Leading Ideas Talks

Podcast Episode 172 How can a struggling congregation be transformed into a thriving multicultural ministry center? In this episode 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 [...] The post “Reimagining Church as a Ministry Center” featuring Beth and Nelson Neil first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

Podcast Episode 171 How can bivocational ministers and the congregations they serve thrive? In this conversation, 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 [...] The post “Thriving in Bivocational Ministry” featuring Kris Bentley first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

Podcast Episode 170 What are the current church giving and worship attendance trends? In this conversation, 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 [...] The post “Church Giving and Worship Attendance Trends” featuring Joe Park first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

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 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 post “Launching Social Ventures that Transform Communities” featuring Jaleesa Hall first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

Podcast Episode 168 How can church leaders cultivate generosity in marginalized communities? In this episode, Jessica Anschutz speaks with Carlos Perkins who emphasizes that many Black, Latinx, and Hispanic congregations have been historically generous, despite limited resources. The conversation explores the importance of defining generosity, reflecting on personal beliefs about money, and how faith leaders [...] The post “Cultivating Generosity in Marginalized Communities” featuring Carlos Perkins first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

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 book Changing My Mind, reflecting on how his views on preaching have evolved over five decades of ministry. Willimon shares insights into his sermon-writing process and underscores the necessity of [...] The post “Preaching Easter… Again” featuring William Willimon first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

Allen Stanton, an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and author, dives into the surprising strengths of small congregations. He discusses how their relational nature fosters adaptability and spiritual growth. Stanton also challenges the notion that success is solely tied to size, advocating for the unique contributions of smaller churches in community and faith. Highlights include the importance of intergenerational dynamics and how everyday activities can ignite spiritual development, showcasing the vital role these communities play in today's landscape.

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, and vitality. She highlights innovative approaches that foster belonging, authentic community, and discipleship in a rapidly changing world. Listen on Apple Podcasts | YouTube Music | Spotify Watch on YouTube Becoming a Future-Ready Church: 8 Shifts [...] The post “Becoming a Future-Ready Church” featuring Adelle Banks first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

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 unique challenges. She introduces the SPARK practice—Soma, Preparation, Awe, Retreat, and Kinship—as a holistic approach to overcoming ministry burnout. Callie emphasizes the importance of recognizing burnout signs, creating supportive environments [...] The post “From Weary to Wholehearted: Overcoming Ministry Burnout” featuring Callie Swanlund first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

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 how his Nashville church is reaching and discipling people in unchurchy ways by getting to know their neighbors, forging new missional partnerships, and focusing intentionally on relationships. Listen on Apple Podcasts | YouTube Music | Spotify [...] The post “Embracing Relational Discipleship” featuring Stephen Handy first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.