Hand trying to stop dominoes from falling

Dan Turner led an older, established congregation through a restart. The remnant of members from the previous church brought many gifts to the new church, but also a healthy dose of grief and skepticism. They had to change and sacrifice. But ultimately, the power of seeing lives transformed overcame their grief and apprehension.

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Episode 19
Seedling growing from a tree stump

Why would a church discontinue its ministry to start a new one in the same place? In this episode Dan Turner speaks with Lewis Center Associate Director Ann A. Michel about how his Washington, DC, church chose to do just that to become a more fruitful congregation.

Friendly person welcoming others to worship
 
How can you position your church for increased attendance and growth? John Zehring, author of Get Your Church Ready to Grow, suggests six strategies that can make your worship more attractive to visitors, without requiring a major investment of time or resources.

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

Charles Denison used three questions as he started a new Presbyterian church:

How can this church be better than any other church you've attended?
What does that mean?
Why should anyone come to our church?

Reaching Others through Worship Video Tool Kit
 
Worship attendance is vital to the mission of the church. The Reaching Others through Worship Video Tool Kit provides resources and strategies to help you improve hospitality and worship attendance. Topics include: Tips for Making Worship More Visitor Friendly;  How Do People See Your Church?;  Putting Out the Welcome Mat; The Ministry of Greeting; The Power of Worship; and more.

50 Ways to Welcome New People
50 Ways to Welcome New People

One key to effective outreach is making sure that worship visitors feel truly welcome. From helping newcomers feel at home in worship to following up with visitors, 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.

Support the Lewis Center

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

Doctor of Ministry graduate
Apply Now for Doctor of Ministry Programs at Wesley

Wesley Theological Seminary and the Lewis Center together offer two Doctor of Ministry programs. The Public Engagement track equips participants to lead congregations in healing the brokenness experienced in communities while being beacons of hope. The Church Leadership Excellence track provides clergy the enhanced knowledge, skills, and motivation to increase congregational and denominational service, vitality, and growth. 

Quotable Leadership

Change is a threat when done to me but an opportunity when done by me.

Rosabeth Moss Kanter
Women Speak of God
 
From the earliest days of the church, women have spoken and written of their faith. This eight-session study introduces us to the voices of six women who struggled with issues of identity, character, and calling, and who were able to attest to God's living presence amidst their struggles. Women Speak of God is ideal for women and men in your congregation's small groups, adult Bible studies, and Sunday School classes who want to grow in faith and see how God works in difficult times and places.


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