February 7, 2018
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Engaging Millennials in Small Groups Requires Constant Adaptation
In his book “The Kaleidoscope Effect,” Scott Chrostek says permanent, static programming doesn’t work with emerging generations. He describes how Resurrection Downtown in Kansas City has succeeded in drawing Millennials into small groups by constantly adapting their approach. Read more: https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/engaging-millennials-small-groups-requires-constant-adaptation?id=li20180207
Closing a Congregation as An Act of Faithfulness
Minnesota Pastor Lee Ann Pomrenke reflects on the painful reality of having to bring a congregation or a ministry to an end. While there is a tendency to see closure as a failure and assign blame, she considers how closing a congregation can be an act of faithfulness and responsible stewardship that can open the way to new life. Read more: https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/closing-a-congregation-as-an-act-of-faithfulness?id=li20180207
Leading Ideas Talks Podcast: “The Kaleidoscope Effect: What Emerging Generations Seek in Leaders”
How can church leaders shift and adapt to the rapid cultural changes experienced by younger adults? Listen as Lewis Center Associate Director Ann Michel speaks with Rev. Scott Chrostek, pastor of Resurrection Downtown in Kansas City, about his book “The Kaleidoscope Effect: What Emerging Generations Seek in New Leaders.” Listen now: https://www.churchleadership.com/podcast/kaleidoscope-effect-emerging-generations-seek-leaders-featuring-scott-chrostek?id=li20180207
The Right Question
“Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”
Despite our best intentions and hard work, often efforts just do not work out as we had hoped they would. When an undertaking fails to achieve its goals, a common response is to place blame. A more useful approach is to ask questions, such as: “What did we learn from this experience? What does this say about our assumptions and approach? What have we learned to do differently next time?”
Want more Right Questions? Read “Right Questions for Church Leaders” at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/
Learn to Welcome and Engage New People
Learn concepts and strategies to welcome and respond to your first-time and repeat visitors, reach younger generations, expand your church’s entry points, and get new people involved. “The New Welcome” Video Tool Kit helps you open your church to new people by acknowledging the changing ways that people enter into the life of congregations. Learn more and watch introductory videos now: https://www.churchleadership.com/product/the-new-welcome-download?id=li20180207
Suggestions for Churches with a Young Pastor
Churches that receive a young pastor need to remember how lucky they are. Many congregations say they want a younger pastor, but few have the opportunity. Learn how you can support a young pastor with “To the Point: Suggestions for Churches with a Young Pastor.” Read now and download free: https://www.churchleadership.com/to-the-point/to-the-point-suggestions-for-churches-with-a-young-pastor?id=li20180207
Quotable Leadership
“To get more successes, you have to be willing to risk more failures.”
— Rosabeth Moss Kanter
Early-bird Registration Ends Monday 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. Save with early-bird registration through February 12. Learn more and register now: https://www.churchleadership.com/events/protect-sustain-grow-best-practices-for-handling-your-churchs-money-conference-and-livestream?id=li20180207
Track Congregational Attendance Better
The “Congregational Attendance Profile” Video Tool Kit doesn’t just track attendance — it reveals clues to improve attendance. By using the included templates, you may effortlessly produce a two-year trends chart showing the big picture. Churches have shown major improvement in attendance by acting on lessons learned from this resource. Learn more and watch an introductory video now: https://www.churchleadership.com/product/congregational-attendance-profile-cap-download?id=li20180207
Editor: Dr. Ann A. Michel (amichel@wesleyseminary.edu)
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