March 27, 2019
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Do Your Church Programs Obscure Your True Mission?
Sometimes churches get so preoccupied with their own programs and get-it-done approach to mission that they lose sight of their ultimate purpose. Lee Roorda Schott’s experience as a pastor behind prison walls taught her that the true essence of the church’s mission must be love born of real, authentic relationship. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/do-your-church-programs-obscure-your-true-mission?id=li20190327
Affirming the Ministry of Lay Readers
Theodore May says reading scripture in worship is a profound and meaningful way to connect people with the Bible, worship, and the church. Congregations need to help people overcome their hesitations by setting reasonable expectations and helping them prepare in more than superficial ways. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/affirming-the-ministry-of-lay-readers?id=li20190327
The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
Many people find it helpful to ask of any program, activity, or position, “If we didn’t already have this, would we start it?” However, another version of this line of inquiry gets at proportionality in which you can look at something relative to its cost.
* If we were not already doing this, how much would we spend to start it?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/
Help Ensure Your Church’s Mission Hits the Mark
Vital congregations are increasingly committed to serving others through mission, but congregations want to know whether their good intentions yield good results. Through engaging videos and presentations, the “Doing Good Well” Video Tool Kit explores the fruitfulness of mission efforts and provides practical strategies to help ensure your mission hits the mark. Learn more and watch introductory videos now. https://www.churchleadership.com/product/doing-good-well-download?id=li20190327
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=li20190327
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
Free Uber Rides and Live-Streamed Services: How Black Churches Attract Millennials
Church attendance for young adults has been in decline across the U.S. But while some historically black churches are closing their doors because the number of parishioners is declining, others are winning over these millennials, reports Henrietta Holiday for The Washington Post. Read more now. https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2019/02/23/free-uber-rides-livestreamed-services-how-dc-black-churches-attract-millennials/?id=li20190327
Quotable Leadership
“Treat every surprise not as something to be controlled but to be accorded the respect you would show an uninvited guest.” — Harriet Rubin
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=li20190327
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