Speaking the Truth in Memory of the Charleston Nine
Ten years after the Emanuel AME Church massacre, Lovett Weems remembers the legacy of faith and resistance from Denmark Vesey to Pastor Clementa Pinckney. This…
Browsing: Leadership
Articles
Launching Social Ventures that Transform Communities: An In-depth Interview with Jaleesa Hall
What should congregations consider when launching a social venture? In this in-depth interview, Jaleesa Hall shares how Raising A Village grew from a college initiative…
9 Essential Steps for the First 90 Days in a New Ministry
Starting a new ministry is both exciting and challenging. As you enter a fresh ministry context, you’ll encounter unique dynamics within your congregation, whether you’re…
4 Traps for Clergy When Moving to a New Congregation
Bill Wilson of the Center for Healthy Churches says that the arrival of a new minister can be a marvelous opportunity to start anew for…
“Say Cheese!” Take Pictures to Expand Ministry
What’s happening in your church that deserves to be seen? Laura Heikes highlights a simple yet powerful way to expand your church’s reach—through pictures and…
10 Ways to Care for the Emotional Health of Your Congregation During a Pastoral Transition
Pastoral transitions are pivotal moments that deeply affect a church’s spiritual and emotional health. Barry Howard highlights that by acknowledging emotions, communicating clearly, honoring the…
“Launching Social Ventures that Transform Communities” featuring Jaleesa Hall
Podcast Episode 169 What should congregations consider when launching a social venture? In this insightful conversation, Jaleesa Hall shares how Raising A Village grew from…
Letting Go of This Pastor and Preparing for the Next
Church consultant Susan Beaumont shares four leadership practices that can help a congregation prepare when their pastor is getting ready to leave. Approaching the situation…
Leadership Lessons from Martin E. Marty
Widely regarded as the foremost religious scholar of his time, Martin Marty’s legacy extends beyond his prolific writing and lectures to his profound impact on…
Why Great Leaders Ask So Many Questions
Effective leaders recognize the power of asking questions, a skill often lost over time but crucial for building trust and honoring others’ wisdom. Lovett Weems…
4 Rhythms of Rest for the Weary in Ministry
How can weary church leaders live into God’s design for flourishing? Laura Heikes challenges church leaders to resist the culture of busyness and embrace the…
3 Big Mistakes in Making Church Policies
Effective leadership requires not just creating policies but also living by them and ensuring they are relevant and beneficial. Dan Reiland highlights three mistakes churches…
“Preaching Easter… Again” featuring William Willimon
Podcast Episode 167 How can preachers overcome writers block? In this episode, William Willimon shares insights for pastors preaching during Holy Week. He discusses his…
Positively Urgent
Mike Bonem says a sense of urgency is necessary to propel change, but that urgency need not come from a negative sense of doom and…
The Gift of Small: An In-depth Interview with Allen Stanton
In this in-depth interview Allen Stanton explains how small congregations can be surprisingly nimble in the face of change and effective in spiritual formation due…
3 Ways to Lead Well When a Ministry Closes
Church leaders must evaluate ministries to ensure they align with current and future community needs. Sometimes, this means closing a beloved ministry, which can be…
“The Gift of Small” featuring Allen Stanton
Podcast Episode 166 Do you lead a small church? In this episode Allen Stanton shares how small congregations can be surprisingly nimble in the face…
Becoming a Future-Ready Church: An In-depth Interview with Adelle Banks
What shifts are needed for congregations to be future-ready? Adelle Banks reflects on the evolving nature of church hospitality, social justice, technology, and vitality. She…
5 Purposeful Practices to Foster Shared Leadership
Jimmy Arthur Atkins, senior pastor of the True Worship Christian Fellowship, says church leadership should not be a solo act. Drawing on the story of…
If You Bring a Problem Bring a Solution as Well
Church leaders are always dealing with problems, because problems abound. But Jim Ozier says the simple practice of insisting that anyone who points out a…
“Becoming a Future-Ready Church” featuring Adelle Banks
Podcast Episode 165 What shifts are needed for congregations to be future-ready? Adelle Banks reflects on the evolving nature of church hospitality, social justice, technology,…
7 Excellent Reasons to Learn to Say No
Are there many demands on your time? Ron Edmondson explores the importance of saying “no” as a crucial skill for leaders, explaining how declining requests…
From Weary to Wholehearted: Overcoming Ministry Burnout—An In-depth Interview with Callie Swanlund
How can church leaders overcome burnout? In this interview, Callie Swanlund discusses her book, From Weary to Wholehearted, exploring burnout and its unique challenges. She…
“From Weary to Wholehearted: Overcoming Ministry Burnout” featuring Callie Swanlund
Podcast Episode 164 How can church leaders overcome burnout? In this episode, Callie Swanlund discusses her book, From Weary to Wholehearted, exploring burnout and its…
Struggling with What to Write in the Church Newsletter?
Struggling with what to write for the church newsletter? Jessica Anschutz of the Lewis Center shares ways to write meaningful and relevant material for your…
Embracing Relational Discipleship: An In-depth Interview with Stephen Handy
Connecting with people and helping them grow as disciples requires a new playbook and a new way of leading. Ann Michel interviews Stephen Handy about…
Ask Better Questions: Turn Sunday Small Talk into Sacred Conversations
Why do so many Sunday morning conversation get stuck in small talk? Laura Heikes challenges church leaders to move beyond chit-chat and create meaningful connections…
“Embracing Relational Discipleship” featuring Stephen Handy
Podcast Episode 163 Connecting with people and helping them grow as disciples requires a new playbook and a new way of leading. Stephen Handy shares…
Martin Luther King Jr.’s 4 Key Principles of Prophetic Witness
C. Anthony Hunt explains how Martin Luther King Jr.’s prophetic witness was grounded in four principles—call, conviction, courage, and commitment. Even 50 years after King’s…
How Healthy is Your Church Culture?
Jim Ozier says a healthy church culture is critical to the long-term growth and viability of a congregation. He shares a list of attributes that…
