Clergy in our time are called upon to serve as counselors, executives, healers, social activists, and personal friends. Not surprisingly, one of the greatest sources of stress for clergy is the dual or multiple relationship. One person may be both a counselee and congregation treasurer, or want the clergyperson to serve both as an authority and peer. Knowing how multiple relationships cause stress, and how to simplify them, can help clergy to be more effective and less exhausted. Clergy Leadership for Institutional Change.
Clergy entering a congregation often have a conscious or unconscious plan to change things.
Whether the contemplated change is a new building or shift in theology, it will inevitably inspire resistance. Depending on the clergyperson's attitude toward conflict, the result may be a split in the congregation, defeat and depression for the clergyperson, or anything between. Knowing how to lay the groundwork, cast the necessary roles, and introduce change over a period of time can make all the difference. Criticism in the Congregation. Criticism is a congregational constant.