August 19, 2020
“Leading Ideas” from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Good Administration is Good Leadership
Bishop Will Willimon says competent, efficient, hands-on administration is just as important as the “big picture” leadership skills of inspiring a vision and nurturing theological purpose. Good management increases a church’s capacity to implement change and move forward. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/good-administration-is-good-leadership/
Leading Ideas Talks Podcast: Episode 62
“Honest Talk about Race and Racism” featuring Michael Fisher
How can your congregation initiate conversations about race? And how can pastors prepare themselves for this important work? In this episode Michael R. Fisher shares perspectives, questions, and resources that can help church leaders confront the challenging issues of structural racism and white privilege during these turbulent times. Listen now or read transcript. https://www.churchleadership.com/podcast/episode-62-honest-talk-about-race-and-racism-featuring-michael-fisher/
3 Principles of Radical Hospitality
Yvonne Gentile and Debi Nixon believe radical hospitality means going beyond mere friendliness to surprise and delight church visitors. Three keys are letting guest know they are noticed, paying attention to their needs, and consistently following up after their visit. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/3-principles-of-radical-hospitality/
COVID-19 Resources
Leading Ideas articles, podcast episodes, and links. Visit https://www.churchleadership.com/tag/covid-19/
The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
Evaluations rightly focus on the past. However, they should also point to a more productive future. John Doerr suggests these questions to help.
• What are you working on?
• How are you doing?
• Is there anything impeding your work?
• What do you need from me to be more successful?
• How do you need to grow to achieve your goals?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/.
Be the Welcoming Church
Best practices for building welcoming worship, church buildings, congregations, websites, and more
Learn how your church can make visitors feel truly welcome and comfortable with “Be the Welcoming Church.” This study includes engaging videos and a Study and Discussion Guide providing scriptures, introductory information, discussion questions, and prayers to structure a group conversation. “Be the Welcoming Church” may be used for hospitality training or in online or in-person adult classes and groups. Learn more and watch introductory videos now. https://www.churchleadership.com/product/be-the-welcoming-church
Free Video Study
Let’s Talk Honestly and Openly about Faith and Race
“Moving Faith Communities to Fruitful Conversations about Race” is a dialogue about race in America and may be used to help your church bring people together to talk about moving forward bravely and boldly in the name of Christ. The resource is divided into four 15-minute videos which may be used in one or more sessions. Watch now. https://www.churchleadership.com/videos/moving-faith-communities-fruitful-conversations-race/
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
How to Speed Up Church Decision-Making in Your Church
Jordana Wright and Doug Powe discussed church leadership, responsiveness, and generational struggles on the popular “Things to Talk about at Coffee Hour” webcast. Dr. Powe is Director of the Lewis Center and the James C. Logan Professor of Evangelism (E. Stanley Jones Chair) at Wesley Theological Seminary. Watch now. https://www.facebook.com/JordanaActivatesSpace/videos/177673353738704/
Quotable Leadership
“Integrity can be neither lost nor concealed nor faked nor quenched nor artificially come by nor outlived, nor, I believe, in the long run, denied.” — Eudora Welty
Video-based Adult Study Curriculum
Religion and Science: Pathways to Truth
Presented by Dr. Francis S. Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health
Is it possible to be a Christian and take science seriously? Must we choose between God and science? The nine lessons in this essential and inspiring course offer a positive alternative: a way to live in today’s world as scientifically informed. “Religion and Science” is ideal for your congregation’s online or in-person small groups, adult Bible studies, and Sunday School classes. Learn more, watch preview clips, and order now. https://www.churchleadership.com/product/religion-science-pathways-truth/
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