Category: Ministry

Creating a narrative budget

Church finance expert Bonnie Ives Marden shares a step-by-step process of creating a narrative budget, a powerful and effective tool for stewardship, evangelism, and marketing. 

Building hope in our rural communities

Back from a national training event, the Rev. Peggy Paige, a newly certified Rural Chaplain, is now ready to serve to foster health in rural communities of Michigan.

Bible women teach about leadership

This episode of Leading Ideas Talks features a conversation with Carla Works about the leadership lessons inspired by biblical women.

Beyond friendly to hospitable

“Not many friendly churches are truly hospitable,” says Caleb Williams. “When it comes to modern church-shoppers, friendly doesn’t cut it anymore.”

Please don’t invite me to coffee hour

Every church has them but not every church makes coffee hour a welcome place for visitors. John Harnish offers comments.

Confronting the walls that divide us

With racial tension building across the U.S. and the world, the Rev. Brittney Stephan says that it’s time for people of faith to confront walls of hatred, injustice, and fear.

Send them back to school with love

September is coming! What are ways your congregation can be a blessing to teachers and students during the year ahead?

Ministry feature: Justice & Advocacy

The website of The Michigan Conference has a large resource section full of creative and practical ideas, programs, and materials. This week we feature what’s available about Justice and Advocacy.

Why did my pastor move?

In days gone by one Methodist pastor might serve half a state. United Methodist pastors are still on the move, for these good reasons. 

Laity … ministry feature of the month

The website of The Michigan Conference has a large resource section full of creative and practical ideas, programs, and materials. This month we feature what’s available about ministry for the laity.