This book is about leadership, management, and organizational structure as it applies to the church. This book is based on the author's observation and surveys from some of the members of four churches. It is an evaluation of how leadership and management, or the lack of the same, affect the operation of the church. It is this author's belief that church is not a business and should never be mistaken for a business. However, the paraphernalia of business such as leadership, management, and organizational principles, should be a part of every pastor's tool bag. Chapter one looks at the Bible example of leadership, management, and organizational principles. The Bible has several examples of God's leader engaging the principles used in business to accomplish the work of God. This author would never suggest that church and business should be operated the same. However, the church as marketed by Bible examples, should employ the principles of leadership. Chapter two is the results of an evaluation of four churches. The churches are named First Church, Second Church, Third Church, and Fourth Church. The results are based on surveys and the observations of this author. The information was collected and charted to give a picture of the leadership, management, and organizational principles found in each church. Chapter three looks at leadership and some of the factors that affect it. This chapter combines the information gather with the principles of leadership in order to determine the effectiveness of each organization studied. Chapter four looks at management. This chapter covers management issues such as budgeting and resources. It also looks at forecasting and directing. Chapter five looksat organizational structure and how it affects the operation of the church. It looks at the leadership structure and the authority of the pastor. It is a discussion on the proper use of delegation and communication.

Contributors represent a diverse denominational cross section and include Dennis Williams, Gary Bredfelt, Gordon Coulter, Michael J. Anthony, James Estep, Jr., Jane Carr, Mark Henze, Mark Simpson, Michelle Anthony, Richard Leyda, and Tony Buchanaan.

The mastering ministry series brings together some of the best minds on specific areas of pastoral ministry and presents their insights in a readable, personal way. Each book is co-authored by three church leaders recognized for their experience and expterise. The mastering ministry series is co-published by Leadership, Christianity Today, Inc., and Multnomah.

Many business books point to certain values or habits to be practiced and cultivated. But we need more than abstract principles to guide us in the pursuit of good business. More significantly, we need a genuine experience of the dynamic presence of God at work in our work. Businessman and CEO John Beckett calls us to the transformation of the workplace into a place where the kingdom of God is experienced. Through sharing his own story, as well as looking to biblical and modern-day examples, Beckett offers role models that serve as companions on the journey to faithful and fruitful work. Drawing on a lifetime of wisdom and business acumen, Beckett invites us to enter into the privilege of working in active partnership with God himself. Join the international movement of those whose faith is transforming their work. Master your Mondays by bringing them under the realm of the Master.

"Studies have shown that most pastors enter the ministry to "help people" and "preach the Word of God", yet 80-90% of their time spent in the ministry has nothing to do with either of these noble desires! Most of your time as a pastor is spent managing the business of church! The vast majority of my pastor friends are failing miserably in this area. Why? Seminary does not teach business principles! In this book, you will identify crucial business areas that can have an incredible impact on your local church! Successfully addressing the crucial concepts in this book can ensure the sustainability, reach, and ultimate success of your church!"--Back cover

Pastors are called to be not only leaders with vision, but also managers of congregational systems, says John Wimberly in The Business of the Church. Drawing on his thirty-six years in ordained ministry, Wimberly weaves the realities of congregational dynamics and faith-centered purpose together with practical, proven approaches to business management. A student and friend of Rabbi Edwin Friedman, Wimberly builds on Friedman's systems theory as he helps readers avoid common pitfalls and put into practice effective techniques of congregational management. The book begins with a foundational discussion of how a systems approach helps congregational managers identify areas of dysfunction and effective solutions. Managing the critical 'inputs' of people, facilities, and finances has a direct bearing on the desired 'outputs' of proclamation, pastoral care, and mission. A strategic plan, through which a congregation sets its goals and identifies and prioritizes resources, is an essential management tool for both pastors and lay leaders. The author's conversational writing style and many real-life examples make a seemingly complicated, mysterious topic for some an engaging and easily applicable read.

The Mastering Ministry Series covers the various challenges a ministry encounters and teaches how to deal with them one subject at a time. The perfect guide for today's pastor addressing relevant topics such as worship, preaching, controversies, evangelism, and church management.

Bestselling author Pastor Rob Morgan provides ten Bible-based laws for productive people by answering the question: How do I gain control over my life right now? A lifelong student of the Bible, Rob Morgan has spent forty years reading thousands of pages about maximizing each day and becoming purposeful and productive. Now he has found a simple plan that works—featuring ten biblical principles that transcend human wisdom. These life patterns can be implemented today whether you’re a student or a senior adult, a novice or an executive. They can help anyone, anytime, anywhere develop a perpetually effective life. 1. Listen to a twelve-year-old: Jesus’ first statement was: Be about your Father’s business. 2. Redeem the time: Wasted hours can never be regained. 3. Clear the decks: God isn’t disorganized; why should we be? 4. Maximize the morning: Schedule a standing appointment with God. 5. Pull off at rest stops: Routinely replenish your inner resources. 6. Operate on yourself: Diagnose and treat yourself spiritually. 7. Live “As If”: Act by faith even when your emotions aren’t cooperating. 8. Bathe in the Dead Sea: Experience the buoyancy of biblical joy. 9. Practice the power of plodding: Effectively complete major tasks by persistently working in small increments. 10. Remember there are two of you: It’s Christ in you Who’s achieving significance. Based on actual Scriptures, this simple, hope-filled plan for mastering life before it’s too late will put you on the path toward a lifetime of success.

In the most practical, humorous and fast-moving chapters you’ve ever read on business and non-profit leadership and management, this in-the-trenches management expert presents his 20 Management Buckets System for understanding and organizing your important mission. “When you don’t know what you don’t know,” says John Pearson (with 30 years of CEO experience), “the Law of Unintended Consequences will derail you every time.” Based on Pearson’s 48-hour Management Buckets Workshop Experience, Mastering the Management Buckets offers detailed implementation tools, including 99 practical takeaways that a leader could implement immediately, plus nine management breakthrough strategies. Learn how The People Bucket, The Donor Bucket, The Hoopla Bucket, The Customer Bucket and others can make or break your organization. For managers and leaders to use on their own, in weekly staff meetings, mentoring young leaders and managers and a host of other ways.