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Essays

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

Old home week: Witnessing vibrant institutions

By Gretchen E. Ziegenhals Spiritual director and retreat leader

The churches that thrive are bearers of tradition, laboratories of learning and incubators of leadership.

Why do seminaries matter?

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

If the Church can agree on the core purpose of a seminary education, a quality, affordable system can be created from available resources.

It’s time to recalibrate expectations for clergy

By Nathan Kirkpatrick Principal, Saison Consulting, LLC

Denominations and congregations have based their expectations on full-time, paid ministry -- and yet the trend is toward part-time, bivocational and unpaid clergy.

Look at me, not your phone

By Alaina Kleinbeck Associate Executive Director, Coordination Programs

Mobile technology threatens our practice of Christian hospitality. It’s time for deeper conversations about when it’s acceptable -- and when it’s not -- to use our phones.

Richard J. Mouw: Leadership -- it's not only for administrators

The former president of Fuller Seminary says he wasn't "going into leadership" when he first became an administrator. With a friend's help, he realized he'd been leading for years as a teacher and scholar.

By Richard J. Mouw Professor and former president, Fuller Theological Seminary

Image link to article: Richard J. Mouw: Leadership -- it's not only for administrators

Timothy Larsen: Old Faithful

A Wheaton College professor, alumnus and parent reflects on his love for and sense of responsibility toward the institution.

By Timothy Larsen Professor, Wheaton College

Image link to article: Timothy Larsen: Old Faithful

Donna Claycomb Sokol: The place where all are fed

With some members left behind, the scene at the restaurant was the opposite of what her church had embodied a half-hour earlier. A pastor learns again that food and hospitality are the building blocks of community.

By Donna Claycomb Sokol Pastor, Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church

Image link to article: Donna Claycomb Sokol: The place where all are fed

Perennials as a model for institutional flourishing

By Gretchen E. Ziegenhals Spiritual director and retreat leader

What does your organizational root structure look like? What are the ways in which it helps the institution remain self-sustaining year after year?

Why do congregations matter?

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

We need each other to be prepared to experience Christ and participate in the coming of the kingdom of God.

Adjusting to a new normal

By Nathan Kirkpatrick Principal, Saison Consulting, LLC

One significant trend within church life is the changing nature of congregating. That makes it increasingly important for congregations to experiment with new models and share what they are learning.