August 22, 2018
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Welcoming Change Begins with You
Simple habits of congregational life, such as always sitting in the same pew or greeting the same people after worship, might seem normal and innocuous. But they can be unwelcoming and off-putting to newcomers. The good news is, simple steps to disrupt these habits can make a big difference to visitors and these changes can begin with you! Read more now: https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/welcoming-change-begins-with-you?id=li20180822
Episode 17
Leading Ideas Talks Podcast: “The Transformative Power of Church-School Partnerships”
Thinking of launching a church-school partnership? Or looking to strengthen an existing partnership? In this episode Jake McGlothin, author of “The Mission-Minded Guide to Church and School Partnerships,” speaks with Lewis Center Associate Director Ann A. Michel about how churches can build effective, transformative relationships with children and teachers in their community. Listen now: https://www.churchleadership.com/podcast/episode-17-the-transformative-power-of-church-school-partnerships-featuring-jake-mcglothin?id=li20180822
4 Tips for Launching a Church-School Partnership
Ann Michel of the Lewis Center Staff outlines four ways a church can lay a solid foundation for a church-school partnership before jumping in headfirst. Listening, learning, establishing trust, and building solid relationships are key first steps. Read more now: https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/4-tips-for-launching-a-church-school-partnership?id=li20180822
The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
These questions can help a congregation align its vision to its mission field, according to Kay Kotan and Blake Bradford.
* Who are we as a congregation now?
* Who is our neighbor?
* What is the gap between our congregation and our mission field?
* What must we do, give up, and/or change to reach our neighbors for Christ?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/
Learn How to Partner with Your Local School
If your congregation is considering a school-focused initiative, start planning with the “Engaging Local Schools” Tool Kit. Through videos, presentations, and supplemental materials, this resource guides your congregation in considering questions that are critical to the success of a school-focused service initiative. Learn more and watch introductory videos now: https://www.churchleadership.com/product/engaging-local-schools-download?id=li20180822
50 Ways to Multiply Your Church’s Leadership Capacity
How can you best help new leaders in your church get started? More effectively invite people to be leaders? Make meeting matter? Support and affirm existing leaders? Learn the answers to these questions and more in “50 Ways to Multiply Your Church’s Leadership Capacity.” Read now and download free: https://www.churchleadership.com/50-ways/50-ways-multiply-churchs-leadership-capacity?id=li20180822
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 Video: “Why Giving Matters and Clues for Improving It”
Learn to encourage the spiritual gift of giving with this eight-minute video by Lewis Center Senior Consultant Lovett H. Weems, Jr. It provides an overview of the importance of congregational giving and ways you can improve it. Watch now: https://www.churchleadership.com/videos/why-giving-matters-and-clues-for-improving-it?id=li20180822
Quotable Leadership
“In our well-meaning attempts to be committed people of faith, we must avoid creating the God that picks us — just us — over another. Our task is to stay out of God’s way.” — Sharon M. K. Kugler
Adult Small Group Study: “Religion and Science — Pathways to Truth”
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 believers. “Religion and Science” is ideal for your congregation’s small groups, adult Bible studies, and Sunday School classes. Learn more and order now: https://www.churchleadership.com/product/religion-science-pathways-truth?id=li20180822