In business, great achievements are generally the result of effective teams. The person who tries to stand alone will quickly lose strength and enthusiasm. Even jesus, though he was God and could have done everything by himself, chose to gather a group of key followers to help him carry out his earthly ministry and to keep him company along the way.

Again I saw something meaningless under the sun:

There ...

Topics:	Community, Confession, Enthusiasm, Fellowship, Prayer, Relationships, Small groups, Teamwork
Filters:	Church board, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor, Pastoral care, Small group leader, Small groups
Purpose:	Fellowship
References:	Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
Date Added:	July 30, 2007

One of the men in our church is a recognized management consultant to Fortune 100 companies. He suggested that we do a management audit of our top staff and lay leaders. He would gather them in groups of eight to ten and ask them three questions:

• What are the church's greatest strengths?
• What are the church's greatest weaknesses?
• What steps, if taken, would most improve the quality of our ministry?

Participants ...

Topics:	Attitudes, Communication, Conflict, Difficult people, Diversity, Teamwork, Vulnerability
Filters:	Church board, Counseling, Discipleship, Elder, Hospitality, Management, Pastor, Volunteer
Purpose:	Fellowship
References:	Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Date Added:	August 22, 2007

Urgent care situations often require an immediate response from church leaders. This overview outlines major steps you should take in addressing marriages that are in crisis or facing divorce. These action steps are explored in greater depth and detail in the remainder of this packet.

1. Assess the potential for physical assault. Should one of the spouses leave the premises? Might you be in danger when you intervene? If so, call the police.
   
   

Topics:	Conflict, Counseling, Crisis, Marriage, Pastoral care, Reconciliation
Filters:	Counseling, Family ministry, Pastor, Pastoral care, Spiritual director
Purpose:	Ministry
References:	Proverbs 14:10, Ecclesiastes 4:12, Galatians 6:2
Date Added:	July 22, 2008

Divorce doesn't just happen all at once. It's a process—usually a very long one. Studies suggest that over 50 percent of divorced persons had seriously considered divorce for one to three years prior to granting the decree. Richard Hunt presents six stages of divorce and the crises that accompany them.

Occasionally a minister may be called on for help, or take the initiative to move into conversation ...

Topics:	Conflict, Counseling, Crisis, Marriage, Pastoral care, Reconciliation
Filters:	Counseling, Family ministry, Pastor, Pastoral care, Spiritual director
Purpose:	Ministry
References:	Proverbs 14:10, Ecclesiastes 4:12, Galatians 6:2
Date Added:	July 22, 2008

It's remarkably easy to get caught up in someone's marriage crisis. What's not easy is maintaining that delicate balance between professional distance and pastoral warmth. Here are a few common hazards you should be aware of before you enter a counseling relationship with a couple in crisis.

Many pastors say the most volatile counseling situation involves a male pastor and a woman ...

Topics:	Conflict, Counseling, Crisis, Marriage, Pastoral care, Reconciliation
Filters:	Counseling, Family ministry, Pastor, Pastoral care, Spiritual director
Purpose:	Ministry
References:	Proverbs 14:10, Ecclesiastes 4:12, Galatians 6:2
Date Added:	July 22, 2008