Lewis Center Director Doug Powe says many people just don't like inviting other people to church, in part because faith is so personal and in part because they fear rejection. He provides four clues for inviting in a way that is genuine, specific, honest, and expectant.
Church consultant Bill Owens describes how effective leaders understand the importance of conversation in shaping culture. They learn the subtle art of reframing narratives in healthy and constructive ways.
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch suggest a way to break open thinking about church.
What would your experience of church be like: a) if you no longer had a building? b) if you could no longer meet on Sundays? c) if you had no pastor or clearly identifiable leadership team?
Worship attendance is vital to the mission of the church. Our free "50 Ways" tip sheet provides practical strategies to help you invite new people to attend worship; improve the attendance of current members; make your church visible and attractive; welcome worship guests warmly; and make worship accessible to newcomers.
For over ten years, the Lewis Center in partnership with Wespath Benefits has reported annually on the changing age trends among United Methodist clergy in the United States. The 2017 edition of Clergy Age Trends in the United Methodist Church reveals continued modest growth among young clergy, a dramatic drop in the proportion of middle age clergy, and a major increase in the proportion of older clergy. The report includes figures for every annual conference.
In his new role as senior consultant for the Lewis Center, Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr., is building on our efforts to equip conference and judicatory leaders. One new resource is Focus, a periodic e-newsletter specifically designed for leaders who have responsibility for more than one congregation or pastoral charge.
Registration for Take the Next Step closes Tuesday, September 26. The celebratory dinner and symposium honoring Dr. Weems' many contributions in leading the church to greater fruitfulness are September 28 and 29 in Washington, DC.
Churches with vital, growing ministries learn to leverage leadership potential within their congregations. At More Church Leaders | Stronger Church Leaders you will learn strategies to identify and support new leaders and build and maintain effective ministry teams. Clergy and lay leaders, in churches both large and small, will discover a more synergistic and fruitful way of being in ministry together. Save with early-bird registration through October 10.
