Overview

Leadership principles can seem simple at first, but when it comes to leading a church or ministry, we know leadership is actually much more complicated. Ministry leadership often leaves us wrestling with how to:

1. Resolve Conflict
2. Handle Diversity
3. Communicate with Multiple Generations
4. Manage Others’ Expectations

With Jesus as your example and the Bible as your ultimate authority, use the books below to strengthen your skills as a leader and navigate the complexities of ministry leadership.

Master Leader

This is a compelling study of Jesus and his exemplary servant-leadership. Dr. Mark Moore presents six Master Leader attributes: Identity, Vision, Mission, Values, Strategy, and Habits. Woven throughout these six chapters are 15 Master Leader Principles. With practical application in each chapter, this study is ideal for both personal growth and for small groups.

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About the Author

Dr. Mark Moore serves as Teaching Pastor at Christ’s Church of the Valley (CCV) in Peoria, AZ. Prior to joining CCV, Mark served as a Professor at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri (1990-2012). He is also a professor for Ozark, an Adjunct Professor at Hope International University in Fullerton, California and Haus Edelweiss, Vienna, Austria.

A 1986 Graduate of Ozark, Mark earned his Ph.D. from the University of Wales in 2008. He is the author and co-author of many books, mostly on the Life of Christ, the book of Acts, and Revelation.

How to Be an Effective Church Leader

In this book, Sam Stone lays the foundation for effective leadership by combining principles taken straight from Scripture with practical advice from life experience. He reminds us that churches can only do their best work when excellent leadership is present.

If you are considering a church leadership position, or even if you are a veteran leader, Sam Stone's timeless advice will provide you with insight and encouragement.

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About the Author

Sam E. Stone's lifetime of leadership includes more than twenty years in the preaching ministry, service as an elder, and a career as editor of Christian Standard. President of the 1997 North American Christian Convention, he is the author of two previous books, Grounded Faith for Growing Christians and The Christian Minister.

Herding Cats

What could be harder than herding cats? Is it even possible to get such independently minded creatures all heading in the same direction?

To church leaders dealing with the postmodern mindset of the so-called Generation X and Generation Y, cats might seem well behaved and highly trainable by comparison. Rusty George and Jeff Krajewski write from experience in suggesting ways to achieve the impossible. Just as cats will do what you want them to if they are sufficiently motivated, there are ways to help postmoderns decide to follow and serve the Lord.

Rusty and Jeff tag-team a thorough examination of the problem and suggested solutions, and have also enlisted the help of others in providing case studies in the last two chapters of workable ministries for postmodern "cats."

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Jeff Krajewski currently serves with the Common Ground Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. Previously he served as Minister of Young Adults with the Trader's Point Christian Church in Indianapolis. Jeff graduated from Cincinnati Bible College and Seminary with a Bachelor of Science degree in Christian Ministries. He is married to Nicole and they have two adorable children, Tucker and Kezley. Jeff loves to spend time with his family and play golf whenever possible.

Rusty George serves the Southland Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky, working with the weekend postmodern-targeted worship service. Rusty graduated from Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri, with a Bachelors of Theology and Bachelor's of Sacred Literature degrees. he is completing his Master's degree in Theology with Cincinnati Bible College and Seminary. Rusty is married to Lorrie and they live in the Lexington area. He is passionate about basketball, not entirely due to his current location.

Systems-Sensitive Leadership

Ministry today is more complex than it ever has been. Ministers spend an increasing amount of time clearing up the confusion and resolving conflict within the congregation. We are going through a period of history when change and complexity seem to feed on one another. We change in order to deal with complexity, but change only makes things more complex. No wonder we end up confused and conflict is on the rise. Confused people often end up at odds with one another over what direction to take.

Systems-Sensitive Leadership does not propose simple or surefire solutions. But it does offer an intriguing way to manage congregational life through "systems-sensitive leadership."

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Authors

Michael C. Armour and Don Browning