July 31, 2019
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Is Nostalgia Sabotaging Your Church’s Future?
Matt Miofsky says that a sentimental longing for the past often distorts a church’s perspective on change and keeps it from seeing new paths. While nostalgia is normal, we need to see it for what it is and not let it keep us from claiming a new future. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/is-nostalgia-sabotaging-your-churchs-future/?id=li20190731
First-time Visitor’s Survey Invites Feedback and Holy Conversation
When Harvest Church in South Georgia sends a follow-up message to worship visitors it includes a request for their feedback. This opens the door to holy conversation and invites visitors to help strengthen the church, making them a part of the church’s mission from the very first day. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/first-time-visitors-survey-invites-feedback-and-holy-conversation/?id=li20190731
The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
Leaders spend much time in meetings. Steven G. Rogelberg offers some questions to ask after meetings to assess the dynamics. He suggests that if you answer yes to all or some of these questions, there is a problem.
* Were people distracted?
* Were people conducting side conversations?
* Who did the most talking? Was it you? One or two people?
* Did the discussion stray to irrelevant topics?
* Were all the opinions and ideas that were expressed fairly similar?
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” Video Tool Kit
Learn how your church can make visitors feel truly welcome and comfortable
“Be the Welcoming Church” will help you develop a congregation-wide ethos of hospitality and institute best practices for greeting newcomers, making them feel at home, and encouraging them to return. The tool kit includes engaging videos, a Study and Discussion Guide, and more. Be the Welcoming Church may be used for hospitality training or in adult classes or groups. Learn more and watch introductory videos now. https://www.churchleadership.com/product/be-the-welcoming-church/?id=li20190731
Unclutter Your Church Now
Revitalizing congregations must strip away some of the vestiges of the past to make space for the new amidst decades of physical and emotional clutter. “To the Point: Unclutter Your Church Now” helps congregations unshackle from the weight of clutter and disorganization. Read now and download free. https://www.churchleadership.com/to-the-point/to-the-point-unclutter-your-church?id=li20190731
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
Looking for an Adult Study for Fall?
The Lewis Center is the home of the Wesley Ministry Network — insightful video-based studies that encourage energetic discussion and personal reflection. Ideal for your congregation’s small groups, adult Bible studies, and Sunday School classes, courses include video lessons, Leader’s Guides, Participant’s Guides, and more. Learn more and order now for fall. https://www.churchleadership.com/product-category/wesleyministrynetwork?id=li20190731
Quotable Leadership
“You will have found Christ when you are concerned with other people’s sufferings and not your own.” — Flannery O’Connor
NEW!
“The Methodist Class Leader” Adult Christian Study
Regularly $75, only $25 for the first 300 purchasers thanks to a generous contribution!
This seven-session video-based study curriculum examines the office of Methodist class leader. Class leaders and class meetings were part of the genius of the original Methodist movement. Yet, in many branches of Methodism today, the office no longer exists or has devolved into a merely token role. This study draws on the extensive work of Dr. David Lowes Watson, a leading scholar of Methodist history and an advocate for the revitalization of the office of class leader. Learn more and watch an introductory video now. https://www.churchleadership.com/product/the-methodist-class-leader/?id=li20190731
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