Galvin and Associates

White Papers

The Five Types of Governance in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (And How to Improve Each Type)

By James C. Galvin, Ed.D.

SUMMARY: The five types of governance include voters’ assembly, parish planning council, parallel boards, managing boards, and governing boards. There is no one best way to structure governance because different size congregations flourish under different governance models.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ten Moves for Dealing with the 800 Barrier
(And Why it Matters to Larger Congregations)

By James C. Galvin, Ed.D.

SUMMARY: The 800 barrier refers to the difficulties that congregations face as worship attendance approaches 800 on a weekend. As a congregation grows beyond 400, it faces increasing complexity that produces a variety of problems and issues. Identifying issues and making adjustments in these ten key areas will reduce blockages to natural growth.

 

 

 

 

 

Why so Many Lutheran Schools are Struggling
(And How to Stop the Bleeding)

By James C. Galvin, Ed.D.

SUMMARY: Far too many LCMS grade schools are dealing with low enrollment and unable to raise tuition in the current economy. Often, the congregation is straining under heavy subsidy level that is growing. Instead of accepting slow decline, there are creative alternatives for helping struggling schools remain open and financially viable.