February 21, 2018
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Developing an Intentional Discipleship System
Junius B. Dotson says that churches cannot do the hard and intentional work of making disciples unless they are clear about what a disciple is and how disciples are formed. He outlines the key characteristics of a more intentional system for forming disciples. Read more: https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/developing-an-intentional-discipleship-system?id=li20180221
Leading Ideas Talks Podcast: “Becoming an Outward-Focused Church”
How can we really see and hear the people in front of us? Listen as Lewis Center Director F. Douglas Powe speaks with thought leader Rev. Junius Dotson about moving from being inward-focused to outward-focused. Listen now: https://www.churchleadership.com/podcast/becoming-outward-focused-church-featuring-junius-dotson?id=li20180221
16 Signs Your Church May Need a Renewed Focus on Disciple Making
Mike Schreiner and Ken Willard say too many churches are driven by structure and programs, not the imperative of making disciples. They outline 16 symptoms related to membership, service, finances, and fruitfulness that may indicate that your church needs to renew its focus on disciple making. Read more: https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/does-your-church-need-a-renewed-focus-on-disciple-making?id=li20180221
The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
Knowing that people are our greatest asset and that the issues we face today are exceedingly complex, Hayim Herring and Terri Martinson Elton suggest a different stance for congregations through this question.
* What if congregations flipped their understanding of themselves from being dispensers of information to platforms for collective learning?
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/
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=li20180221
Apply Now for the 2018-19 Lewis Fellows Program
We are now receiving applications for the 2018-19 Lewis Fellows program that brings together outstanding young clergy (under the age of 35) from a variety of denominational backgrounds for intensive leadership development activities and sustained peer interaction. Support for this program is provided by the Lilly Endowment’s Transition into Ministry initiative. Applications are due by April 13, 2018. Learn more about the program, meeting dates, costs, and eligibility requirements: https://www.churchleadership.com/lewis-fellows?id=li20180221
Quotable Leadership
“Get rid of things that aren’t working to make space for new things that are.” — Lisa Bodell
Register Now for “Protect, Sustain, Grow: Best Practices for Handling Your Church’s Money”
Conference and Livestream, Sat., March 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Eastern Time, Washington, DC
Managing church finances requires skill, dedication, and know-how, but also the heart of a steward. “Protect, Sustain, Grow: Best Practices for Handling Your Church’s Money” provides practical advice, best practices, and resources for pastors, finance committee members, church treasurers, financial secretaries, and bookkeepers — all those charged with the sacred trust of protecting, sustaining, and growing the resources God has entrusted to your church. Learn more and register now: https://www.churchleadership.com/events/protect-sustain-grow-best-practices-for-handling-your-churchs-money-conference-and-livestream?id=li20180214
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, presentations, and supplemental materials 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=li20180221