June 3, 2020
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Leading in an Age of Political Polarization
David Brubaker says leaders need different skills in this age when deep political divisions affect our families, congregations, and communities. It requires clarity, compassion, courage, and connection. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/leading-in-an-age-of-political-polarization/
Why the Church’s Mission Really Matters in this Time of Crisis
Anthony Hunt says crisis reveals the strength of the church’s ministries of connection and message of hope. Even with changing patterns of interaction, we need ministries of prayer, community support, and missional engagement more than ever. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/why-the-churchs-mission-really-matters-in-this-time-of-crisis/
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.”
Justin Irving and Mark Strauss say that when problems arise in an organization, leaders must model what matters when it comes to vulnerable self-evaluation. Ask yourself the tough questions:
* How am I contributing to this issue or problem?
* Are there areas of my inner life that adversely affect by work or those with whom I work?
* Are there any personal blind spots I’m missing in the situation?
* Do I need to seek out insight from anyone who could help be see these blind spots?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/.
Video-based Adult Study Curriculum
“Religion and Science: Pathways to Truth”
Regularly $75 — Now $50
Presented by Dr. Francis S. Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health
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 — especially important in this era of COVID-19. “Religion and Science” is ideal for your congregation’s online or in-person small groups, adult Bible studies, and Sunday School classes. Only $50 through June 30. Learn more and order now. https://www.churchleadership.com/product/religion-science-pathways-truth/
Suggestions for Churches with a Pastor Who Is Single
Single persons in ministry face a unique set of challenges around maintaining boundaries, privacy, and social connections, particularly if they serve in a congregation that has only been served in the past by married clergy. “To the Point: Suggestions for Churches with a Pastor Who Is Single” describes how congregations and pastors can work together on the “tender balance” between being supportive and allowing privacy. Read now and download free. https://www.churchleadership.com/to-the-point/to-the-point-suggestions-for-churches-with-a-single-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
Online Summer 2020 Courses for Academic and CEU Credit
Join the Lewis Center’s Dr. Lovett H. Weems Jr., for his online summer course from Wesley Theological Seminary. CM-137 Church Finances (July 6-10, 2020) is 1 academic credit hour or 1.5 CEU credits. Other online summer courses from Wesley include Ministry & Self-Care and Solution-based Pastoral Care (both June 15-26); Theological Foundations for Youth Ministry (July 1-31); Teaching and Learning in Christian Education (July 5-31); Howard Thurman: Mystic, Prophetic, Theologian (July 20-31); and many more. See the full list of online summer and fall courses and register now. https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/admissions/try-a-class-2/
Quotable Leadership
“People changing their religious identity and practice to align more closely with their politics is more common than is generally appreciated.” — Mark Chaves
#YouToo
Protect your congregation and your ministry with Keeping Our Sacred Trust — online training on the ethical boundaries in ministry. Courses include “Understanding Clergy Sexual Ethics” and “Maintaining Boundaries in a Digital Age.” Keeping Our Sacred Trust is open to clergy of any denomination and non-denominational pastors. Courses are $49 and include .5 CEU. Learn more and enroll today. https://www.lewisonlinelearning.org/
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