Text-only Version of Leading Ideas 2026 - Lewis Center for Church Leadership

August 19, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

3 Questions to Ask Before You Recruit Your Next Volunteer
Allen T. Stanton says the goal of volunteers in church isn’t more programs — it’s discipleship. He gives three questions to ask to help leaders and their congregations flourish. Read more now.

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 grounded communities that engage civic life with courage, humility, and a commitment to the common good. Read more now.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Anne-Laure Le Cunff, a neuroscientist and entrepreneur, encourages introspection to evaluate the impact of your past actions and consider potential paths forward. Instead of identifying places where you may be struggling, she encourages people always to take a next step by asking: What should I try next?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Register now for Lewis Center Book Club Virtual Gatherings
The first Book Club virtual gatherings are September 17 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern. Please register for the time that works best for you. Space is limited. The book is Dream, Dare, Disrupt: How Experiments, Risk, and Embracing Failure Can Build Life-Giving Ministry by Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups. Learn more and register now.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

Online cohort-based learning experience from Wesley Pathways at Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary
>>Register today. The first course begins August 23, 2026.<<
Pathways for Ministry Certificate Program
>> Designed for lay ministers and laity who are leaders in congregations <<
Courses: New Testament, Old Testament, Preaching, Pastoral Care, and Foundations of Church Leadership
Purchase all five courses together for $300. Courses are also available à la carte for $100 each. Learn more and enroll now.
> Discover more Wesley Pathways for Ministry certificate programs and courses.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

50 Ways tip sheet
Strategies and Tips to Connect with and Motivate Volunteers
Strong and growing congregations typically have a very high percentage of people who are actively involved in learning, serving, and leading. 50 Ways to Increase Active Engagement offers tips to help you lift up the ministry of volunteering in your congregation. Read now, download free, and share.
> Discover tips and strategies on more 50 Ways topics.

“Quotable” Leadership
“Our future as a democratic society depends upon our ability to mend the tattered fabric that holds us together.” — Gregory E. Sterling

The Doctor of Ministry
Apply Now for the Premier Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership
>> Doctor of Ministry Q&A, Virtual Coffee Hour with Admissions | Thursday, August 20, 7-8 p.m. Eastern. Register now. <<
Wesley Theological Seminary and the Lewis Center together offer the Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership Excellence. With this track, clergy will receive the enhanced knowledge, skills, and motivation to increase congregational and denominational service, vitality, and growth. Learn more and apply by October 15 for January 2027.

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We love to hear from our readers! If you have any comments, suggestions, or questions about this article, please leave a voice message directly from your computer, tablet, or smartphone via Speakpipe. You may also email lewiscenter@wesleyseminary.edu or leave a comment on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Bluesky.

Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

August 12, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

The Rhythms That Sustain Ministry
Sustainable ministry requires more than working harder or managing stress. Drawing on biblical rhythms of Sabbath, joy, friendship, and receiving care, Laura Heikes offers practical ways church leaders can embody the patterns of rest they encourage in others. Read more now.

Empowering the Next Generation: 5 Leadership Frameworks for a Changing World
What does it take to prepare the next generation of Christian leaders? Applying insights from an extraordinary gathering of ministry leaders, Elizabeth Tamez Méndez explores how churches can engage with Gen Z leaders. She shares five frameworks that can help experienced leaders build trust, foster collaboration, and intentionally pave the way for the future of the church. Read more now.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Leaders are prone to think of themselves as indispensable. This often leads to work beyond what is necessary and the consequent weariness and even burnout. When thinking about one’s responsibilities for a project or effort, leaders may find this question useful: What if I were not here for a month and others needed to handle this?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

50 Ways tip sheet
50 Ways to Strengthen Ministry with Children
Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.” The church should demonstrate its love for children and its desire to connect with younger families through effective ministry for and with children. Learn how with strategies and tips from 50 Ways to Strengthen Ministry with Children. Read now, download free, and share.
> Discover tips and strategies on more 50 Ways topics.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

Video-based adult Christian studies
Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense
Presented by Biblical Scholar N. T. Wright
This 10-session study addresses questions of the reasonableness of the Christian faith in the modern world. Simply Christian is an excellent course for both established believers and seekers and is ideal for your congregation’s in-person or online small groups, adult Bible studies, and Sunday School classes. Learn more and watch a sample video now.
> Discover more adult Christian studies plus video tool kit resources.

“Quotable” Leadership
“The organization of a living system bears no resemblance to organization charts. To become effective at change, we must leave behind the imaginary organization we design and learn to work with the real organization, which will always be a dense network of interdependent relationships.” — Margaret J. Wheatley

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Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

August 5, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

From the Director’s Desk
Practicing Connection
Jonathan Page explores how the connectional nature of United Methodism provides a model for leadership rooted in shared purpose, intentional relationships, and collective growth. Identifying five core practices, Page invites leaders to consider how gathering around what matters most can strengthen communities and deepen their impact. Read more now.

Leading Ideas Talks Podcast — Episode 185
Church Renewal in a Changing World
Is the future of the church dependent on institutional growth, or is faithful discipleship the key? In this episode, Jonathan Page is joined by Allen Stanton and Lovett Weems, author of An Aura of Hope: United Methodism’s Next Chapter in the United States, to discuss the future of Methodism, the strengths of small and rural congregations, and how churches can thrive by focusing on discipleship, mission, and community impact rather than simply chasing growth. Watch now, listen to the audio version, and read transcript.

The Lewis Center Welcomes Rev. Dr. Shonda Nicole Gladden
Rev. Dr. Shonda Nicole Gladden
From Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page:
Friends, I’m delighted to share that Rev. Dr. Shonda Nicole Gladden is joining our team as the Director of Programs and Initiatives. In her role, Rev. Dr. Gladden will be offering oversight to the Practice in Ministry and Mission program for Wesley Theological Seminary, helping to coordinate our Wesley Pathways for Ministry initiative, and breathing new life into the Lewis Fellows cohort space. Together with Rev. Dr. Karen Stewart, Director of Content Development, and our entire team, I believe that even more incredible things are soon to come from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.Steve Harper points out that following God’s “I am doing a new thing” in Isaiah 43:19 was, “Do you see it?” Harper then offers an appropriate question for the 400,000 congregations in the United States. What if each established a ministry zone around them for special attention and then responded with answers to this question: What do we see God doing here?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

50 Ways tip sheet
50 Ways to Welcome New People
Learn how your congregation can make a good first impression with first-time guests with 50 Ways to Welcome New People. This free resource provides strategies and tips to ensure your visitors feel truly welcome and at home in worship, plus guidance on visitor follow-ups and ways to be more inviting in your church. Read now, download free, and share.
> Discover tips and strategies on more 50 Ways topics.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

Video-based adult Christian studies
Looking for Small-Group Studies for Fall?
Lewis Center video-based adult Christian studies encourage energetic discussion and personal reflection and are ideal for your congregation’s small groups, adult Bible studies, and Sunday School classes. Our most popular studies include: Journey through the Psalms; Simply Christian; In God’s Time; Nature: Our First Way of Knowing God; Religion and Science (with former NIH director Dr. Francis S. Collins); and more. Learn more now and purchase for fall.

“Quotable” Leadership
“History does not always repeat itself. Sometimes it doesn’t even rhyme. But it is always instructive.” — E. J. Dionne Jr.

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Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

July 29, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

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 attendance while challenging the notion that stability should be the church’s primary goal. Instead, he calls congregations to reclaim an outward-focused mission by building relationships with the people God has placed in their communities. Read more now.

Self-Care is an Act of Faith
Dr. Dontá McGilvery argues that self-care is more than a personal wellness practice. For pastors, ministry leaders, and church members alike, making time for rest is an act of faith that reflects trust in God’s provision rather than our own endless striving. Read more now.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

50 Ways tip sheet
50 Ways to Engage Local Schools
Many congregations find that reaching out to their local schools is an important way to serve children and families and strengthen ties with the broader community. These 50 tips and strategies can help you engage your local school effectively. Read now, download free, and share.
> Discover tips and strategies on more 50 Ways topics.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

Book by F. Douglas Powe Jr. and Lovett H. Weems Jr.
Sustaining While Disrupting: The Challenge of Congregational Innovation
This book offers church leaders theological insights and practical skills for two crucial tasks: to sustain and strengthen foundational elements of the churches they serve and to guide the critical innovation required to address a context vastly different from the one that current assumptions and behaviors fit. Doug Powe and Lovett Weems explain the different approaches needed for each task and specify the knowledge and practices leaders require. Learn more and order now.
> Discover more books from Lewis Center authors.

