February 26, 2020
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
What Does Religious Freedom Mean Today?
Some people misuse the cause of religious freedom by making it a weapon against their opponents, says Lovett H. Weems Jr. However, this cherished freedom was established on behalf of those with minority views and beliefs. It is not a pretense for discrimination, a license to do anything in the name of religion, or a guarantee of religious comfort. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/what-does-religious-freedom-mean-today/?id=li20200226
3 Characteristics of Genuine Christian Hospitality
Christian hospitality doesn’t begin at the church’s front door, writes Phillip J. Brooks. It extends Christ-like love into the surrounding community, builds relationships, and risks change for the sake of including someone new. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/3-characteristics-of-genuine-christian-hospitality/?id=li20200226
The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
Tony Morgan maintains that a church cannot “event” itself to health. Churches can easily become filled with activities that do not reach new disciples or help current members grow in their discipleship. Two of the questions he suggests asking about all church events are:
* If we were going to launch our church again, would this be the best use of our time and money in our effort to spread the Gospel?
* Are we doing this because it’s the optimal way we can fulfill God’s mission for our church, or are we doing this because every other church is doing this?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/
LPLI Staff Version Provides Better Feedback for Staff Development
For Christian Educators, Program Directors, Youth Directors, Children’s Ministry Directors,
Church Administrators, Music Directors, Mission Coordinators, and more
LPLI is a confidential, online, 360º leadership assessment inventory designed to help those working in the church identify individual strengths and weaknesses in order to improve their ministry effectiveness. LPLI Staff Version provides better feedback for staff development and includes a free guidebook, Making the Most of LPLI, designed to lead a staff member through a process of analyzing their results, discussing their results with others, and formulating an action plan to improve their effectiveness. Learn more about LPLI Staff Version. https://lpli.org/lpli-staff-version/?id=li20200226
50 Ways to Welcome New People this Easter Season
Easter is coming, and that means church visitors! Learn how your congregation can make a good first impression with first-time guests with “50 Ways to Welcome New People.” This free downloadable guide provides strategies and tips to ensure your visitors feel truly welcome and at home in worship, plus guidance on visitor follow-ups and ways to be more inviting in your church. Read now and download free. https://www.churchleadership.com/50-ways/50-ways-to-welcome-new-people?id=li20200226
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
Save 25% Off the “Be the Welcoming Church” Video Tool Kit
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 adult classes and groups. Save 25% through March 3. Learn more and watch introductory videos now. https://www.churchleadership.com/product/be-the-welcoming-church/?id=li20200226
Quotable Leadership
“From the Exodus and American slavery to the Holocaust and apartheid, faith in action has served as the North Star for generations of believers — an enduring force that centered morality in the fight for justice and has helped sustain oppressed people through the worst of times.” — LaShawn Warren
Read “Synergy: A Leadership Guide for Church Staff and Volunteers”
By Dr. Ann A. Michel, Lewis Center Associate Director
The landscape of ministry is rapidly evolving as more and more lay persons take on significant ministry roles. Yet our mindset about ministry hasn’t been as quick to change. Lay ministry practitioners are often ill-prepared and underappreciated, confused about their call, and unsure of their theological identity. Dr. Michel’s book “Synergy” is a leadership guide that speaks directly to their needs. Learn more and order now. https://www.churchleadership.com/books/synergy-leadership-guide-church-staff-volunteers?id=li20200226
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