Eight Ways to Kill an Organization
February 10, 2020
Leave a CommentDr. G. & Friends
Eight Ways to Kill an Organization
I’ve done enough consultations long enough and studied organizations carefully enough to recognize a pattern in some organizations. I refer here to those whose organizations, some young, some old, that ended their institutional lifespan. Though many were surprised by the...
+ Read MoreWe’re all in transition!
Along the Journey
We’re all in transition!
After serving two long-term pastorates over 37 years, I spent my next nine years as an Interim minister serving in four churches.
In those interim positions I came to realize something I had missed seeing in my long-term pastorates –...
+ Read MoreThe Balancing Act
Dr. G. & Friends
The Balancing Act
When I was a teenager I had the opportunity to play in a woodwind quintet for a wedding. It turned out to be a highlight of my musical experience—my clarinet joining in with the flute, oboe, bassoon, French horn.
Each...
+ Read MoreThe Stuff of Life
Along the Journey
The Stuff of Life
Recently I found a new call and made the big move from Tennessee all the way to California.
I have spent weeks unpacking boxes of books and personal mementoes, each time asking myself how I could have acquired so much...
+ Read MoreGet Understanding
Dr. G. & Friends
Get Understanding
Few things escape the consequences of their own success.
This axiom seems true even of Bowen Family Systems Theory.
It seems that systems theory is now the “in” thing—never have there been as many courses on it, or more “experts”...
+ Read MoreWhat We Need Is Here: Practicing Resurrection in a Season of Social Distance
Along the Journey
What We Need Is Here: Practicing Resurrection in a Season of Social Distance
Among my favorite passages from the Hebrew Bible is Joshua 3: 1-5. The NRSV version reads like this:
Early in the morning Joshua rose and set out from Shittim with all the Israelites, and they came to the Jordan....
+ Read More“Don’t Forget About Us!” Ministry with People Isolated by Disability
Along the Journey
“Don’t Forget About Us!” Ministry with People Isolated by Disability
“How can the church support you these days?” I asked a single mom, “Ronda,” whose 10 year-old is medically fragile.
Ronda replied, “My favorite verse for this COVID season is Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,...
+ Read MorePost-COVID Prognostication
Dr. G. & Friends
Post-COVID Prognostication
The Post-Covid impact on congregations, and their responses, is a topic of much discussion these days.
There is lots of pondering, articles—popular and scholarly—guesses, prognostication, and no lack of angst on that topic.
Prognostication is not my spiritual gift, and...
+ Read MoreMoms in Ministry: An Inside Look Into Motherhood, Part 2
Along the Journey
Moms in Ministry: An Inside Look Into Motherhood, Part 2
This post is Part 2 of the Moms in Ministry: An Inside Look Into Motherhood feature in honor of Women’s History Month. To read Part 1 with CTS moms, Felicia Thimas (FT) and Amy Remaklus (AR) click + Read More
I still remember the hurt
Dr. G. & Friends
I still remember the hurt
This is a reflection from a participant in the Healthy Transitions Retreat for Clergy and Spouses of the Ministering to Ministers program.
“I still remember…
The hurt, the frustration,
the anger, the unbelief.
The questions…Why? What just happened?
... + Read More