Stewardship expert Ken Sloane writes that consolidation, when led by prayer and purpose, is a faithful act of stewardship that revitalizes mission and ministry. By pruning what no longer bears fruit—whether buildings, programs, or structures—churches can refocus on what is vital. This strategic shift fosters unity, sustainability, and renewed energy for witness and community impact. [...] The post 10 Ways Consolidation Can Strengthen Your Church’s Impact first appeared on Lewis Center f...| Lewis Center for Church Leadership
How can a struggling congregation be transformed into a thriving multicultural ministry center? Co-pastors Beth and Nelson Neil share how Culmore Church was transformed through shared space, mutual respect, creative collaboration, and intentional relationships. Their story demonstrates how transparency, flexibility, and mission alignment can revitalize ministry and serve as a model for holistic community engagement. Co-pastors Beth and Nelson Neil share how Culmore Church was transformed thro...| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
Jake McGlothin, author of The Mission-Minded Guide to Church and School Partnerships, explains how compelling messages that align your congregation’s vision to the task of forming a school partnership and simple recruitment ideas will harness the resources needed to serve children in your community. This article was originally published on April 26, 2017. The content| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
How can your church be friendlier to newcomers? Karl Vaters believes churches can become friendlier by implementing the G.I.F.T. Plan: Greet, Introduce, Follow up, and Thank. By encouraging intentional, simple actions like greeting newcomers and following up, churches can build genuine relationships and make visitors feel welcome, leading to lasting connections and a more welcoming [...] The post 5 Steps to Help Your Church Be Friendlier to Guests first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Lea...| Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Congregations with a significant proportion of young adults share distinctive traits. For churches seeking to engage these individuals, Perry Chang shares some “do’s” and “don’ts” drawn from a Faith Communities Today study. This article was originally published on May 7, 2014. The content remains relevant, so we are reposting for all who may have missed [...] The post Best Practices for Reaching Young Adults first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership. The post Best Pract...| Lewis Center for Church Leadership
How can churches make the most of the beginning of a new school year? Jason Gant shares that churches have a unique opportunity to engage families adjusting to new routines and demands as the school year begins. By aligning church activities with school schedules, churches can support families in building spiritual rhythms. Matching the school [...] The post Make the Most of the School Year Start with Families first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership. The post Make the Most of the...| Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Susan Cox-Johnson shares insights about the Emerging Church and ways of connecting with postmodern generations. It was only a few years ago that I first heard of “The Emerging Church.” I encountered the literature of the emerging church in an evangelism class, and it immediately resonated with me. At that time, I was serving Broadway [...] The post What Leaders Need to Know about the Emerging Church first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership. The post What Leaders Need to Know a...| Lewis Center for Church Leadership
How can bivocational ministers and the congregations they serve thrive? In this interview, Kris Bentley redefines bivocational ministry beyond traditional models, emphasizing shared leadership, congregational adaptability, and spiritual sustainability. She encourages both pastors and congregations to embrace bivocational ministry as a thriving, collaborative model of God’s call, rooted in sufficiency, creativity, and community engagement. Jessica Kris Bentley explores how bivocational minis...| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
For two decades, women across the country have gathered for a simple but powerful Advent tradition: a laity-led candlelight service that brings communities together in worship. Brenda Stone brought this service to her church, then helped churches across her state create their own versions of this special event. She and Laura Heikes share how you [...] The post Lighting the Way: A Laity-Led Advent Service for Women first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership. The post Lighting the Way...| Lewis Center for Church Leadership
The Travelers’ Christmas Eve Service at Park Avenue United Methodist Church in New York City is a beloved annual tradition, shares Jessica Anschutz. Designed for both congregants who travel before Christmas Eve and visitors from around the world, the service—typically held on the third or fourth Sunday of Advent—offers a meaningful celebration featuring carols, scripture [...] The post Travelers’ Christmas Eve Service first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership. The post Trav...| Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Pastors in small-membership churches often face frustration when trying to implement change, but these churches also possess unique adaptability. Allen Stanton notes that small churches can be surprisingly nimble, responding quickly to needs and opportunities. He identifies four practices to help small churches stay flexible. By nurturing these practices, small churches can remain adaptable, leveraging [...] The post 4 Practices to Help Small Church Stay Nimble and Open to Change first appear...| Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Dan Hotchkiss writes that churches need to ask themselves “What’s good about that?” in relation to established programs and ministries. He shares an example of a church with a strong music program whose purpose was rooted in the past instead of the present. This article was originally published on June 18, 2014. It’s good to [...] The post What’s Good about That? first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership. The post What’s Good about That? appeared first on Lewis Center f...| Lewis Center for Church Leadership
What are current church giving and worship attendance trends? Joe Park unpacks key trends in worship attendance and giving from Horizons Stewardship’s Church Giving and Worship Report: Key Findings from 2024. He emphasizes digital engagement, discipleship, and strategic ministry planning, while highlighting the importance of adaptive leadership, consistent generosity messaging, and authentic relationships. Watch the Joe Park shares trends in church giving and worship, stressing digital tool...| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
Many Christians today feel tension between faith and politics, often confusing partisan allegiance with discipleship. Lovett Weems warns that Christianity’s credibility suffers when political power replaces Christlike love. True patriotism, rooted in Jesus’ teachings, values compassion, diversity, humility, and love. Why, indeed, are so many Christians so cruel? This is the question David French said [...] The post Why Are So Many Christians So Cruel? first appeared on Lewis Center for Ch...| Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Pastor Hannah Bonner offers wisdom she’s gleaned in beginning ministry in some dramatically different places, highlighting the need for emotional engagement and interpersonal honesty.| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
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 tragedy underscores the urgent call for church leaders to reject historical falsehoods, confront racial injustice, and speak truth in love. Leadership rooted in Christ requires moral clarity, courageous witness, and [...] The post Speaking the Truth in Memory of the Charleston Nine first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership. ...| Lewis Center for Church Leadership
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 into a thriving nonprofit serving underserved children and families in Washington, D.C. She offers church leaders practical guidance on launching social ventures, emphasizing discernment, sustainable capacity-building, and the power of| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
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 breaking new ground as the first woman or person of color or joining a congregation facing its struggles. Andreá Cummings provides steps to take within the first ninety days to| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
Delivered every Wednesday, our free e-newsletter Leading Ideas offers articles by thoughtful, cutting-edge leaders on subjects you care about — navigating change, reaching younger people, financing your ministry, communicating effectively — to help you be the leader God is calling you to be. The Lewis Center is committed to helping congregations and denominations thrive and grow by providing ideas, research, resources, and training for vital and fruitful leadership. Through Leading Ideas,...| Lewis Center for Church Leadership