Successfully managing a period of change takes art, intuition, skill, strong listening, effective communication, and spiritual discernment. When done correctly, change management can help a leader gain respect and loyalty. Done poorly, it can have adverse effects on the organization and its people. Managing change is often daunting to oversee, especially during challenging circumstances. The … Continue reading 30 Hacks for Managing Change
The LabOratory Church provides a safe space for health, healing, and hope in Indianapolis
Rev. Amie Vanderford has experienced trauma. She knows what it’s like to distrust others; how damaging isolation can be to recovery. That’s why she and her husband, Thaddeus Shelton, launched The LabOratory Church. This new Indianapolis church offers safe space for those with mental illness to worship, cultivate strong connections and seek healing. New Church Ministry spoke with Pastor … Continue reading The LabOratory Church provides a safe space for health, healing, and hope in Indianapolis
Celebrating 1,000 New Churches… and Counting!
In 2001 the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada embraced a bold vision: to start 1,000 new churches in 1,000 different ways by the year 2020. And we did it! We started 1,000 new churches... and counting! Today, we have welcomed more than 1,034 new faith communities into the Church. The … Continue reading Celebrating 1,000 New Churches… and Counting!
DCEF offers assistance in applying for CARES Act – Paycheck Protection Program loans
The U.S. federal government has allocated more than USD $350 billion to assist small businesses, including non-profits such as congregations and other denominational organizations, in keeping employees on the payroll and covering critical expenses through this trying financial time. The CARES Act created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), providing loans through the Small Business Administration … Continue reading DCEF offers assistance in applying for CARES Act – Paycheck Protection Program loans
What does it mean to “love your neighbor” in the midst of a pandemic?
Faith leaders have their hands full trying to figure out new ways of being church together in this season of social distancing. Congregations may also be looking for safe, innovative ways to respond to unprecedented needs in the community. Create and Continue Community Connection from your Couch This episode of New Church Hacks offers suggestions … Continue reading What does it mean to “love your neighbor” in the midst of a pandemic?
Disciples Church Extension Fund Update
Greetings from Indianapolis! I am writing to provide you with an update on Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) and its response to the COVID-19 emergency. Two weeks ago all of our staff began working remotely from their homes. At that time, with the growing COVID-19 crisis and the safety and health of our staff in mind, our Executive Staff … Continue reading Disciples Church Extension Fund Update
If you were to imagine the Church in ten years, what would you describe?
The religious landscape of North America is changing rapidly, with church membership and attendance on an accelerated decline. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of adults in the United States who self-identify as Christian has fallen by more than 10% during the last decade, and in Canada, that trend has followed the same … Continue reading If you were to imagine the Church in ten years, what would you describe?
COVID-19 Disciples Church Extension Fund Update
Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) tested our Business Continuity Plan last Thursday and Friday, March 12 and 13. During this time, our physical offices have been closed and all staff have worked remotely during our normal business hours. Last Friday afternoon, our executive leadership team decided to continue DCEF’s operations remotely through Friday, March 27, as … Continue reading COVID-19 Disciples Church Extension Fund Update
New Church Hacks is back!
After taking a break for the fall, New Church Hacks returns for its second season. Hosted by Pastor Terrell L. McTyer, Minister of New Church Strategies, New Church Ministry's webinar series provides practical (and sometimes peculiar) prompts for churches from start to restart. Why only do something new or better when you can do both?! New Church Hacks is jam-packed with clever … Continue reading New Church Hacks is back!
Why I am grateful for pastors
During the month of October, we have an opportunity to honor the ones we so often take for granted. The ones that we desperately seek out for advice before making a major decision; the ones we long to see in times of sorrow, bereavement or illness; the ones who encourage us and/or correct us with … Continue reading Why I am grateful for pastors