November 14, 2018
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
A Gracious Invitation to Generosity
Ann Michel of the Lewis Center staff says inviting people to participate in the generosity of God can be a gracious way to initiate conversations about giving. Stewardship and tithing are important concepts, but too often they are heard as thinly veiled euphemisms for church fundraising. Read more now: https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/a-gracious-invitation-to-generosity?id=li20181114
Episode 22
Leading Ideas Talks Podcast: “Anxious to Talk About It: Helping White Christians Talk Faithfully About Race”
How can white Christians talk faithfully about racism? In this episode Carolyn Helsel discusses her new book, “Anxious to Talk about It,” with Lewis Center Associate Director Ann Michel. Listen now: https://www.churchleadership.com/podcast/episode-22-anxious-to-talk-about-it-helping-white-christians-talk-faithfully-about-race-featuring-carolyn-helsel?id=li20181114
4 Keys to More Effective Church Communication
Joel Snider explains that a healthy church culture requires constant attention to good communication. Effective communication requires a consistent process that begins with a healthy approach to decision making and requires accuracy and repetition when sharing messages. Read more now: https://www.churchleadership.com/uncategorized/4-keys-to-more-effective-church-communication?id=li20181114
The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
So often ongoing activities go unquestioned while new possibilities are not explored. Francesca Gino reports on one organization that has days devoted to questions that challenge assumptions and provoke new ideas. The questions used related to their purpose and endeavors are:
* Why?
* What if?
* How might we?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/
Learn about Stewardship and Biblical Generosity
Designed to nurture the spiritual discipline of giving, “Theology of Stewardship and Biblical Generosity” may be used in a variety of Christian education settings or in conjunction with an annual stewardship emphasis. This video tool kit is ecumenical and may be used for self-study or with groups. Featured topics: Stewardship 101; What the Bible Teaches about Giving; A Christian Understanding of Money, Possessions, and Generosity; Biblical Generosity; and Faith and Generosity. Learn more and watch an introductory video now: https://www.churchleadership.com/product/theology-of-stewardship-and-biblical-generosity-download?id=li20181114
Free Video Study: “Moving Faith Communities Forward”
“Moving Faith Communities Forward” is a dialogue about race in America. It may be used to help your church bring people together to talk about moving forward bravely and boldly in the name of Christ. The resource is divided into four 15-minute videos which may be used in one or more sessions. “Moving Faith Communities Forward” is sponsored by the Institute for Community Engagement at Wesley Theological Seminary. Watch now: https://www.churchleadership.com/videos/moving-faith-communities-fruitful-conversations-race/?id=li20181114
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
Learn 50 Ways to Strengthen Ministry with Children
Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.” Read “50 Ways to Strengthen Ministry with Children” and learn how your church can demonstrate its love for children and its desire to connect with younger families through effective ministry for and with children. Read now and download free: https://www.churchleadership.com/50-ways/50-ways-to-strengthen-ministry-with-children/?id=li2011114
Quotable Leadership
“Brilliance … is not required of the ministry, but integrity is.” — May Sarton
Learn to Improve the Design of Your Church Communications
Are you sabotaging the first impression of your church with your signage, bulletins, emails, and other communication materials? Watch this free video from “MyCom Tips” e-newsletter to learn why it’s more than just aesthetics. Watch now: https://www.umcom.org/news/how-to-improve-the-design-of-your-church-communications?id=li20181114