November 4, 2020
“Leading Ideas” from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
What Does Strong Leadership Look Like?
A strong leader is often defined as one who uses authority to gain influence and advantage. John Matthews, Kristina Gutiérrez, and Ross Peterson point to a different paradigm of strength in church leadership that is neither defensive nor aggressive but loving and respectful of one’s adversaries. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/what-does-strong-leadership-look-like/
Why Intergenerational Ministry?
Liz Perraud says bringing generations together is a key aspect of Christian community. She suggests church leaders might approach the need to strengthen intergenerational connections generations as a child might, by asking “why” a lot. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/why-intergenerational-ministry/
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.”
Elizabeth Long Lingo and Kathleen L. McGinn observe that leaders often are so focused on leadership from their perspective — their office, ability, passion — that they fail to engage sufficiently the passions and interests of others. They suggest that you not just ask why the goal is important to you but also these questions:
* Why might this be important to colleagues and constituents?
* Why might this be important to the organization?
* Why might this be important to society?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/.
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/
New Doctor of Ministry begins May 2021
Howard Thurman: Prophetic Witness
“In a world that’s all about drawing attention to one’s self, a prophetic witness moves us toward a new reality grounded in God’s grace.”
What does it mean for a leader to stand in the gap between the way things are and what they could be? Howard Thurman’s prophetic witness exemplified this form of leadership. Thurman did not demonize those responsible for systemic ills. Instead he emphasized a positive vision of the way things could be. This track of doctoral study from Wesley Theological Seminary focuses on the power of a prophetic witness like Thurman’s to draw people toward a positive new future. Learn more and apply now. https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/doctorofministry/public-engagement/
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.” Whether online or in person, the church should demonstrate its love for children and its desire to connect with younger families through effective ministry for and with children. Read 50 Ways to Strengthen Ministry with Children to learn how. Read now and download free. https://www.churchleadership.com/50-ways/50-ways-to-strengthen-ministry-with-children/
Quotable Leadership
“There is difference and there is power. And who holds the power decides the meaning of the difference.” — June Jordan
Read the definitive guide to leading a congregation
Church Leadership: Vision, Team, Culture, Integrity
The need for leadership in the church is pressing, and the need for clear, insightful thinking about leadership is great. In “Church Leadership: Vision, Team, Culture, Integrity,” Dr. Lovett H. Weems Jr. draws on the best new ideas and research in organizational leadership, yet always with his trademark theological grounding foremost in mind. Anyone who guides the life of a congregation, be they clergy or laity, will find this book the indispensable tool with which to follow their calling to be a church leader. Learn more and order now. https://www.churchleadership.com/books/church-leadership-vision-team-culture-integrity-revised-edition/
Copyright © 2004-2020 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
https://www.churchleadership.com/leadingideas