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…appeared at https://www.churchmarketingsucks.com/2014/05/how-to-communicate-change/. Related Resources: Communication Strategies for Addressing Conflict in Congregations by W. Craig Gilliam “Outside-In Thinking” Improves Church Communication by Ann A. Michel Getting Your Congregation’s Story Right…
…community is the place of God’s caring and sharing. Consider these suggestions: Do Vacation Bible Study in a community center, instead of the church, in cooperation with other community groups…
…likely to feel comfortable joining something new. Recognize different learning styles among individuals and age groups. Older folks tend to be most comfortable with traditional classroom structures. Boomers are inclined…
…impossible to over communicate issues like vision, values, and core strategies. Recently we created banners, book marks, and cool graphics to communicate our church’s current theme, “Unified yet Unique.” When…
…published stewardship module, The Pyramid of Christian Generosity: A Congregational Financial Stewardship Strategy, available at www.pofcg.com. Related Resources: 50 Ways to Improve Your Annual Stewardship Campaign Optimizing Annual Financial Campaigns…
The Bible has much to say about community. In the very act of creating humanity, God initiated community. For community to have the equality that God expects, everyone must have…
…from doing intergenerational programming to thriving as an intergenerational community. Christ-centered community draws us all closer to God. What do you think? GenOn Ministry’s Visioning Tool for Intergenerational Ministry can…
…to find ways to help them deepen their connection to the community. When these various virtual entry and connecting points invite people into authentic relationship, they become something much more…
…and other symbols as they can easily be misinterpreted. When instant communication de-personalizes as easily as it connects, the church can help show the way to genuine relationship and community….
…Ideas Talks podcast featuring Ken Carter and Audrey Warren Taking Church to the Community Video Tool Kit 50 Ways to Take Church to the Community, a free Lewis Center resource…
…during the pandemic and haven’t come back to worship yet are only “one invitation away from returning.” She says one sincere, guilt-free, person-to-person invitation can make all the difference. And…
…a culture that extolls the virtue of self-sufficiency, it can be difficult to acknowledge our ultimate dependence on God’s provision. Having ample resources can leave us with the erroneous assumption…
…toward compromise, even when compromise is not the explicit goal. Flexibility can bring vitality and new possibility. A healthy congregation will make room for differing points of view, without anxiety…
…found that laity who have been in a church a long time love to talk about the life they have enjoyed there. They feel complimented when you ask them lots…
…meaning in each text that even a comma can change its meaning. A diacritical mark can give you something. People don’t practice reading the text in different voices, with different…
How can your congregation function as a community of ministers rather than a community gathered around a single minister? Lydia Bucklin of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan explains the…
How can pastors maximize their effectiveness when it comes to time management? Eric Daniel shares three practices to help pastors work more productively and address time management challenges. “Pastor, I…
What does research reveal about typical church staffing patterns and expenditures? And how can you know if your staffing level is right? Tuesday, October 8, Noon-1 p.m. Eastern Dr. Lovett…
Some of you work with Staff-Parish Relations Committees regularly. Keep in mind some one-page resources that you may want to use or share with them on these topics: Effective and…
…Rev. Benson Roberts.) That was May 1860; in August, the Free Methodist Church was formed based on positions such as freedom from slavery, free pews, freedom from outward ornaments of…
…In this episode Amanda Poppei, Senior Leader of the Washington Ethical Society, describes how her community has made anti-racism work an overarching priority — shaping its identity and congregational practices….
Register Now Learn new perspectives and practices for funding ministry in an increasing challenging environment. Tuesday, February 1, Noon-1:30 p.m. Eastern Even before the pandemic interrupted attendance and giving patterns,…
…to open and end leadership meetings or a short prayer to set the stage before every agenda item, ask God to open new doors and bring new ideas, to anoint…
…the most common pastoral practices — helping people who grieve — can be a source of wisdom for congregational leaders. Drawing principally on the writings of British psychiatrist and psychoanalyst…
…should I spend my time on it? How is it going to make my life and me better? People aren’t open to your change prescription. Of course, we want to…
…do you think? How would you solve it? What else is on your mind? Anything underneath that? What else is bothering you? Feel free to tell me everything. How can…
…to be. I’ve personally struggled with all five at different points in my leadership. 1. Putting far too much pressure on yourself to preach perfectly The task of preparing a…
…Booth to create some fun Instagram moments with dressed up kids and people holding “Join us for Christmas Eve” signs. 7. Sell (free) tickets Tickets, even free tickets, help create…
How can churches partner with other organizations to effectively and comprehensively meet the needs of their community? Jessica Anschutz of the Lewis Center staff speaks with Glorymar Rivera Báez, executive…
This article is reprinted by permission from Leading Ideas, a free e-newsletter from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary available at churchleadership.com.
