May 16, 2018
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Leading Unafraid
How can church leaders confront the fear that prevents congregations from dealing with controversial issues or taking necessary risks? Adam Hamilton, pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, outlines perspectives and strategies drawn from his new book “Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times.” Read more: https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/leading-unafraid?id=li20180516
Leading Ideas Talks Podcast: “Moving beyond Fear”
Why does fear so often prevent leaders and congregations from taking action? In this episode Lewis Center Associate Director Ann Michel speaks with Rev. Adam Hamilton, author of the new book “Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times,” about how people of faith can move beyond the paralysis of fear. Listen now: https://www.churchleadership.com/podcast/moving-beyond-fear-featuring-adam-hamilton?id=li20180516
From Parking Lot to Pew: Turning Building Users into Worshipers
Many churches provide meeting space for community groups hoping that building users will eventually show up for worship. But for a church to reach new people through its facility, it must engage in an active, intentional process of building relationships with those using the building, according to Kay Kotan and Phil Schroeder. Read more: https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/from-parking-lot-to-pew-turning-building-users-into-worshipers?id=li20180516
The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
Christians should never despair and think that positive change is impossible. Carlos Correa Bernier reminders believers that what appears complex and overwhelming must drive us back to the most elemental questions of our faith and character as well as what we believe about the future. His questions are:
* What is it that I believe?
* And what am I going to do about it?
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 videos previews: https://www.churchleadership.com/product/church-leaders-stronger-church-leaders?id=li20180516
50 Ways to Welcome New People
One key to effective outreach is making sure that worship visitors feel truly welcome. From helping newcomers feel at home in worship to following up with visitors, the strategies and tips in “50 Ways to Welcome New People” will help your congregation make a good first impression and extend hospitality in meaningful ways. Read now and download free: https://www.churchleadership.com/50-ways/50-ways-to-welcome-new-people?id=li20180516
Quotable Leadership
“There is no innovation and creativity without failure. Period.” — Brene Brown
Read “Take the Next Step: Leading Lasting Change in the Church”
Too often church advocates insist that if genuine change is to occur in the church, then they must throw out everything that has gone before. The problem with such calls for radical change is that they are not true to the way that genuine and lasting change takes place, says author Lovett H. Weems, Jr. In his book “Take the Next Step” he offers congregational leaders essential insights into how they can work with and through their churches’ ministries to bring about authentic and faithful growth. Learn more and order now: https://www.churchleadership.com/books/take-the-next-step-leading-lasting-change-in-the-church?id=li20180516
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=20180516