Many pastors recall that it was another pastor who first invited them to consider their call to ministry. Yet it seems fewer and fewer pastors today feel comfortable initiating these conversations. This paradox has promoted the Lewis Center’s Religious Workforce Project Research Team to wonder who will be God’s agents of pastoral calling? Read more now.

Call to Ministry | Leadership | Leadership Development | Pastoral Ministry | Young Clergy

Change | Children | Intergenerational Ministry | Leadership | Leadership Best Practices | Leading Voices Videos | Lessons for Leaders | Participation

Susan Beaumont says many churches see a need to reconfigure their staffing in this new era. She outlines five guidelines to frame a better conversation about the design of your church’s staffing structure. Read more now.

Budgets | General | Staffing

Three writers on leadership (Susan MacKenty Brady, Janet Foutty, and Lynn Perry Wooten) address the dilemma we have when we want to appear competent but do not know what to do. They suggest reaching out to others with questions such as:

Will you help me? Will you help me think through what we should do about this?

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

What can you do when 20% of your congregation does 80% of the serving, learning, and leading? The Increasing Active Engagement Tool Kit includes videos, narrated presentations, outlines of key points, and supplementary materials to help you get and keep people involved and engaged. Learn more and watch introductory videos now.

How can preachers keep their preaching fresh? Doug Powe of the Lewis Center staff interviews Professor of Preaching Teresa Fry Brown about preaching familiar texts for different generations, preaching for in person and digital audiences, as well as sermon preparation for bivocational pastors. Read more now.

Bivocational Ministry | Hybrid Ministry | Interview | Leadership | Pastoral Excellence | Preaching | Worship

To help you reach new disciples, this free Lewis Center video by Lovett H. Weems Jr. provides an overview of why worship attendance is important and ways you can improve it. Watch now.

If you’re a pastor preparing to begin ministry in a new setting, The Right Start Video Tool Kit leads you in ending your current ministry well, developing a personal transition plan, and making the most of your first days, weeks, and months in your new congregation. Available in Pastor’s and Group Training Versions. Learn more and watch a video preview.  

“The best leaders change the way we see the world.” — Scott Cormode

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 May 2024.