The role of lay ecclesial ministers-professionally prepared laity who serve in leadership roles-is becoming critically more important in the life of the Catholic church. In Lay Ecclesial Ministry, theologians and pastoral leaders from diverse disciplines provide a deeper understanding, envision future direction, and offer inspiration for these new ministers and the community of the church.Building on the themes of the first official document addressing lay ecclesial minist...

A church in deep debt with attendance down by the thousands. A college that had lapsed into a coma, its buildings in shambles, its faculty demoralized, its enrollment at rock bottom. A university facing lawsuits, scandal, and near-bankruptcy. Each situation involved different financial needs, different lost dreams, different personal wounds. But they each had one thing in common: each needed a leader who could restore hope, vision, and viability.Dr. Mark Rutland has led three insti...

All churches like to think that theirs is the friendliest in town. But do visitors see it that way? Church consultant Gary McIntosh invites readers to take a look at their church through the eyes of visitors and potential visitors. His starting point, grounded in an understanding of God as a "welcomer," is that churches should see those who enter their doors as not merely visitors, but as guests, and themselves as gracious hosts. This practical book offers sound advice on assessing and imp...

In a time when churches are focusing on finding strategies and techniques to guarantee success, a movement toward the missional church is emerging. Missional churches are communities created by the Spirit with a unique nature and identity. Purpose and strategies of the church are derivative dimensions, the activities that flow naturally from the church that is focused on Spirit-led ministry.The Ministry of the Missional Church leads pastors, ministry leaders, and layperson...

Churches over the past generations have been weakened by a failure to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of their communities. Many have adopted a narrow vision, focusing on only one aspect of ministry. But in today's environment of faith-based opportunities many Christians are eager to start reaching out to their world with both Good News and good works, and therefore they are searching for appropriate ways to integrate both into their ministry.In Churches That Make a D...

The challenge facing today's church is simultaneous and effective ministry to people of four widely divergent generations. More than at any time in history, pastors must plan programs that will appeal to a mosaic of groups and subgroups. This updated edition of Three Generations: Riding the Waves of Change in Your Church adds an entirely new section on Bridgers, the youngest generation and perhaps the most difficult one to reach for Christ.Characteristics, interests, and values of e...

Church boards are often the scene of confusion, conflict, and chaos. What’s the job of a board? What’s the role of the pastor in relation to the board? Should there be an elder board and an administrative board? Ted Hull’s use of illustrations and analogies bring these questions—and answers—into focus.Ted first looks at the foundation of governance, both from a biblical and historic perspective. Then he introduces Policy Governance®, often referred to as the Carver model, ...

Shows pastors how to balance new worship ideas with the traditional while focusing on the purpose of praise and fellowship.

An introduction and guide to “sustainable ministry,” which empowers pastors and church leaders to focus on their inner resources for proactive leadership.Church leadership does not have to be a recipe for burnout. There is an easier way, one that is doable, effective, and sustainable. It is counterintuitive, so help is needed to get it right. In this book, Margaret Marcuson shares her experiences and guides church leaders to a more sustainable leadership.In...

Sending a personal note, email, or letter means that you took time to care. It can be a grace-filled symbol of your ministry outreach and an effective way to offer pastoral concern.The book offers more than 90 carefully written, thoughtful sample letters and emails that can be easily adapted for any particular situation. Contents include letters relating to church leadership; preaching and worship; pastoral care; stewardship and finance; administration; community outreach; membersh...

What is the most important message you have to share with young Christian leaders?It is this question at the heart of this challenging book, posed to Christian leaders such as Tony Campolo, Tim Elmore and Jamie Arpin-Ricci. It invites readers to discover what it means to serve God and others in the roles of leadership.With study guides in each chapter, designed for both personal and group study, every page offers opportunity for practical application and gr...

Have you ever wondered which church is the right church? Why are there many churches out there claiming to be the right ones and insisting that the others are wrong? Why are there many people having passion for the church, while others are stumbling and leaving their faith because of the church?!As Christians, we might all agree on the heart of Christianity, which is the salvation work of our Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ. That's why we all share the same sign of the cross. When i...