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January 21, 2026

Leading Ideas
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From the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary DC

Trends 2026

Trends 2026: Trends 2026: Team-Based Leadership

In a recent Leading Ideas, Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page shared Church Leadership Trends for 2026 that fell into three categories: community-focused, team-based, and transformation-driven. Last week we explored community-based leadership. In this issue we reflect on team-based leadership opportunities, and next week we consider transformation-driven leadership. We hope you enjoy the following articles on team-based leadership opportunities.

Trends 2026: Team-Based Leadership

5 Ministry Game-Changers for Building a Team-Based Leadership Approach

A person mentoring volunteers

Even the strongest pastor can’t do it alone. Moses had Aaron and Hur, Jesus sent disciples in pairs, and Paul never went solo. Yet too many churches still rely on a single leader. Kim Jenne gives us five practical ways to build a culture of shared, team-based ministry—and empower your congregation to step into their God-given calling. Read more now.


Leadership | Leadership Development | Mission | Teams

Trends 2026: Team-Based Leadership

Give the Mic Away: The Team-Based Shift That Grows Faithful Youths

Youth leading a worship service

What is the key to a vibrant, growing youth ministry? Many churches assume it’s finding the right youth director and offering programming so entertaining it can compete with every other option in a teenager’s life. But Laura Heikes shares how youth ministry in her congregation has grown in a different way—not by doing more for young people, but by choosing to do ministry with them. Read more now.


Leadership | Lessons for Leaders | Participation | Reaching Younger People | Teams

The Right Question

Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.

A simple idea can get complicated quickly once a group starts making plans for its implementation. Soon the complexity can lead to frustration. At such times, this question may help:


What would happen if we threw everything away and started over?


Want more Right Questions? Read The Right Questions for Church Leaders.

Online cohort-based course from Wesley Pathways for Ministry

Pastoral Care

Pastoral care course

This course introduces participants to basic functions of congregational care. It teaches learners how to offer caring support and to provide referrals to appropriate services. By taking the course, participants will be more able to engage appropriate congregational care issues.


This course is $100 and begins February 1, 2026. Completion of this course merits 1 CEU credit and will count toward the Wesley Pathways for Ministry Certificate Program if requested. Learn more and enroll now.


Wesley Pathways for Ministry is administered by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership and Wesley Theological Seminary DC. Explore more courses plus certificate programs.

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

50 Ways tip sheet

50 Ways to Strengthen Ministry with Youth

50 Ways to Strengthen Ministry with Youth

How can your church help youth claim a vital faith? No question is more critical to the future of the church. Learn effective tips your congregation can use to improve ministry with teens and their families in 50 Ways to Strengthen Ministry with Youth. Read now, download free, and share.


Discover tips and strategies on more 50 Ways topics.

Watch. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.

Lewis Center video tool kit resource

More Church Leaders | Stronger Church Leaders

More Church Leaders - Stronger Church Leaders cover

More Church Leaders | Stronger Church Leaders helps clergy and lay leaders discover a more fruitful way of being in ministry together. This video tool kit provides practical strategies to identify and support new leaders and build and maintain effective ministry teams. Learn more and watch sample videos now.


Discover more video tool kits plus adult Christian studies.

“Quotable” Leadership

“Every act of truth telling, every refusal of silence, every step toward justice makes history—and moves us closer to a more moral future. — Kelly Brown Douglas

The Doctor of Ministry

Apply Now for the Premier Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership

Doctor of Ministry graduate

Wesley Theological Seminary and the Lewis Center together offer the 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 for spring 2026.

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Editors: Jonathan Page and Anna Taflan

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