June 10, 2020
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Committing to a Hybrid Model of Ministry
Tom Berlin say churches will likely need a hybrid ministry model with a mix of in-person and online ministry for some time. He shares thoughts on how churches can embrace this approach and focus their efforts as they move forward. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/committing-to-a-hybrid-model-of-ministry/
Leading Ideas Talks Podcast: Episode 57
“Is the Church Ignoring the Spiritual Needs of Adults in Midlife?” featuring Michelle Van Loon
Churches often put a lot of emphasis on nurturing families, children, and those at the start of their faith journey. But what about others? In this episode we speak with Michelle Van Loon about how churches can better help people in midlife continue to grow in faith as they navigate their unique life challenges. Listen now or read transcript. https://www.churchleadership.com/podcast/episode-57-is-the-church-ignoring-the-spiritual-needs-of-adults-in-midlife-featuring-michelle-van-loon/
New Pastors Should Make Time to Listen
Sidney Williams writes that a top priority for a new pastor needs to be listening to the stories of congregants to discern needs, learn who the leaders are, and build community. The importance of spending time listening, sharing, laughing, and crying together cannot be overstated. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/uncategorized/new-pastors-should-make-time-to-listen/
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.”
Susan Beaumont says the journey through the pandemic has involved many painful losses including subtle but still painful losses associated with plans abandoned, dreams deferred, and the loss of control over our destiny. She suggests reflecting on these questions.
* What were we on the verge of discovering or accomplishing before the onset of the pandemic? What needs to move forward in different ways now?
* What was possible before that may not be possible for some time, if ever?
* What seemed important before that feels superfluous now?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/.
“The Right Start” Video Tool Kit
Save nearly 60% — Pastor’s Version Download Only $25 for a Limited Time
If you’re a pastor preparing to begin ministry in a new setting, “The Right Start: Beginning Ministry in a New Setting” Video Tool Kit leads you in ending your current ministry well, developing a personal transition plan, and making the most of your first days, weeks, and months in your new congregation. Includes the free COVID-19 Supplement. Available in Pastor’s and Group Training Versions. Learn more and watch a video preview. https://www.churchleadership.com/product/the-right-start-pastors-version-download/
50 Ways to Welcome a New Pastor
If a new pastor is in your congregation’s future, be sure to check out “50 Ways to Welcome a New Pastor.” This resource shares tips on how to say goodbye to your current pastor in a healthy way and offers helpful advice on how to welcome your new pastor. Read now and download free. https://www.churchleadership.com/50-ways/50-ways-to-welcome-a-new-pastor/
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
Opportunities to Learn about Howard Thurman
> Online Summer 2020 courses for Academic and CEU credit
Register now for Howard Thurman: Mystic, Prophetic, Theologian from Tony Hunt (July 20-31), offered by Wesley Theological Seminary. Other online summer courses include: Church Finances from Lovett H. Weems, Jr. (July 6-10, 2020); Theological Foundations for Youth Ministry (July 1-31); and Teaching and Learning in Christian Education (July 5-31). Register now. https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/admissions/try-a-class-2/
> New Doctor of Ministry track — Howard Thurman: Prophetic Witness
This track from Wesley Theological Seminary focuses on the power of a prophetic witness like Thurman’s to draw people toward a positive new future. 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. Learn more and apply. https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/doctorofministry/public-engagement/
Quotable Leadership
“There is now no assumption that the society will be a moral foundation for Christians; the Constantinian age reached its last stop — the American South — and no longer serves up Christendom as a social support for the Christian church.” — James Hudnut-Beumler
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 has not 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
Copyright © 2004-2020 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
https://www.churchleadership.com/leadingideas