November 7, 2018
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Worship Under the Bridge
Bishop Robert Schnase tells the story of a Texas congregation sharing ministry with its homeless neighbors in relational and empowering ways. This powerful example of risk-taking mission began with the simple desire to learn about people’s circumstances and ask, “What do you need?” Read more now: https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/worship-under-the-bridge?id=li20181107
Never Fail to Attend Because You Can’t Contribute
Lovett H. Weems, Jr., explains that while only a few members of your church may be currently experiencing hard times, most of the others live with the reality that they could face hard times some day. And they will feel better about giving to a church that acknowledges that reality. Read more now: https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/never-fail-to-attend-because-you-cant-contribute?id=li20181107
The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
Churches often have an image of what new members might look like. Chances are that churches similar to yours are seeking those same people. Try using this question to spark new ideas.
* Who are the people in our community that all churches are overlooking?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/
Will Your Church Meet Its Budget This Year?
To answer this vital question you need to track giving accurately according to your church’s unique pattern of giving — not simply the budget divided by 12 months. Our Congregational Giving Profile Video Tool Kit helps you track finances based on the way people in your church actually give, establishing a more meaningful system of monitoring and reporting progress on your budget. Learn more and watch an introductory video now: https://www.churchleadership.com/product/congregational-giving-profile-cgp-download?id=li20181107
50 Ways to Take Church to the Community
Churches can no longer open their doors and expect that people will come in. Effective congregations go into the world to encounter those in need of the gospel. 50 Ways to Take Church to the Community provides tips on reaching beyond the walls of your church with worship, community events, ministries, and service. Read now and download free: https://www.churchleadership.com/50-ways/50-ways-to-take-church-to-the-community/?id=li20181107
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
New Online CEU Course — “The Methodist Class Leader”
$49 for .5 CEU — Free for the First 50 Enrollees!
This new Lewis Center online course examines the historic significance and contemporary relevance of Class Leaders, a role essential to the success of the early Methodist history and a leading voice on discipleship. The first 50 enrollees may take advantage free tuition via a scholarship fund — click https://www.churchleadership.com/the-methodist-class-leader-leading-ideas?id=li20181107 to apply for a scholarship. Learn more about “The Methodist Class Leader” online course: https://www.lewisonlinelearning.org/?id=li20181107
Quotable Leadership
“This is not the first time that the United States has had to incorporate new peoples into society. Almost always, doing so had made the country richer, more vibrant, and more economically successful.” — William H. Frey
Adult Education Study: “Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense”
Now Available on Download
This ten-session video-based congregational study featuring biblical scholar N. T. Wright addresses questions of the reasonableness of the Christian faith in the modern world. Simply Christian is an excellent course for both established believers and seekers and is ideal for your congregation’s small groups, adult Bible studies, and Sunday School classes. Watch a sample video and learn more now: https://www.churchleadership.com/product/simply-christian/?id=li20181107