Subscribe free to "Leading Ideas" at churchleadership.com/leadingideas. Every Wednesday, "Leading Ideas" delivers information, resources, and strategies for forward-thinking church leaders.
In a cultural moment marked by deep division and difficult conversations, this episode steps into one of the most complex and emotionally charged topics shaping…
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…
Church leaders are often called to shepherd their congregations through complex cultural conversations. Nathan A. Finn encourages us to see the holiday as an opportunity…
Podcast Episode 183 How can churches move from charity toward advocacy? In this episode, Angelique Walker-Smith draws from her work with Bread for the World…
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Kendal McBroom challenges church leaders to reconsider the relationship between faith, patriotism, and prophetic witness. At a…
In the aftermath of 2020, many church leaders continue to navigate fractured relationships and deep political division within their congregations. In his book Disarming Leviathan:…
Podcast Episode 181 This is part two of Loving Across the Divide: Conversations on Christian Nationalism. Part one is available here. In part two of…
Podcast Episode 180 In a cultural moment marked by deep division and difficult conversations, this episode steps into one of the most complex and emotionally…
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…
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…
Retired General Secretary of the Reformed Church in America and chair of the board of Sojourners, Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, writes from years of work at the…
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…
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…
The Easter Vigil is a powerful tradition of reliving and remembering the story of our salvation, usually celebrated within the comfort of a sanctuary. Kate…
C. Anthony Hunt explains how Martin Luther King Jr.’s prophetic witness was grounded in four principles—call, conviction, courage, and commitment. Even 50 years after King’s…
Lerita Coleman Brown shares how the life and teachings of Howard Thurman are a prototype for contemplative living and leadership. She explains how Thurman’s prophetic,…
C. Anthony Hunt identifies 10 features of the Beloved Community in the work of Martin Luther King Jr. He describes how King’s concept of Beloved…
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…
How can church leaders address polarization? Jessica Anschutz of the Lewis Center staff interviews Cathy Bien about the Campaign for Kindness and how church leaders…
C. Anthony Hunt says a preacher’s call to speak on issues of social and political concern is rooted in biblical tradition. He shares specific strategies…
Podcast Episode 155 How can church leaders address polarization? We speak with Cathy Bien about the Campaign for Kindness and how church leaders can lead…
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…
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…
Lovett H. Weems Jr. outlines seven strategies for responding to Christian nationalism in measured and faithful ways. Church leaders should try to help congregants put…
How can church leaders better engage the public sphere and expand their prophetic witness? Kevin Slayton, a pastor with a passion for public policy and…
Podcast Episode 146 How can church leaders better engage the public sphere and expand their prophetic witness? We speak with Kevin Slayton, a pastor with…
Community transformation and justice require more than preaching. Kevin Slayton calls preachers to put their faith in action by cultivating relationships and establishing partnerships with…
How can a faith community organize itself to combat the sin of racism? In this interview, Michael Adam Beck and Stephanie Moore Hand share a…
Podcast Episode 144 How can a faith community organize itself to combat the sin of racism? Michael Adam Beck and Stephanie Moore Hand share with…
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.