May 15, 2019
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Prayer is the Spiritual Electricity of Congregational Revitalization
Sue Nilson Kibbey says a robust prayer life can be a powerful catalyst for congregational renewal. It can shift a church’s gaze “up and out” countering negativity and doubt. Leaders live into their prayers with an openness that powers transformation when they pray with the genuine expectation that it really does make a difference. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/prayer-is-the-spiritual-electricity-of-congregational-revitalization/?id=li20190515
Does Your Church Have the Necessary Leaders?
Church Consultant Joel Snider says a critical characteristic of healthy churches is the presence of “necessary leaders” who can make hard decisions in the right spirit and act in the best interest of the congregation, even when facing criticism. He outlines six characteristics of such leaders and key questions for identifying your church’s necessary leaders. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/does-your-church-have-the-necessary-leaders/?id=li20190515
The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
Theologian Gordon Kaufman said that the most essential questions for theology are not primarily speculative but more practical. Two such questions he suggested are:
* How are we to live?
* To what should we devote ourselves?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/
“More Church Leaders | Stronger Church Leaders” Video Tool Kit
Learn strategies to identify and support new leaders and build and maintain effective ministry teams. “More Church Leaders | Stronger Church Leaders” helps clergy and lay leaders, in churches both large and small, discover a more synergistic and fruitful way of being in ministry together. The tool kit includes engaging videos, handouts, and supplementary materials. Learn more and watch video previews. https://www.churchleadership.com/product/church-leaders-stronger-church-leaders/?id=li20190515
50 Ways to Strengthen Adult Education
Vital churches provide ways for people of all ages to grow in faith through learning. These 50 ideas can help your congregation build a strong program of Christian education for adults. Read now and download free. https://www.churchleadership.com/50-ways/50-ways-to-strengthen-adult-education/?id=li20190515
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
Suggestions for Churches with a Young Pastor
Churches that receive a young pastor need to remember how lucky they are. Many congregations say they want a younger pastor, but few have the opportunity. Learn how you can support a young pastor with “To the Point: Suggestions for Churches with a Young Pastor.” Read now and download free. https://www.churchleadership.com/to-the-point/to-the-point-suggestions-for-churches-with-a-young-pastor/?id=li20190515
Quotable Leadership
“I think a major act of leadership right now — call it a radical act — is to create the places and processes so people can actually learn together, using our experiences.” — Margaret J. Wheatley
Moving, Pastor?
If you’re a pastor preparing to begin ministry in a new setting, “The Right Start” Video Tool Kit leads you in ending your current ministry well, developing a personal transition plan, and making the most of your first days, weeks, and months in your new congregation. Available in 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=li20190515
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