Rev. Dr. Tod Bolsinger presented to the Milwaukee Presbytery on Ecclesial Health.  Tod is the Executive Director of Church Leadership Institute, a Senior Fellow of the De Pree Center for Leadership and Associate Professor of Leadership Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary.  Click here.  You can also view his sermon from the gathering here.

Presbyterian Foundation Toolbox: The Presbyterian Foundation works "​to strengthen congregations and related mission and ministry efforts by developing gifts and managing funds on their behalf. They work with them to build communities of generosity among their members and constituents and provide all Presbyterians an avenue to realize their philanthropic goals through a variety of giving and investment options."  They also have a rich resource pool to assist congregations with stewardship which can be accessed through their Toolbox.

Asset-Mapping: The Quick and Simple Asset-Mapping Experience is a great resource from the Alban Institute. Often congregations focus on the things that are missing, meaning we reflect on our ministry from a deficit mindset. Asset mapping flips this so that instead we begin with what we have. Focusing on God's grace and provision through assessing our resources allows congregations to move forward with more confidence and joy.

Appreciative Inquiry for Congregations: ​Appreciative Inquiry is an asset-based approach that utilizes questions and dialogue to help participants uncover existing strengths, advantages, or opportunities in their communities, organizations, or teams. This one page simple guide will assist congregations in asking important questions, a great complement to asset-mapping or as a stand alone starter.

Articles

The Joy of Administration- For clergy who do not feel particularly drawn to the work of administration, it may help you to notice that the word “minister” is an etymological root of “administration.” When we supervise, manage and evaluate, we are accomplishing so much more than busy work. We are serving the people of God." by Prince Rivers 

Organizational Intelligence as Fearless Moral Inventory- This article by Russell Crabtree, founder of Holy Cow Consulting, reflects on the critical need for congregations to engage the spiritual work of self-reflection as they review how they function as a system.

The Conflicted Congregation is an article by Emily Swanson, president of Holy Cow Consulting. Conflict when managed well is healthy in congregations. Here Emily reflects on how one congregation, which hadn't handled it's conflict well, took steps towards positive change.

A Picture of Health- Vitality and Somatic Knowing- A highbrow title for a reflection on Congregational Vitality and what it looks like. By Russell Crabtree.

Discernment Is a Gift for Everyone- "Nearly everyone on our leadership team has an idea about what to do, but pursuing our good ideas is not enough. Our primary job as Christian leaders is discernment, which is discovering what God is doing so we can participate." by Prince Rivers

Leaders Breathe- "One of the key traits of faithful leaders is to be a “non-anxious presence,” especially in times of tension and conflict." by Rodger Nishioka in Regarding Ruling Elders

Leaders Lean Out- author Rodger Nishioka reflects on the "bucket theory," and what goes into your bucket vs. the things you leave to the Holy Spirit.