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developing leaders experiment leadership ministry

Your First Steps with AI: Free Tools Every Pastor Should Try

Taking the first steps with AI doesn’t require a large budget or technical expertise. Today’s free AI tools offer powerful capabilities that can immediately enhance ministry effectiveness. The key is starting with low-stakes experimentation to build confidence and understanding before moving to more critical applications. This practical guide will help you begin your AI journey […]

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experiment leadership ministry spiritual growth

The Grace That Goes Before: Why Wesleyan Theology Embraces Innovation

When John Wesley began preaching in fields because churches wouldn’t welcome his message of grace, he wasn’t just breaking social conventions—he was pioneering the use of innovative methods to spread the Gospel. Today, as artificial intelligence transforms how we communicate, learn, and connect, Wesleyan theology offers profound wisdom for embracing these tools while maintaining our […]

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experiment ministry transforming the community

SW Kids School Age Learning Lab

Susanna Wesley UMC has a long history of caring for children and families. For years we have offered before and after school care for students at Indian Hills Elementary School, located right next door to our building. This year, the Auburn-Washburn school district is opening a hybrid model for in-person learning, which means placing students […]

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church experiment leadership ministry renewing the church

Bricks and Stones

This corner marks a turning point – in the structure and materials. The wall turns at a right angle and changes in composition and color. The bricks and stones are different, while the purpose of the wall remains the same. It supports the roof and makes space for rooms inside. Local churches may or may […]

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church communications experiment

How to Set Up a Video Studio in Your Basement – A Pastor’s Guide

Over the past few days, I have been working on putting together a makeshift studio that I can use to record videos for the congregation and community. It will also be helpful for the ever-increasing number of video conference calls these days. I want to share with you a bit of the process, in case […]

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annual conference experiment leadership ministry

Strategizing for the District

Since being appointed to serve within the Topeka District of the Great Plains Annual Conference, I have had the opportunity to serve as the lead for the Topeka District Strategy Team. I have been learning as I go, seeking to get to know congregations and leaders of the area. Here are some of my current […]

Categories
church experiment grow

Experiment: Facebook Live Book Study

I am running an experiment this fall in the local church with the purpose of engaging people in discipleship. The experiment is a Facebook Live Book Study. Some of the observations that lead to this experiment: High engagement of video on the church’s Facebook page Congregants sharing the value of study’s led by the preacher […]