10 Ways Consolidation Can Strengthen Your Church’s Impact
Stewardship expert Ken Sloane writes that consolidation, when led by prayer and purpose, is a faithful act of stewardship that revitalizes mission and ministry. By…
Browsing: Change
Articles
Reimagining Church as a Ministry Center: An In-depth Interview with Beth and Nelson Neil
How can a struggling congregation be transformed into a thriving multicultural ministry center? Co-pastors Beth and Nelson Neil share how Culmore Church was transformed through…
“Reimagining Church as a Ministry Center” featuring Beth and Nelson Neil
Podcast Episode 172 How can a struggling congregation be transformed into a thriving multicultural ministry center? In this episode co-pastors Beth and Nelson Neil share…
4 Practices to Help Small Church Stay Nimble and Open to Change
Pastors in small-membership churches often face frustration when trying to implement change, but these churches also possess unique adaptability. Allen Stanton notes that small churches…
What’s Good about That?
Dan Hotchkiss writes that churches need to ask themselves “What’s good about that?” in relation to established programs and ministries. He shares an example of…
Launching Social Ventures that Transform Communities: An In-depth Interview with Jaleesa Hall
What should congregations consider when launching a social venture? In this in-depth interview, Jaleesa Hall shares how Raising A Village grew from a college initiative…
“Say Cheese!” Take Pictures to Expand Ministry
What’s happening in your church that deserves to be seen? Laura Heikes highlights a simple yet powerful way to expand your church’s reach—through pictures and…
10 Ways to Care for the Emotional Health of Your Congregation During a Pastoral Transition
Pastoral transitions are pivotal moments that deeply affect a church’s spiritual and emotional health. Barry Howard highlights that by acknowledging emotions, communicating clearly, honoring the…
“Launching Social Ventures that Transform Communities” featuring Jaleesa Hall
Podcast Episode 169 What should congregations consider when launching a social venture? In this insightful conversation, Jaleesa Hall shares how Raising A Village grew from…
Why Great Leaders Ask So Many Questions
Effective leaders recognize the power of asking questions, a skill often lost over time but crucial for building trust and honoring others’ wisdom. Lovett Weems…
Preaching Easter… Again: An In-depth Interview with Will Willimon
How can preachers overcome writers block? William Willimon shares insights for pastors preaching during Holy Week. He discusses his book Changing My Mind, reflecting on…
4 Rhythms of Rest for the Weary in Ministry
How can weary church leaders live into God’s design for flourishing? Laura Heikes challenges church leaders to resist the culture of busyness and embrace the…
“Preaching Easter… Again” featuring William Willimon
Podcast Episode 167 How can preachers overcome writers block? In this episode, William Willimon shares insights for pastors preaching during Holy Week. He discusses his…
Positively Urgent
Mike Bonem says a sense of urgency is necessary to propel change, but that urgency need not come from a negative sense of doom and…
The Gift of Small: An In-depth Interview with Allen Stanton
In this in-depth interview Allen Stanton explains how small congregations can be surprisingly nimble in the face of change and effective in spiritual formation due…
3 Ways to Lead Well When a Ministry Closes
Church leaders must evaluate ministries to ensure they align with current and future community needs. Sometimes, this means closing a beloved ministry, which can be…
“The Gift of Small” featuring Allen Stanton
Podcast Episode 166 Do you lead a small church? In this episode Allen Stanton shares how small congregations can be surprisingly nimble in the face…
Becoming a Future-Ready Church: An In-depth Interview with Adelle Banks
What shifts are needed for congregations to be future-ready? Adelle Banks reflects on the evolving nature of church hospitality, social justice, technology, and vitality. She…
If You Bring a Problem Bring a Solution as Well
Church leaders are always dealing with problems, because problems abound. But Jim Ozier says the simple practice of insisting that anyone who points out a…
“Becoming a Future-Ready Church” featuring Adelle Banks
Podcast Episode 165 What shifts are needed for congregations to be future-ready? Adelle Banks reflects on the evolving nature of church hospitality, social justice, technology,…
How Healthy is Your Church Culture?
Jim Ozier says a healthy church culture is critical to the long-term growth and viability of a congregation. He shares a list of attributes that…
3 Reinvention Pillars of Change
Reinvention involves anticipating, designing, and implementing change. According to Jim Merhaut, effective reinvention requires a leadership mindset ready to disrupt, experiment, and stabilize, ensuring meaningful,…
8 Adjustments Needed as Bivocational and Covocational Pastoral Roles Become the Norm
The shift to bivocational work is reshaping expectations in the church as many pastors now rely on multiple income sources. As bivocational and covocational roles…
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…
Exploring the Future of the Church Together: An In-depth Interview with Dustin Benac
How can the church adapt to future challenges and foster community through innovative leadership? Doug Powe and Dustin Benac discuss the future of the church,…
“Exploring the Future of the Church Together” featuring Dustin Benac
Podcast Episode 159 How can the church adapt to future challenges and foster community through innovative leadership? In this episode Doug Powe and Dustin Benac…
Digital Ministry Trends and Perspectives: An In-depth Interview with Jim Keat
How can your congregation more effectively engage people in the digital sphere? Jim Keat, Digital Minister at The Riverside Church in New York City, shares…
“Digital Ministry Trends and Perspectives” featuring Jim Keat
Podcast Episode 158 How can your congregation more effectively engage people in the digital sphere? Jim Keat, Digital Minister at Riverside Church in New York…
Why Congregations Sometimes Change
Systems resist change because their core function is to ensure people repeat established behaviors. However, systems can change when they believe it’s essential for survival…