“Quotable” Leadership
“I have always drawn my hope from the past, not the future, from the way the past shows us how change works, how what once seemed impossible becomes actuality.” — Rebecca Solnit

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Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

July 22, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

Dramatic Changes Are Ahead. The Small Church Can Guide Us.
Church leaders are facing huge demographic shifts, leading to smaller denominations, fewer resources, and leaner institutions. Allen T. Stanton gives us three lessons we can learn from small-membership congregations about how to flourish in a shifting landscape. Read more now.

In-depth Interview with Caleb Campbell and Rachel Williams
Part 2 — Conversations on Christian Nationalism
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 faith communities across the United States: Christian nationalism. Caleb Campbell, author of Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor, and Rachel Williams explore not just what Christian nationalism is, but who it impacts and how we can engage with our neighbors. Read more now.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Kevin G. Ford and Jim Singleton suggest four questions for congregations assessing the effectiveness of the leading that is taking place. Is there a gap between our stated values and our actual behavior? Are there competing values, even if they are both good values? Are our leaders focusing on distractions rather than the real work? Do our problems tend to repeat themselves over time?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Online cohort-based learning experience from Wesley Pathways at Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary
Pathways for Ministry Certificate Program
>> Designed for lay ministers and laity who are leaders in congregations <<
Courses: New Testament, Old Testament, Preaching, Pastoral Care, and Foundations of Church Leadership
First course begins August 23. Purchase all five courses together for $300. Courses are also available à la carte for $100 each. Learn more and enroll now.
> Discover more Wesley Pathways for Ministry certificate programs and courses.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

To the Point
5 Indices of Health and Vitality for Small to Mid-Sized Congregations
Small church expert Dr. Lew Parks describes five indices of health and vitality for small to mid-sized congregations that contribute to “dynamic equilibrium.” Read now, share, and download free.
> Discover more To the Point tips and strategies.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

Video-based adult Christian study
Journey through the Psalms
Journey through the Psalms adult Christian study for small groups
Take an in-depth look at the book of Psalms with Journey through the Psalms, an eight-session video-based study that is ideal for your congregation’s online and in-person small groups, adult Bible studies, and Sunday School classes. Through study of the Word and insights gained through the arts, Journey through the Psalms invites us to approach God with the same honesty and intensity as the ancient Psalmists. Learn more and watch a sample video now.
> Discover more video tool kit resources and adult Christian studies.

“Quotable” Leadership
“We are living through a revolt against the future. The future will prevail.” — Anand Giridharadas

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Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

July 15, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

In-depth Interview with Caleb Campbell and Rachel Williams
Conversations on Christian Nationalism
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 faith communities across the United States: Christian nationalism. Caleb Campbell, author of Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor, and Rachel Williams explore not just what Christian nationalism is, but who it impacts and how we can engage with our neighbors. Read more now.

The Faith to Rest: Why Sabbath Matters for Leaders
Is Sabbath the missing key to healthier leadership? Cary Humphries explores why practicing Sabbath is more than taking a day off—it’s an act of faith that requires trusting God with both your work and your results. He gives practical ways to help you embrace biblical rest and transform your leadership, productivity, and well-being. Read more now.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Stewardship leader and teacher Ken Sloane was asked for advice on how a church should use a large and unexpected bequest. He offered good questions to ask. Two of them were: How can this gift strengthen the church’s future rather than simply solve today’s problems? How will we communicate about this gift so that it encourages continued generosity?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Lewis Center video tool kit resource
Engaging Local Schools
Schoolchildren, parents, and teachers across the country are in need of supplies, meals, tutoring, and support. This video tool kit resource guides your congregation in discerning a vision for a school partnership that responds to the needs present in your neighborhood and utilizes the unique gifts your church has to offer. Learn more and watch introductory videos now.
> Discover more video tool kit resources and adult Christian studies.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

To the Point
Doing Community Ministry in the Small Church
How can a small congregation engage the community in a significant way? With the right approach, a small church can make a big impact in the world through partnerships, creative use of resources, and a focus on relational ministry. Read now, share, and download free.
> Discover more To the Point tips and strategies.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

Video-based adult Christian study
Nature: Our First Way of Knowing God
This popular seven-session video-based adult Christian study awakens our visceral knowing of the Creator through the creation, reconnects us with the sacred landscapes we call home, encourages us to provide space and time for spiritual reflection in nature, and helps us live in greater harmony with God’s earth. Learn more, watch a video preview, and see sample Study Guide pages now.
> Discover more video tool kit resources and adult Christian studies.

“Quotable” Leadership
“Faith and doubt both are needed—not as antagonists but working side by side to take us around the unknown curve.” — Lillian Smith (1897-1966)

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Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

July 8, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

5 Ways to Engage Youth This Summer
Many churches assume meaningful youth ministry requires extensive programming and resources. Laura Heikes shows how simple, relational experiences often have the greatest impact. She offers five practical ideas that will help churches of any size engage young people this summer. Read more now.

Under the Surface: The Mission Trip
Mission trips are often viewed as service projects, but effective ministry leaders understand that mission trips can become powerful opportunities for spiritual formation and theological reflection. Andrew Mochrie explores how youth leaders can help students move beyond simply doing good works to recognizing and participating in the deeper work God is already doing in the world—both during the trip and long after they return home. Read more now.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Jevon Caldwell-Gross asks a question that can cause church leaders to consider new opportunities. What if we dedicated as much energy and attention to helping people experience God in their daily routines as we do to Sunday mornings?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Lewis Center video tool kit resource
Taking Clergy Mentoring to the Next Level
Clergy mentors indicate overwhelmingly that they need more training for their task. And while mentees value mentoring, they also indicate that their mentors need more resourcing for this important responsibility. Taking Clergy Mentoring to the Next Level is designed for clergy mentors who wish to prepare for a ministry of mentoring. Available in Individual Study and Group Training versions. Learn more now.
> Discover more video tool kit resources and adult Christian studies.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

50 Ways tip sheet
50 Ways to Strengthen Ministry with Youth
How can your church help youth claim a vital faith? No question is more critical to the future of the church. Learn effective tips your congregation can use to improve ministry with teens and their families in 50 Ways to Strengthen Ministry with Youth. Read now, share, and download free.
> Discover tips and strategies on more 50 Ways topics.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

“Quotable” Leadership
“I am sure that my tears shall one day be turned into joy, and that joy none shall take from me. Whoever hopes for the great things in this world, takes pains to attain them.” — Richard Allen, 1787-1830

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Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

July 1, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

What the “Giving USA 2025 Report” Means for Church Leaders
The latest Giving USA Report offers a compelling snapshot of generosity in America, and important lessons for church leaders navigating stewardship, fundraising, and financial sustainability. Jonathan Page highlights four key findings from the report and explores what they reveal about the opportunities and challenges facing congregations as they seek to fund mission-driven ministry in an evolving philanthropic landscape. Read more now.

