Each spring, our churches have a Collect that honors Edward Thomas Demby and Henry Beard Delany, the first and second African-American bishops consecrated in The Episcopal Church. As the prayer says, they, “though limited by segregation, served faithfully to [God’s] honor and glory” (Lessons Appointed for Use on the Feast of Edward Thomas Demby and…
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At a meeting I attended a few years ago, Kirk Hadaway, the congregational research officer for The Episcopal Church, noted, “Conflict over leadership and conflict over finances were the most strongly related areas to decline in average Sunday attendance.” In other words, conflict is usually a symptom of a leadership or financial problem. Several of…
[ Read More]Change and transition is a constant in parish life. Understanding of the nature of change and the key role emotions play in the lives of congregations and their members enhances the effectiveness of parish leaders. Even parishes with settled ordained leaders encounter many changes. Change: A fish out of water Picture a goldfish living in…
[ Read More]Want to suck the energy out of a meeting? Allow the Hog to dominate. Stay silent for the Bog. Invite the Frog. The Hog likes to hear himself speak. He goes on and on, jumps into every conversation, and is quite pleased with his extensive knowledge of all things, from plumbing to liturgy, from budgeting…
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