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…eloquent lips are stilled. His knowledge ranged widely and his prophetic wisdom penetrated deeply into human affairs. Now that knowledge and that wisdom have been transcended as he shares in…
…through the committee. While it is logical for a program committee to have input into hiring or evaluating a staff member responsible for their area of ministry, every employee should…
…this relationship as a team. It is one of the most significant staff relationships in the church and one of the most critical components in any church’s realization of its…
…The time has come that the Black preacher must be able to do more than just preach. The time has come that the preacher must literally put their “faith in…
…it is you want to receive. I would suggest getting knowledge of the political landscape that surrounds your faith community. If you’re pastoring a church, and you don’t know who…
…longer a church has been in existence, the less knowledgeable it is about its community and the less connected it becomes with that community. There are exceptions, of course. But…
…distant audiences first and asking “What do they want to know?” and “What communication methods will reach them?” Community members. Community members are most likely to form an impression based…
…relational bonds. Online communication has created virtual communities in which people can tell their own stories. Leadership looks different as well. People are more open to learning from a colleague…
…search for meaning in life. There is a change of focus when it comes to why new Christians decide to join the church. The friendships recede in importance for this…
…suburban, long-established, relatively new, etc.) requiring distinctive sets of competencies. These competencies, once identified, become the criteria for assessing potential appointees. There are ways to discern these competencies drawing from…
…and pastoral practice even more than an administrative and financial one. When (not if) pushback comes, be steadfast in communicating that the vision from which the church leadership is working…
…combine to raise hard questions. How long can we go on like this? Fail to connect with those outside our doors? Afford our pastor? Keep up this building? Not everything…
…they respond to expectations — both real and self-imposed — that come from the subjective standards that typify congregational life. Leaders should pay attention to research because they are concerned…
…the congregation. Listen to build community In Ed Wimberly’s book African American Pastoral Care, he argues that storytelling is one of the strongest approaches to restoring relational practices within the…
…important way to prepare for Christmas Eve visitors isn’t hanging the greens, lighting candles, or passing out invitations. Instead, it involves preparing our hearts — not just for the coming…
…people to make reasoned decisions to belong and grow. People Want Freedom Every human being wants to be free. Nothing threatens our sense of liberty more than believing we have…
Church consultant Susan Beaumont shares four leadership practices that can help a congregation prepare when their pastor is getting ready to leave. Approaching the situation honestly and communicating openly can…
…willing to serve on labor intensive, slow moving committees. They are attracted to micro-projects with fast turnaround times and more focused commitments. Streamlined Structures For a long time we have…
…and your own commitment, you can truly build bridges among God’s human diversity toward a Beloved Community. Call on creativity. Open your mind to possible options by engaging more minds…
…age, financial support of the institution, and so on. Title and position may allow you to make decisions and give commands. But influence is required to move a community in…
…knowledge need to be reflected in the congregation’s worship practice. On the other hand, the values and traditions of the congregation need to be honored. But there is often a…
…are more commonly understood? 2. Intergenerational explanation. Do you take the time to explain more complex language, even words that might seem commonplace in church? If not, then add a…
…Related Resources Staying Attuned to Your Community by Lovett H. Weems, Jr. Your Community is Your Congregation by Joe Daniels Organizing a Missional COMMUNITY by Doug Powe And Hal Knight…
…GO! The Great Commission isn’t about bringing people into the church building and properly Christianizing them. It’s about a community of learners, going out together, becoming, and making disciples as…
…without putting in the work.” The fear of throwing the ball to the emerging generation often comes down to not knowing them enough to trust them. Some of these negative…
…has clearly articulated the pastor’s responsibilities and priorities can easily be swayed by individual members who complain that the pastor isn’t visiting enough or doesn’t come to coffee hour or…
…to help rebuild communities. And then, they began to ask about why poor communities remain food deserts. Let’s minister to whole communities. Our goal should be missional relationships, not mission…
…new things. You can never over communicate how things are going. Collaboration. If we expand the range of measurements to include morale, discipleship growth, prayer vitality, biblical competency, mission engagement,…
…and a particular church. 1. Competencies-Duties Alignment The first is competencies-duties alignment, which refers to whether a pastor has the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience needed to undertake the duties…
…sense of empowerment to use their common sense, immediate resources, and imagination to not only meet the need but change a life. Give them examples by telling stories. 4. Do…
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.
