Text-only Version of Leading Ideas, November 13, 2019

November 13, 2019
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary

7 Ways to Lead When the Way Ahead Is Unclear
Susan Beaumont explains that saying, “I don’t know” is not a sign of weakness in a leader. It is an honest acknowledgment that more learning is required before action can be taken. She outlines seven ways to inspire confidence while acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers yet. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/7-ways-to-lead-when-the-way-ahead-is-unclear/?id=li20191113

Leading Ideas Talks Podcast: Episode 45
“Holiness and American Culture” featuring Cheryl Sanders
How have the holiness and Pentecostal movements influenced American culture? In this episode we speak with Cheryl Sanders about why these movements grew so rapidly, how they influenced our culture, and the challenges they face in our modern world. Listen now or read transcript. https://www.churchleadership.com/podcast/episode-45-holiness-and-american-culture-featuring-cheryl-sanders/?id=li20191113

What to Do When Volunteers Quit
Deborah Ikes says people step away from volunteer positions for various reasons. But regardless of the cause, they need to know the church continues to value them. She offers a three-step formula to respond in a way that is respectful and encourages longer-term retention. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/what-to-do-when-volunteers-quit/?id=li20191113

The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
The authors of The 4 Disciplines of Execution recommend the identification of a “wildly important goal.” To get to such a goal, they suggest an alternative to the often-asked question, “What’s most important?” Their question is:
* If every other area of our operation remained at its current level of performance, what is the one area where change would have the greatest impact?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/

New LPLI Staff Version Provides Better Feedback for Staff Development
For Christian Educators, Program Directors, Youth Directors, Children’s Ministry Directors, Church Administrators, Music Directors, Mission Coordinators, and more
LPLI is a confidential, online, 360º leadership assessment inventory designed to help those working in the church identify individual strengths and weaknesses in order to improve their ministry effectiveness. New LPLI Staff Version provides better feedback for staff development and includes a free guidebook, “Making the Most of LPLI,” designed to lead a staff member through a process of analyzing their results, discussing their results with others, and formulating an action plan to improve their effectiveness. Learn more about LPLI Staff Version. https://lpli.org/lpli-staff-version/?id=li20191113

Should Pastors Know What Members Give?
“Every time I teach on stewardship,” writes the Lewis Center’s Ann A. Michel, “this question invariably comes up: ‘Should pastors have access to contribution records?'” In some congregations, pastors are prohibited from knowing what people contribute. In others, pastors choose to shield themselves from this information. A good pastor, however, pays attention to all the signs of spiritual development. Read “To the Point: Should Pastors Know What Members Give?” Read now and download free. https://www.churchleadership.com/to-the-point/to-the-point-should-pastors-know-what-members-give?id=li20191113

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

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=li20191113

Quotable Leadership
“Contrary to what we may expect, the most powerful and practical resource that church leaders have at their disposal, week in and week out, is their own knowledge and experience of God.” — Christopher A. Beeley

Video-based Adult Study Curriculum
“Methodist Identity”
The “Methodist Identity” video series from the Wesley Ministry Network explains what it means to be Methodist. The studies benefit both lifelong Methodists and those coming to Methodism from other traditions. “Part 1: Our Story” is hosted by Rev. Dr. Justo González, and “Part 2: Our Beliefs” is hosted by Bishop Gregory Ingram. Each study includes eight lessons and video presentations, supplemental videos, study guides, and extensive supplemental presentations. Learn more and order now. https://www.churchleadership.com/product-category/wesleyministrynetwork/methodist-identity?id=li20191113

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