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…networks to much more personal means of communicating, especially texting. Text messaging, as an outreach and communication tool, is HUGE! I believe rather strongly that we should stop asking people…
Joel Snider says church leaders need new skills to move people toward common goals in a time when conflict surrounds so many church decisions. Rather than leading by force, he…
…have observed an interesting dynamic or tension within the pastors’ autobiographies. Many of them tell compelling and even inspiring stories about how they ended up in ministry. A common feature…
…build a church around themselves. But the problem is actually far more innocent and widespread than that. Here’s the challenge: Many pastors have great communication skills, and even more have…
…ministry, it is important to ensure staff members are compensated well for their gifts and experience. Consult church salary reports provided by churchsalary.com and other organizations. Also consider the cost-of-living…
…a personnel committee — who are on the front line in dealing with allegations, complaints, or suspicions. How can we better prepare such leaders to respond to abuse and misconduct?…
…thanks. Annual giving plan. If your congregation asks for members to indicate their giving plan for the coming year, make sure the letter acknowledging this commitment includes a word of…
…and to advance the common good and the gospel? How can they bless the community but at the same time generate some measure of sustainable or profitable income? In the…
…I learned early on that they’re not going to delay the Super Bowl because I can’t come up with a good idea for a TV commercial. So, pressure has been…
…without them. And neither personality is wrong. We need both types on our team. I’ve had to learn to communicate in different ways and let others assist me in communicating,…
…A brilliant congregation member said, “Why don’t we just get some play money? I’ll come and I’ll spend an hour a day.” They would count money. They would come up…
…communication will set the tone for your church or ministry. The first narrative emphasizes survival. Phrases like “hunker down” or “conserve resources” or “circle the wagons” characterize this narrative. This…
The start of the school year is a great time to roll out the welcome mat for families and children. The following tips come from the Lewis Center’s 50 Ways…
…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….
…of these congregations. I identified eleven prevailing qualities that characterized most, if not all, of the faith communities I visited. A smaller church that applies itself to realizing these common…
…to catch your breath. It’s a good time to reflect on what you want to do to increase the generosity of your congregation in the coming year and plan a…
…in our culture are endless. We don’t have to compete. If we try, we will almost certainly lose. Our research highlighted that faith communities offer something different. Slick is no…
…to eliminate some good things because they are competing with and distracting you from the best things for your limited time, resources, and energy. We all know that there are…
…demand. They have also helped us manage fire code regulations. Eventbrite is an inexpensive and easy solution. Having tickets helps drive decisions and commitments to attending. 8. Love your community…
…more busy and complex. Don’t continue scheduling events just because you’ve always done them. You will help more people take next steps without pulling them in too many directions. That…
…age of the community you serve, chances are your services are less appealing to young people than you may realize. I remember a comment made by a woman in her…
…with that growth in competence can come reduction in anxiety and a sense of personal liberation and empowerment as leaders. Wesley Theological Seminary has developed a set of free resources…
You can support the mission of the Lewis Center whenever you shop Cokesbury.com, and it won’t cost you a cent. Simply enter the sites through the link below, and whenever…
…was such an important part of your lives. We were very, very close to our previous faith community; and it’s hard to think of anywhere else coming close. Or maybe…
…early and reinforced often. The most common way that I see tithing taught to children is simply by grownups giving children a quarter to put in the offering plate. This…
…Heifetz and John Kotter have applied to other organizations. Conghttps://www.churchleadership.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=2849&action=editregations do not like change and will try to avoid it. Congregations prefer easy answers to facing the anxiety of real…
…of every sermon. If you want to emulate him, you have bigger problems. Every once in a while you may come across a good joke to tell but use those…
…comments like these: “I have never been more physically or spiritually drained than I felt coming out of that meeting.” “I want off the staff-parish committee because I never want…
…up” or “It’s time to go deeper,” it communicates we have all the answers, and we think people aren’t OK where they’re starting. They already know they’re not as good…
…a finance committee meeting, what is my role in this meeting? I’m not on the finance committee, I’m not the chair. My role in this story is to be the…
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.
