Special Reports

These reports focus on specialized ministries or on resources for and from particular groups. Past "current focus" pieces are also included.

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."

Clergy Self-Care
Drawing on the experiences of an Alban Institute focus group, Linda Wolf Jones offers fresh perspectives and advice on clergy self-care. This report explores the emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions of self-care, giving particular attention to clergy, their families, their colleagues, and their congregations. Don't forget to check out our interview with Linda in the Clergy Self-Care Podcast!

Story—Sacred and Secular—Can Transform Congregations
Susan Elliott examines the power of sacred and secular story to transform communities. This report discusses sacred story, the use of narrative in preaching, and the importance of personal and congregational stories for promoting healing and building community. It also considers the impact of culture on faith communities and explores ways to apply the arts in congregations.

The Networked Congregation: Embracing the Spirit of Experimentation
You've heard about blogs, podcasts, and other online networking tools from the world of "Web 2.0." And you're wondering what to think, what to do, where to start, and how these tools might support the ministries in your congregation. Religion writer Andrea Useem offers an informative guide to becoming a "networked congregation."

Constructing Your Congregation's Story
There are times when all congregations need to reflect upon who they are and where they have been to better understand where they are going. James Wind offers a complete and concise guide to constructing and telling your congregation's story, from assembling the raw materials and developing the basic skills to collecting the inner and public profiles of a church's life.

Claiming the Light: Appreciative Inquiry and Congregational Transformation
Focusing on what people most value, appreciative inquiry (AI) has developed into a wide-ranging tool for organizational change. Join Paul Chafee as he explores the principles and practices of AI. Links to relevant resources are included.

Faith and Money
Congregational leaders can find it difficult to navigate the terrain between the realms of faith and money. Dan Hotchkiss explores sociological, theological, and spiritual perspectives on this challenging topic. Links to relevant resources are included.

Lay Ministry
"Lay ministry" can refer to everything from motivating volunteers to a fundamental reconsideration of church structure. Alban Senior Research Associate Anne Van Dusen unpacks the jumble, with particular attention to the implications for today’s congregational leaders.

Preaching Today: Sorting it Out
Wondering what and how to preach? Seeking the wisdom of today's best preachers? Interested in current thinking on homiletics? G. Lee Ramsey, Jr. discusses the rich array of preaching sources and forms. Links to relevant resources are included.

Spiritual Windsurfing: Exploring the Context for Evaluation
Evaluations of congregational leaders include issues that are not always applicable in the corporate world—such as calling, self-knowledge, and prophetic voice. John Janka explores the context for evaluation and invites dialogue on its most important dimensions.

Understanding Congregational Anxiety
Chronic anxiety can drain even the most gifted and talented church and synagogue leaders. Thomas Fischer explains how anxiety works in congregational systems, as well as how to respond in ways that foster vitality. Links to relevant resources are included.

Resources for and from African American Congregations
African American congregations and leaders are developing resources on a wide range of issues—including community ministry, health, and worship. In this updated version, Zina Jacque describes these resources and provides links to publishers, organizations, and Web sites. New features include a resource index and a local search engine.

Resources for and from Jewish Congregations
Rabbi Sue Stone provides information and insights on key organizations, publications, and other resources. Congregational leaders seeking the best Jewish resources in a variety of areas will find this report and guide indispensable.

What Every House of Worship Should Know About Expansions and Renovations
Lewis Saylor and James Dougherty share their wisdom—gained from experience—with religious organizations considering construction projects. Saylor and Dougherty discuss planning, assumptions, costs, transitions, thinking beyond your project, and more. A graphical overview of the process and list of resources is included.

Mental Health Ministry Resources
Carole Wills describes the best resources for faith communities, pastoral caregivers, and the general public. Books, audio-visual media, Web-based resources, and organizations are featured. (Also see her article, "The Church's Voice on Mental Illness.")

Judicatory Conversations from the Front Line
Judicatory and denominational leaders—as well as the congregational leaders with whom they work—will benefit from these discussions on vision and identity, polity gridlock, and reinventing congregational services. See the results of our 2003 online survey and view our most highly recommended resources for judicatories.