Prepare for Lent and Engage Meaningful and Life-Changing Practices
As Lent approaches, it’s a time for both clergy and laity to deepen their spiritual practices. Andreá Cummings invites us to commit to meaningful growth…
Browsing: Community Outreach
Articles
Ask Better Questions: Turn Sunday Small Talk into Sacred Conversations
Why do so many Sunday morning conversation get stuck in small talk? Laura Heikes challenges church leaders to move beyond chit-chat and create meaningful connections…
Embracing Relational Discipleship: An In-depth Interview with Stephen Handy
Connecting with people and helping them grow as disciples requires a new playbook and a new way of leading. Ann Michel interviews Stephen Handy about…
Helping Rural Congregations Thrive
Rural congregations are often overlooked yet are vital to their communities, offering relational, volunteer-driven support. They thrive on strong relationships, emphasizing belonging and community well-being.…
“Embracing Relational Discipleship” featuring Stephen Handy
Podcast Episode 163 Connecting with people and helping them grow as disciples requires a new playbook and a new way of leading. Stephen Handy shares…
10 Reasons Churches Aren’t Attracting People Who Need Jesus
Many churches bemoan the absence of newcomers but fail to consider how their own failure to meaningfully engage others contributes to this reality. Phil Maynard…
The Future of the United Methodist Church: An In-depth Interview with Doug Powe and Lovett Weems
What does the post-pandemic and post-disaffiliation United Methodist Church (UMC) look like? Jessica Anschutz speaks with Lewis Center Director Doug Powe and Senior Consultant Lovett…
“The Future of the United Methodist Church” featuring Doug Powe and Lovett Weems
Podcast Episode 160 What does the post-pandemic and post-disaffiliation United Methodist Church (UMC) look like? In this episode, Jessica Anschutz speaks with Lewis Center Director…
Make Meaningful Connections during Advent and Christmas
As the holiday season approaches, church leaders face heightened stress while preparing meaningful celebrations and making meaningful connections. Jessica Anschutz of the Lewis Center staff…
5 Ways to Reach New People by Singing More Christmas Music during Advent
How can congregations reach new people by singing Christmas carols during Advent? Jessica Anschutz of the Lewis Center Staff shares five ways to sing more…
8 Steps for Planning a Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Dementia caregiving is an arduous, emotionally taxing journey filled with constant challenges and a profound sense of responsibility. A support group can provide a sanctuary…
Faithfully Engage Public Policy: An In-depth Interview with Miranda Zapor Cruz
How can Christians faithfully engage public policy? Jessica Anschutz interviews Miranda Zapor Cruz, professor of historical theology at Indiana Wesleyan University and author of Faithful…
“Faithfully Engage Public Policy” featuring Miranda Zapor Cruz
Podcast Episode 157 How can Christians faithfully engage public policy? We speak with Miranda Zapor Cruz, professor of historical theology at Indiana Wesleyan University and…
10 Tips for Hosting A Live Nativity
A live Nativity can be an engaging, heart-warming event not only for church members but for the entire community as well. One Houston-area church has…
Engage Polarization with Kindness: An In-depth Interview with Cathy Bien
How can church leaders address polarization? Jessica Anschutz of the Lewis Center staff interviews Cathy Bien about the Campaign for Kindness and how church leaders…
“Community Partnerships: Moving from a Mindset of Scarcity to Abundance” featuring Mahogany Thomas
Podcast Episode 156 How can congregations cultivate fruitful partnerships with nonprofits that promote human flourishing and abundance? We talk with Mahogany Thomas, chief program officer…
“Community Partnerships: Moving from a Mindset of Scarcity to Abundance” featuring Mahogany Thomas
Podcast Episode 156 How can congregations cultivate fruitful partnerships with nonprofits that promote human flourishing and abundance? We talk with Mahogany Thomas, chief program officer…
Moving from a Mindset of Scarcity to Abundance in Community Partnerships: An In-depth Interview with Mahogany Thomas
How can congregations cultivate fruitful partnerships with nonprofits that promote human flourishing and abundance? Mahogany Thomas, chief program officer of Bread for the City, shares…
“Engage Polarization with Kindness” featuring Cathy Bien
Podcast Episode 155 How can church leaders address polarization? We speak with Cathy Bien about the Campaign for Kindness and how church leaders can lead…
4 Characteristics of Citizens of the Kingdom of God Who Inhabit the Political World
Christian faithfulness can inspire various political approaches, but they must reflect our primary identity as citizens of the Kingdom of God. Miranda Zapor Cruz finds…
Remembering 9/11, Leadership During a Disaster: An In-depth Interview with Terry Bradfield
How can we lead in times of disaster? As we remember 9/11, Terry Bradfield, a retired Army chaplain who was assigned to the Pentagon on…
“Remembering 9/11: Leadership During a Disaster” featuring Terry Bradfield
Podcast Episode 154 How can we lead in times of disaster? As we remember 9/11, Terry Bradfield, a retired Army chaplain who was assigned to…
“Remembering 9/11: Leadership During a Disaster” featuring Terry Bradfield
Podcast Episode 154 How can we lead in times of disaster? As we remember 9/11, Terry Bradfield, a retired Army chaplain who was assigned to…
YES in God’s Back Yard!
Richard Reinhard shares how some congregations are using their property to develop affordable housing and meet other community needs, as well as local initiatives to…
Coop’s Soups, an Innovative Business and Ministry: An In-depth Interview with Cristin Cooper
A call to ministry along with a desire to make friends and fight off loneliness led Cristin Cooper to launch Coop’s Soups, an innovative business…
“Coop’s Soups, an Innovative Business and Ministry” featuring Cristin Cooper
Podcast Episode 153 A call to ministry along with a desire to make friends and fight off loneliness led Cristin Cooper to launch Coop’s Soups,…
Christians and Public Policy: Be Engaged, Informed, and Conflicted
As we navigate our opinions on public policy and electoral choices, it’s tempting to delegate our critical thinking to others. Miranda Zapor Cruz writes that…
Your Community is Your Congregation
Pastor Joe Daniels says vital churches focus outward, engaging their communities, not only to serve but to build relationships and make disciples. This article was…
4 Steps for Forming an Inclusive Group
How can church leaders embrace inclusivity and forge intercultural partnerships to chart a new course towards vibrant, equitable communities? Dale Weatherspoon shares four essential steps…
Moving from Ministry FOR the People to Ministry WITH the People
한국어로 Many congregations actively engage in community outreach activities that provide essential resources to those in need within our communities. While outreach is crucial, we…