Leading Ideas Talks Podcast — Episode 184
Anti-Leader: AI, Faith, and Minimal Leadership
What if the strongest leaders are not the loudest voices in the room? In this episode, Louis Kim, David McAllister-Wilson, and Jonathan Page explore how leadership rooted in humility, discernment, and relational wisdom can be more transformative than authority driven by control. Drawing from his experience in corporate leadership, theology, and artificial intelligence, Kim challenges church leaders to rethink what it means to be a strong leader. Watch now, listen to the audio version, and read transcript.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Are there some things you are holding onto that limit your potential spiritual health and effectiveness? Peter Block suggests these questions may help: What resentment do you hold that no one knows about? What forgiveness are you withholding? What are you grateful for that has gone unspoken?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Lewis Center video tool kit resource
The Right Start: Beginning Ministry in a New Setting
If you’re a pastor preparing to begin ministry in a new setting, The Right Start Video Tool Kit leads you in ending your current ministry well, developing a personal transition plan, and making the most of your first days, weeks, and months in your new congregation. Available in Pastor’s and Group Training Versions. Learn more and watch a video preview.
> Discover more video tool kit resources and adult Christian studies.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

To the Point tip sheet
Suggestions for Churches with a Single Pastor
Single persons in ministry face a unique set of challenges around maintaining boundaries, privacy, and social connections, particularly if they serve in a congregation that has only been served in the past by married clergy. To the Point: Suggestions for Churches with a Single Pastor describes how congregations and pastors can work together on the “tender balance” between being supportive and allowing privacy. Read now, download free, and share.
> Discover tips and strategies on more To the Point sheets.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

Online course from Wesley Pathways for Ministry at Wesley Theological Seminary
K-Pop and Christian Spirituality
This sampler course draws on K-Pop (Korean pop music) to reflect on themes of Christian Spirituality. Along with other Korean cultural content, K-Pop has emerged as a growing popular phenomenon in the U.S. And as disciples of Christ, we are invited to be “readers of the times.” In this self-paced online course, you will observe how K-Pop hits and dimensions of K-Pop culture reflect on perennial topics in Christian spirituality. This course includes videos, readings, quizzes, and reflections to ensure your understanding of course materials. Only $35. Learn more and enroll now at Wesley Pathways for Ministry.
> Wesley Pathways for Ministry is administered by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership and Wesley Theological Seminary DC. Explore more courses plus certificate programs.

“Quotable” Leadership
“I’ve found that small wins, small projects, small differences often make huge differences.” — Rosabeth Moss Kanter

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Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

June 24, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

From One Blood: Faith, Justice, and Leadership
Dontá McGilvery reflects on the relationship between Christian faith, the pursuit of justice, and the responsibility of church leaders to remember the sacrifices that shaped America’s ongoing journey toward equality. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, he challenges congregational leaders to move beyond historical remembrance and cultivate faithful communities committed to justice, civic responsibility, and the dignity of every person. Read more now.

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 with LGBTQ+ people in their communities. He provides 12 Dos and Don’ts for churches to use. Read more now.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Anne-Laure Le Cunff, a neuroscientist and entrepreneur, encourages introspection to evaluate the impact of your past actions and consider potential paths forward. Instead of identifying places where you may be struggling, she encourages people always to take a next step by asking: What should I try next?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

To the Point tip sheet
A Letter to Churches Seeking New Members
After visiting several churches, Lyda K. Hawes offers candid observations for congregations seeking new members, including “No public humiliation. No stalking. Remember us. And tell us what you really believe.” Read now, download free, and share.
> Discover tips and strategies on more To the Point sheets.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

“Quotable” Leadership
“A leader owes it to followers to point the direction in which our personal and our group potential lies.” — Max De Pree

Online cohort-based learning experience from Wesley Pathways for Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary
Pathways for Ministry Certificate Program
>> Designed for lay ministers and laity who are leaders in congregations <<
Courses: New Testament, Old Testament, Preaching, Pastoral Care, and Foundations of Church Leadership
First course begins August 23. Purchase all five courses together for $300. Courses are also available à la carte for $100 each. Learn more and enroll now.
> Discover more Wesley Pathways for Ministry certificate programs and courses.

Did someone forward this email to you? Click here to subscribe free for your own weekly copy of Leading Ideas!

We love to hear from our readers! If you have any comments, suggestions, or questions about this issue of Leading Ideas, please leave a voice message directly from your computer, tablet, or smartphone via Speakpipe. You may also email lewiscenter@wesleyseminary.edu or leave a comment on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Bluesky.

Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

June 17, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

How Christians Can Celebrate Juneteenth
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 for discipleship, helping believers reflect on America’s history while pursuing Christ-centered reconciliation and service. Read more now.

Is AI Out of Control?
As AI quietly integrates into everyday tools and church practices, ministry leaders are finding that their choices are increasingly shaped by forces outside their control. A survey by researcher A. Trevor Sutton on technology use in congregations points to how quickly new technology can be adopted, both willingly and not. Read more now.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
The president of an organization met with each staff person over the course of a year, asking each these questions: What do you hope never changes about our organization? If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing, what would it be? If you were president, what are the issues you would work on in your first year? What would help you do your work better?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

To the Point tip sheet
Suggestions for Churches with a Young Pastor
Churches that receive a young pastor need to remember how lucky they are! Many congregations say they want a younger pastor, but few have the opportunity. Learn tips and strategies to support your young pastor. Read now, download free, and share.
> Discover tips and strategies on more To the Point sheets.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

Online cohort-based learning experience from Wesley Pathways for Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary
Pathways for Ministry Certificate Program
>> Designed for lay ministers and laity who are leaders in congregations <<
Courses: New Testament, Old Testament, Preaching, Pastoral Care, and Foundations of Church Leadership
First course begins August 23. Purchase all five courses together for $300. Courses are also available à la carte for $100 each. Learn more and enroll now.
> Discover more Wesley Pathways for Ministry certificate programs and courses.

“Quotable” Leadership
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.” — Brené Brown

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Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

June 10, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

An In-depth Interview with Karen Stewart
Leading Faithfully in a Changing Church
How can church leaders navigate a rapidly changing cultural landscape while sustaining meaningful, faithful, and adaptive ministry? In this interview, Jonathan Page is joined by Karen Stewart as they discuss her new role at the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, her decades of experience in local church ministry and organizational leadership, and her vision for reimagining innovation, intergenerational engagement, and leadership formation for today and tomorrow’s church leaders. Read more now.

Equipping Men for Spiritual Leadership at Home and in the Church
Equipping men for spiritual leadership requires a shift in our approach—moving from program-based training to relationship-based development. Aaron Summers offers guidance for building intentional mentoring relationships, prioritizing character formation, and creating a culture where men are equipped to lead and multiply leaders in the next generation. Read more now.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
piscopal Bishop Michael B. Curry suggests two questions to ask about situations Ewhen one seeks to walk in the way of love: Is this just about me, or is it about we? Does this decision serve only my unenlightened self-interest, or does it somehow serve the greater good?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Online cohort-based learning experience from Wesley Pathways for Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary
Pathways for Ministry Certificate Program
Designed for lay ministers and laity who are leaders in congregations
Courses: New Testament, Old Testament, Preaching, Pastoral Care, and Foundations of Church Leadership
First course begins August 23. Purchase all five courses together for $300. Courses are also available à la carte for $100 each. Learn more and enroll now.
> Discover more Wesley Pathways for Ministry certificate programs and courses.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

50 Ways tip sheet
50 Ways to Improve Pastoral Transitions
Pastors moving from one church to the next need to focus on how they can effectively conclude their ministry in the church they are leaving, paving the way for their successor, and on how they can get off to a good start in their next church. 50 Ways to Improve Pastoral Transitions offers tips, strategies, and best practices for these transitions. Read now, download free, and share.
> Discover tips and strategies on more 50 Ways topics.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

Free virtual information session — Register now
Engaging Young Adults Cohort-Based Learning Experience
Young adults are seeking community. Is your congregation ready to meet them there?
Engaging Young Adults is a cohort-based learning experience for congregational leaders. It is fully online, grounded in research, and designed to help you take meaningful next steps with young adults in your own community with guidance from inspired young adults from previous cohorts. Administered by the Hub for (Re)imagining Ministry at Wesley Theological Seminary. The information session is June 17 at 1 p.m. Learn more and register now.

“Quotable” Leadership
“Leadership takes place every day. It is neither the traits of the few, a rare event, or a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” — Ronald Heifetz

The Doctor of Ministry
Apply Now for the Premier Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership
>> Doctor of Ministry Q&A, Virtual Coffee Hour with Admissions | Tuesday, June 16, 7-8 p.m. Eastern. Register now. <<
Wesley Theological Seminary and the Lewis Center together offer the Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership Excellence. With this track, clergy will receive the enhanced knowledge, skills, and motivation to increase congregational and denominational service, vitality, and growth. Learn more and apply today for fall 2026.

