The world’s scientists have long been sounding the alarm that we are on a collision course. Disaster looms in the lifetimes of our grandchildren. God’s people can and should do better – and a congregational “Green Team” can lead the way. Why not form one this month? (Photo: NASA Archive, Creative Commons)
“When each of us, following our leaders, examines our own privileges, power, and resources, and thoughtfully understands how we got them and when to intentionally let them go, it leads to a better community—one we all benefit from, ” writes non-profit executive Vu Le, citing the most valuable and best leadership trait today is willingness to […]
Workism is the new religious tradition in town. Workism proclaims that we must “do what we love and love what we do,” writes Alaina Kleinbeck in Duke Divinity School’s Faith and Leadership. As a culture, we worship work success stories, even at our peril. Our relationship to work is distorted, if not toxic. Fortunately, there […]
Go into a supermarket or restaurant and watch how many people pay with cash. It’s a small number and dropping all the time. As our nation moves towards a cashless economy, churches that have no online and digital options will lose out. Here are some ideas to get you going from Rob Blezard, SOLI web editor.
Learning the art and freedom of saying “no” can help you become a better leader. Not only will you be able to better care for yourself, you’ll also be better able to set priorities, work toward effective goals, and care for others. Consider this author’s good reasons for learning the amazing power of two simple little letters. It could be a real game changer! (Photo: sboneham, Creative Commons)
Mistakenly thinking that information will motivate donors, many congregations make their stewardship pitches with data, graphs and spreadsheets. There’s a better way — storytelling that reaches not only people’s minds but also their hearts. By Scott McKenzie of Horizons Stewardship. (Photo: Brisbane City Council, Creative Commons)
Most congregational leaders would rather do anything besides asking congregants for money. So when they DO ask, their skittishness can lead to mistakes and missteps that can be counterproductive. Here, from SOLI content editor Rob Blezard, are tips for making an ask. (Photo: Iqoncept, via bigstockphoto.com)
To get an idea of where God’s people are financially, Alyssa Quart’s well-researched book can provide insight. In his review of “Squeezed: Why Our Families Can’t Afford America,” Adam Copeland of Luther Seminary says this is a must-read for church stewardship leaders to understand the stark realities facing many of God’s people. (Photo: Stuart Pilbrow, […]
It’s not too late to adopt some new leadership resolutions for the new year! Check out these suggestions from the Center for Creative Leadership to help you, those you lead, and your organization develop stronger skills and practices. You’ll also find links to related articles to help you explore the suggestions more deeply. (Photo: Photo © […]
Many congregations start serving their communities by looking at how much they lack, which is fine, but never unlocks the potential that exists. Asset-Based Community Development looks at what strengths or skills the community has to offer. An Indianapolis pastor tells how the ABCD approach turned around his church. (Photo: Wonder Woman0731, Creative Commons)
