Clergy News for Leaders

An Occasional Important Update for Church Leaders

David Roseberry

May 07, 2025

This is the LeaderWorks newsletter for clergy and church leaders. If you prefer NOT to receive it, you can go to “Settings” and uncheck “LeaderWorks,” and you will still receive The Anglican.

But this newsletter will never hurt you!

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Four Notes for Clergy

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is a huge month for many people. It's graduation month, Mother’s Day, and one of us turns 70. Then Pentecost and Trinity Sunday are looming, not to mention the summer ministries.

I am being asked to come to Christ Church today to say a few words about the founding of the parish 40 years ago. I have 8 minutes! No problem. I appreciate the gesture and have plenty to say. But most of all, I give thanks for all that transpired over my 31 years there. It remains strong, vital, and healthy. Who could ask for more?

Here is quick list of things you might care about:

1️⃣ The Conclave

The Conclave begins in Rome, and soon enough, we will see the white smoke. How should Anglicans think about the Pope? Necessary? Important? Peter Johnston at Anglican Compass asked me to write an article for Anglicans about whether we should care about the election of a new Pope.

Another way to put it is that grace is not dispensed by the Church, but announced by it. The Church proclaims the good news of the Gospel. It offers the sacraments as effective means of grace, but it does not own or control God’s grace.
God’s grace comes directly to the sinner through faith in Christ.

Read “Does the Pope Matter for Anglicans” here.

2️⃣ Stewardship Planning Seminar

Every church needs to be strengthened, and its people are reminded yearly about stewardship and generosity. I’m offering a paid webinar on the 28th of May to help you plan a Fall (or Spring) campaign. Cost is $100.

Look at what you will receive from the seminar at the bottom of the post.

Join me on May 28th at 2:30 PM (Central Time). Sign up at the link below.

🗓 Live Seminar: Tuesday, May 28 at 2:30 PM (Central Time)

📍 Hosted Live on Zoom

✍🏻 Register here to Attend

3️⃣ Women and Mother’s Day

I’m a fan of the Mother’s Day sermon. My article on Anglican Compass reaches into the thousands every year as pastors wonder whether to preach a Mother’s Day message or not. (I usually get criticized about my position, too. But never by mothers, btw.)

Why do I do it? I think mothers and motherhood are integral to the Gospel message and its proclamation.

Read “In Praise of Women and Mother’s Day” here.

4️⃣ Christ Church turns 40!

I planted Christ Church in Plano, Texas 40 years ago this month. Wow. I can’t believe it. I spent 31 years there to establish the DNA of that wonderful congregation. I am telling stories and naming names. Here is what happened. Follow along on Substack as a paid subscriber.

Two Recent Stories:

The Mission We Didn’t Expect—How mission and outreach became the engine that fueled growth and developed disciples.

I Preached a Funeral Service in the Wild West—My professor at seminary told us to always say yes to officiating a funeral, which has led me to interesting experiences.

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About the Stewardship Planning Seminar…

An annual stewardship campaign isn’t just about budgets. It’s about shaping hearts, casting vision, and strengthening the Church for generations.

This 90-minute live seminar will equip you with a proven plan to lead your church through a fall campaign that is faithful, effective, and joyful.

✅ You’ll walk away with tools, templates, teaching topics, and a month-by-month roadmap.

✅ You’ll be equipped to lead your church without scrambling or begging.

✅ And yes, it costs $100 — but it will be worth far, far more.

In fact, many churches have raised thousands — even tens of thousands — more simply by applying what they learned. The return on investment is exponential. And the spiritual fruit is eternal.

Here are 10 reasons why this matters now:

Stewardship transforms hearts. Campaigns create space to teach about God’s ownership, our calling, and eternal priorities.
Vision fuels generosity. Clear communication ties giving directly to mission.
It disciples the church. Small groups, classes, and sermons can all align around biblical financial wisdom.
New people need direction. Campaigns give them a gracious entry point into church life and commitment.
It counters cultural idols. Stewardship gently reorients hearts from materialism to mission.
Families grow stronger. Campaigns prompt valuable conversations about values and faith.
Honoring generosity inspires it. Testimonies and stories of faithfulness create momentum.
It reframes giving as worship. Not obligation, but joyful trust and obedience.
It brings order and peace. A clear plan replaces stress with confidence.
It strengthens the whole church. Generous churches have stronger ministries, deeper discipleship, and greater Gospel impact.