November 18, 2020
“Leading Ideas” from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Small Church Big Impact
Blake Bradford shares how smaller congregations can use their unique giftedness to fulfill their mission. He says smaller churches can enhance their vitality by clarifying their purpose, engaging their community, leveraging relational intimacy to reach people and build disciples, and rightsizing their leadership and governance structures. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/small-church-big-impact/
Addressing the Root Causes of the Crisis of Younger Clergy
Few doubt that struggles over the United Methodist Church’s stance on homosexuality and uncertainty about the future of the denomination are factors in the recent, precipitous decline in the number of young elders. But Ann Michel of the Lewis Center staff says the church can’t ignore the myriad other systemic problems causing fewer younger people to enter ministry. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/addressing-the-root-causes-of-the-crisis-of-younger-clergy/
COVID-19 Resources
Leading Ideas articles, podcast episodes, and links. Visit https://www.churchleadership.com/tag/covid-19/
The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
A future vision has a much greater chance to succeed if anchored in a congregation’s history and values. James Harnish provides two excellent questions for thinking ahead.
* What stories from the past can help define your congregation’s ministry in the future?
* Who are the people who can help you get in touch with the roots of your congregation?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/.
#YouToo
Protect your congregation and your ministry with “Keeping Our Sacred Trust” — online training on the ethical boundaries in ministry. Courses include Understanding Clergy Sexual Ethics and Maintaining Boundaries in a Digital Age. Keeping Our Sacred Trust is open to clergy of any denomination and non-denominational pastors. Courses are $49 and include .5 CEU. Learn more and enroll today. https://www.lewisonlinelearning.org/
Doing Community Ministry in the Small Church
How can a small congregation engage the community in a significant way? With the right approach, a small church can make a big impact in the world through partnerships, creative use of resources, and a focus on relational ministry. Read “To the Point: Doing Community Ministry in the Small Church” to learn how. Read now and download free. https://www.churchleadership.com/to-the-point/point-community-ministry-small-church/
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/
Quotable Leadership
“In these troubled, uncertain times, we don’t need more command and control; we need better means to engage everyone’s intelligence in solving challenges and crises as they arise.” — Margaret J. Wheatley
Apply Now for the Premier Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership at Wesley
New cohort begins May 2021
Wesley Theological Seminary and the Lewis Center together offer the Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership Excellence. With this track, clergy will receive the enhanced knowledge, skills, and motivation to increase congregational and denominational service, vitality, and growth. Learn more and apply today. https://www.churchleadership.com/doctor-of-ministry-in-church-leadership-excellence/
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