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Free resources to 

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Leading Change:
Theory and Strategy

Contrary to Borg wisdom, when it comes to change, resistance isn’t futile.  Nothing stops a new idea like a complaint.

Recognizing Responses to Stress

Harriet Lerner is a clinical psychologist who has authored several books about emotions and relationships. In her book The Dance of Fear, she identifies five “patterned ways we move under stress.” We under-function, over-function, blame, distance, and/or gossip. Learning to recognize these responses as part of human nature can help us respond in ways that will calm the situation, rather than make it worse.

Bias and Defense Mechanisms: Theory and Practice

Challenging the way individuals define themselves triggers their psychological defense mechanisms. Denial is probably the most famous defense mechanism, but there are forty-seven others, all of which serve a common goal: to shield us from shame and blame.​

Becoming a
Community Church

How can you engage your neighborhood? By becoming three things 1) an anthropologist, 2) a tourist and 3) a missionary.  Learn how with Rev. Liz Bell's help!

Business Planning for Congregations

Rev. Michael Girlinghouse has translated business plans into the language of the church, and put it into seven steps. Click the button to see how business categories like "organizational focus" become recognizable as "mission"...and much more.

How to Motivate Change: Theory and Strategy

“Give them the facts. When folks understand the facts, they’ll see the need to change and do it.” I fell for this adage, but...                   

Channeling Emotions Toward Constructive Outcomes: Theory and Practice

Reality is not objective, we build it for ourselves. We do this as individuals and as people groups. The good news is that since we constructed it -- we can deconstruct it and then construct it in a new direction. To do this we need to understand our emotional landscape, name our feelings, and then choose to channel them toward a constructive outcome.

Taking the temperature of your  congregation.

Sometimes people express their disapproval with loud silence. The congregational engagement exercise can significantly enhance the connection between the leadership and the congregation, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and understanding.

Thank You! Yes!

Liturgy to thank God for alll that has been and welcome all that is to come. Built on Dag Hammarskjold's quote. Designed in the context of a move from a beloved home, but easily adapted to your context

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