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Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

June 3, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

From the Director
Healthy and Helpful Accountability
Healthy church leadership depends on accountability, but not the kind rooted in guilt, control, or micromanagement. Jonathan Page outlines three principles for creating a culture of accountability that is restorative, chosen, and mutual—helping churches stay focused on their mission even during the slower rhythms of summer. Read more now.

Leading Ideas Talks Podcast — Episode 183
Prayer, Advocacy, and Ending Hunger
How can churches move from charity toward advocacy? In this episode, Angelique Walker-Smith draws from her work with Bread for the World to discuss the church’s responsibility to address hunger and poverty through both direct service and systemic change. She notes that moving beyond charity models and embracing advocacy is a core expression of Christian discipleship. UPDATE URL Watch now, listen to the audio version, and read transcript.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Stephanie Perdew writes in The Christian Century about working with churches of her denomination in developing profiles for pastoral searches. She identifies common words they used to describe their churches: open, inclusive, and progressive. To understand the church better, she would ask these questions: Open to what? Inclusive of whom? Progressing toward what?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Let Us Know What You Think!
We love to hear from our readers! If you have any comments, suggestions, or questions about this issue of Leading Ideas, please leave a voice message directly from your computer, tablet, or smartphone via Speakpipe. You may also email lewiscenter@wesleyseminary.edu or leave a comment on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Bluesky.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

To the Point
Unclutter Your Church Now
Revitalizing congregations must strip away some of the vestiges of the past to make space for the new amidst decades of physical and emotional clutter. To the Point: Unclutter Your Church Now helps congregations unshackle from the weight of clutter and disorganization. Read now, download free, and share.
> Discover tips and strategies on more To the Point sheets.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

“Quotable” Leadership
“What is often called exceptional ability is nothing more than persistent endeavor.” — Pauli Murray

The Doctor of Ministry
Apply Now for the Premier Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership
Wesley Theological Seminary and the Lewis Center together offer the Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership Excellence. With this track, clergy will receive the enhanced knowledge, skills, and motivation to increase congregational and denominational service, vitality, and growth. Learn more and apply today for fall 2026.

Did someone forward this email to you? Click here to subscribe free for your own weekly copy of Leading Ideas!

Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

May 27, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

Showing Up with Questions: Listening in a New Setting
Strong leadership in a new ministry setting begins not with quick answers, but with intentional listening. Luke Edwards shares the key questions he plans to ask as he begins a new pastoral appointment at Huntersville United Methodist Church, offering a practical framework for leaders navigating transition, discernment, and community engagement. Read more now.

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 God’s love tangible across difference. Drawing on Acts 2 and contemporary examples of multilingual worship and community formation, Angel Eaglin considers how the church can communicate God’s deeds in ways that are truly heard and received. Read more now..

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
A college professor said that the greatest improvement in his teaching came by asking students this question: What should I stop doing?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Video-based adult Christian studies
Looking for Small-Group Studies for Summer?
Lewis Center video-based adult Christian studies encourage energetic discussion and personal reflection and are ideal for your congregation’s small groups, adult Bible studies, and Sunday School classes. Our most popular studies include: Journey through the Psalms*; Simply Christian; In God’s Time; Nature: Our First Way of Knowing God; Religion and Science* (with former NIH director Dr. Francis S. Collins); and more. Learn more now and purchase for summer.
*Also available as a self-paced online course from Wesley Pathways for Ministry.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

To the Point tip sheet
Suggestions for Churches with a Clergywoman
A harsh reality is that most clergywomen still face sexism. If you have a female pastor, the all-purpose question to remember is: “Would you honestly ask (say, criticize) this if the pastor were a man? If so, okay. If not, drop it.” Know that a female pastor continues a tradition of women in ministry going back to biblical times. Learn to celebrate her pastoral leadership. Read now, share, and download free.
> Discover tips and strategies on more To the Point sheets.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

“Quotable” Leadership
“Three opportunities to avoid are those that do not fit with your mission, those that confuse ‘novelty’ with ‘innovation,’ and those that confuse motion with action. Just doing something new may not accomplish the mission.” — Peter F. Drucker

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Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

May 20, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

From the Director
Prophets, Not Chaplains
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 time when many churches feel pressure to stay silent or safe, he asks what it means for pastors and congregations to choose justice over comfort and discipleship over nationalism. Read more now.

Our Traditions Are a Sacred Inheritance to Be Used
Pastor Marc Antoine Lavarin draws from his experience leading the historic First Calvary Baptist Church in Durham, North Carolina, to explore how sacred inheritance can help churches honor their legacy while building bridges to future generations. Read more now..

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Leaders always work with others. Peter Drucker offered questions for leaders to ask of their coworkers to help them succeed. What is your task? What should it be? What should you be expected to contribute? What hampers you in doing your task and should be eliminated?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

Free online learning workshop
(Re)imagining the Children’s Message
Rescheduled to Thursday, May 21, 2026 | 7-8 p.m. Eastern
Register now for a free one-hour online workshop led by Erin Reed Cooper on how to think differently about the possibilities and purposes of the Children’s Message in worship. Sponsored by the Hub for (Re)imagining Ministry at Wesley Theological Seminary. Register now.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

“Quotable” Leadership
“Knowing what must be done does away with fear.” — Rosa Parks

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Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

May 13, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

From the Director
3 Questions AI Is Forcing Your Congregation to Ask
As AI reshapes everyday life, pastors are increasingly facing difficult conversations about identity, truth, and human connection within their congregations. Kenny Jahng, Editor-In-Chief at Church Tech Today, outlines three major disruptions church leaders must confront: the loss of work and purpose through automation, growing confusion around truth and authority, and the erosion of authentic community in an age of frictionless digital connection. Read more now.

Leading Ideas Talks Podcast — Episode 182
How Leaders Make Meaningful Connections
What makes people feel like they truly matter in your church? In a season where many are disengaging from church life, how can leaders help people feel truly seen and valued? In this episode, Jonathan Page talks with Zach Mercurio about his book The Power of Mattering, and how simple, everyday interactions can transform church culture. Discover practical ways to help people feel noticed, affirmed, and needed—and why that may be the key to deeper connection and lasting engagement. Watch now, listen to the audio version, and read transcript.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Terry Szuplat, a speech writer for President Obama, cautions speakers about the use of statistics. They can help a speech but not always. He offers three questions for speakers to consider. If the answer is “no” to any one of them, he suggests avoiding the statistic. Will it clarify the issue for my audience? Will it increase the chance that my audience will act? Does this statistic tell a story?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Free in-person panel discussion
How and Why Ministry Can Flourish in the Age of AI
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 4-6:30 p.m. | Chapel at Wesley Theological Seminary
Artificial Intelligence is transforming every aspect of human life—and pastors and seminaries have a vital role to play in shaping what comes next. Join David McAllister-Wilson in conversation with Allison Pugh and James Cartwright as they explore that vital role and what skills and frameworks Christian leaders need to reimagine ministry, deepen community, and bring the wisdom of faith to the most pressing questions of our time. Learn more and register now.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

50 Ways tip sheet
50 Ways to Multiply Your Church’s Leadership Capacity
How can you best support and affirm existing leaders? Help new leaders in your church get started? More effectively invite people to be leaders? Make meetings matter? Learn the answers to these questions and more in 50 Ways to Multiply Your Church’s Leadership Capacity. Read now, download free, and share.
> Discover tips and strategies on more 50 Ways topics.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

Webinar video
Best Practices for Pastoral Transitions
Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page gives insight into actions leaders in transition can take before, during, and immediately following an upcoming move. Whether you’re a leader getting ready for a new opportunity or a community preparing to welcome a new leader, this webinar will help you plan for what is ahead. Watch now.
> Watch more free videos.

“Quotable” Leadership
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” — James Baldwin

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Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

May 6, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

From the Director
Navigating the Pre-Transition Space
In a season of transition for the church, Jonathan Page offers practical and pastoral insights into how congregations and clergy can navigate change with intention and faithfulness. Rather than rushing ahead or clinging to what was, he invites leaders and communities to finish well, make space for reflection, and keep the main thing the main thing. Read more now.

