Lovett H. Weems Jr. says a continued commitment to online worship is not a hindrance that detracts from in-person worship but rather a vital way to reach new people and accomplish the church’s mission. But as this new worship option continues to evolve, congregations must commit to mastering the medium by learning, seeking feedback, and continuing to improve. Read more now.
Meghan Hatcher outlines 10 guiding questions at the heart of a five-phase theological innovation process that helps churches develop, launch, and implement creative new ministry ideas. She shares how one Texas church employed this process, developed by the Innovation Laboratory, to design a new way of addressing an epidemic of teen anxiety and stress. Read more now.
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Leaders and organizations that do well often display a polite but condescending attitude toward those that are not so successful. This approach can create a deceptive bubble that misses many helpful lessons from others. A usual question for all, including those doing well, is:
Apply now for Leading the Church in a Post-Pandemic Culture, a new Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership focus from Wesley Theological Seminary and the Lewis Center for Church Leadership. With this track, clergy will receive the enhanced knowledge, skills, and motivation to increase congregational and denominational service, vitality, and growth in the post-pandemic world. Learn more and apply by February 15, 2023.
How can church leaders better reach Gen Z? Doug Powe, Director of the Lewis Center, speaks with Josh Packard about Springtide Research Institute’s research including what faith leaders need to know about Gen Z’s religious beliefs and mental health. Read more now.
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Learn how to take your leadership of digital worship to the next level. This recording of the Participation & Presence: Leading Meaningful Digital Worship webinar explores key guiding questions that should drive digital worship design and shares case studies from the Religious Workforce Project (a research project funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc.). Watch now.
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Discovering God’s Future for Your Church is a turnkey tool kit to help your congregation discern and implement God’s vision for its future. This comprehensive resource guides your church in discovering clues to your vision in your history and culture, your current congregational strengths and weaknesses, and the needs of your surrounding community. Discovering God’s Future for Your Church includes engaging videos, leader’s guides, discussion exercises, planning tools, handouts, diagrams, worksheets, and more. Learn more and watch an introductory video now.
The Wesley Academy for Advanced Christian Studies — created in partnership with Wesley Theological Seminary — offers online courses and educational materials that are theologically rich and deep. Courses are appropriate for anyone, lay or clergy, and may be used to earn CEU credits and a certification in Advanced Christian Studies.
