Back to… Christmas?
Church leaders may not be thinking about Christmas in September, but this is an ideal time to begin preparing for Christmas Eve. Lewis Center Director…
Browsing: Outreach
Articles
Unlocking the Potential of the 164 Hours a Week Beyond Sunday
Jevon Caldwell-Gross says churches can no longer assume that Sunday morning is the primary way people will connect with a congregation. He shares how the…
Leading Your Church Faithfully Through Elections
When discipleship extends into public life, what does faithful Christian leadership look like? Kendal McBroom equips leaders with practical resources and practices to build spiritually…
The Myth of the “Stable Church”
Many congregations are asking what faithful ministry looks like in a time of change and uncertainty. Lovett H. Weems Jr. explores recent research on church…
A Church LGBTQ+ Pride Guide: 12 Dos and Don’ts at Festivals and Parades
As more churches participate in Pride events, thoughtful engagement matters. Cody Sanders offers practical tips for congregations seeking to communicate authentic welcome, support, and solidarity…
Pentecost Reminds Us That God Speaks in the Ways That We Each Hear Best
Pentecost reveals how the Spirit breaks down barriers of language and belonging, calling faith leaders to embody hospitality, inclusion, and presence in ways that make…
Harnessing Social Capital for Community Centered Ministry: An In-depth Interview with Angie Williams and Audrey Smith
What does it look like for churches to truly center their communities in their ministry? In this interview, Audrey Smith and Angie Williams explore the…
Do Service Trips Matter for the Church’s Future?
How can faith move from theory to action in the lives of young leaders? Brittany Bethel, executive director of Cross Connection, shows how they equip…
“Global Leadership Lessons for the American Church” featuring Taylor Walters Denyer
Podcast Episode 178 What happens when you look at the American church from the outside? In this episode we sit down with missiologist Taylor Walters…
Drive Thru Ashes
Rev. Mack Strange describes a novel approach to community outreach on Ash Wednesday. His church offered a “drive-thru” station for imposition of ashes alongside a…
“Global Leadership Lessons for the American Church” featuring Taylor Walters Denyer
Podcast Episode 178 What happens when you look at the American church from the outside? In this episode we sit down with missiologist Taylor Walters…
“Harnessing Social Capital for Community-Centered Ministry” featuring Angie Williams and Audrey Smith
Podcast Episode 177 What becomes possible when churches learn to see relationships—not programs—as their greatest resource? In this podcast episode, Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page…
Creating Digital Communities
Growing a large online audience doesn’t always create a healthy community. Brandon Robbins outlines a framework for discipleship that helps people see where they are…
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…
Connecting with Neighbors through Christmas Cookies
Laura Heikes shares an easy, low-barrier Christmas outreach idea that can involve your entire congregation and extend an invitation to worship that is warm, non-coercive,…
Helping After Natural Disasters: Please DON’T Do These 6 Things
In the wake of natural disasters, well-intentioned donations and self-deploying can inadvertently hinder relief efforts. Annette Spence shares how to effectively support recovery initiatives while…
A Letter from the New Lewis Center Director, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Page
Jonathan Page, the new director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, writes his first article for Leading Ideas as a letter to all the…
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…
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…