April 10, 2019
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Top 10 Reasons Visitors Don’t Come Back
What do visitors say when asked why they don’t return to a church? Thom Rainer outlines the top 10 responses when hundreds of guests were surveyed about their experiences of visiting a church. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/top-10-reasons-visitors-dont-come-back?id=li20190403
Leading Ideas Talks Podcast: Episode 30
“Being a Missionary in Your Own Community” featuring Laura Heikes
How can you get outside the doors of your church, learn about your community, and meet people where they are? In this episode we speak with Laura Heikes, pastor of Bee Creek United Methodist Church in Spicewood, Texas, about strategies for bringing a missionary mindset to your own neighborhood. Listen now. https://www.churchleadership.com/podcast/episode-30-being-a-missionary-in-your-own-community-featuring-laura-heikes?id=li20190403
Lent: A Time to Reflect on New Possibilities and Where God is Leading Us
Stephanie Remington says Lent is a time when Jesus is trying to disrupt us with new possibilities, whether it’s new ways of thinking about human potential, money, or how we best communicate with people. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/lent-a-time-to-reflect-on-new-possibilities-and-where-god-is-leading-us?id=li20190403
The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
Leaders often think that when a plan is settled, the challenging work is over. It is just beginning. Before sharing new possibilities, be sure to ask these questions:
* Do I understand the questions, interests, and concerns of critical stakeholders?
* How should I shape my message in varying ways for different groups based on their interests?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/
Learn to Reach Others through Worship
Worship attendance and hospitality are vital to the mission of the church. Learn to improve these areas with strategies and resources from the “Reaching Others through Worship” Video Tool Kit. Topics include: How Do People See Your Church?; Putting out the Welcome Mat; The Ministry of Greeting; Tips for Making Worship More Visitor Friendly; and How to Reach More People in Worship by Paying Attention. Learn more and watch introductory videos now. https://www.churchleadership.com/product/reaching-others-through-worship-download?id=li20190403
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 “To the Point: A Letter to Churches Seeking New Members.” Read now and download free. https://www.churchleadership.com/to-the-point/to-the-point-a-letter-to-churches-seeking-new-members?id=li20190403
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: https://www.churchleadership.com/support-the-lewis-center?id=leadingideas
Free Clergy Personal Finances Resources
Includes Information on Compensation and Taxes
Mastering personal finances is both a personal and a pastoral responsibility. The Lewis Center and Wesley Theological Seminary provide resources to help pastors better understand and manage their personal finances. Topics: Why Clergy Personal Finances Matter; Personal Finances and Budgeting; Debt; Compensation and Taxes; Insurance; Investing; and Estate Planning. Learn more and watch videos now. https://www.churchleadership.com/clergy-personal-finance-resources?id=li20190403
Quotable Leadership
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” — Harriet Tubman
Adult Education Study: “A Life Worthy of The Gospel”
How do Christians think and act faithfully in a complex and often ambiguous world? “A Life Worthy of the Gospel” is an eloquent, challenging, and inspiring six-session introduction to Christian ethics that avoids pat answers and simplistic lists of dos and don’ts. This study is a mid-level course that is densely packed with rich content and is ideal for your congregation’s small groups, adult Bible studies, and Sunday School classes. Learn more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/product/life-worthy-gospel?id=li20190403
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