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Christianity--Tips for Ministers/Expert Profile
Expertise
I will answer questions about strategic planning, conflict management, fund raising, and clergy transition in synagogues and churches.
Experience in the area
I have fifteen years' experience assisting congregations as a consultant and denominational official. As a Senior Consultant for the Alban Institute I work with a wide range of churches and synagogues across North America. Previously I served 12 years as a parish minister.
Organizations
Society for Professionals in Dispute Resolution.
Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association
Publications
Ministry and Money: A Guide for Clergy and Their Friends (Alban, 2002).
Congregations: the Alban Institute Journal.
The Journal of Unitarian Universalist History.
Education/Credentials
B.A. Oberlin College
M.Div. Harvard University
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response T = Timeliness P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | T | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrell Pugh | 03/12/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank You Much! |
| Lee | 10/20/08 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks for your guidance...I will consult ..... |
| Concerned leader (non-minister) | 09/23/08 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you. There are some things to ..... |
| courtney | 08/30/08 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | thank you sooo much. i will really ..... |
| Joyce | 08/02/07 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Recent Answers from Dan Hotchkiss
2009-07-29 new building:
Religious exemption from property tax is a complex matter of state and local law, so your main resource will be your local taxing authorities and an attorney experienced with such matters locally. In
2009-03-12 Starting a ministry:
Greetings, You are right to hesitate before accepting gifts till you are sure your donors can deduct them. You may also want your ministry to be exempt from state and local taxes. Here is a website
2008-12-19 starting a church:
Jacob, Under the First Amendment you are free to organize a church without any particular government paperwork. If you would like your church's donors to deduct their gifts, or if you would like
2008-08-29 calling help:
Thank you for telling more about your experience. It may be a sign that you will be a pastor--or you may find yourself using your gifts of speech, writing, and interpretation in ways you have yet to imagine
2008-08-29 calling help:
Going to college opens many doors, and I would encourage you to do that if you can. Most people don't end up doing what they feel called to do at 15--but some do. College will put you in a good position
Answers by Expert:
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