June 6, 2018
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
9 Top Trends Impacting Church Leadership
Lewis Center Director F. Douglas Powe and Associate Director Ann A. Michel outline some of the major trends evident in their research and interactions with church leaders. While many of the trends are quite sobering, they also reveal possibilities for innovative and adaptive approaches to ministry. Read more: https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/9-top-trends-impacting-church-leadership?id=li20180606
Honoring the Context of a New Ministry Setting
Lovett H. Weems, Jr., says incoming pastors tend to see everything through the lens of their own experience, vision, and interests, rather than learning how things got to be the way they are. Good leadership is always about the group, not the leader, says Weems. So it’s important for new pastors to take time to understand the pulse of a new congregation. Read more: https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/honoring-the-context-of-a-new-ministry-setting?id=li20180606
The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
In planning for the future, some congregations have found it helpful to ask these questions:
* What current strengths do we have that we could use to meet the opportunities and challenges we face?
* What new skills or competencies do we need to develop to meet the opportunities and challenges we face?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/
Free Video: “Why Worship Attendance Matters and Clues for Improving It”
To help you reach new disciples, this free Lewis Center video by Lovett H. Weems, Jr., provides an overview of why worship attendance is important and ways you can improve it. Watch now: https://www.churchleadership.com/videos/why-worship-attendance-matters-and-clues-for-improving-it?id=li20180606
Pastors Moving to New Churches Need the Right Start
Are you a pastor preparing to begin ministry in a new setting? With “The Right Start” Video Tool Kit, you’ll learn how to end your current ministry well, develop a personal transition plan, and make the most of your first days, weeks, and months in your new congregation. “The Right Start” is available in both Pastor’s and Group Training Versions. Learn more and watch a video preview: https://www.churchleadership.com/product/the-right-start-pastors-version-download?id=20180606
Quotable Leadership
“Having inherited heavy organizational structures from the last century, leaders must lighten structure so that they can reclaim their primary roles as guiding a people to enact a spiritual mission and vision within a community.” — Hayim Herring and Terri Martinson Elton
50 Ways to Increase Worship Attendance
Worship attendance is vital to the mission of the church. Our free “50 Ways” tip sheet provides practical strategies to help you invite new people to attend worship, improve the attendance of current members, make your church visible and attractive, welcome worship guests warmly, and make worship accessible to newcomers. Read now and download free: https://www.churchleadership.com/50-ways/50-ways-to-increase-worship-attendance?id=li20180606
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=li20180606