Looking for a simple, intimate way to extend your pastoral presence? Laura Heikes reminds us that a voicemail prayer only takes a few seconds to record but can be replayed for hours, days, or long nights of waiting. https://ow.ly/WVVZ50YsuOf
Hospitality is more than a friendly greeting or a warm cup of coffee—it’s the soil where discipleship grows. Julie Hagen shares her journey of finding a welcoming faith community and explores how intentional, mutual hospitality can transform a church. https://ow.ly/G8aU50Ysupk
Laura Heikes shares how youth ministry in her congregation has grown in a different way—not by doing more for young people, but by choosing to do ministry with them. https://ow.ly/BzBP50Y1oJ4
Pastor Kellen Roggenbuck shares the examples that got him thinking more about the clues God gives us, often from laity, for the next faithful steps in our congregational witness. https://ow.ly/RRk550XrcEv
Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page says that church leadership today requires holding two realities at once: engaging the needs of the community while also forming disciples within the church.
How do we lead faithfully in a world that’s changing faster than the church ever expected?Jonathan Page speaks with our newest staff member, Karen Stewart. Together, they reflect on Karen’s pastoral and nonprofit leadership experience, her passion for intergenerational faith formation, and more.
How can faith move from theory to action in the lives of young leaders? Brittany Bethel, executive director of Cross Connection, shows how they equip students through service, curiosity, and community to practice a faith that transforms both themselves and their neighborhoods.
Growing a large online audience doesn’t always create a healthy community. Brandon Robbins outlines a framework for discipleship that helps people see where they are on their journey, take the next steps, and support one another in following Jesus. https://ow.ly/Tmge50XX2Jh
The most important ministry work often happens behind the scenes. The first quarter is the ideal time to set goals, develop leaders, plan stewardship, and prepare future sermon series that truly connect. This practical guide is one we often reflect on at this time of year.
https://ow.ly/e4rl50XQMaM
Have you considered grant funding for your missions and ministries? Micháela Murray breaks it down for church leaders with clarity and confidence.
How can faith move from theory to action in the lives of young leaders? Brittany Bethel, executive director of Cross Connection, shows how they equip students through service, curiosity, and community to practice a faith that transforms both themselves and their neighborhoods.
Feeling daunted by grant funding? Not sure where to start or if you qualify? Micháela Murray breaks it down into clear steps so that church leaders can move forward with confidence and clarity.
“I’m so busy!” How often do you say or think this in a week?
We live in a society that glorifies hustle. Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson critique workaholism, challenging us to rethink our approach to work & ministry, embracing a healthy, sustainable rhythm.
How can a faith community organize itself to combat the sin of racism? Today on World Day of Social Justice we're reflecting on a past podcast with Michael Adam Beck and Stephanie Moore Hand sharing a practical framework from their book "Doing Justice Together." https://ow.ly/CyVi50Yj1Je
Isaiah Park explores a vision of church leadership shaped not by control, but by trust in the Holy Spirit’s movement. Drawing on the metaphor of a wind tunnel and Paul’s storm-tossed journey in Acts 27, she invites leaders to focus less on saving the ship and more on saving lives.
This Ash Wednesday, Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page invites church leaders to enter a season of contemplative action: a time to discern what to add, subtract, or multiply in their lives and leadership.
Today, we mourn the passing of civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died at age 84 after dedicating his life to justice, equality, and lifting up the voiceless. May his legacy continue to guide us. (via Religious News Service) https://ow.ly/6ShG50YhbFg
The shift to bivocational work is reshaping expectations in the church as many pastors now rely on multiple income sources. As these roles become the norm, Karl Vaters highlights 8 adjustments churches, denominations, and seminaries must make as we move into the future. https://ow.ly/Hxfq50YgEzL
Rev. Mack Strange describes a novel approach to community outreach on Ash Wednesday. His church offered a “drive-thru” station for imposition of ashes alongside a busy commuter route.
📅 Apply now for May 2026 start dates! https://ow.ly/2eOS50TUK5A
Wesley Theological Seminary and the Lewis Center are proud to offer the Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership Excellence. This program is designed for clergy looking to maximize their leadership capacity.
Krin Van Tatenhove and Rob Mueller say churches can’t complain about other activities encroaching on Sundays if our worship is boring. No matter the style, Spirit-infused worship that brings people into the presence of the living God is anything but boring!
What happens when you look at the American church from the outside? In this episode we sit down with missiologist Taylor Walters Denyer to explore what the U.S. church can learn from its global siblings. Listen here: https://ow.ly/N3Yl50YeiNi
In times of public tragedy and social tension, church leaders are often left discerning whether and how to speak in faithful response. Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page offers five guiding principles for speaking with wisdom, humility, and conviction.
Transformative leadership often begins not with certainty, but with vulnerability. In this reflection, Khalif Smith shares how arriving at a struggling church in Las Vegas became the starting point of renewal for himself, the congregation, and the community.
https://ow.ly/kkUa50YaqPT
“I’m so busy!” How often do you say or think this in a week?
We live in a society that glorifies hustle. In their book "Rework," Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson critique workaholism, challenging us to rethink our approach to work & ministry, embracing a healthy, sustainable rhythm.
Did your congregation struggle last year with budget shortfalls? If so, you’re not alone. Many congregations deal with being “in the red,” due to a lack of awareness among members about church finances. Andreá Cummings offers strategies for communication and reporting to inspire generosity.
Great ministry isn’t done by one person alone. It’s built through team-based leadership that empowers everyone to live into their God-given calling. Kim Jenne shares 5 ministry “game-changers” for creating a culture where laypeople and clergy lead together: https://ow.ly/yA0U50Y7Tne
What becomes possible when churches learn to see relationships—not programs—as their greatest resource? In this podcast episode, Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page speaks with Angie Williams from the non-profit training organization Open Table and Audrey Smith. https://ow.ly/zUK650Y7ne5
📅 Apply now for May 2026 start dates! https://ow.ly/2eOS50TUK5A
Wesley Theological Seminary and the Lewis Center are proud to offer the Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership Excellence. This program is designed for clergy looking to maximize their leadership capacity.
Transformative leadership often begins not with certainty, but with vulnerability. In this reflection, Khalif Smith shares how arriving at a struggling church in Las Vegas became the starting point of renewal for himself, the congregation, and the community. https://ow.ly/jPgC50Y6Fk3