Leading Faithfully through Transitions
In seasons of transition, leadership is tested as much as it is revealed. Dontá McGilvery reflects on how shifting roles and uncertainty have shaped his understanding of resilience, trust, and spiritual grounding. Rather than treating change as disruption alone, he challenges leaders to see it as formation—an opportunity to lead with greater humility, awareness, and dependence on God. Read more now.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Laura Heikes finds that using a question at the beginning of meetings invites spiritual reflection and gratitude as well as giving a window into the passions and challenges of the people. The right question can set a positive, hopeful, and expectant tone. One she uses is: What moment this week has seemed like a gift from God?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

50 Ways tip sheet
50 Ways to Welcome a New Pastor
If a new pastor is in your congregation’s future, be sure to check out 50 Ways to Welcome a New Pastor. This free resource shares tips and strategies for saying goodbye to your current pastor in a healthy way and best practices for welcoming your new pastor. Read now, download free, and share.
> Discover tips and strategies on more 50 Ways topics.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

“Quotable” Leadership
“The point of life is to find the delicate equilibrium between dream and reality.” — Lillian Smith (1897-1966)

Free virtual information sessions — Register now
Engaging Young Adults Cohort-Based Learning Experience
Young adults are seeking community. Is your congregation ready to meet them there?
Engaging Young Adults is a cohort-based learning experience for congregational leaders. It is fully online, grounded in research, and designed to help you take meaningful next steps with young adults in your own community with guidance from inspired young adults from previous cohorts. Administered by the Hub for (Re)imagining Ministry at Wesley Theological Seminary. Information sessions are May 12 and June 17 at 1 p.m. Learn more and register now.

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Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

April 29, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

What If Church Leadership Isn’t about Doing More?
Is the church’s biggest problem decline—or distraction? Craig Meek says that the answer may be unexpected. He engages with When Church Stops Working by Andy Root and Blair Bertrand, challenging common assumptions about leadership, innovation, and growth. Rather than offering another strategy for success, the answer may be to slow down, discern, and recover a way of being rooted in God’s action. Read more now.

In-depth interview with Taylor Walters Denyer
Global Leadership Lessons for the American Church
Church leaders face constant pressure to adapt in a changing culture, yet the deeper challenge may be how the church understands its mission. In this conversation, Jonathan Page speaks with missiologist Taylor Denyer about how global experience reshapes leadership in the U.S. church. Drawing on insights from the worldwide church, Denyer presses leaders to reconsider how mission shapes every aspect of church life and leadership. Read more now.

The Right Question
Andrew Sobel and Jerold Panas provide a question leaders can use for themselves or with someone they are mentoring or supervising: Is there something you feel is very difficult to do, but that, if you could do it, would substantially increase your success?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

50 Ways tip sheet
50 Ways to Strengthen Ministry with Youth
How can your church help youth claim a vital faith? No question is more critical to the future of the church. Learn effective tips your congregation can use to improve ministry with teens and their families in 50 Ways to Strengthen Ministry with Youth. Read now, download free, and share.
> Discover tips and strategies on more 50 Ways topics.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

“Quotable” Leadership
“For in the last resort the Church does not live by its errors but by the truth of the gospel, which is able to prevail even alongside numerable and serious errors.” — Hans Küng

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Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

April 22, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

Christian Nationalism and the Crisis of Church Unity
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: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor, Caleb Campbell calls pastors to respond not with hostility, but with a missionary posture shaped by the way of Jesus. Read more now.

7 Ways to Transform Your Church’s Children’s Moment
What if the most overlooked four minutes in your worship service hold some of the greatest potential for formation? Erin Reed Cooper provides us with seven intentional shifts that can transform the children’s moment into a theologically rich experience for the entire congregation. Read more now.

The Right Question
In his book How to Know a Person, columnist David Brooks recommends questions used by thoughtful writer and consultant Peter Block. They include: What have you said yes to that you no longer really believe in? What forgiveness are you withholding? How have you contributed to the problem you’re trying to solve?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

Free virtual information sessions — Register now
Engaging Young Adults Cohort-Based Learning Experience
Young adults are seeking community. Is your congregation ready to meet them there?
Engaging Young Adults is a cohort-based learning experience for congregational leaders. It is fully online, grounded in research, and designed to help you take meaningful next steps with young adults in your own community with guidance from inspired young adults from previous cohorts. Administered by the Hub for (Re)imagining Ministry at Wesley Theological Seminary. Information sessions are April 23, May 12, and June 17 at 1 p.m. Learn more and register now.

“Quotable” Leadership
“The future which we hold in trust for our own children will be shaped by our fairness to other people’s children.” — Marian Wright Edelman

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Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

April 15, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

What Gets Celebrated Gets Replicated: Why Joy Drives Leadership
What if the key to lasting momentum in your church isn’t more pressure, but more joy? Brad Aycock shares five practical ways leaders can make joy and celebration a consistent part of their leadership strategy, showing how celebration shapes culture and strengthens mission. Read more now.

Leading Ideas Talk Podcast — Episode 181
Part 2 — Loving Across the Divide: Conversations on Christian Nationalism
In part two of her conversation on Christian Nationalism, Karen Stewart speaks with Caleb Campbell and Rachel Williams about the challenges of political and cultural division, exploring how Christians can navigate fractured communities with grace and hospitality, and understanding and leading in the face of Christian Nationalism. From Easter dinner tensions to social media’s role in shaping identity, this conversation dives into practical steps for staying in relationship, ministering to divided hearts, and fostering healing in a polarized world. Watch now, listen to the audio version, and read transcript.

The Right Question
When leaders are new to a place, two questions suggested by Dan Heath can be helpful: Why do we do it that way? Is there a better way?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Free webinar — Register now
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 of your first 90 days? Who needs to be involved to make sure you have the best transition possible? Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page gives insight into actions leaders in transition can take before, during, and immediately following an upcoming move. Whether you’re a leader getting ready for a new opportunity or a community preparing to welcome a new leader, this webinar will help you plan for what is ahead. Space is limited. Learn more and register now.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

Free online learning workshop
(Re)imagining the Children’s Message
Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 7-8 p.m. Eastern
Register now for a free one-hour online workshop led by Erin Reed Cooper on how to think differently about the possibilities and purposes of the Children’s Message in worship. Sponsored by the Hub for (Re)imagining Ministry at Wesley Theological Seminary. Register now.

“Quotable” Leadership
“I don’t know what it is about religious movements, but they love to purify themselves, and it’s killing us.” — Ryan Burge

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Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

April 8, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

When No Children Come Forward: How Churches Can Grow Young Again
If you’ve watched the number of children in worship shrink year after year, you’re not alone. But renewal is possible. Laura Heikes gives us four practical, joyful steps that helped one church go from “no kids this week” to a vibrant, diverse, growing group of children who are now woven into the life of the congregation. Read more now.

Resurrection as a Call to Action
Easter is the high point of the Christian year. But Ann Michel says we can’t allow our celebrations to divert attention from the challenge of renewing the church. Drawing on the lessons of this decade and the biblical narrative, she writes that Easter is not an end point but rather a call to action. Read more now.

The Right Question
The authors of Becoming a Future-Ready Church (Zondervan, 2024) ask this challenging question: Are church leaders perpetuating institutions and ideas that the next generations are unwilling to maintain?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

50 Ways tip sheet
50 Ways to Engage Local Schools
Many congregations find that reaching out to their local schools is an important way to serve children and families and strengthen ties with the broader community. These 50 tips and strategies can help you engage your local school effectively. Read now, share, and download free. Read now, download free, and share.
> Discover tips and strategies on more 50 Ways topics.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

“Quotable” Leadership
“Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

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Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

April 1, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

From the Director
96 Hours That Can Change You Too
As Holy Week approaches, many church leaders find themselves caught between the demands of planning meaningful worship and the deeper invitation of the story they are called to proclaim. In a season marked by intensity, expectation, and sacred responsibility, it can be easy to guide others through the journey without fully entering it ourselves. Jonathan Page offers four grounding reminders to help leaders not only lead well but also experience the power, presence, and promise of Holy Week in their own lives. Read more now.

