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…| In-depth interview Close Generation Gaps, Deepen Relationships by Laura Buchanan 5 Compass Points Guide Character Formation and Lifelong Discipleship for Youth by Kara Powell, Jen Bradbury, and Brad Griffin…
…over the past decade. If we want to see younger, more diverse people come through our doors, we need to look upon ministry settings as more than geographic locales. Yet…
…what ways did worship components offer or hinder the Holy Spirit? What are the specific action points needed to improve in the future? Nelson Searcy uses the following questions at…
…Wheatley distinguishes between a traditional “linear” view of vision and a “circular” view, which she sees as more compatible with today’s world. The linear view points to a future destination…
…Practices of Fruitful Congregations, a new book by United Methodist Bishop Robert Schnase, describes five foundational practices to help congregations be fruitful in ministry to their members and in service…
…but ineffective CEO, the company’s growth fell short of its potential and morale was sinking. The story of Casey’s company sounds a lot like the life-cycle of a local church…
…studies. In one, the performance of team members was measured by the ratio of positive comments to negative comments made by team members. In this study, the ratio for the…
…among persons already living in the country. Frey also points out that popular conceptions of where people of color live do not always match reality. For example, a majority of…
Lovett H. Weems, Jr., writes that effective leaders are never free from problems. In fact, as they make progress, they are likely to confront more complex and consequential problems. So,…
…data storage, and other digital platforms can be maintained with integrity through the change of clergy leadership. Comings and goings in a digital age can be a complex affair. Some…
…their sense of anonymity and personal privacy in worship — to help them blend in and feel comfortable without attracting undue attention. There is an urgency fueling churches these days….
…of building beloved community. Related Resources “Rooted in Place — Committed to the City,” a Leading Ideas Talks podcast episode featuring Bill Lamar 5 Key Practices for Connecting with Your…
…many people and many tactics to complete the mission of the church: to save lives and set people free through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many leaders will be a…
…of Younger Clergy in the UMC: Young Clergy and Candidates Speak Out is Wednesday, October 21 at noon Eastern time. Register free now at https://wesleyseminary.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Y8vMr5gSQAGfPq348kGUOg. Panelists …
Lewis Center resources guide you in strengthening your personal leadership and renewing your congregation. These are our most popular free and purchased resources of the year, plus a free PDF…
Are your church members kept busy doing committee work they are neither gifted for nor excited about? Andy Lunt and Ted Brown say congregations can free people to serve more…
…can be a high-impact, low-budget way to build a supportive, nurturing community for young families. In the New York state community where I serve, young adults comprise 25% of the…
…job officially belongs to the finance committee. But finance committees have many other responsibilities and are often populated with people more skilled in financial management than fundraising. The number one…
…UMC) decided to reach out to a wide segment of our community, located near Nashville, by offering a “drive thru” imposition of Ashes. We set up on the roadside along…
…a new roof? Your project group stalled over personal differences? Political differences hijacking the fellowship hall? We invite you to attend a free in-person, one-day workshop on constructive conflict intervention…
…in my head rent free, and they play repeatedly and remind me of places where I’ve fallen short. My holy friends will hear those stories and they’ll come alongside me…
…and through programs (ministries) based on those policies. Pastoral Management — Excellent church management leads by example. If the pastor sets a conflict-free example and a well-organized model, the church…
…together inspire and free the leadership team to perform with excellence while maintaining solid relationships. 1. Focus on purpose, the invisible leader of your team. Great teams pursue a shared…
A phrase made popular by management writer Philip Crosby is “quality is free.” It reminds us that efforts to ensure that work is done right do not cost us time…
…free, and it will set others around you free as well. I have had the opportunity to enter many dramatically different places …. Here are some bits of wisdom I…
…consensus takes a large amount of dedicated buy-in up front, as those involved must commit to making a decision that’s best for the group as a whole, instead of competing…
…it frees participants from the fear that they will be labeled (for example, sexist, racist, homophobic). For instance, when we are worried a comment will offend someone, we might say,…
Mike Bonem says that the simple solution to ministry leaders feeling overloaded and overwhelmed is to delegate more. Our most common excuses for failing to delegate don’t really stand up….
…mission. Communication is one of a leader’s most important responsibilities and most powerful tools. Even though effective communication is known to be vital, it is frequently overlooked or poorly executed….
…new area of ministry. If the church is in disunity, it must come together first. When the church loves the traditions of men more than the commands of God, it…
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.
