The Christian church needs a different kind of leadership to address the daunting social, economic and cultural challenges facing us in the 21st century. Transformational leadership may be one answer. This article from ChurchExective.com provides a brief overview of transformational leadership and how to make it work for your context. (Photo by Alias 0591, used […]
Narrative Lectionary Reflection (Year One, Week Ten), November 23, 2014
Jeremiah’s call to speak prophetically to God’s people is a tough one, but God puts the words in his mouth and goes with him. Yes, God equips ordinary people like you and like me to speak. When we do so, we can count on God to be sowing seeds of hope and abundance–even when the situation looks hopeless. (Photo: emdot, Creative Commons)
One of the most important contributions a leader can make is to believe that things can happen. When we do not, they will not. It is that simple. This article from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, explores how confident leadership can bring a project from plans to prosperity. (Photo by Jennifer (SweetOnVeg), used by […]
We need healthy pastors to have a healthy church, but statistics show that clergy need help in this area. Designed for use by pastors and lay leadership, this three-part series seeks to illustrate some of the unique issues clergy face in maintaining and improving their physical, emotional, social, financial, and spiritual wellbeing. Through video and discussion guides, it encourages congregations and pastors to share a ministry of health that benefits everyone. (Photo by Dr. Abdulla Nasar, used by Creative Commons license)
Our church is facing unprecedented challenges, but many of us were never trained or prepared to serve God’s people in the 21st century’s emerging environment. Transformative leadership seeks to help by teaching us how to change ourselves first. This article from Duke Divinity School provides an overview. (Photo (c) 2005 OJ the Photographer, via Bigstock.com)
Don’t waste those precious moments just before the ushers start to pass the collection plates — use them for “a call to offering” or “stewardship meditation.” You can help set the tone for generosity and cheerful giving. From the Center for Faith & Giving. (Photo by Lisafx, via Bigstock.com)
Harvest time is in full swing in the many parts of the northern hemisphere. If you’re planning a Harvest Sunday, here’s an almost complete liturgy from the “parishLife” blog of Simon Rundell, rector and author. Be sure to check out his other work whilst you’re there. (Photo: Herry Lawford, Creative Commons)
By using principles of adaptive leadership, rather than reactive leadership, many pastors and congregational leaders are finding ways to energize, motivate and move their churches in new directions. This article, from the Reformed Church in America, gives a nice overview of adaptive leadership — and a bibliography for further reading!
It’s no secret that more than ever churches need good leadership. But how do you develop leaders? This 60-page training guide can help. Put the case studies and exercises to work in congregational retreats, staff meetings, Christian education classes and other settings.
Business author Bill Treasurer says “Effective leadership isn’t about having power over people, it’s about doing good for people.” Steward leaders can take good lessons from Treasurer’s new book, entitled “Leaders Open Doors.” (Photo: William Murphy, Creative Commons
