Musings on Spiritual Matters

by Matthew Morine

Review of “Managing the Congregation”

Matthew | January 28, 2010

I read a ton of books concerning congregational leadership and management.  All of the books I have read on this topic, this one is the best.  It was recommended by Everett Huffard.  I read this book for research into the dissertation I am writing.  This book is one of the best for an eldership, a [...]

Yes, I Went to the Pool and SAW!

Matthew | January 27, 2010

Charity was going out with two of the spiritual giants in the congregation Tuesday morning.  These two ladies are some of the most spiritual and uplifting women in the congregation.  They drank coffee and was filled with the Spirit.  During this morning, I took the kids to the local pool.  It is at the gym [...]

Preacher’s Parking Spot

Matthew | January 26, 2010

I was reading a book about ministers, well about pastors, and you all know about those terms.  In the book, it was talking about ministers having an assigned or special parking spot.  Some of the preachers wanted to give this practice up but some in the congregation were opposed to this.  The reasoning was that [...]

Review of “Attaching Chess”

Matthew | January 25, 2010

Well, I have been playing chess again.  This is always a fun time.  It seems that I go on chess kicks for a time and than stop for a while.  This time I made it up to 1638 before being defeated.  Not bad, but not really playing at that level yet.  Anyway, this is a [...]

Understanding the Church’s Mission

Matthew | January 22, 2010

The church exists by mission as fire exists by burning.  To understand the church’s mission, there are three foundational questions the congregation must first ask.  Peter F. Drucker, was the first to suggest these questions.  He states that “these questions are so rarely asked–at least in a clear and sharp form–and so rarely given adequate [...]

Review of “Fatherhood”

Matthew | January 21, 2010

This is an older book by Bill Cosby.  The book takes a humorous look at the nature of fatherhood in this world.  A lot has changed for dads over the last few decades.  At one time, a father had little interactions with his kids, but today a father is expected to be a “good dad.”  [...]

The Improper Focus on Growth

Matthew | January 20, 2010

Sometimes a minister feels the pressure to “grow the congregation” and to “keep the contribution up.”  Because of these underlining pressures, the minister feels the anxiety for a decline in the church.  If the congregation is declining, often the members will point at the elders or minister, and the elders will point at the minister.  [...]

Review of “Outstanding!”

Matthew | January 19, 2010

John Miller is an accomplished author and consultant in the business world.  His previous book “QBQ” was an exceptional work on identifying empowerment thinking.  He continues the linage of thought provoking and insightful works in this text.  The book identifies the 47 ways to make an organization better.  This book is packed with helpful information.  [...]

Guidelines to Function in a Unhealthy Congregation

Matthew | January 14, 2010

Sometimes congregations can change from a state of health to dysfunction.  When this occurs, the minister must be aware of his actions in order for him not to be influenced in a negative way.  Here are some simple ways to remain healthy in an unhealthy environment.
1. Be a non-anxious presence.  This means that the minister [...]

Level of Community

Matthew | January 13, 2010

What is the level of community in your congregation?  Most people are seeking an intimate level of community in the church.  Here are four levels of community:
Pseudocommunity: This is a congregation that desires community to the point that it rather pretend or make believe that they have created an instant community.  The members are pleasant, [...]