Key Questions to Consider Before Resuming In-Person Gatherings
Many congregations are eager to reopen their buildings and resume in-person worship services, but it’s important to resist the temptation to rush back before it’s…
Browsing: Uncategorized
From everyone at the Lewis Center, best wishes for a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
We give thanks for you and your faithful and fruitful leadership. — Amy, Angela, Ann, Carol, Doug, Lovett, Matt, Rachel, Reina, and Tim
5 Ways to Develop New Leaders
Marv Nelson says lending influence to younger leaders is an essential way of affirming and developing them. He outlines five ways you can use your…
Recommended Resource: Pastors Moving to New Churches Need the Right Start
Know a pastor preparing to begin ministry in a new setting? With The Right Start Video Tool Kit, they’ll learn how to end their current…
50 Ways to Welcome a New Pastor
If a new pastor is in your congregation’s future, be sure to check out 50 Ways to Welcome a New Pastor. This free resource shares…
Is Your Email Address Changing?
If your email address will be changing in the near future, be sure to let the Lewis Center know if you would like to continue…
Best of “Leading Ideas”: “Letting Go of This Pastor and Preparing for the Next” by Susan Beaumont, April 24, 2019
Church consultant Susan Beaumont shares four leadership practices that can help a congregation prepare when their pastor is getting ready to leave. Approaching the situation…
Free Pastoral Transition Resources
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…
Learn to Be a Better Clergy Mentor
Clergy mentors indicate overwhelmingly that they need more training for their task. Mentees value mentoring but also indicate that their mentors need more resourcing for…
Is Your Email Address Changing?
If your email address will be changing in the near future, be sure to let the Lewis Center know if you would like to continue…
Webpages for Superintendents and Board of Ordained Ministry
The Lewis Center brings together some of its most used resources for District Superintendents and Boards of Ordained Ministry on dedicated webpages. Feel free to…
Resource to Help Churches Discover Their Next Faithful Step
Discovering God’s Future for Your Church is a turn-key tool kit to help a congregation discern and implement God’s vision for its future. The resource…
Lewis Center Podcast Series
Leading Ideas Talks brings to the table cutting-edge leaders on subjects relate to church leaders. Outstanding United Methodist leaders are interviewed along with other scholars,…
5 Steps to a Fruitful Restart
Dan Turner led an older, established congregation through a successful restart, reshaping its ministry to reach a changing neighborhood. He outlines five key steps in…
Resource to Help Churches Engage Local Schools
Many conferences and districts are encouraging churches to engage their local schools to connect with their communities. The Lewis Center for Church Leadership sponsored a…
Free Pastoral Transition Resources
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…
Bishop and DS LPLI Versions Available This Fall
Over 3,000 clergy have used the Lewis Pastoral Leadership Inventory (LPLI) since its introduction. Many clergy use it as individuals, but most often it is used in…
Free Pastoral Transition Resources
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…
Resources You Can Suggest Related to Gun Safety Research
In last week’s issue of Leading Ideas, the Lewis Center newsletter for congregational leaders, Lovett Weems asked “Can Church Leaders Reframe the Gun Debate” in…
LPLI Helps Good Clergy Become Better
LPLI, the Lewis Pastoral Leadership Inventory, is a confidential, online, 360° leadership development instrument. It helps pastoral leaders improve their ministry effectiveness by identifying individual…
Free “50 Ways” Resources
Need practical, actionable strategies to reach people more effectively? The Lewis Center’s popular “50 Ways” series provides tips for building strength in areas of ministry…
Pastors Moving to New Churches Need the Right Start
Are you a pastor preparing to begin ministry in a new setting? With The Right Start Video Tool Kit, you’ll learn how to end your…
Good Time to Review Clergy Age Trends in Your Conference
As Boards of Ordained Ministry conduct interviews and Cabinets make appointments, it may be good to review the age trends among elders, deacons, and local…
States with Higher Potential for Growth in 2018
Population growth is only one factor in whether churches grow, but it is a key factor. At the end of December, the U.S. Census Bureau…
Clergy Taxes and the New Tax Law
Two resources may be of help to you and those with whom you work regarding the new federal tax legislation. There are minimal changes that…
Next Church Leadership Excellence D.Min. Cohort Begins May 2018
One of my great joys is teaching in Wesley’s Doctor of Ministry program in church leadership. It began with the establishment of the Lewis Center…
Free Staff-Parish Resources Available
Some of you work with Staff-Parish Relations Committees regularly. Keep in mind some one-page resources that you may want to use or share with them…
Reach New Disciples This Advent and Christmas
The liturgical seasons of Advent and Christmas are nearly upon us, and Leading Ideas offers many ideas to help your congregation reach more people and unchurched people,…
