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…article by Doug Powe, originally published on December 5, 2018. Lewis Center Director Doug Powe says biblical evangelism is characterized by four key practices — proclamation, community, service, and witness….
…4. Consistent practices The next component of healthy communication is the alignment of what we do with what we say. If you don’t see this consistency as important to communication,…
How can congregations more effectively practice fruitful ministry? In this episode Bishop Robert Schnase discusses his revised book, Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, with Lewis Center Director F. Douglas Powe….
…with scripture, and have never once stepped inside a church? The culture provides an ever-increasing number of competing activities on Sundays that are more compelling than church attendance. When people…
…we do not see the church in the same way. Evidence of these statements is found in research conducted by several churches taking part in the Wesley Innovation Hub, an…
…want to calculate what percentage of your total giving comes from pledges. If you discover, for example, that the amount is typically 80 percent, this gives a basis to estimate…
…alternative faith communities that combine religious practice with a “church plus” factor — a dedicated focus on some unique aspect of their church’s cultural DNA like gardening, table fellowship, artistic…
A new type of congregation is emerging that combines religious practice with a distinctive element of local culture or community identity, such as artistic expression, missional engagement, table fellowship, or…
How can churches grow beyond simply engaging in political activism and instead practice “sacred resistance?” In this episode Lewis Center Associate Director Ann A. Michel speaks with Ginger Gaines-Cirelli, pastor…
…put in the new perspective of the common center of Jesus Christ. Unity comes through respect for others as valued children of God. Indeed, all true inclusion comes as a…
…an opportunity for congregations to do communal soul searching. What are those things we as a congregation need to give up or take on during the season of Lent? This…
…a net. Everything I say is being interpreted and analyzed for things I never even thought about. Joshua and the battle of Jericho has become a commentary on whether or…
…ministry charting, community or church diagnostics, demographic data such as U.S. Census and Mission Insight data, asset mapping, community assessments, and ministry-by-walking-around — to help in the process of ministry…
…of the religious/spiritual/secular sensibilities in the everyday lives of contemporary Americans yet to emerge.” Using qualitative research through interviews, observation, and diaries over a period of time, Ammerman examines a…
…or awe-inspiring. Our research and a huge body of research in neuroscience, medicine and the social sciences tells us that the daily practice of mindfulness or contemplative activities is fundamental…
…and intelligent speech that stands up to injustice and challenges complacency. The term “backtalk” is borrowed from African American commentator bell hooks. Willhauck describes backtalk as a form of dialogue,…
…a sense, it was a bit comforting to think that those who no longer attend church or practice their religion publicly are still personally spiritual and attuned to the things…
…substitute forever for the neglect of the basics on which all giving depends — changed lives and transformed communities. The Solution is Simple but Slow Why do growing churches have…
…those themes and emphases of the Wesleyan movement that can best inform the practice of ministry today, and to seek to grow into them. In order to achieve this, Weems…
…part of your community. Our church wants to serve the whole community so I wanted to meet you.” After getting over the shock of having a new pastor visit, everything…
…as an after-church picnic or ice cream social, or plan special events that piggy back on popular community events, like the county fair or the community 4th of July celebration….
…special days during the year as one means to sustain and increase attendance. It is a common practice among many growing churches to have Sundays during the year with a…
…by recent research from Vanco Payment Solutions, there’s a “giving gap” in the church at large. In short, compared to what congregations offer, many more people would prefer to give…
…by Yvi Marti Community Outreach Essential to Launch New Worship Site by Junius B. Dotson Taking Church to the Community Video Tool Kit Connect with Your Neighbors Video Tool Kit…
…of the Episcopal Church. Related Resources: 50 Ways to Welcome New People Church as an Uncommon Community by Henry G. Brinton Ten Best Practice Tips for Hospitality Teams by Fiona…
…a community choir. But why is it important that the congregation’s song be supported, instead of just focusing on the church choir’s musical success? Choral musicians know that we become…
…leaders who care deeply about the effectiveness of the church’s mission. She interprets evaluation as “collaborative inquiry” in which projects, goals, activities, and results are analyzed as a practice of…
…for a more comprehensive, structured approach to financial education can explore commercially available study curricula, video resources, and comprehensive training modules. The most basic programs tend to address spending, budgeting,…
…be different post-pandemic. The core functions and teachings of a religious community will remain the same. Pastoral care, teaching the faith, leading worship, and mission to the community are a…
…material, emotional, and spiritual support is needed. 2. Know what community resources are available. Those who want to minister to the needs of the children in a community should be…
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.
