This book is a survival manual for everyone in parish ministry and volunteers in leadership positions. Although the Church is the Body of Christ, we can never forget the fact that it is made up of many members with different skills, resources, needs, and wants. Like any organization, the Church can become very complicated. In order to meet the challenge, today's ministers and church leaders need to develop skills that will allow them to both serve and guide each member of the Church effectively. They need to develop leadership skills.
Fostering Leadship Skills in Ministry provides help for dealing with some of the most challenging aspects of present day church ministry. Reminding leaders of the importance of defining their own mission with clarity, this handbook goes on to stress the importance of community building, planning together, and empowering small groups. Special consideration is given to the parish pastoral council as a leadership community, and a chapter on volunteers points to the ways in which church leaders can encourage others to respond to their baptismal calling. Tips for dealing with conflict and anger are a useful resource for helping people work together as a group, while advice for running a meeting and managing staff help build confidence. Sections on change and transition, and ministerial development complete this comprehensive ministry leadership manual.
Fostering Leadership Skills in Ministry will be a useful resource for pastors, administrators, lay ministers, parish council members, and all who play an active role in the live of a parish.
