When No Children Come Forward: How Churches Can Grow Young Again
If you’ve watched the number of children in worship shrink year after year, you’re not alone. But renewal is possible. Laura Heikes gives us four…
Browsing: Change
Articles
Resurrection as a Call to Action
Easter is the high point of the Christian year. But Ann Michel says we can’t allow our celebrations to divert attention from the challenge of…
Free Webinar — Best Practices for Pastoral Transitions
Tuesday, April 21, Noon-1 p.m. Eastern What all should you consider if you are making a ministry transition? How do you make the most out…
An Aura of Hope: United Methodism’s Next Chapter in the United States
Equipping United Methodist leaders for a changing landscape. United Methodists are navigating questions about identity, purpose, and the path forward. An Aura of Hope by…
“Leading Faithfully in a Changing Church” featuring Karen Stewart
Podcast Episode 179 How do we lead faithfully in a world that’s changing faster than the church ever expected? In this episode, Lewis Center Director…
Workaholics Aren’t Heroes: Finding a Healthier Rhythm for Ministry
“I’m so busy!” How often do you say or think this throughout the week? We live in a society that glorifies hustle. But our culture’s…
Listening When You’re New in Town
Luke Edwards highlights a community-driven approach to leadership that centers spiritual discernment—listening to God, the congregation, and the surrounding community—to discover how the Spirit is…
“Leading Together: Collaboration and Connection in the Church’s Future” featuring Jonathan Page, David McAllister-Wilson, and Carla Works
Podcast Episode 176 What does the future of church leadership look like? In this episode, new Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page joins Wesley Theological Seminary…
Reading the Cultural Signs
Jevon Caldwell-Gross draws from his pastoral experience to engage a series of cultural shifts that have changed how people today function. He shows how many…
Leadership as a Liberal Art: An In-depth Interview with Michael Lamb
In this interview, Michael Lamb talks about The Arts of Leading: Perspectives from the Humanities and the Liberal Arts, exploring how the humanities offer essential…
Holy Innovation: A Framework for Choosing Your Next Ministry Idea
With limited resources of people, funds, and time, how can churches sort through ideas to discover the next step God is inviting them to take?…
“Leadership as a Liberal Art” featuring Michael Lamb
Podcast Episode 174 In this episode, Michael Lamb introduces The Arts of Leading, a book exploring how the humanities offer essential insights into leadership. He…
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…
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…
