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Podcast Episode 171 How can bivocational ministers and the congregations they serve thrive? In this conversation, Kris Bentley redefines bivocational ministry beyond traditional models, emphasizing…
Many Christians today feel tension between faith and politics, often confusing partisan allegiance with discipleship. Lovett Weems warns that Christianity’s credibility suffers when political power…
Ten years after the Emanuel AME Church massacre, Lovett Weems remembers the legacy of faith and resistance from Denmark Vesey to Pastor Clementa Pinckney. This…
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…
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…
Widely regarded as the foremost religious scholar of his time, Martin Marty’s legacy extends beyond his prolific writing and lectures to his profound impact on…
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 weary church leaders live into God’s design for flourishing? Laura Heikes challenges church leaders to resist the culture of busyness and embrace the…
Effective leadership requires not just creating policies but also living by them and ensuring they are relevant and beneficial. Dan Reiland highlights three mistakes churches…
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…
Jimmy Arthur Atkins, senior pastor of the True Worship Christian Fellowship, says church leadership should not be a solo act. Drawing on the story of…
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…
Are there many demands on your time? Ron Edmondson explores the importance of saying “no” as a crucial skill for leaders, explaining how declining requests…
How can church leaders overcome burnout? In this interview, Callie Swanlund discusses her book, From Weary to Wholehearted, exploring burnout and its unique challenges. She…
Podcast Episode 164 How can church leaders overcome burnout? In this episode, Callie Swanlund discusses her book, From Weary to Wholehearted, exploring burnout and its…
Struggling with what to write for the church newsletter? Jessica Anschutz of the Lewis Center shares ways to write meaningful and relevant material for your…
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…
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…
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…
Lovett Weems reflects on stages of leadership through the experience of making a difficult journey. This article was first published on January 5, 2005. A…
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…
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…
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…
Effective church leadership involves navigating the politics of ministry beyond practical skills. Doug Powe and Jessica Anschutz emphasize that leaders must learn to read between…
Christian faithfulness can inspire various political approaches, but they must reflect our primary identity as citizens of the Kingdom of God. Miranda Zapor Cruz finds…
Ensuring that everyone in a busy church is informed about upcoming events can be a daunting task. Doug Powe, Director of the Lewis Center, shares…
As we navigate our opinions on public policy and electoral choices, it’s tempting to delegate our critical thinking to others. Miranda Zapor Cruz writes that…
How would you assess your personal leadership ability? Dan Reiland explores seven essential requirements for effective leadership, encouraging leaders to reflect on their strengths 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.