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: Community Outreach
Articles
Building Congregational Engagement in a Church-School Partnership
Jake McGlothin, author of The Mission-Minded Guide to Church and School Partnerships, explains how compelling messages that align your congregation’s vision to the task of…
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…
Make the Most of the School Year Start with Families
How can churches make the most of the beginning of a new school year? Jason Gant shares that churches have a unique opportunity to engage…
“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…
Lighting the Way: A Laity-Led Advent Service for Women
For two decades, women across the country have gathered for a simple but powerful Advent tradition: a laity-led candlelight service that brings communities together in…
Travelers’ Christmas Eve Service
The Travelers’ Christmas Eve Service at Park Avenue United Methodist Church in New York City is a beloved annual tradition, shares Jessica Anschutz. Designed for…
Creatively Engaging Your Community While Remaining True to Who You Are
Vital churches find new and creative ways to engage their neighbors. But that doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning the best of what your church has always…
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…
9 Essential Steps for the First 90 Days in a New Ministry
Starting a new ministry is both exciting and challenging. As you enter a fresh ministry context, you’ll encounter unique dynamics within your congregation, whether you’re…
Your Church’s Biggest Entry Point: Why Social Media Matters
Church leaders often view social media as a low priority, but in today’s digital age, it’s a vital first impression for potential visitors. People search…
“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…
3 Indicators of a Thriving Rural Congregation
Allen Stanton says rural churches need better indicators of what it means to thrive. He outlines three characteristics of vital rural congregations able to lead…
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…
“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,…
5 Tips for Rightsizing Stewardship in Your Church
In the face of declining membership and shifting demographic patterns, many local churches are rightsizing stewardship for long-term sustainability and vibrant ministry. Ken Sloane outlines…
3 Critical Components of Rethinking Outreach
Many church outreach efforts lack impact due to marketing-driven approaches, unmet community needs, and internal focus. John Hughes shares the Listen, Look, Lead model that…
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…
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…
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…
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…