Leading Ideas Talk Podcast — Episode 180
Loving Across the Divide: Conversations on Christian Nationalism
In a cultural moment marked by deep division and difficult conversations, today’s episode steps into one of the most complex and emotionally charged topics shaping faith communities across the United States: Christian nationalism. Host Karen Stewart invites listeners not to turn away from the discomfort, but to lean in—with curiosity, compassion, and a desire for understanding. Guests Caleb Campbell, author of Disarming Leviathan, and Rachel Williams explore not just what Christian nationalism is, but who it impacts and how we can engage with our neighbors. Watch now, listen to the audio version, and read transcript.

The Right Question
Steve Harper reminds us that each morning Frank Laubach, a missionary who fought illiteracy around the world, always included in his prayer this question: God, what are you doing in the world today that I can help you with?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

Interested in Joining a Lewis Center Book Club?
Many of you have asked, and we listened! So we’re putting together our first-ever book club. If you’re interested in reading and discussing books on the topic of church leadership, please let us know your name and email address. We’ll share more information with you when we firm up the details.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

“Quotable” Leadership
“The salvation of the privileged is not simply a continuation of their privilege, but rather a heart that is willing to surrender privilege to make space for those being left out.” — Brett M. Opalinski

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Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

March 25, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

10 Traits of Jesus as Transformational Leader
When studying the subject of transformational leadership, we should take a look at our own leader, Christ Jesus. He is the one who can best speak to the issue of leadership. Ed Stetzer and Thom S. Rainer share 10 traits of Jesus, the transformational leader. As you read over the descriptions, take time to assess your own life and activity as a leader. Read more now.

Harnessing Social Capital for Community Centered Ministry
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 practice of community convening, emphasizing deep listening, relationship-building, and the power of social capital. Drawing from their work in Ettrick, Virginia, and with Open Table, they invite churches to move beyond assumptions, rediscover their neighbors, and embrace a shared purpose shaped by the community itself. Read more now.

The Right Question
Christopher B. Hays and the late Richard B. Hays ask a question in their book, The Widening of God’s Mercy, that challenges us to be better bearers of God’s grace to others. How do we become conduits for the unexpected mercy that we have received?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

50 Ways tip sheet
50 Ways to Welcome a New Pastor
If a new pastor is in your congregation’s future, be sure to check out 50 Ways to Welcome a New Pastor. This free resource shares tips and strategies for saying goodbye to your current pastor in a healthy way and best practices for welcoming your new pastor. Read now, share, and download free.
> Discover tips and strategies on more 50 Ways topics.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

“Quotable” Leadership
“We always see through a glass darkly. I will live by the best I can discern today. Tomorrow I may find out I was wrong. Since I do not live by being right, I am not destroyed by being wrong.” — Verna Dozier

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Editors: Jonathan Page, Karen Stewart, and Anna Taflan
Copyright © 2004-2026 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

March 18, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

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 stories they highlight in worship shape how people understand the image of God. Dr. Allison A. Hickey explores how expanding worship language can help congregations more faithfully reflect the biblical vision that all people bear God’s image. Read more now.

An Inclusive Church Will Be a Growing Church
Healthy churches pay attention to the people God has placed around them. When ministry reflects the realities of the surrounding community, congregations bear fruit; when it does not, decline often follows. In this piece from his new book An Aura of Hope, Lovett H. Weems Jr. challenges leaders to ask a simple but revealing question: Who is missing—and how is God calling us to reach them? Read more now.

The Right Question
Kate H. Elliott tells the story about a new church that Luther Seminary professor Michael Binder helped start in Minneapolis in 2008. Binder said the two questions they asked when Mill City Church began continue to be the same questions they ask today: What might God already be doing in this part of Minneapolis? How might we join in with what God is already doing?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

New book by Lovett H. Weems Jr.
An Aura of Hope: United Methodism’s Next Chapter in the United States
Equipping United Methodist leaders for a changing landscape.
United Methodists are navigating questions about identity, purpose, and the path forward. An Aura of Hope by Lovett H. Weems, Jr. offers a timely roadmap for renewal and growth during this pivotal moment. Drawing on his extensive experience as founding director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, Weems provides strategic insights that illuminate how historical divisions, current trends, and the post-disaffiliation landscape have shaped today’s United Methodist Church. Learn more and order now.
>Discover more books from Lewis Center authors.

“Quotable” Leadership
“We can all plant seeds, though only some of us may be so lucky as to sit in their shade. Since we can’t start twenty years ago, the best time to start is today.” — Bishop Michael B. Curry

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March 11, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

Turning Hospitality into Discipleship
Hospitality is more than a friendly greeting or a warm cup of coffee—it’s the soil where discipleship grows. Julie Hagen shares her journey of finding a welcoming faith community and explores how intentional, mutual hospitality can transform a church into a place where people are seen, loved, and ready to share God’s love with others. Read more now.

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 record but can be replayed for hours, days, or long nights of waiting. Read more now.

The Right Question
Julian DeShazier, senior minister of University Church in Chicago, offers a good question for the last few minutes of a job interview when the interviewing team asks you, “Do you have any questions for us?” He suggests: What would success look like to you during our first year together?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

50 Ways tip sheet
50 Ways to Increase Worship Attendance
Worship attendance is vital to the mission of the church. Our free “50 Ways” tip sheet provides practical strategies to help you invite new people to attend worship; improve the attendance of current members; make your church visible and attractive; welcome worship guests warmly; and make worship accessible to newcomers. Read now, download free, and share.
> Discover tips and strategies on more 50 Ways topics.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

Online cohort-based course from Wesley Pathways for Ministry
Approaches to Leadership
Approaches to Leadership participants will learn how to lead a congregation toward its vision and mission. They will learn ways to navigate obstacles while moving towards transformation. By taking the course, participants will be able to discern the context and engage the congregation in moving toward fulfilling their mission. This course is $100 and begins March 22, 2026. Completion of this course merits 1 CEU credit and will count toward the Wesley Pathways for Ministry Certificate Program if requested. Learn more and enroll now.
> Wesley Pathways for Ministry is administered by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership and Wesley Theological Seminary DC. Explore more courses plus certificate programs.

“Quotable” Leadership
“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.” — Malala Yousafzai, youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate

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March 4, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

From the Director
The Outside-Inside Parallel of Church Leadership
Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page says that church leadership today requires holding two realities at once: engaging the needs of the community while also forming disciples within the church. He draws on examples from two recent United Methodist gatherings in Washington, D.C., to illustrate how faithful leadership requires movement between the life of the church and the life of the community it serves. Read more now.

Leading Ideas Talks Podcast — Episode 179
Leading Faithfully in a Changing Church
How do we lead faithfully in a world that’s changing faster than the church ever expected? In this episode, Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page speaks with Karen Stewart, a seasoned ministry leader and Project Director at the HUB for Re-imagining Ministry at Wesley Theological Seminary. Together, they reflect on Karen’s 30-plus years of pastoral and nonprofit leadership experience, her passion for intergenerational faith formation, and the opportunities and challenges facing today’s church. Watch now, listen to the audio version, and read transcript.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
How a church presents itself to the community is important. Think about the story you tell, and ask these questions: How close is the story I tell to the reality people experience? What’s missing from the story I tell? Does the story I tell connect with the concerns of people hearing it for the first time?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Lewis Center video tool kit resource
Protect, Sustain, Grow: Best Practices for Handling Your Church’s Money
Protect, Sustain, Grow: Best Practices for Handling Your Church’s Money provides practical advice, best practices, and resources for pastors, finance committee members, church treasurers, financial secretaries, bookkeepers, and more. Whether it’s your first time dealing with church finances or you’ve been handling them for years, this video tool kit will help you provide financial integrity and sustainability for your church, as well as expand your church’s income. Learn more and watch an introductory video now.
> Discover more video tool kit resources and adult Christian studies.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

50 Ways tip sheet
50 Ways to Strengthen Adult Education
Vital churches provide ways for people of all ages to grow in faith through learning. These 50 tips and strategies can help your congregation build a strong program of Christian education for adults. Read now, download free, and share.
> Discover tips and strategies on more 50 Ways topics.

