Recently, I was contacted by someone asking me to post links to websites for managers here so congregational leaders could use them. I looked at a couple of the links. They appeared helpful for those who were managers. But I decided against placing them here because I believe all leadership in the church should be rooted in prayerful discernment practices, not in managerial practices. While there are those who believe that churches should be run like businesses, I’m not one of them. I believe that every leader in our congregations is, or should be, a spiritual leader who engages in prayer practices that allow him or her to more closely pay attention to what God is stirring up in their presence. While personnel and organizational...
Rev. Susan M. Lang, owner of RevWriter Resources, LLC., is a church consultant, coach, and author offering resources and leadership support for your congregation or ministry setting.
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We Are Spiritual Leaders, Not Managers
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Transitions
Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. (John 20:19-20 NRSV) This past January, I was preparing for a transition retreat I was scheduled to facilitate for a synod staff. While reading a book I’d selected for the group to discuss, I had a jarring palm on the forehead moment. I put the book down and recognized the fact that I, myself, was in transition and I hadn’t really been paying attention to it. A number of things had changed in my life and I hadn’t fully acknowledged those changes and their effects. One was as simple as naming, and claiming, the fact that I’m now the mother of...
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Making Mutual Ministry Work Update
Making Mutual Ministry Work In October 2012, Pastor Dick Bruesehoff, of Portico Benefit Services and Pastor Sue Lang, of RevWriter Resources, LLC, two of the co-author s of Pastor and People: Making Mutual Ministry Work (Augsburg Fortress, 2003), will offer two workshops guiding participants through an exploration of mutual ministry. Mutual ministry is about tending to the relationships out of which mission grows, it’s not primarily about tending to administrative details in your congregation. This seminar will explore the exciting work of the Mutual Ministry Committee and provide practical ideas for implementing Mutual Ministry in your congregation. There are two opportunities to attend: Saturday, October 13, 2012 9: 30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Allegheny Lutheran Church, 1327 Alleghenyville Road, Mohnton, PA 19540 Registration for...
The RevWriter Resource
A Monthly Publication that serves as a resource for ministry leaders and congregations.
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Organic Ministry
Featured Article: Organic Ministry: Rooted in Relationship by Sue Ellen Spotts
The RevWriter Resource (ISSN 1545-939X) A publication of RevWriter Resources, LLC May 2013 Volume 12, Number 5 Susan M. Lang, Editor and Publisher <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Dear Friends:...
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Practicing Congregational Discernment
Featured Article: Discerning Our Call to Ministry by Susan M. Lang
The RevWriter Resource (ISSN 1545-939X) A publication of RevWriter Resources, LLC April 2013 Volume 12, Number 4 Susan M. Lang, Editor and Publisher <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Dear Friends:...
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Lenten Devotions
Featured Article: Lenten Devotions by Colleen Cox, Kathryn A. Kleinhans, Cora Lee Meier, Bud Holland, Susan J. Reinhardt, Molly Doreza, & Rochelle Melander
The RevWriter Resource (ISSN 1545-939X) A publication of RevWriter Resources, LLC March 2013 Volume 12, Number 3 Susan M. Lang, Editor and Publisher <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Dear Friends:...