Category Archives: Ministers

Clergy & Laity: Thoughts on the Last Post, Part 1 (The Preacher Pattern)

As I expected, the readers’ comments on the last post in this series have been insightful, helpful, and utterly inconsistent with each other. The inconsistency is entirely understandable, as I feel a bit conflicted myself. And I admit to a … Continue reading

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Clergy & Laity: What does the preacher do for a living? How many hours does he really work?

Part 1: The annual review It’s the new preacher’s first annual review. The elders are trying hard to be wise and godly, but it’s a business-sort of meeting that’s about business sorts of things. The minister has performed well in … Continue reading

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Clergy & Laity: Introduction

We in the Churches of Christ are about as low church as you can get. We even claim to have no clergy — because every member is a minister. We refuse to allow our preachers to be called “pastor,” and … Continue reading

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Reruns: Hiring the Right Preacher

Church Growth: Hiring the Right Preacher, Part 2 Posted on November 29, 2007 Just for fun, you know, I thought I’d take a look at the latest Abilene Christian College data on preacher salaries in the Churches of Christ. They gather … Continue reading

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Jobs With More Stress Than the Pay Justifies: Preacher and Worship Minister

According to a survey by CNN Money, of the 10 jobs that carry the most stress for the pay received, 2 are found in the ministry professions — 5. Music Ministry Director Median pay: $40,800 % who say their job … Continue reading

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Firing and Hiring Ministers: The Search Committee

I just received an email asking an important question I can’t recall having addressed before. I asked for and received permission to post an edited version of the question — Jay:  I’m a recent convert to your “One in Jesus” … Continue reading

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On Fired Ministers Starting Competing New Churches

[Consider this a draft. I wrestle with the right and wrong of these issues, especially having had first hand experience with this circumstance — and having many friends caught up such situations as well. And so, maybe I’m missing something. … Continue reading

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How Not to Have to Fire Your Preacher: Keeping the Right Guy, Part 2

i. Help your ministers stay out of financial trouble Well, it sounded good when I was typing it. I’m not entirely sure how to do this. Here’s one thought: Every church that’s large enough should have a standing committee of … Continue reading

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How Not to Have to Fire Your Preacher: Keeping the Right Guy, Part 1

If you made a good hire, then you should feel sufficiently invested in the man that you will do what it takes to keep him. Now, ask yourself, as traumatic as leaving is on a family, why would a preacher … Continue reading

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How Not to Have to Fire Your Preacher: Hiring the Right Guy

Well, having told everyone how to fire their preacher, it seems only fair to talk about how to keep him. I mean, firing the preacher is always traumatic for everyone, especially the preacher and his family. And studies show that … Continue reading

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