by Bill Wilson | Aug 30, 2012 | Opinion
The seasoned minister was addressing a group of young clergy about some of the lessons learned on the job. You know, the ones you can’t learn in graduate school or from a book. These are the ones that matter most. One of his most insightful moments was the day...
by Bill Wilson | Aug 14, 2012 | Opinion
Tom Ehrich, one of my favorite thinkers about church in the 21st century, recently told me he is down to one pivotal question for the congregations he works with. That question is: “Is your primary orientation inward or outward?” His contention is that,...
by Bill Wilson | Jul 31, 2012 | Opinion
A recent column about some of the positive experiences of clergy who have recently moved motivated some responses around the theme of “things that have not gone well.” Here are some common ethical issues search committees must deal with. Poor Communication...
by Bill Wilson | Jul 19, 2012 | Opinion
Let’s start with a disclaimer. I know that congregations and restaurants are not in the same business. I understand that thinking like a restaurant can lead to embracing the consumer culture of the day. I know all too well that catering to expectations has been...
by Bill Wilson | Jul 9, 2012 | Opinion
The search process for a new pastor is both an exhilarating and a risky time for a congregation. Healthy congregations go at this task from the framework of a spiritual discernment process that is unique to the free call tradition of congregational life. Every search...
