September 25, 2019
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
A Spiritual Approach to Community Assessment
Luke Edwards says we can explore our communities with the same spiritual practices that deepen our understanding of God’s Word. He has adapted the practice of Lectio Divina as a tool for “reading” the neighborhood surrounding a church in a new, more prayerful way. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/a-spiritual-approach-to-community-assessment/?id=li20190925
Take a Risk This Stewardship Season
David P. King suggests churches need to expand their imaginations and think bigger about stewardship, inviting people to live into the role God calls us to in the ongoing creation, redemption, and transformation of this world. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/take-a-risk-this-stewardship-season/?id=li20190925
The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
Peter Drucker pointed out that throughout history the great majority of people never had to ask the question, “What should I contribute?” They were told what to contribute. Today many people have choices about not only what work they do but what they hope to achieve through their lives. Drucker said we need to answer the question, “What should my contribution be?” He suggests three questions to ask to arrive at our contribution.
* What does the situation require?
* Given my strengths, my way of performing, and my values, how can I make the greatest contribution to what needs to be done?
* What results must be achieved to make a difference?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/
Reach New Disciples with the “Taking Church to the Community” Video Tool Kit
Explore strategies your congregation can use to reach beyond its walls with worship, community events, ministries, and service. The “Taking Church to the Community” Tool Kit features engaging videos and presentations and is designed for both self study and for use with groups in your church. Learn more and watch introductory videos now. https://www.churchleadership.com/product/taking-church-to-the-community-download?id=li20190925
Free Video: “Why Giving Matters and Clues for Improving It”
To encourage the spiritual gift of giving, watch this eight-minute video by Lewis Center Senior Consultant Lovett H. Weems, Jr. It provides an overview of the importance of congregational giving and ways you can improve it. Watch now. https://www.churchleadership.com/videos/why-giving-matters-and-clues-for-improving-it?id=li20190925
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
Strategies for Fruitful Annual Financial Campaigns
Did you know that church members who pledge give 30 percent more than those who don’t pledge? And congregations that seek annual financial commitments have significantly higher levels of overall giving? With the “Optimizing Annual Financial Campaigns” Video Tool Kit you will learn to reap the harvest of generosity through best practices to make your annual financial campaign more effective. Learn more and watch introductory videos now. https://www.churchleadership.com/product/optimizing-annual-financial-campaigns-download?id=li20190925
Quotable Leadership
“An unchallenged belief or idea is on the way to death and meaninglessness.” — Emily Greene Balch, Nobel Peace Prize Lecture, 1946
Apply Now for Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership at Wesley
New cohort begins May 2020 in Washington, DC
Wesley Theological Seminary and the Lewis Center together offer a 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/?id=li20190925
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