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…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…
…Your Church (Market Square Books, 2020) by Ken Willard and Kelly Brown. Used by permission. The book is available at Cokesbury and Amazon. Related Resources More Church Leaders | Strong…
…The Nicene Creed’s definition of the church as “one, holy, catholic and apostolic” community was de-emphasized. In the 20th century, pastoral identity changed from pedagogue to professional. In the 1960s…
…times. Finally, it is important to understand that the Bible’s scriptural injunctions regarding wealth are situation specific. The book of Proverbs, for example, addresses a social setting of relative prosperity….
…Methodist studies: Methodist Identity — Part 1: Our Story; Part 2: Our Beliefs | Wesleyan Studies Project — Series I: Methodist History; Series II: Methodist Doctrine; Series III: Methodist Evangelism…
…not lavishly, mind you, only generously — they could transform the world, starting right away.… They could generate, over and above what they currently give, a total of another $133.4…
…the hard but essential work of reaching out to the community, forging new connections, getting to know people, listening, earning trust, taking risks, and learning from mistakes. Listen, read, or…
…and Leadership, 4th ed. (Jossey-Bass, 2010), I learned what it means to look at a congregation through its artifacts, espoused values, and goes-without-saying assumptions. Schein prepares leaders to read corporate…
…and How to Stop Them (Baker Books, 2022) by Chris Sonksen. Used by permission. The book is available at Baker Books, Cokesbury, and Amazon. Related Resources 5 Ground Rules for…
…up to what God is doing. Adapted from Cultural Competency: Partnering with Your Neighbors in Your Ministry Expedition (Market Square Books, 2021) by Paul Nixon. Used by permission. The book…
…lot, but some churches seeing year-over-year growth again. And to me that’s encouraging and that we’re celebrating. At the same time, there’s no doubt about it, many churches are not…
…invited to join God’s mission in their community? The second component was community need. What were the needs in their community? What were the hopes in their community? And what…
…leadership,” she said, but it must be applied. She regretted that, for many, the church had become a “cloistered setting for escape” rather than a base for applying Christ’s principles…
…the community. Simply say, “If you’re out of work or suffering a financial setback, this is our time to help. You’re always welcome at this church, even if you can’t…
…heavy lifting of editing content. 4. Use images or videos. They’re worth 1,000-plus words, right?! Plus, the algorithms will love you. Just ensure they tell or extend a compelling story….
…or misconduct before an incident arises. He says honesty, accountability, and resources can help prevent misconduct. #MeToo, a social media movement that began in November 2017, has ignited awareness of…
…attended, too! Those in attendance shared their stories. We were truly able to share this saint’s life. I offered prayers, read scripture, gave a commendation, and we sang “Amazing Grace”…
…storytelling, and spiritual discipline. Apart from informal mentoring relationships, however, there has been no resource specifically designed to impart collected presidential wisdom. Douglass Lewis, Lovett Weems, and the four dozen…
…regularly, they feel appreciated, valued, and needed — which makes them more likely to support ministry with their time, talents, and financial support. To accomplish this, churches need a thank…
…old when he died. His eyesight was sharp; he still walked with a spring in his step.” (Deut. 34:7 The Message) Baby Boomers in all fields face the question of…
…In grad school, I nearly had to be committed when I had to pass not one but two statistics classes. But I’ve come to learn an important fact: numbers can…
…you still. Very plain, like “hola,” hello. Very simple and direct, like “yo necesito,” I need. Very easy to remember, like “te adoro” I love you. Isn’t it sad that…
…we come or go we can celebrate “Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Heb. 13:8) Related Resources Keeping Campus Ministry Graduates Connected to Church Jan Rivero…
…and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). Fast-forward to the present day. Does a homogeneous church unnecessarily confuse the…
…(that hurt since I’m “only 43”) think linearly, but Mosaics (my preferred name for this generation) think in webs. Every line interacts with, informs, and influences every other line. Injustice…
…two outstanding reminders for all who would be Christian leaders whether in church, home, workplace, or society. Related Resources: Changes Congregations Are Facing Today eBook by Lovett H. Weems, Jr….
…looking for something beyond friendliness. They are looking for relationships. They are looking for a place to belong. Online Most likely, hospitality begins online. Yes, online! What kind of first…
Rebuilt: Awakening the Faithful, Reaching the Lost, Making Church Matter by Michael White and Tom Corcoran, Ave Maria Press, 2013. This book will surprise you in many ways. It…
…Spirit leads us, we are acting with the values, role, vocational calling, and other preparation that brings us to the present moment. In real-time ministry, out-of-the-moment feelings and gut responses…
…things?” And he said, “Well, I think God will just open the doors, and I’ll trust that that will work out.” And I said, “Well, God might open doors now,…
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.
