Communicating Controversial Topics in a Polarized World
Plus Two Other Curated Gems -- Ditch the Printed Bulletin? Risk and Reward in Ministry
In This Edition
Communicating Controversial Topics in a Polarized World
3 Reasons Your Church Doesn’t Need a Printed Bulletin
Is The Risk Worth the Reward? — Ideas for Mavericks in Ministry
Communicating Controversial Topics in a Polarized World
Click HERE to read this Church Leader Insider blog from Dave Travis, Greg Ligon, and Jim Sheppard.
“Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have experienced the challenges of communicating about controversial topics in such a polarized world.”
ForthSoaring Innovation Insights: The reality in our current polarized society is that a higher percentage of people — by our observation not scientific research — are either avoiding controversy and thus losing their prophetic voice, or they are speaking recklessly not caring who it offends. Some of these latter people are now known as “former (their job title)”. Remembering our core Christian mission compels us to spiritually and strategically address controversial issues. Following prayer, the first step may be to listen with discerning ears and a compassionate heart.
3 Reason Your Church Doesn’t Need a Printed Bulletin
Click HERE to read this posted article on The Alabama Baptist news site. Written by Mark MacDonald.
“Many churches have stopped handing out printed bulletins. During the pandemic, churches couldn’t distribute printed bulletins because attendance moved online. When we returned to in-person worship, many stopped handing out printed materials.
The church didn’t fail because of it, but no doubt some of your members are missing the printed weekly reminder of events, prayer requests and other announcements.
If the church doesn’t need a printed bulletin, how do people find out what’s going on? Is it even possible?”
ForthSoaring Innovation Insights: While we substantially agree with this perspective, our advice to congregations is to have “leaving” greeters as well as “welcoming” greeters. They thank people for coming, and hand them a 4x6 card or a half sheet of paper with the key point(s) of the message, a call to action, and one to three of the most important events/experiences coming up plus how to connect with them. This supports the principle of reinforcing key messages to your audience — congregation in this case.
Is The Risk Worth The Reward?
Click HERE to read this latest post from Ideas for Mavericks in Ministry
“I think we’re inherently hardwired to appreciate—and are drawn to— what is unique. Our God is an infinitely creative God, and it just makes sense since we’re made in His image.
But going where no one has gone before can be scary stuff.”
ForthSoaring Innovation Insights: “Bold” is a very important word in this post. Because of the urgency of the Good News of Jesus, we must be willing to engage in bold ministry. We must also be wise about how and when to express bold ideas or take bold actions in keeping with fulfilling the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment. May we concentrate regularly on the results God’s Holy Spirit can bring forth if we are willing to do scary stuff.