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Online courses from Wesley Pathways for Ministry and the Lewis Center
Protect Your Congregation and Your Ministry with Ethics and Boundary Training for Pastors and Laity
Keeping Our Sacred Trust delivers confidential, ecumenical online training on ethical boundaries in ministry. Courses are administered by the Lewis Center and are available at Pathways for Ministry. All courses are $49. Upon completion, participants will receive .5 CEU and a certificate of successful completion.

• Understanding Clergy Sexual Ethics — This course helps prevent clergy sexual misconduct by creating awareness of what constitutes misconduct, how it arises, and how to prevent it. It addresses relational dynamics as well as internal motivations and vulnerabilities. Learn more or enroll now.

• Maintaining Boundaries in a Digital Age — This course explores clergy ethics in an era of instantaneous, electronic communication. It helps spiritual leaders stay healthy and attentive to appropriate boundaries, dealing with issues such as social media, online behavior, and pornography. Learn more or enroll now.

• Assuring Financial Integrity — This course explores issues of maintaining financial integrity and preventing fraud in congregational settings. It is designed for pastors, church staff, finance committee members, and all others with responsibility for handling church funds. Learn more or enroll now.

“Quotable” Leadership
“When those in power try to revive flagging religious identification or participation in their nation by changing laws to privilege some religion or marginalize another, they end up weakening the spontaneous, personal, spiritual sort of religion further.” — Samuel L. Perry

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February 25, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

Getting Your Missions and Ministries Grant-Funded
Have you ever considered grant funding for your organization and felt daunted by the process before you even began? Micháela Murray wants to help demystify the process by breaking grant seeking into clear, manageable steps—covering eligibility, readiness, research, and proposal writing—so church leaders can move forward with clarity and confidence. Read more now.

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 students through service, curiosity, and community to practice a faith that transforms both themselves and their neighborhoods. Read more now.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Most know how important offering praise for good work is for those with whom you work. Marcus Buckingham offers a way to learn the types of affirmation that mean the most to people by asking others these questions: What was the best praise or recognition you’ve ever received? What made it so good?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

50 Ways tip sheet
50 Ways to Welcome New People this Easter Season
Easter is coming, and that means church visitors! Learn how your congregation can make a good first impression with first-time guests with 50 Ways to Welcome New People. This free resource provides strategies and tips to ensure your visitors feel truly welcome and at home in worship, plus guidance on visitor follow-ups and ways to be more inviting in your church. Read now, download free, and share.
> Discover tips and strategies on more 50 Ways topics.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

Lewis Center video tool kit resource
Developing Your Operating Budget
Build a better annual budget for your church with Developing Your Operating Budget. This video tool kit helps you understand what an operating budget is, different ways that churches create their annual operating budgets, and five common budgeting models. No matter your church size, this resource will provide clues and wisdom to help your budget advance your mission and accomplish God’s vision for your congregation. Learn more and watch introductory videos now.
> Discover more video tool kit resources and adult Christian studies.

“Quotable” Leadership
“As long as we think of difference as that which divides us, we shall dislike it; when we think of it as that which unites us, we shall cherish it.” — Mary Parker Follett, 1868-1933

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February 18, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

Lenten Contemplative Actions for Leaders
This Ash Wednesday, Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page invites church leaders to enter a season of contemplative action: a time to discern what to add, subtract, or multiply in their lives and leadership. By taking on assurance, incarnation, and “good trouble,” leaders can cultivate space for God’s direction. Read more now.

Leadership as Learning to Sail the Spirit
In this reflection, Isaiah Park explores a vision of church leadership shaped not by control, but by trust in the Holy Spirit’s movement. Drawing on the metaphor of a wind tunnel and Paul’s storm-tossed journey in Acts 27, she invites leaders to focus less on saving the ship and more on saving lives. Read more now.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Jevon Caldwell-Gross says we may not be asking the right question about discipleship opportunities we offer. Instead of asking, “How many people attended?” we might consider asking: What kind of disciples are we producing?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Lewis Center video tool kit resource
Discovering God’s Future for Your Church
Discovering God’s Future for Your Church is a turnkey tool kit to help your congregation discern and implement God’s vision for its future. This comprehensive resource guides your church in discovering clues to your vision in your history and culture, your current congregational strengths and weaknesses, and the needs of your surrounding community. Discovering God’s Future for Your Church includes engaging videos, leader’s guides, discussion exercises, planning tools, handouts, diagrams, worksheets, and more. Learn more and watch an introductory video now.
> Discover more video tool kit resources plus adult Christian studies.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

Lewis Center video tool kit resource
Optimizing Annual Financial Campaigns
Did you know that church members who pledge give 30% more than those who don’t pledge? And congregations that seek annual financial commitments have significantly higher levels of overall giving? With Optimizing Annual Financial Campaigns you will learn to reap the harvest of generosity through best practices to make your annual financial campaign more effective. Learn more and watch introductory videos now.
> Discover more video tool kit resources and adult Christian studies.

“Quotable” Leadership
The best faith communities help us practice habits of faith, hope, and love, just as they nurture among us a moral vocabulary increasingly absent from public life.” — Peter W. Marty

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February 11, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

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 busy commuter route. Read more now.

Leading Ideas Talks Podcast — Episode 178
Global Leadership Lessons for the American Church
What happens when you look at the American church from the outside? In this episode we sit down with missiologist Taylor Walters Denyer to explore what the U.S. church can learn from its global siblings. From community-based discipleship practices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to re-centering mission as the foundation of leadership formation, Denyer offers a compelling call to consider how we lead, serve, and participate in God’s work. Watch now, listen to the audio version, and read transcript.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Congresswoman Sharice Davids, in giving advice to someone considering a major decision, said that she was guided by a question posed by Brené Brown: What’s worth doing even if I fail?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Lewis Center video tool kit resource
Congregational Budget Bundle
Learn to improve your church’s capital and operating budgets. The bundle includes Building and Funding Your Capital Budget, which helps you assess your current situation and engage your church’s big budget questions, and Developing Your Operating Budget, which shares different ways that churches create their annual operating budgets, five common budgeting models, and more. Learn more and watch video previews.
> Discover more video tool kit resources plus adult Christian studies.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

Free 50 Ways tip sheet
50 Ways to Improve Your Annual Stewardship Campaign
This free resource from our popular 50 Ways series provides effective strategies for improving your stewardship campaign. Topics include: plan carefully; structure your campaign to acknowledge unique giving patterns; know what motivates people to give; ask in effective ways; follow-up; and more. Read now, download free, and share.
> Discover tips and strategies on more 50 Ways topics.

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Lewis Center video tool kit resource
Taking Church to the Community
Explore strategies your congregation can use to reach beyond its walls with worship, community events, ministries, and service. Taking Church to the Community features engaging videos and presentations and is designed for both self-study and for use with groups in your church. Learn more and watch introductory videos now.
> Discover more video tool kit resources and adult Christian studies.

“Quotable” Leadership
“One of the first things we discovered about adapting congregations was that they simply notice what is going on around them. Declining congregations often barely realize that the world has changed.” — Nancy Ammerman and Carl Dudley

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February 4, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

Proactive Steps for Congregational Budget Success
Did your congregation struggle last year with budget shortfalls? If so, you’re not alone. Many congregations deal with being “in the red,” often due to a lack of awareness among members about church finances. Andreá Cummings offers practical strategies for proactive communication, transparent reporting, and inspiring generosity—helping churches close financial gaps and strengthen their mission. Read more now.

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 obsession with busyness is not only counterproductive but also damaging to relationships, well-being, and ministry. In their book Rework, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson critique workaholism, challenging us to rethink our approach to work and ministry and embrace a healthy, sustainable rhythm. Read more now.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
The Wheaton College professor and New York Times contributing columnist, Esau McCaulley, tells of a time in his life when he was struggling with his life direction and purpose. A question came to him “that wrote itself into my soul,” he said. The question was: What do you do when you have everything you ever wanted, but it is not sufficient to bring you joy?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

50 Ways tip sheet
50 Ways to Encourage Faithful Giving
Helping people experience the joy of giving is more than a way of funding the church’s ministry. These 50 ways of encouraging faithful giving will help your church members grow in discipleship through faithful stewardship and extravagant generosity. Read now, download free, and share.
> Discover tips and strategies on more 50 Ways topics.

