Alban at Duke Divinity School

It's a common myth that some people are born creative and others are not. But rather than an innate ability, creativity is a skill that can be cultivated through the Holy Spirit.

https://alban.org/2024/08/05/creativity-is-for-everyone/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=alban_facebook

Ministry involves a constant flow of activity. But is your work fruitful, or just busy? From this week's Alban Weekly:
https://alban.org/2024/07/29/dont-forget-to-slow-down/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=alban_facebook

The pandemic wasn't the first crisis the church has faced, and it won't be our last. So how do we best prepare for whatever’s next? From this week's Alban Weekly: https://alban.org/2024/07/22/be-ready-for-the-next-crisis/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fl_facebook

From our partner organization, Faith and Leadership: Gun violence is not theoretical. Its banality has eroded our consciousness, our well-being. We’ve plugged the bullet holes and prayed that the violence will stay away. But it hasn’t.

I need Jesus to show me how to live with these new holes.

Alaina Kleinbeck: I need the hole-ridden Jesus in this hole-ridden world Jesus is present with us amid the gun violence that pierces our world, teaching us by example how to live with this reality.

For some, too much celebration may feel frivolous: perhaps less spiritual than, say, a Bible study or a well-planned worship service. However, as we examine the Scriptures, it becomes clear that God loves a good party.

https://alban.org/2024/07/15/make-room-for-celebration/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=alban_facebook

A great article from our partner organization, Faith & Leadership:

A church offers training in faith and finance Kingdom Fellowship AME Church helps its members thrive through financial literacy classes that help build economic stability and faithful generosity.

When you begin to lead in an established role or institution, you will likely inherit both gifts and responsibilities. But how do you approach problems you didn't create? From this week's Alban Weekly: https://alban.org/2024/07/08/whats-your-problem/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=alban_facebook

The idea of being humble may sound like an affront to our sense of self-worth, but the opposite is true. Humility may enhance our psychological well-being and improve our interpersonal relationships. And in potentially divisive times, the practice of humility is essential to leadership. Today's Alban Weekly: https://alban.org/2024/07/01/the-courage-to-be-humble/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fl_facebook

Doing intergenerational ministry well requires that those with power and positions practice radical hospitality, making room for the voices and visions that are not being heard. https://alban.org/2024/06/24/intergenerational-ministry-is-countercultural/

Congregations cannot afford to think of themselves as stand-alone institutions.

Today's Alban Weekly: https://alban.org/2024/06/17/congregations-need-partners/

Starting in a new ministry role is hard work. Set yourself up to do it well. https://alban.org/2024/06/10/managing-pastoral-transitions/

Lay ministry is an opportunity to serve and grow.

Today's Alban Weekly: https://alban.org/2024/06/03/cultivate-lay-leadership/

Perhaps the most powerful antidote to emotional exhaustion is the practice of self-compassion: the radical act of extending grace to ourselves. https://alban.org/2024/05/20/the-gift-of-self-compassion/

To strengthen your leadership, think about the stories you would like your church to tell five or 10 years from now.

Today's Alban Weekly: https://alban.org/2024/05/13/you-have-a-story-to-tell/

In the season finale of "Leading and Thriving in the Church," Prince talks with Anna Carter Florence, professor of preaching at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia: https://alban.org/2024/05/09/anna-carter-florence-living-with-the-text/

Understanding the issues that complicate change can help us avoid common mistakes -- and have a better chance of seeing ministry flourish.

Today's Alban Weekly: https://alban.org/2024/05/06/why-change-efforts-may-not-work/

In the newest episode of "Leading and Thriving in the Church," Prince talks with Otis Moss III, Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois. https://alban.org/2024/05/02/otis-moss-iii-thriving-in-turbulent-times/

Having a shared theological understanding of faith and finances will change the way we discuss everything from staff compensation to building repair and renovation.

Today's Alban Weekly: https://alban.org/2024/04/29/money-matters/

In the newest episode of "Leading and Thriving in the Church," Prince sits down with David Armijo, Chief of Programs at Hispanic Access Foundation, to talk about managing conflict on teams, having courageous conversations with volunteers and more! https://https://alban.org/2024/04/25/david-armijo-invest-in-your-people/

We need both God-given gifts and well-developed skills to flourish and make an impact.

Today's Alban Weekly: https://alban.org/2024/04/22/beyond-spiritual-gifts/

In this week's episode of "Leading and Thriving in the Church," Prince talks with Nicole Martin, Chief Impact Officer at Christianity Today and founder of Soulfire International Ministries. https://alban.org/2024/04/18/nicole-martin-reframing-power/

Our congregations and friendships can witness to the transformative love of God as we demonstrate what true community is.

Today's Alban Weekly: https://alban.org/2024/04/15/called-to-community/

In the newest episode of "Leading and Thriving in the Church," Prince talks with David P. King, director of Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, about giving trends in congregations, what churches with strong stewardship cultures have in common, and more! https://alban.org/2024/04/11/david-p-king-reimagining-giving-traditions/

How are we reimagining traditional models of church in response to the shifting dynamics of society?

Today's Alban Weekly: https://alban.org/2024/04/08/reimagine-traditional-models-of-church/

"Leading and Thriving in the Church" is back! In this episode, Prince talks with Tod Bolsinger, senior congregational strategist and associate professor of leadership formation at Fuller Seminary: https://alban.org/2024/04/04/tod-bolsinger-navigating-change/

We may not find the right answer until we ask enough of the right kind of questions.

Today's Alban Weekly: https://alban.org/2024/04/01/are-questions-the-answer/

The next season of “Leading and Thriving in the Church” is coming soon! The first episode will release next week.

In the meantime, you can catch up on last season’s episodes, including conversations with Dr. David Goatley, president of Fuller Seminary, and Ruth Haley Barton, founder of the Transforming Center: https://alban.org/category/podcast/

Maybe it’s time to measure leadership success by the number of people we prepared to replace us rather than the number of years we served.

Today’s Alban Weekly: https://alban.org/2024/03/25/mentoring-as-stewardship/

As we lead the people whom God has called us to serve, let’s remember to examine ourselves.

Today's Alban Weekly: https://alban.org/2024/03/18/leader-know-thyself/

Where do you need to practice resistance in ministry for the sake of the kingdom or your own soul?

Today's Alban Weekly: https://alban.org/2024/03/11/leadership-as-resistance/