February 10, 2021
“Leading Ideas” from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Conquering the Challenges of Change
Why are churches so resistant to meaningful change? And what processes can help churches be more agile and innovative? Ann Michel of the Lewis Center shares key concepts in Scott Cormode’s book The Innovative Church about innovation and change. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/conquering-the-challenges-of-change/
Leading Ideas Talks Podcast: Episode 72
“Faith and the Video Gaming Community” featuring David Petty and Russ Dornisch
Is there space for faith in the world of online video gaming? David Petty and Russ Dornisch discuss CROSSFIRE: faith + gaming, the innovative online Christian community they have created for gamers. Listen now or read transcript. https://www.churchleadership.com/podcast/episode-72-faith-and-the-video-gaming-community-featuring-david-petty-and-russ-dornisch/
A Different Approach
Doug Powe suggests congregations take a different approach to Black History Month this year. He outlines ideas to encourage church members to think more deeply about faith and race through relational engagement, interracial dialogue, and substantive study. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/a-different-approach/
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.”
All institutions are reckoning with their past these days. Congregations often discover there were seasons in their histories when their witness was not in alignment with what they know today to be God’s will. A recent issue of Alban Weekly offered excellent questions for churches to use.
* What story or time period from our congregation’s past do we highlight when we tell our history?
* What is it about that story or period that makes us celebrate it?
* What is the story or time period from our history that we skip over in telling our story?
* What is it about that story or period that we would rather ignore?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/.
Free Video Study
How to Talk Honestly and Openly about Faith and Race in Your Congregation
“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/
New Doctor of Ministry begins in May
Howard Thurman: Prophetic Witness
“In a world that is all about drawing attention to one’s self, a prophetic witness moves us toward a new reality grounded in God’s grace.”
What does it mean for a leader to stand in the gap between the way things are and what they could be? Howard Thurman’s prophetic witness exemplified this form of leadership. Thurman did not demonize those responsible for systemic ills. Instead, he emphasized a positive vision of the way things could be. This track of doctoral study from Wesley Theological Seminary focuses on the power of a prophetic witness like Thurman’s to draw people toward a positive new future. Learn more and apply today. https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/doctorofministry/public-engagement/
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
Leadership Study for Small Groups
Changes Congregations Face
From worship attendance patterns to diversity, from finances to faith formation, the church is changing. This new leadership study explores these topics and more, along with discussion questions and action steps. “Changes Congregations Face” is an ideal conversation starter for your small groups, especially for congregations evaluating their own ministries or engaging in planning for the future. The 39-page document may also be read as a stand-alone resource for individual learning or self-study. Only $3.99. Learn more and read a sample unit now. https://www.churchleadership.com/product/changes-congregations-face/
Quotable Leadership
“You can do three things today that will put you in a better position to manage strategic ambiguity: Take pragmatic action, cultivate emotional steadiness, and tap into others’ expertise.” — Lisa Lai
Free PDF E-book
50 Quotations for Fruitful Leaders
The right phrase or succinct quotation often carries more power than long essays or intense discussion. Compiled by Lovett H. Weems Jr., this collection of quotes is organized on particular themes, including change, conflict, diversity, fruitfulness, and more, to spark our own imagination and inspire our own creativity. Download now free. https://www.churchleadership.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/50-Quotations-for-Fruitful-Leaders-2019Update.pdf
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