From Football Star to Orthodox Jewish Leader

The day after Super Bowl Sunday, it's time to reflect on the often interesting relationship between sports and religion. While some players claim that God was on "their side," others—such as Alan Veingrad—seek God in more intentional, and humble, ways. Related resources:
• Playing with God: Religion and Modern Sport;
• Your Word is Fire: The Hasidic Masters on Contemplative Prayer.
 

The Smaller Congregation—Pathways in Challenging Times

This special report from Alice Mann defines the "smaller congregation," explains how small congregations can be vital, and examines the challenges and options they face—including the options of shifting to part-time clergy, merging congregations, clustering, securing lay and local pastors, growing, and "ending well." Resources and a print-ready version are included.

Reaching Out in a Networked World: Expressing Your Congregation's Heart and Soul (Book)

Lynne Baab relays the urgency of considering how new technologies can help congregations communicate their identity and values. She also offers a conceptual framework and practical tips for evaluating some new communication tools. Found under Communications; Information Technology. Related resources: • "The Networked Congregation"; • Getting the Word Out.

Finding Our Story: Narrative Leadership and Congregational Change (Book)

In this book, congregational consultants explore the power of narrative and illustrate the ways that story can be used to help congregations heal their troubled pasts, recognize their strengths, and reshape their identities and futures. Found under Narrative Leadership. Related resources: • "The Problem Trap"; • "Constructing Your Congregation's Story."

Managing Polarities in Congregations: Eight Keys for Thriving Faith Communities (Book)

Through stories and illustrations, the authors explore positive and negative aspects of each pole in eight polarities common to congregations, how to recognize when imbalance occurs between poles, and the steps needed to correct the imbalance. Found under Conflict; Organizational Learning. Related resources: • Polarity Management; • Primal Leadership.

Click on our "Recent Additions" page to learn about more resources recently added to the Congregational Resource Guide!