March 4, 2020
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
6 Silver Linings in the Clouds of Doom and Gloom
Ann Michel of the Lewis Center staff points to six positive factors that may offer clues to churches seeking a way forward in an environment shaped by so many discouraging trends and challenges. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/6-silver-linings-in-the-clouds-of-doom-and-gloom/?id=li20200304
Leading Ideas Talks Podcast: Episode 50
“Finding New Resources to Support Your Church’s Ministry” featuring Sidney Williams
Is a lack of resources limiting the potential of your ministry? In this episode we speak with Sidney Williams of Crossing Capital about how congregations can develop new sources of capital in the marketplace, engage community partners, and develop unrecognized sources of social, intellectual, and human capital within the pews. Listen now or read transcript. https://www.churchleadership.com/podcast/episode-50-finding-new-resources-to-support-your-churchs-ministry-featuring-sidney-williams/?id=li20200226
3 Key Lessons from Leadership Pioneer Mary Parker Follett
Lovett H. Weems, Jr. explains how Mary Parker Follett, a pioneering leadership thinker who valued human interaction and interconnectivity, influenced his thinking on key leadership themes such as vision, collaboration, and reconciliation. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/3-key-lessons-from-leadership-pioneer-mary-parker-follett/?id=li20200304
The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
Leaders live with a constant flurry of activities, demands, and expectations on top of the ever expanding “to do” list they bring to their work each week. It is no wonder that important major goals get neglected. One way to lead on the big challenges and opportunities even in the busiest of times is to ask this question.
* What is one thing I can do to advance the goal today (or this week)?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/
Apply by April 20 for the Renowned Lewis Fellows Program for Outstanding Young Clergy
We are now receiving applications for the 2020-21 Lewis Fellows program that brings together outstanding young clergy from a variety of denominational backgrounds for intensive leadership development activities and sustained peer interaction. Applications are due by April 20, 2020. Learn more about the program, meeting dates, costs, and eligibility requirements. https://www.churchleadership.com/lewis-fellows?id=li2020304
“Changes Congregations Face”
From worship attendance patterns to diversity, from finances to faith formation, the church is changing. This new leadership study explores these topics and more, along with discussion questions and action steps. “Changes Congregations Face” is an ideal conversation starter for your small groups, especially for congregations evaluating their own ministries or engaging in planning for the future. The 39-page document may also be read as a stand-alone resource for individual learning or self-study. Only $3.99. Learn more and view a sample unit now. https://www.churchleadership.com/product/changes-congregations-face/?id=li2020304
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
Connecting Generosity to Faith
What will it take to help church members practice what Robert Schnase calls “extravagant generosity”? In “To the Point: Connecting Generosity to Faith,” Wesley Theological Seminary President David McAllister-Wilson says we can ask three questions about how to take next steps to connect faith and generosity more effectively. Read now and download free. https://www.churchleadership.com/to-the-point/to-the-point-connecting-generosity-to-faith/?id=li20200304
Quotable Leadership
“The leader releases energy, unites energies, and all with the object not only of carrying out a purpose, but of creating further and larger purposes.” — Mary Parker Follett, 1868-1933
What is God’s Vision for Your Congregation?
“Discovering God’s Future for Your Church” is a turnkey tool kit to help your congregation discern and implement God’s vision for its future. The resource guides your church in discovering clues to your vision in your history and culture, your current congregational strengths and weaknesses, and the needs of your surrounding community. The tool kit features videos, leader’s guides, discussion exercises, planning tools, handouts, diagrams, worksheets, and more. Learn more and watch an introductory video now. https://www.churchleadership.com/product/discovering-gods-future-church?id=2020304
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