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 ...
Allen Stanton says rural churches are uniquely positioned to be agents of change within their communities. Most are trusted long-term community stakeholders, and on any given Sunday people from a wide range of occupations and life circumstances are sitting in their pews. Rural churches often have several strengths that are relatively unique to their own| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
How can congregational leaders be healers and agitators at the same time? In this in-depth interview, Doug Powe and Jessica Anschutz reflect on the new book Healing Fractured Communities and the stories of pastoral leaders engaged in the work of renewal, resilience, and resistance in congregations, on college campuses, and in communities. Listen to this| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
What is God calling your church to do in the near future given your church’s mission and context? Doug Powe and Lovett Weems outline key considerations for leaders who seek to innovate while also sustaining what is most essential in their ministries. Practicing innovative leadership is a necessity for all who care deeply about the| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
Candace Lewis and Rodney Smothers say that churches must leave their buildings, identify community needs, and walk alongside neighbors in order to make a difference. They outline seven steps to engage people and the real issues they confront. In many communities, it seems as if a number of traditional churches are disconnected. Many have become| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
David Woolverton says there are two types of church conflict — conflict that destroys teams, ministries, and congregational vibrancy and conflict that cultivates growth by driving toward a transformative end. The key variable is a leader who sees their leadership role as not merely resolving the conflict but rather developing healthier ways for the congregation| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
What types of churches attract young people? Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, and Brad Griffin, the authors of Growing Young, dispel a number of common myths. Their research indicates that size, location, denominational tradition, worship style, and several other variables don’t matter as much as imagined and that congregations of all types have the potential to “grow| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
David Bowers draws key lessons from the biblical story of Nehemiah to guide churches that are redeveloping their buildings or property to serve community needs. He says that such development is difficult, but doable, when approached with the correct spiritual and practical perspectives. Many houses of worship have underutilized land and air rights. Those resources| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
How can the church adapt to future challenges and foster community through innovative leadership? Doug Powe and Dustin Benac discuss the future of the church, emphasizing collaborative leadership, the importance of belonging, and adapting to cultural shifts through innovative community structures. Watch the interview video, listen to the interview, or continue reading. Doug Powe: Dr. Dustin| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
How can your church reach new people in today’s evolving ministry context? Ann Michel of the Lewis Center staff interviews Tony Morgan, chief strategist for The Unstuck Group, about trends, perspectives, and strategies drawn from his work with scores of congregations across the country and abroad. Listen to this interview, watch the interview video on YouTube,| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
Richard Reinhard shares how some congregations are using their property to develop affordable housing and meet other community needs, as well as local initiatives to lower the barriers to this type of development. Religious institutions face a great mismatch between small, aging congregations and large, deteriorating properties. Thousands are struggling to find new uses for| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
The percentage of U.S. churches with attendance of 100 or fewer increased from 45 percent in 2000 to 70 percent in 2020. Lovett H. Weems Jr. shares relevant data while also considering the distinctive calling of very small congregations and ways they can embrace a more positive future. The Religious Workforce Project of the| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
How has the pandemic shaped the vitality and resiliency of congregations? Did it really prompt large numbers of pastors to leave ministry? Doug Powe, director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, interviews Scott Thumma, principal investigator for the Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations research project. Listen to this interview, watch the interview video on| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
What is the economic impact of small congregations on their communities? Jessica Anschutz of the Lewis Center staff speaks with Bob Jaeger and Rachel Hildebrandt of Partners for Sacred Places about their report on the “Economic Halo Effect of Rural United Methodist Churches in North Carolina.” Listen to this interview, watch the interview video on YouTube,| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
Liz Perraud says bringing generations together is a key aspect of Christian community. She suggests church leaders might approach the need to strengthen intergenerational connections as a child might, by asking “why” a lot. Our granddaughter is nearly four and asks “why?” a lot. We take walks on the path through the woods near our| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
A sustained decline in worship attendance is afflicting most American congregations. Drawing on findings from the Lewis Center’s Religious Workforce Project, Lovett H. Weems Jr. outlines ways congregations can respond to declining attendance and how the trend impacts the deployment of clergy and other congregational leaders. The Religious Workforce Project of the Lewis Center is| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
Rural churches are anchors in their communities and can use their property assets to bring new hope to their neighbors. Jennie Birkholz describes how creative partnerships between churches, nonprofits, health systems, and others can respond to critical needs and draw together people who don’t normally interact. Churches can no longer be insular institutions and instead| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
Is your church facing the difficult decision to sell or repurpose property? This interview with Mark Elsdon, editor of Gone for Good?, focuses on how congregations can resell or repurpose church property in ways that avoids common pitfalls and propels their missions forward. Listen to this interview, watch the interview video on YouTube, or continue reading.| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
Where is God’s movement taking place in new ways for new times? Cherished narratives, programs, language, and structures are no longer producing the fruit associated with them during past eras. Lovett Weems says innovation is possible if church leaders challenge the assumptions behind what we are doing because they no longer match the current reality.| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...