Restoring God’s Image Through Worship
Worship does more than express what a church believes—it forms what a church comes to believe. The language congregations repeatedly use for God and the…
Browsing: Pastoral Ministry
Articles
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…
A Prayer You Can Replay: Extending Care through Voicemail
Looking for a simple, intimate way to extend your pastoral presence? Laura Heikes reminds us that a voicemail prayer only takes a few seconds to…
“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…
“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…
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…
Some Considerations for Speaking Up
In times of public tragedy and social tension, church leaders are often left discerning whether and how to speak in faithful response. Recent events in…
Learning to “Begat” Gratitude
Gratitude is one of the most powerful forces in shaping healthy ministry. Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page offers five practical ways to intentionally “begat” gratitude…
What Happens in Worship
Worship is the primary formational space in most congregations, yet many churches rarely consider what they hope will happen during the service. Emily Peck invites…
The Challenges and Opportunities of Solo Pastors
Solo pastors face a range of challenges. Craig Meek offers pastors insights from respected church leadership author Gary L. McIntosh. In drawing from The Solo…
Congregational Vitality Begins with An Inward Journey
If there are internal conflicts within your worshipping community, will others want to worship at your church? Pastor Andreá Cummings invites us to consider the…
Preaching Our Principles—Not Our Politics
In today’s polarized climate, church leaders can navigate political tensions by preaching principles, not politics. David R. Brubaker says leaders should share personal convictions with…
Thriving in Bivocational Ministry: An In-depth Interview with Kris Bentley
How can bivocational ministers and the congregations they serve thrive? In this interview, Kris Bentley redefines bivocational ministry beyond traditional models, emphasizing shared leadership, congregational…
“Thriving in Bivocational Ministry” featuring Kris Bentley
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…
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…
4 Traps for Clergy When Moving to a New Congregation
Bill Wilson of the Center for Healthy Churches says that the arrival of a new minister can be a marvelous opportunity to start anew for…
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…
Letting Go of This Pastor and Preparing for the Next
Church consultant Susan Beaumont shares four leadership practices that can help a congregation prepare when their pastor is getting ready to leave. Approaching the situation…
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…
From Weary to Wholehearted: Overcoming Ministry Burnout—An In-depth Interview with Callie Swanlund
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…
“From Weary to Wholehearted: Overcoming Ministry Burnout” featuring Callie Swanlund
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 in the Church Newsletter?
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…
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…
Leading the Small Membership Church
Small membership churches thrive on self-reliance, requiring leaders with strong relational skills. Lew Parks writes that preaching in these churches reinforces corporate identity, tells the…
8 Adjustments Needed as Bivocational and Covocational Pastoral Roles Become the Norm
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…
7 Trends Impacting Church Leadership for 2025
As the landscape of ministry continues to shift, the Lewis Center sees congregations adapting in creative new ways. Jessica Anschutz, Ann Michel, and Doug Powe…
Part-time Pastors and Gift-filled Congregations
Lovett H. Weems Jr. describes the growth of part-time pastoral leadership, particularly in older and established traditions where part-time ministry has not been considered the…
Does an Aging Population Explain High Clergy Ages?
For most traditions, the disproportionate aging of clergy is a crucial challenge. Lovett H. Weems Jr. highlights some of the findings in the National Congregations…
Reading Between the Lines: Navigating Church Politics with Insight and Wisdom
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…
Remembering 9/11, Leadership During a Disaster: An In-depth Interview with Terry Bradfield
How can we lead in times of disaster? As we remember 9/11, Terry Bradfield, a retired Army chaplain who was assigned to the Pentagon on…
