Money always speaks in a congregation. It speaks even when it is not on the agenda. It speaks even when no one names it aloud. It speaks in tone, in pacing, in hesitation, in the narrowing or widening of imagination. It speaks in what is postponed and in what is protected. It speaks in the […]
When Financial Anxiety Shapes Spiritual Direction Read More »
Pastors are leaving ministry. Not in waves.Not in dramatic public exits.But in quiet departures. Some step away to nonprofit work. Some take chaplaincy roles. Some leave congregational leadership entirely. Others remain—but with diminished energy, shortened horizons, or an unspoken question about how long they can continue. Recent national research confirms what many congregations are beginning
Pastors Are Leaving — And It Isn’t Just Burnout Read More »
Church systems are sacred gifts. Bylaws. Policies. Procedures. Meeting rules. Judicatory oversight. Financial processes. These are designed as guardrails. They exist to protect fairness, ensure accountability, and preserve trust across generations of leadership. They make shared ministry possible. At their best, governance systems serve Calling. But even sacred systems can drift. A policy designed to
When Governance Systems Lose Their Soul Read More »
“Many church leaders believe fast decisions prove effectiveness, and reaching an outcome means success. But in God’s economy, true effectiveness is measured by our willingness to listen and respond in faithfulness. This article explores how the pace of leadership—and our discomfort with silence—can keep us from hearing the Spirit’s gentle whisper, and offers practices to help leaders slow down and listen together.”
How the Myth of Speed Is Silencing Your Church’s Discernment Read More »
What if every board meeting began with more than an agenda—what if it began with an invitation to discernment? At Church Training Center, we believe decision making is more than just business; it’s a sacred practice. Discover three practical ways to foster Spirit-led discernment in your next meeting and help your board move from routine debate to faithful, courageous leadership.
Discernment in the Boardroom: Spiritual Practices for Effective Decision Making Read More »
