Microphone being passed for an introduction

Ann Michel of the Lewis Center staff says that churches sometimes reach out to newcomers in ways that are off-putting or even counterproductive. Unfortunately, several common, well-intended welcoming strategies top the list of things that can make visitors uncomfortable or even turn them away.

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Episode 21
Person running up steps looking at watch. CREDIT_ Andersen Ross _ Blend _ Learning Pictures _ Universal Images Group. Rights Managed _ For Education Use Only

How can we lead like Jesus? In this episode, thought leader Dr. Ken Blanchard shares insights with Lewis Center Director Douglas Powe about being a servant leader.

Two people having a cheerful conversation
 
Stewardship consultant J. Clif Christopher says relationship building is the key factor in encouraging donors to give. And while pastors often shy away from talking about money, Christopher says people of faith want and need counsel on how a disciple uses money.

The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions. 

Take one aspect of your church's ministry such as worship, children's ministry, youth ministry, etc. Then ask these questions:

What are the assumptions underlying what we are doing?
Have they been tested recently?
Have circumstances changed?

Optimizing Annual Financial Campaigns Video Tool Kit
 
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 will learn to reap the harvest of generosity through best practices to make your annual financial campaign more effective.

Cupped hands holding a ball of cash
Giving Up to Our Potential

It's often said that Christians are the most generous people. Unfortunately, it turns out this claim is not entirely true. Even though Christians are more generous than nonreligious Americans, that' s not much to brag about . The vast majority of Christians are not giving up to their potential or in proportion to what their faith teaches. Read To the Point: Giving Up to Our Potential .

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Leading Ideas is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you.

Small church under starry skies
There Are No Small Churches

Steve Harper says serving small congregations was one of the best things that ever happened to him in pastoral ministry. In a recent article for Ministry Matters, he explains how he learned there is no such thing as a "small" church.

Quotable Leadership

Overspending is not generosity. It's foolishness at best and sinfulness at worst. When it comes to finances, faithfulness starts with discipline.

Karl Vaters
Doctor of Ministry graduate
New cohort begins May 201 9 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 .


Connect with the Lewis Center.