January 31, 2018
Leading Ideas from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
4 Reasons Visitors Do Not Return
Lewis Center Director F. Douglas Powe says it’s important not only to attract visitors, but to create a space where they will want to stay. Congregations wondering why their visitors don’t return need to honestly assess how they respond to visitors and what their church has to offer. Read more: https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/4-reasons-visitors-do-not-return?id=li20180131
Accountability without Control
Lovett H. Weems, Jr. explains that in these times, when church leaders can rely less on structure and hierarchy to undergird their authority, accountability flows from faithfulness to mission, vision, and values, not hierarchical control. Read more: https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/accountability-without-control?id=li20180131
The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Regular worshipers are often too close to the church to see it from the perspective of the outsiders. Martha Grace Reese in Unbinding the Gospel suggests asking non-churchgoers to talk with you to get their perspective. Some examples of suggested questions are: “Has anyone ever invited you to their church? What did you think when they asked you? Did you go? How did it feel? If you didn’t go, why not?”
Want more Right Questions? Read Right Questions for Church Leaders at https://www.churchleadership.com/books/right-questions-for-church-leaders/
Learn to Connect with Your Church’s Neighbors
The “Connect with Your Neighbors” Video Tool Kit provides you with tools and strategies to welcome your neighbors and improve worship attendance. Topics include: The Theology of Welcome; Discovering the People God has Given Us; Ways to Understand Your Neighbors Better; Discovering Who Your Neighbors Are; Needs-based Community Outreach; and more. Learn more and watch introductory videos: https://www.churchleadership.com/product/connect-with-your-neighbors-download?id=li20180131
50 Ways to Welcome New People
One key to effective outreach is making sure that worship visitors feel truly welcome. The strategies and tips in “50 Ways to Welcome New People” will help your congregation make a good first impression and extend hospitality in meaningful ways. Read now and download free: https://www.churchleadership.com/50-ways/50-ways-to-welcome-new-people?id=li20180127
Quotable Leadership
“Change sticks when leaders actually model behavior, not mandate it.” — Lisa Bodell
Will Your Church Meet Its Budget This Year?
To answer this vital question you need to track giving accurately according to your church’s unique pattern of giving — not simply the budget divided by 12 months. Our “Congregational Giving Profile” Video Tool Kit helps you track finances based on the way people in your church actually give, establishing a more meaningful system of monitoring and reporting progress on your budget. Learn more and watch an introductory video now: https://www.churchleadership.com/product/congregational-giving-profile-cgp-download?id=li20180131
Apply Now for Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership at Wesley
New cohort begins May 2018 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.wesleyseminary.edu/doctorofministry/leadership-excellence/?id=20180131
Editor: Dr. Ann A. Michel (amichel@wesleyseminary.edu)
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