September 30, 2020
“Leading Ideas” from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Congregations That Thrive Without Full-Time Clergy
Jeffrey MacDonald shares the story of a Massachusetts church on the brink of closing that turned itself around by embracing a new ministry model with a part-time pastor. A key to success, he says, is shedding conventional wisdom about who is supposed to do what in congregational ministry. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/congregations-that-thrive-without-full-time-clergy/
Leading Ideas Talks Podcast: Episode 65
“The End of Youth Ministry” featuring Andy Root
How can youth ministry be more than fun and games? In this episode we speak with Andy Root about how youth can find identity and deep joy in shared narratives and intergenerational connections. Listen now or read transcript. https://www.churchleadership.com/podcast/episode-65-the-end-of-youth-ministry-featuring-andy-root/
Participation is Up but Giving is Down for Many Congregations During the Pandemic
A Lake Institute survey reveals that the impact of the pandemic on U.S. congregations has been mixed. A majority of congregations (52 percent) reported an increase in participation but a plurality of respondents (41 percent) experienced a decrease in giving. Read more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/covid-19/participation-is-up-but-giving-is-down-for-many-congregations-during-the-pandemic/
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.”
Leaders are adept at coming up with ideas they hope will excite others. But leaders need to remember that if they want others to be excited about their passions, they must show interest in the ideas of others. This question may help.
• What is an idea, goal, or hope among the people with whom I work that I can work to achieve just as I ask them to support my ideas?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/.
Learn 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/
50 Ways to Strengthen Adult Education
Vital churches provide ways for people of all ages to grow in faith through learning. These 50 ideas can help your congregation build a strong program of Christian education for adults. Read now and download free. https://www.churchleadership.com/50-ways/50-ways-to-strengthen-adult-education/
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
Video-based Adult Study Curriculum
Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense
Presented by Biblical Scholar N. T. Wright
This ten-session video-based congregational study 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 online or in-person small groups, adult Bible studies, and Sunday School classes. Watch a sample video and learn more now. https://www.churchleadership.com/product/simply-christian/
Quotable Leadership
“In our era, the road to holiness necessarily passes through the world of action.” — Dag Hammarskjöld
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/
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