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In Pursuit of Great AND Godly Leadership: Tapping the Wisdom of the World for the Kingdom of God
Is it possible for church leaders to use biblical and secular leadership concepts in a way that keeps Christ―not the marketplace―at the center of their mission? Drawing on biblical material and business wisdom, In Pursuit of Great AND Godly Leadership explores the critical leadership decisions and practices that shape the success of Christian organizations. These decisions are illustrated in compelling interviews with over forty leaders of churches, universities, denominational bodies, and international ministries. Mike Bonem leverages his background as an MBA-trained manager and an experienced church leader to bridge the gap between the analytical and structured world of business and the faith-driven approach that is essential for healthy churches. Written to offer practical solutions for senior pastors, executive pastors, key laypeople, and leaders of other Christian entities, In Pursuit of Great AND Godly Leadership clearly shows the ways that secular practices can be imported into their organizations. Bonem addresses a variety of topics such as planning, finances, personnel management, measurement, team dynamics, and organizational change. In doing so, he points to the AND that every spiritual organization should strive to achieve.
- GenresLeadership
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 15, 2011
2 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 4, 2022
Great read about creating and protecting vision not only in the church but in your business as well. A great read for those wanting to learn more about God centered leadership.
June 3, 2013
In the book, In Pursuit of Great and Godly Leadership, author Mike Bonem attempts to bridge the gap between secular business principles and church leadership. He does an excellent job. From personal experience, I understand the struggle pastors who have been trained in secular leadership tactics face. Does God expect us to lead our congregations completely apart from worldly wisdom? Can secular business principles be applied without resorting to ungodly manipulation? Can secular tools be used in a way that accomplishes the mission of the church, while at the same time loving people and glorifying Christ? Is shepherding people and leading people the same thing? Can a pastor have a high view of God’s sovereignty while at the same time employing businesslike means to accomplish His ends? The author answers those questions clearly and effectively. Unlike many Christian leadership books, he doesn’t ignore or sidestep the tension. He freely acknowledges it and recognizes that some business practices are inappropriate in a church setting. But at the same time, he shows how helpful and necessary many practices are.
By no means is this an in-depth guide to all the secular leadership tools pastors can benefit from. Its aim is to convince the pastor of their necessity and give him a taste of how and what kind of tools he can use. It is full of quotes and references to books that should end up in the reader’s library.
I must admit that I still struggle with the place of secular leadership tools in the church. God intends for His people to be moved and shaped by the preaching and teaching of His Word. But at the same time, He expects us to use other means as well. For example, no one denies the need for a well-defined budgeting process. Personal and corporate stewardship is God’s requirement. Budgeting is a secular business tool that is used to facilitate God’s requirement. Other business leadership tools can be used the same way, as tools to help facilitate the things God requires of us.
As I read the book, a verse from Proverbs continually came to mind: “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.” This book helps remind us of all the ways that our horses can be made ready for battle. But it also reminds us that those things are just tools we use but don’t place our trust in. Victory belongs to the Lord. Our trust is in Him.
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (January 3, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 047094742X
By no means is this an in-depth guide to all the secular leadership tools pastors can benefit from. Its aim is to convince the pastor of their necessity and give him a taste of how and what kind of tools he can use. It is full of quotes and references to books that should end up in the reader’s library.
I must admit that I still struggle with the place of secular leadership tools in the church. God intends for His people to be moved and shaped by the preaching and teaching of His Word. But at the same time, He expects us to use other means as well. For example, no one denies the need for a well-defined budgeting process. Personal and corporate stewardship is God’s requirement. Budgeting is a secular business tool that is used to facilitate God’s requirement. Other business leadership tools can be used the same way, as tools to help facilitate the things God requires of us.
As I read the book, a verse from Proverbs continually came to mind: “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.” This book helps remind us of all the ways that our horses can be made ready for battle. But it also reminds us that those things are just tools we use but don’t place our trust in. Victory belongs to the Lord. Our trust is in Him.
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (January 3, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 047094742X
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews