March 21, 2018
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
The One-Point Sermon
Charley Reeb, a Florida pastor known as a gifted preacher, says that it’s often easiest for listeners to stay focused when a sermon is organized around one point. But that point must be both clear and compelling. Read more: https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/the-one-point-sermon?id=li20180321
Leading Ideas Talks Podcast: “That’ll Preach”
How can you connect with more people and engage current parishioners better through preaching? Lewis Center Director Douglas Powe speaks with Pastor Charley Reeb, author of “That’ll Preach!: 5 Simple Steps to Your Best Sermon Ever,” in this episode. Listen now: https://www.churchleadership.com/podcast/thatll-preach-featuring-charley-reeb/?id=li20180321
3 Ways to Extend the Impact of a Sermon
Mike Schreiner and Ken Willard describe ways to get more traction from each week’s sermon by layering its message into other materials that reinforce the teaching — such as weekly devotionals or study guides — and by posting it online. Read more: https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/3-ways-to-extend-the-impact-of-a-sermon?id=li20180321
The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
Michael Slaughter in his book UnLearning Church encourages churches to identify the most pressing questions to address using these questions:
* What honest questions do you imagine people want to ask?
* Are your worship, classroom, and fellowship settings safe spaces to explore these questions?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/
Learn to Reach Others through Worship
Worship attendance is vital to the mission of the church. The “Reaching Others through Worship” Video Tool Kit provides resources and strategies to help you improve hospitality and worship attendance. Topics include: The Sermon Series as Outreach Tool;How Do People See Your Church?; Putting out the Welcome Mat; The Ministry of Greeting; and Ways to Improve Summer Attendance. Learn more and watch introductory videos now: https://www.churchleadership.com/product/reaching-others-through-worship-download?id=20180321
Free Video: “The New Realities of Engaging Newcomers”
This five-minute video by Lewis Center Senior Consultant Lovett H. Weems, Jr., provides an overview of how new people are coming into church communities in different ways than previously, what it means for your congregation, and what you can do to engage these newcomers today. Watch now: https://www.churchleadership.com/videos/the-new-realities-of-engaging-newcomers/?id=li20180321
Quotable Leadership
“I need to hear a gospel that isn’t like ordinary life. The good news in your sermon needs to address with strong medicine some startling realizations about my life.” — Larry Buxton
Adult Small Group Study: “Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense”
This ten-session video-based congregational study featuring biblical scholar and Anglican bishop N. T. Wright addresses questions of the reasonableness of the Christian faith in the modern world. “Simply Christian” is an excellent course for both established believers and seekers and is ideal for your congregation’s small groups, adult Bible studies, and Sunday School classes. Learn more now: https://www.churchleadership.com/product/simply-christian/?id=li20180321
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=li20180321