February 18, 2023
How can church leaders address conflicts? We speak with attorney and mediator Charlie Pillsbury about mediating conflicts in congregations.
Read the Sacred Stories blog
How can the church confront its complicity in sexual abuse and misconduct? Ruth Everhart says churches must restore justice by creating safe spaces for victims to share their stories while committing to appropriate measures to both prevent and respond to incidents of misconduct and abuse.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, leadership strategies and tips, free video resources, and much more.
How can church leaders better reach Gen Z? In this episode, Josh Packard shares findings from the Springtide Research Institute on what faith leaders need to know about Gen Z’s religious beliefs and mental health. Watch episode | Read in-depth interview | Listen to episode
Can bivocational ministry be a strategic choice and not just a reluctant concession to financial constraints? Ben Connelly shares how bivocational ministry can enhance collaboration, deepen engagement with the mission field, and even promote the personal spiritual growth of those who practice bivocational ministry. Watch episode | Read in-depth interview | Listen to episode
How can Christian innovation address the needs of people who are under-resourced and undervalued? Kimberly Daniel shares how Christian innovation can begin to break down barriers to wealth and flourishing. Watch episode | Read in-depth interview | Listen to episode
What is required to bring about meaningful change in your church? F. Douglas Powe Jr. and Lovett H. Weems Jr. maintain that genuine change also involves continuity. They outline strategies for sustaining key traditions and systems while simultaneously pursuing new initiatives and innovations. Watch episode | Read in-depth interview | Listen to episode
How can you be creative when facing deadlines? We speak with media consultant Phil Cooke about gaining clarity on expectations, saying “no,” and stumbling blocks to creativity. Watch episode | Read in-depth interview | Listen to episode
Leading Ideas Talks is made possible by contributions to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership from readers like you. Thank you.
The Lewis Center’s Keeping Our Sacred Trust boundary training program offers two online courses to help prevent clergy sexual misconduct: Understanding Clergy Sexual Ethics and Maintaining Boundaries in a Digital Age. Both courses are confidential, ecumenical, and refreshed for 2023. Each course is $49 and includes .5 CEU credits. Learn more and enroll at lewisonlinelearning.org.
Free webinar — Register now
Learn new ways to address the challenge of congregational innovation.

Tuesday, March 7, Noon-1:30 p.m. Eastern 

For many congregational leaders preserving cherished traditions while discerning God’s new thing is a challenge. Trying to innovate to address a changing context and culture can take a backseat to daily responsibilities and maintaining ongoing ministries. Join Dr. F. Douglas Powe Jr. and Dr. Lovett H. Weems Jr. for insights and practices to help leaders navigate this impasse in ways that do not become an either/or situation. Learn more and register now for this timely webinar.
Did someone forward this email to you? Click to subscribe free for your own weekly copy of Leading Ideas and Leading Ideas Talks!