June 5, 2019
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Welcoming Is the Top Factor in Church Choice
A recent study among spiritual seekers aged 25-40 suggests they have a strong desire for genuine community. Knowing everyone will be welcomed, making friends and nurturing friendships, and support during difficult times were the top motivating factors in considering a church. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/welcoming-is-the-top-factor-in-church-choice/?id=li20190605
Leading Ideas Talks Podcast: Episode 34
“It’s All about the Building” featuring Bob Jaeger
How can congregations imaginatively use their space? In this episode we speak with Bob Jaeger, president of Partners for Sacred Places, about re-imagining the space in your church building. Listen now or read transcript. https://www.churchleadership.com/podcast/episode-34-its-all-about-the-building-featuring-bob-jaeger/?id=li20190605
Before You Rent Church Space, Calculate the Costs
Churches often struggle to determine a fair price when they rent space to community groups. Partners for Sacred Spaces, an organization helping congregations develop creative community partnerships, says the hard costs of maintaining any shared space is an objective factor that must be considered in determining the rental value. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/before-you-rent-church-space-calculate-the-costs/?id=li20190605
The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
At least once a year, it is helpful for leaders to guide their organizations in asking questions that can, over the course of coming months, free valuable time for new initiatives. Questions Lisa Bodell suggests include:
* Are there things we do that add no value?
* Are there reports we can do without?
* What recurring meetings can be held less frequently?
* Are there meetings not needed?
* What presentations can be shortened?
* Can approvals be simplified?
* Can we eliminate any forms or documents?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/
NEW!
“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=li20190605
50 Ways to Welcome New People
Learn how your congregation can make a good first impression with first-time visitors. “50 Ways to Welcome New People” 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=li20190605
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
Less God, Less Giving?
Religion and generosity feed each other in interesting ways
America’s religiosity and extraordinary generosity are closely linked. But as faith spirals downward, voluntary giving is very likely to follow. An obvious question is whether the causation arrow can be reversed, writes Karl Zinsmeister for Philanthropy Roundtable. Read more now. https://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/philanthropy-magazine/less-god-less-giving?id=li20190605
Quotable Leadership
“Today change itself has become an integral part of stability. Today you can achieve stability only by embracing change as a continuous and permanent state.” — Daniel Burrus
Adult Education Studies for Your Small Groups
The Wesley Ministry Network offers insightful video-based ecumenical 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. https://www.churchleadership.com/product-category/wesleyministrynetwork/?id=li20190605
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