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…believe about diversity in keeping with the mission of Christ. As multiculturalism takes hold, there will be a greater need for leaders with intercultural competency. Intercultural competency is a set…
…as announcements and “free” advertising. The way most of us got started on social media and online ministry was to see digital channels as announcements, billboards, and free advertising that…
…perceived, but there is no real comprehension or effort to understand. Listening, by contrast, is much more difficult and requires discipline and effort. Examples of listening in Scripture Scripture is…
…the lives of those around you and the expectations not only of the congregation but in judicatories and other community activities. On your podcast, you talked about the importance of…
Luke Edwards says we can explore our communities with the same spiritual practices that deepen our understanding of God’s Word. He has adapted the practice of Lectio Divina as a…
…be in relationship with ALL persons. Make a good first impression. Convey a clear invitation and a statement of welcome in all communications directed at the external community — advertisements,…
…the doors were open. Even when the wars came — the doors were opened. Even when the tornado came through, toppling trees and blowing away roofs — the church stayed…
…have a jazz musician who comes in and practices throughout the week. And we get a twofer. He gets to practice. We get to hear great music during the week….
…years. And I think we are not fully grasping all the implications and complications that come in American life because of this change. Ann Michel. In your book you examine…
…to Your Community by Paul Nixon How One-to-One Conversations Reintroduced a Church to its Neighbors by Travis Norvell A Spiritual Approach to Community Assessment by Luke Edwards Image by Freepik…
…sociologist Christian Smith about new research examining how parents shape their children’s faith and the critical factor of talking about religion in the context of day-to-day life. Listen to this…
…up this wonderful practice of “sunshine.” Can you describe this practice for our listeners and perhaps give us an example or two of how this has impacted your ministry? Tyler…
…many. Jesus was a hero maker, and his example challenges us to be the same. With these five practices, God will use you to change the world. Each practice depends…
…agency that knows the needs and the sensitivities. Another great example is United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) relief supplies — in great demand when natural disasters happen (and replenishing…
…opera company, a jazz combo, a trombone choir, and a blues band use our sanctuary as practice space. On most days, a local jazz pianist is practicing on our baby…
…Distraction: Four Simple Habits for Turning Down the Noise (Zondervan, 2019) by Clay Scroggins. Used by permission of Zondervan, www.zondervan.com. The book is available at Cokesbury and Amazon. Related Resources…
One of the least glamorous jobs of any church leader is attending board or committee meetings. Understanding the purpose, vision, and goals of each ministry board or committee is immensely…
…in the Small Church (Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2021) by Dr. Roy L. Spore. www.wipfandstock.com. The book is also available at Cokesbury and Amazon. Related Resources The 5 P’s of…
…interact and ask open-ended questions: How did that happen? Or how did we get here? Tell me what happened. An open-ended question opens things up, lets people talk, and separates…
…research with those beginning ministry suggest that mentoring is one of the most helpful developmental tools available to clergy in their early years. In fact, survey research conducted over a…
…are often known for the difficulties they pose to developers, many will approve zoning changes if presented with a compelling case that the proposed change will benefit the community. Of…
…Judson Press, www.judsonpress.com. Related Resources Making Outsiders Feel like Insiders by Molly Phinney Baskette 50 Ways to Welcome New People, a free Lewis Center Resource Be the Welcoming Church Video…
…them what to bring (chairs and a picnic lunch) and mentioned communion would also be available. As an additional incentive, we offered free rides on the mini-train in the park….
…the heart of what it means to be in communion with each other. Ignoring this investment cheapens our practice of communion. In communion, we not only share the loaf, but…
…members. Now they have left. They did not go to other churches. They stopped going to church completely. Sometimes these persons are referred to as the “dechurched.” Schultz points to…
…activity. Sometimes it’s “Veggie Tales” videos, and sometimes it’s free passes to the community pool. Word-of-mouth is usually sufficient to draw people in for free food and fun. We’ve also…
As you work with pastors and congregations anticipating transitions, I want to remind you of these free resources from the Lewis Center: 50 Ways to Improve Pastoral Transitions 50 Ways…
The Lewis Center offers a range of resources for pastors and congregations anticipating transitions, including these free downloads. 50 Ways to Improve Pastoral Transitions 50 Ways to Welcome a New…
The Lewis Center offers a range of resources for pastors and congregations anticipating transitions, including these free downloads. 50 Ways to Improve Pastoral Transitions 50 Ways to Welcome a New…
…What are examples of potential bridge events? It might be a community trick or treat or egg hunt, or perhaps a carnival or community play day, a free community swim…
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.
