August 14, 2019
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Stop Telling People to Turn Off Their Smartphones in Church
Olu Brown says telling people to turn off their cellphones in worship sounds crazy to technologically progressive people who rely on their devices for just about everything. Instead, they should be invited to use them to engage worship more deeply. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/stop-telling-people-to-turn-off-their-smart-phones-in-church/?id=20190814
A Simple Step-by-Step Process for Creating a Narrative Budget
Church finance expert Bonnie Ives Marden says presenting your budget in narrative form provides a powerful tool for stewardship, evangelism, and marketing. She outlines a step-by-step process for converting a standard line-item budget to an inspiring document that highlights your mission. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/a-simple-step-by-step-process-for-creating-a-narrative-budget/?id=li20190814
The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
John M. Perkins is concerned with the cultural captivity of the church in which “we aren’t calling people to much of anything.” He follows with a provocative question:
* What kind of commitment is required for you to join the congregation you are part of?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/
Build a Better Annual Budget for Your Church
The “Developing Your Operating Budget” 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. https://www.churchleadership.com/product/developing-your-operating-budget-download?id=li20190814
50 Ways to Improve Your Annual Stewardship Campaign
Learn 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 and download free. https://www.churchleadership.com/50-ways/50-ways-to-improve-your-annual-stewardship-campaign?id=li20190814
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
Learn How to Partner with Your Local Schools This Fall
If your congregation is considering a school-focused initiative this year, start planning now with the “Engaging Local Schools” Tool Kit. Through videos, presentations, and supplemental materials, this engaging 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. https://www.churchleadership.com/product/engaging-local-schools-download?id=li20190814
Quotable Leadership
“A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader. A great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
7 Deadly Sins of Church Social Media
Lots of places tell you what to do on social media, but what about things to avoid? Rev. Dan Wunderlich writes in ResourceUMC about seven reliable ways to undermine the time and effort you’re putting in online. Read more now. https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/7-deadly-sins-of-church-social-media
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