September 5, 2018
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
6 Ways to Maximizing Your Church’s Home-Field Advantage in Giving
Chris Willard and Jim Sheppard, authors of Contagious Generosity, say churches can reach donors in ways no other nonprofits can. Congregations can maximize this “home-field advantage” by building trust, enhancing relationships, casting vision, and working to shape their culture in ways that enhance generosity. Read more now: https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/6-ways-to-maximizing-your-churchs-home-field-advantage-in-giving?id=li20180905
What Happened in One Small Church Mattered
Roger Lovette shares the touching story of returning 30 years later to the first church he ever served to find they had finally acted on his recommendation to relocate to a more desirable location. The story is a reminder that change takes time and, more importantly, that transformative ministry continues along the way, keeping church going and making it holy ground. Read more now: https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/what-happened-in-one-small-church-mattered?id=li20180905
The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
In encouraging people to give generously to your church, it may help to keep in mind some questions that Howard Stevenson says that donors must implicitly say “yes” to about any cause to which they give.
* Are you doing important work?
* Are you well managed?
* Will my gift make a difference?
* Will the experience be satisfying to me?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/
Try a New Adult Education Study This Fall
The Lewis Center is the home of the Wesley Ministry Network — insightful video-based ecumenical studies that encourage energetic discussion and personal reflection. Ideal for your congregation’s small groups, adult Bible studies, and Sunday School classes, courses include video lessons, Leader’s Guides, Participant’s Guides, and more. Learn more and order now: https://www.churchleadership.com/product-category/wesleyministrynetwork?id=li20180905
Learn to Optimize Your Annual Financial Campaigns
Church members who pledge give 30 percent more than those who do not, and congregations that seek annual financial commitments have significantly higher levels of overall giving. With the Optimizing Annual Financial Campaigns Video Tool Kit, you’ll 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=li20180905
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
Integrating Sunday Morning Church Service — A Prayer Answered
Churches are some of the most segregated places in America. But two pastors in Oakland are trying an experiment — to merge a white congregation and a black congregation into one house of worship, called Tapestry Church, reports Sandhya Dirks for NPR. Read more and listen now: https://www.npr.org/2018/08/11/637552132/integrating-sunday-morning-church-service-a-prayer-answered?id=li20180905
Quotable Leadership
“Freedom is a journey with others for others toward God’s future.” — Letty M. Russell
50 Ways to Encourage Faithful Giving
Helping people experience the joy of giving is more than a way of funding the church’s ministry. These 50 ways of encouraging faithful giving will help your church members grow in discipleship through faithful stewardship and extravagant generosity. Read and download free: https://www.churchleadership.com/50-ways/50-ways-to-encourage-faithful-giving?id=li20180905