Management Focus
Spiritual Leadership
How the Holy Spirit Equips Us to Make Wise Decisions
By Henry Blackaby, President, Henry Blackaby Ministries
and Richard Blackaby, President, Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary
Decision making is the cornerstone of an organization’s effectiveness, say the Blackabys, and basing leadership decisions firmly on biblical principles is an essential safeguard against mistakes that could adversely affect not only the organization but its employees and their families as well. Wise leaders are teachable, and earnestly seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, well aware that one day they will give an account of their stewardship to God.
CEO/Leadership
Finding God’s Will
Exploring the Process of Corporate Discernment
By Ruth Haley Barton, Co-founder, The Transforming Center
“Discernment doesn’t always come with great clarity,” says the author. Asking the right questions, involving the right people, establishing guiding values and principles, group prayer, listening closely to others, and mutual agreement are among the keys to reaching decisions that are consistent with God’s will.
Team Management
Beyond “A Journey to Abilene”
How Harmony and Conflict Are Twin Christian Virtues
By Richard M. Biery, President, The Broadbaker Group, Ltd.
Debate and constructive conflict among leadership team members may often be required in order to achieve harmony in the decision making process. Using the differences among members to create effectiveness and goal achievement helps optimize the group’s performance, in much the same way as the musicians in an orchestra or the players on a basketball team.
Leadership Character
Potholes to Dodge in Building Character
By Don S. Otis, President, Creative Resources
An unwillingness to accept honest dissent, a refusal to admit our mistakes, a tendency toward pride, self-centeredness, manipulation, failure to recognize and embrace our weaknesses, and valuing projects above people are all potholes we must avoid in order to live lives of integrity.
Church Leadership
The Impact of Kingdom Leaders
How Kingdom Principles Transform Leaders and Their Ministries
By James B. and Molly Davis Scott, Founders, The Christian Connexion
No Christian organization can rise above the level of the quality and commitment of its leadership. God is calling for Kingdom leaders who love him and others with their whole being to go out into the storms of life and find the lost, bringing them to the Master. The authors identify a dozen primary forces to help ministries maximize their Kingdom impact.
Leadership Development
Leading From the Heart
Three Practices for Heart-Engaged Leadership
By William T. James, Partner, Emerging Leaders Institute
Engaged hearts are the key to living lives of meaning and purpose. Connecting with the heart, listening with the heart, and living and leading from the heart are the keys to leading and managing ministries in a way that infuses them with energy and passion.
Leadership Development
Powerful Leadership
Can a Leader Be Both Strong and Spiritual?
By Alan E. Nelson, Pastor/Author, Scottsdale Family Church
“Religious wimps,” says Nelson, “are a dime a dozen.” Power is essential for effective leadership; however, it’s not human power, which relies on force, manipulation, human skill, position and money, all of which tend to corrupt, but in complete reliance on the empowerment and guidance of the Spirit of God.
Customer Service
Three Steps for Creating a Service Culture
By Jan Dwyer, President, Jan Dwyer & Associates
Customer service is a term that’s not often heard in Christian ministry circles, but developing a strong and consistent service mentality and work ethic among staff members can help spread the aroma of Christ among everyone with whom they come in contact.
Living With Integrity
Learning to Communicate Truthfully Like Jesus
By Rod Handley, Founder/President, Character That Counts
Sincerity has been called “the queen of all character virtues, and all the remaining character qualities are her children.” Certainly, in an age of rampant dishonesty and insincerity at every level of society, the need to live sincere and truthful lives, as modeled so unswervingly by Jesus, is desperately needed.
Management Rules of Thumb
By John Pearson, President/CEO
Christian Management Association Flourishes
They don’t make the headlines or stand in the spotlight but day after day, working quietly and effectively behind the scenes, small armies of faithful managers and administrators faithfully and quietly go about the Father’s business, bringing blessings and rewards to others, beyond what they could possibly imagine.
