March 13, 2019
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Online Church is Your New Front Door
Carey Nieuwhof says that online church was once a back door for lazy or disengaged Christians, but it is rapidly evolving into the primary entry point for new people interested in a church. But to reach people who live on the internet, churches need to devote more resources and staff to online engagement. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/online-church-is-your-new-front-door?id=li20190313
4 Key Practices of Community Engagement
Sam Marullo and Doug Powe, both Wesley Theological Seminary faculty members, have developed a simple four-part model to help congregations engage their communities in meaningful ways. They outline four reflective practices — inquiry, imagination, incarnation, and imminence — to guide a church in connecting with its neighbors. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/4-key-practices-of-community-engagement?id=li20190313
The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
You may have heard some variation of the saying by the French essayist Emile Chartier, “Nothing is more dangerous than an idea when it is the only one you have.” Developing options can stimulate creativity in ways that stopping with one answer does not. A good question to use when a group is about to settle on a plan is:
* That is one good solution. What might another solution be?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/
Reach New Disciples with the “Taking Church to the Community” Video Tool Kit
Explore strategies your congregation can use to reach beyond its walls with worship, community events, ministries, and service. The Taking Church to the Community Tool Kit features engaging videos and presentations and is designed for both self-study and for use with groups in your church. Learn more and watch introductory videos now. https://www.churchleadership.com/product/taking-church-to-the-community-download?id=20190313
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?id=li20190313
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
5 Indices of Health and Vitality for Small to Mid-sized Congregations
In To the Point: A New Way to View Small Church Vitality, small church expert Dr. Lew Parks describes five indices of health and vitality for small to mid-sized congregations that contribute to “dynamic equilibrium.” Read now and download free. https://www.churchleadership.com/to-the-point/point-new-way-view-small-church-vitality/?id=li20190313
Quotable Leadership
“No voluntary or cultural institution in American society gathers more people more regularly than religious congregations.” — Mark Chaves
Methodist Identity Studies
Adult Education Studies: Methodist Identity
The Methodist Identity video series explains what it means to be Methodist. The studies benefit both lifelong Methodists and those coming to Methodism from other traditions. Part 1: Our Story is hosted by Rev. Dr. Justo González, and Part 2: Our Beliefs is hosted by Bishop Gregory Ingram. Each study includes eight lessons and video presentations, supplemental videos, study guides, and extensive supplemental presentations. Learn more and order now. https://www.churchleadership.com/product-category/wesleyministrynetwork/methodist-identity?id=li20190313
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