Presenters
Dr. Ann A. Michel, associate director of the Lewis Center
Rev. Barbara Miner, associate pastor and director of worship at Floris United Methodist Church in Herndon, Virginia
Rev. Jasmine Smothers, associate director of the office of connectional ministries for the North Georgia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr., distinguished professor of church leadership and director of the Lewis Center
Video Presentations
Changing Patterns of Congregational Engagement (24:35 min)
Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr.
This presentation explores some of the latest findings on why some people become more active while others drift into inactivity, plus actions churches can take to foster greater engagement.
Connecting People to their Purpose (20:14 min)
Rev. Jasmine Smothers
Most people engage with church not because they are motivated to serve the church, but because the church helps them connect with something meaningful and life-changing. This presentation tells how to inspire active engagement by connecting people with a higher purpose.
Narrated Presentations
The Art of Asking (21:19 min)
Dr. Ann A. Michel
Most people get involved because they were asked to do so. Leaders must, therefore, master the “art of asking.” This presentation presents tips and strategies for recruiting and inviting others to serve and lead.
Connecting People through Affinity or Support Groups (21:15 min)
Rev. Barbara Miner
Research suggests that a big difference between active and less active church participants is the number and strength of their relationships within the church. This presentation considers how affinity and support groups can draw less active and new people into relationship with others and greater engagement.
Developing a Year-round Plan for Increasing Engagement (18:18 min)
Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr.
The new realities of engagement require new practices to get and keep people involved. This presentation offers specific ideas for developing a year-round plan to build engagement.
Keeping People Involved (21:23 min)
Dr. Ann A. Michel
Why do some volunteers end up feeling burnt-out or in over their heads? Learn how to keep program participants motivated and happy through recognition, support, and reinforcement.
Missional Outreach as a Way to Build Engagement (20:49 min)
Rev. Jasmine Smothers
People within and beyond the church often find common purpose in serving their neighbors. Learn how mission outreach can motivate people to become active and build relational bridges leading to deeper connection with the church.
Ways to Increase Frequency of Worship Attendance (15:55 min)
Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr.
Most churches report that members are attending less frequently than in the past. This presentation offers specific ways churches can get people more involved through increased worship attendance.
- Instructional Segments
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Changing Patterns of Congregational Engagement
This presentation explores some of the latest findings on why some people become more active while others drift into inactivity, plus actions churches can take to foster greater engagement.
- Video Presentation (24:35 min), Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr., professor of church leadership and director of the Lewis Center
- Outline of Key Points
Connecting People to their Purpose
Most people engage with church not because they are motivated to serve the church, but because the church helps them connect with something meaningful and life-changing. This presentation tells how to inspire active engagement by connecting people with a higher purpose.
- Video Presentation (20:14 min), Rev. Jasmine Smothers, associate director of the office of connectional ministries for the North Georgia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
- Outline of Key Points
The Art of Asking
Most people get involved because they were asked to do so. Leaders must, therefore, master the “art of asking.” This presentation presents tips and strategies for recruiting and inviting others to serve and lead.
- Narrated Presentation (21:19 min), Dr. Ann A. Michel, associate director of the Lewis Center
- Outline of Key Points
- Leading Ideas Article: “Reach More Volunteers”
- Leading Ideas Article: “Remember That We are Working in Sand”
Connecting People through Affinity or Support Groups
Research suggests that a big difference between active and less active church participants is the number and strength of their relationships within the church. This presentation considers how affinity and support groups can draw less active and new people into relationship with others and greater engagement.
- Video Presentation (21:15 min), Rev. Barbara Miner, associate pastor and director of worship at Floris United Methodist Church in Herndon, Virginia
- Outline of Key Points
Developing a Year-round Plan for Increasing Engagement
The new realities of engagement require new practices to get and keep people involved. This presentation offers specific ideas for developing a year-round plan to build engagement.
- Narrated Presentation (18:18 min), Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr., professor of church leadership and director of the Lewis Center
- Outline of Key Points
- Some Listening Session Questions
Keeping People Involved
Why do some volunteers end up feeling burnt-out or in over their heads? Learn how to keep program participants motivated and happy through recognition, support, and reinforcement.
- Narrated Presentation (21:23 min), Dr. Ann A. Michel, associate director of the Lewis Center
Outline of Key Points
- Leading Ideas Article: “Avoiding Lay Ministry Burnout”
- Leading Ideas Article: “Try a Team Approach”
- Leading Ideas Article: “Volunteer Expiration Dates”
- Leading Ideas Article: “Rewarding Leadership”
Missional Outreach as a Way to Build Engagement
People within and beyond the church often find common purpose in serving their neighbors. Learn how mission outreach can motivate people to become active and build relational bridges leading to deeper connection with the church.
- Video Presentation (20:49 min), Rev. Jasmine Smothers, associate director of the office of connectional ministries for the North Georgia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
- Outline of Key Points
- TED Talk Video Link: “How to Start a Movement”
Ways to Increase Frequency of Worship Attendance
Most churches report that members are attending less frequently than in the past. This presentation offers specific ways churches can get people more involved through increased worship attendance.
- Narrated Presentation (15:55 min), Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr., professor of church leadership and director of the Lewis Center
- Outline of Key Points
- Planning for a Special Focus Sunday
Additional Resources
- 50 Ways to Increase Active Engagement
