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Essays

Thoughtful personal reflections from a variety of perspectives about issues relevant to Christian leaders

The seven-year itch

By David L. Odom Executive director, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

Are you feeling restless after seven years in a ministry position? Navigating the uncertainty requires a close look at yourself, your colleagues and your context.

Intergenerational friendships and the future of the church

By Alaina Kleinbeck Associate Executive Director, Coordination Programs

Youth should not be set apart, but rather integrated into the life of a congregation through friendship.

Proclaiming life amidst death

By Nathan Kirkpatrick Principal, Saison Consulting, LLC

Denominational leaders must confront the brutal facts and share them with the congregations and clergy in their charge but they also must proclaim something that sounds like real Christian hope.

Dave Odom: Why focus on developing your staff as leaders?

The challenges facing Christian institutions today require innovative solutions in all aspects of the work. Senior leaders must cultivate the conditions for the work to flourish, which means nurturing talent across levels and roles, says the executive director of Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By David L. Odom Executive director, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

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Laura E. Everett: Low-budget leadership development

How do you develop leaders in your organization without funding? The executive director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches offers 10 ideas for leadership development on a shoestring.

By Laura Everett Executive director, Massachusetts Council of Churches

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Dwelling together in harmony, amidst differences

By Gretchen E. Ziegenhals Spiritual director and retreat leader

A New York City church has welcomed in congregations from other faiths and denominations. This thriving community is marked by hospitality, listening and humility.

Assumptions are dangerous

By Nathan Kirkpatrick Principal, Saison Consulting, LLC

Leaders at all levels and in all stages of their careers have assumptions about themselves, their institutions, their communities. What are yours? What are you doing about them?

The non-attending faithful

By Alaina Kleinbeck Associate Executive Director, Coordination Programs

Christian young people find expressing their faith away from church more meaningful and transforming. How should congregational leaders respond?

Andrew Root: Take it from Bonhoeffer -- there is no 'Christian youth'

As Dietrich Bonhoeffer pointed out long ago, youth ministry isn't about setting aside a special place for young people in the church but about moving them into the center of the church community, says a youth ministry scholar and author.

By Andrew Root Professor, Luther Seminary

Image link to article: Andrew Root: Take it from Bonhoeffer -- there is no 'Christian youth'