Leading Ideas Talks

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.

Podcast Episode 166 Do you lead a small church? In this episode Allen Stanton shares how small congregations can be surprisingly nimble in the face of change and effective in spiritual formation because of their inherently relational nature. Listen on Apple Podcasts | YouTube Music | Spotify Watch on YouTube The Gift of Small: Embracing Your Church’s Vocation (Fortress Press, 2024) [...] The post “The Gift of Small” featuring Allen Stanton first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

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.

Podcast Episode 162 How can congregations faithfully engage in ministry with Millennials and Gen Z? In this episode, Dexter Nutall shares how New Bethel Church engages these generations. The church fosters belonging, social justice, and leadership, creating a welcoming and impactful community for young people. Listen on Apple Podcasts | YouTube Music | Spotify Watch on YouTube Read in-depth interview Related [...] The post “Belong, Believe, Become: Engaging Millennials and Gen Z in Faith” featuring Dexter Nutall first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

Podcast Episode 161 How can spiritual direction impact leaders and congregations? In this episode Eunhyey Lok reflects on the role of spiritual direction, its benefits for personal and church growth, distinctions from counseling, and tips for finding a spiritual director. Listen on Apple Podcasts | YouTube Music | Spotify Watch on YouTube Read in-depth interview Related Resources Spiritual Lessons from a [...] The post “Exploring Spiritual Direction“ featuring Eunhyey Lok first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

Podcast Episode 160 What does the post-pandemic and post-disaffiliation United Methodist Church (UMC) look like? In this episode, Jessica Anschutz speaks with Lewis Center Director Doug Powe and Senior Consultant Lovett Weems, who discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the UMC. They highlight regionalization, the need for structural reform, and changes to the ordination process, while [...] The post “The Future of the United Methodist Church” featuring Doug Powe and Lovett Weems first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.