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Track your church’s giving and expenses better
Congregational Giving Profile Video Tool Kit
The Congregational Giving Profile is a better way to track giving and expenses than the traditional way used by nine out of 10 churches.
Nearly every aspect of the church is touched by its financial resources. So it’s vital to track giving and expenses accurately. The method of simply dividing the annual budget by 12 months to determine if you are on track financially seems completely logical except for one fact— churches do not receive money equally each month throughout the year, nor do they spend the same every month. If your congregation gives most generously at the end of the year, this method of monitoring finances will report that you are running behind most of the year, even though you may really be on track in relation to your own pattern.
The Congregational Giving Profile is a tool that helps you better track your congregation’s giving and spending patterns to more accurately predict financial surpluses and shortfalls. Learn more and watch introductory videos now.
> Discover more video tool kit resources and adult Christian studies.

“Quotable” Leadership
“The future church will look different from what we’ve known, and those that remain open to this change, embracing new ways of gathering, engaging, and serving, will continue to grow.” — Jevon Caldwell-Gross

Book by Doug Powe and Jessica Anschutz
Healing Fractured Communities
Healing Fractured Communities is written by alumni of the Lewis Center Community Leadership Fellows program who are pastoral leaders engaged in the work of renewal, resilience, and resistance in congregations, on college campuses, and in communities. Each chapter paints a picture of the work of healing fractures like racism, education inequality, and/or poverty and includes takeaways to inspire healing in your community, and questions for reflection. Proceeds from the sale of the book support the Dr. Lovett H. Weems Jr. Scholarship Fund. Learn more and order now.
> Discover more books from Lewis Center authors.

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January 28, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

*** Trends 2026: Transformation-Based Leadership ***
In a recent Leading Ideas, Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page shared Church Leadership Trends for 2026 that fell into three categories: community-focused, team-based, and transformation-driven. In the past weeks we have explored community-based and team-based leadership. In this issue we reflect on transformation-driven leadership opportunities.

Trends 2026: Transformation-Based Leadership
A Journey of Faith and Transformation: My Ministry in Las Vegas
Transformative leadership often begins not with certainty, but with vulnerability. In this reflection, Khalif Smith shares how arriving at a struggling church in Las Vegas became the starting point of renewal for himself, the congregation, and the community—revealing how faith, relationship, and adaptive leadership can spark lasting transformation. Read more now.

Trends 2026: Transformation-Based Leadership
Leading Ideas Talks Podcast — Episode 177
Harnessing Social Capital for Community-Centered Ministry
Conversation between community members and church members
What becomes possible when churches learn to see relationships—not programs—as their greatest resource? In this podcast episode, Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page speaks with Angie Williams from the non-profit training organization Open Table and Audrey Smith about community convening, social capital, and re-embedding the church in the life of its community. Watch now, listen to the audio version, and read transcript.

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 Minnesota have sharpened these questions, prompting many leaders searching for answers. Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page offers five guiding principles for speaking with wisdom, humility, and conviction. Read more now.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Kristen Plinke Bentley in writing about bivocational ministry offers questions about expectations suggested by Mark Edington when beginning a bivocational ministry. He used two questions: What do we expect the pastor to do? How necessary is it for the pastor to do that?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

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Book by Lovett H. Weems Jr.
The Right Questions for Church Leaders
Creativity and innovation in your ministry begin with asking the right questions.
Unlock the power of wise questioning with this essential guide for church leaders. Esteemed advisor Lovett H. Weems Jr. compiled lists of leadership questions over many years, testing and analyzing them in local churches and other ministry settings. This book is the culmination of that careful work. The questions are organized into 14 categories. Each set of questions is accompanied by guidance on when and how to use them effectively. The questions and other content are easy to grasp quickly, so you and your teams will see immediate benefit. Learn more and order now.
> Discover more books from Lewis Center authors.

“Quotable” Leadership
“If we spent half as much time trying to listen and genuinely understand the other side as we do trying to prove ourselves right and others wrong, we could really get somewhere.” — Chloe Maxmin and Canyon Woodward

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January 14, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

*** Trends 2026: Community-Focused Leadership ***
Last week in Leading Ideas, Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page shared Church Leadership Trends for 2026 that fell into three categories: community-focused, team-based, and transformation-driven. Over the next three weeks, we will take a deeper dive into each of these categories. Enjoy this week’s edition reflecting community-focused leadership opportunities.

Trends 2026: Community-Focused Leadership
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 on their journey, take the next steps, and support one another in following Jesus. Learn more now.

Trends 2026: Community-Focused Leadership
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 already at work and inviting shared direction for ministry. Learn more now.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Kevin G. Ford and Jim Singleton say there are two important questions church leaders need to ask. They then need to begin by focusing on the answers to the second question, not the first. What needs to be preserved? What needs to change?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

50 Ways tip sheet
Strategies and Tips to Motivate and Connect with Volunteers
Strong and growing congregations typically have a very high percentage of people who are actively involved in learning, serving, and leading. 50 Ways to Increase Active Engagement offers tips to help you lift up the ministry of volunteering in your congregation. Read now, download free, and share.
> Discover tips and strategies on more 50 Ways topics.

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Book by Lovett H. Weems Jr. and Tom Berlin
Overflow: Increase Worship Attendance & Bear More Fruit
Worship attendance matters. In Overflow, Lovett Weems and Tom Berlin share research-based insights, tactical ideas, and practices that lead to increased attendance. They instruct church leaders on the importance of paying attention to factors critical to worship growth and demonstrate new approaches to worship planning. Learn more now.
> Discover more books from Lewis Center authors.

“Quotable” Leadership
“By its very nature, faith, just like love, requires a leap. For me, belief moved from indefensible to intriguing to possible to plausible, and eventually I reached the point where belief in the Christian God became simply irresistible.” — Francis S. Collins

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January 7, 2026

Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC

Church Leadership Trends for 2026
As church leaders look toward 2026, familiar approaches to leadership are proving insufficient amid changing communities, evolving teams, and growing demands on leaders. Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page highlights key shifts shaping the year ahead and offers practical guidance for how church leaders can respond with clarity, collaboration, and purpose. Learn more now.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Andrew Sobel and Jerold Panas offer two questions leaders can use with those with whom they work to gain insights about the past and future: What made us successful in the past? What additional capabilities will we need to be successful in the future?
> Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Support the Lewis Center. Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you. Donate now.

50 Ways tip sheet
50 Ways to Welcome New People
Learn how your congregation can make a good first impression with first-time visitors with strategies and tips to ensure they feel truly welcome and at home in worship, plus guidance on visitor follow-ups and ways to be more inviting in your church. Read now, download free, and share.
> Discover tips and strategies on more 50 Ways topics.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

Online cohort-based course from Wesley Pathways for Ministry
Pastoral Care
This course introduces participants to basic functions of congregational care. It teaches learners how to offer caring support and to provide referrals to appropriate services. By taking the course, participants will be more able to engage appropriate congregational care issues. This course is $100 and begins February 1, 2026. Completion of this course merits 1 CEU credit and will count toward the Wesley Pathways for Ministry Certificate Program if requested. Learn more and enroll now.
> Wesley Pathways for Ministry is administered by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership and Wesley Theological Seminary DC. Explore more courses plus certificate programs.

“Quotable” Leadership
“Grace, for American Christians and for all of us, is a difficult thing. It means starting from a place where all of us have been wrong and knowing that we all have something to learn from each other.” — Angela Denker

Reimagine Worship for All Generations
Children of Faith Virtual Cohort
Free from the Hub for (Re)imagining Ministry of Wesley Theological Seminary DC
Is your congregation seeking to create worship experiences that truly engage children, youth, and adults together? The Children of Faith Virtual Cohort equips church teams with expert coaching, proven frameworks, and $1,000 in funding to design intergenerational worship that nurtures lifelong faith. This free 11-month program (Feb.–Dec. 2026) includes virtual sessions, personalized coaching sessions, and a nationwide community of faith leaders (re)imagining ministry with young people. Your team of 6-8 will learn intergenerational worship design, change theory, and values-based practices—all tailored to your congregation’s unique context.

Registration is limited to 35 church teams and closes Jan. 15, 2026. Learn more and register your team today.

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