6 Things Great Leaders Give Up for Lent
Every year, Christians worldwide observe the season of Lent by giving up something for 40 days. This act of self-denial is meant to be a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. But what if we took this a step further and used Lent as an opportunity to focus on becoming better leaders? Refining our leadership draws us closer to Christ. Here are six things great leaders give up for Lent.
Last Minute Lent Planning
Since you are working on a last minute timetable for Lent, don’t worry about elaborate activities. Sometimes simple is best. Since Ash Wednesday and Holy Week provide natural bookends to Lent, consider one or two or three ways to engage the themes of Lent between those bookends.
5 Ways to Practice a Holy Lent
Traditionally, Lent is a time of sacrifice and self-denial…But with so much suffering, sadness and sin in the world already, maybe it’s time to re-envision the kind of practices that prepare one for resurrection.
The Speed of Change
The younger members of our congregations have embraced technology since early childhood. They grew up with iPads and phones. They read books on Kindles. They’re accustomed to navigating more change in a few months than many of us have encountered in our lifetimes! Is it any wonder that they can’t understand how we, as the church, are still debating whether it’s ok to sing songs out of “new” hymnals or to give gay and transgender people positions in leadership?
Black History in the Bible
These days Black history is in the news. People studying it, teaching it - even attempts to ban it. But Black history can't be banned. It's a history to remember. Bible characters are usually portrayed as white and European, all except one of the wise men. But the...
Why Churches Must Focus on Creating a Culture of Renewal
The church is a living, breathing institution. To remain relevant, it must focus on creating a culture of renewal; embracing renewal is integral to spiritual and missional growth. By focusing on creating a culture of renewal, churches can better serve their communities and make an impact that lasts.