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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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
How can an innovative exploration of Moses’s biblical narrative offer a more generous leadership model for today’s religious leaders? In this interview, Doug Powe speaks…
Podcast Episode 150 How can an innovative exploration of Moses’ biblical narrative offer a more generous leadership model for today’s religious leaders? In this episode,…
Sustainability is increasingly difficult for the ever increasing number of churches worshipping small numbers each week. Lovett Weems captures the dilemma for church leaders and…
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.
