General Conference
General Conference 2019: Resources for Leaders
These resources will help you talk with your congregations about the different legislation being considered at GC2019 and how these plans might affect local churches, conferences and clergy. Read More
Seasonal
Black History Month social media graphics
Use these free graphics for your social media channels to celebrate Black History Month. Download
Seasonal
Outreach Resources for Easter
Start planning your Easter outreach using our customizable resources. Choose from postcards, invitation cards, posters, outdoor banners and yard signs in 10 designs. Read More
Outreach
Engaging seekers
You know your church should be reaching out to spiritual seekers. But how? Learn about what motivates seekers in this video summary of recent Barna findings. View
Communications
Email is thriving at middle age
If you think email's spammy or obsolete, you're missing out on the most trusted tool available to nonprofits. Read More
Technology
Weathering winter with virtual worship (including the offering!)
Answer four questions to help you prepare to worship online when you’re snowed out. We offer options for every budget and technical ability. Read More
Welcoming
First impressions are formed earlier than you think
Hospitality begins before visitors ever enter the sanctuary. Consider whether your online presence and building facilities are welcoming and accessible to guests. Read More
Webinar
Learning session: Email marketing for churches
Learn how to harness the power of email to better connect with your congregation by incorporating email marketing into your church’s overall communication plan. View
Welcoming & Inviting
Encourage guests to return with great follow-ups
When you follow-up with guests, they are more likely to visit again. Here are a few great ways to increase the odds. Read More
Planning & Strategy
How to set church goals for the new year
New Year’s resolutions aren’t just for individuals; goals are important for the church as well. Check out these tips for creating church goals this year. Read More
Hospitality
14 ways churches unintentionally send signals of unwelcome
Make sure your church -- from the people to the curb -- are visitor-ready. Here's a checklist of 14 unintentional and commonly overlooked roadblocks. Read More
Web Ministry
How to make you church website visitor-friendly
Your church website is the new front door for your church. More and more, people are checking out locations online first before visiting in person—particularly young adults. Listen
Outreach
6 ways to create a guest-friendly worship service
These six strategies can make your worship more attractive to visitors, without requiring a major investment of time or resources. Read More
Crisis Resource
Keeping your church safe from violence
Church leaders find themselves grappling not only with the pastoral and theological questions of members, but also practical concerns about how to keep their flock safe. Read More
Crisis communications
How to communicate with church members in the wake of tragedy
Whether it’s a natural disaster or other crisis, your messages matter before, during and after the event. An ill-considered or ill-timed response could be... Read More
Communications Resource
How to improve the design of your church communication materials
This screencast will guide you through easy, inexpensive ways to improve everything from your church's bulletin to the signage inside and outside your building. View
Stewardship
5 key elements in successful stewardship strategies
What if stewardship were more than a campaign? What if it were a mindset? And what if stewardship were incorporated in every season? Read More
Stewardship
4 ways to involve younger people in stewardship
As you think about budgets and pledge drives, consider how to better incorporate young adults into these conversations. Discover four ways to foster a culture of generosity among young people. Read More
Welcoming
8 steps to declutter and make the best impression
For a church, every interaction matters and makes an impression. Eliminating clutter helps your church focus more on hospitality and ministry. Read More
Welcoming & Inviting
50 ways to welcome new people
One key to effective outreach is making sure that worship visitors feel truly welcome. These tips will help your congregation make a good first impression and extend hospitality. Read More
Welcoming & Inviting
Connecting new people to the Church
This podcast episode focuses on the lifecycle process of bringing new people into the church. It's the final episode of four in the Church Growth Series. Listen
Outreach
Reaching people who don’t look or act like “church people”
Reaching people who aren’t typical churchgoers requires making them feel comfortable and able to be themselves. The Rev. Olu Brown offers tips for creating a welcoming experience. Read More
Communications Resource
The who, what, why of giving your most effective speech in any setting
Pick up speechwriting tips from preacher and best-selling writer, Adam Hamilton, to help you connect with your audience. Read More
Technology
Apple’s new tools can boost your church live streams as well as life balance
Separate hype from real ministry applications in this review of the September 12, 2018, Apple keynote event. Learn why a phone is just as good as a camcorder to live stream. Read More
Volunteers
“Three Simple Rules” to train church leaders and volunteers
Challenges in mission and ministry will arise, but by adopting John Wesley's rules for living, your team can respond to any difficulties with love. Read More
Technology
Protect members (and ministries) from costly identity theft
There are a number of steps that you can take to protect people’s information and safeguard the church. Read More
Welcoming
Guest readiness and hospitality are greater than being nice
This podcast episode focuses on guest readiness and is the third episode of four in the Church Growth Series. Listen
Email Resource
Beat the email “blahs” with 5 helpful but simple writing hints
Are you communicating your messages as effectively as possible through email? This infographic highlights five simple tips to crafting a more compelling message. Read More
History Resource
Animated Wesleys make Methodist history fun
John and Charles Wesley make their debut as animated characters in this engaging new series. Share these videos on your website, social media or download them for viewing. Read More
Leadership
5 key practices for building a culture of trust
The church should be a place where people can learn to trust, exercise trust, and become trustworthy. Use these practices with groups to create environments that foster and facilitate trust. Read More
Email communication
How to make your emails more memorable
Email doesn’t have to be boring! Check out these great ideas to make sure your emails never get ignored. Read More
Social Media
13 tips for improving your Facebook Live broadcasts
Facebook Live isn’t just for streaming worship or doing a quick check-in from an event. It can also be a platform for discipleship content like Q&As, prayer sessions or ministry spotlights. Read More
Communication
How to develop an excellent church communication plan
Download templates, worksheets and daily planners to clarify your goals and maximize outreach! Read More