Church Administration Handbook

by Bruce P. Powers

What’s new about this third edition of the long respected and often used Church Administration Handbook ? In addition to time and technological-sensitive updates to the basic organizational details, editor Bruce Powers

“The needs of people and churches have continued to change, with questions now being raised about the quality of congregational life, nature of leadership, and responsibility for ministry among all believers . . . As we have prepared this edition, we have sought to address five primary needs. 

1. Leadership skills and administrative tools that can be adapted for use in a variety of contexts from traditional to contemporary, from rural to urban, and from unicultural to multicultural settings;
2. Spiritual formation that relates to all of life (from birth to death);
3. Mission consciousness (in community, regionally, nationally, and globally);
4. Ministry of all believers (particularly calling out and equipping vocational, bivocational, and lay ministers); and
5. Leadership competence (the ability to inspire, motivate, and equip the saints for the work of ministry).”

Genres: Leadership, Church

320 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1985

Reviews

[Jesse Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resources

While the book is not exhaustive, it is comprehensive and a great overall resource for church administration. Helpful for any type of church government, but explicitly explores a more congregational organization.

[Michael Vincent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much has changed since 2008 when this book was published, but there are some good thoughts and helps throughout the book. This is a good starting point in thinking about a variety of issues in ministry.

[Dan Glover · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to read it for a class in Bible College. It is about as engaging as sawdust is fun to chew. However, it is helpful on a practicle level with mostly sound advice on day to day church administration duties. However, no one should mistake this for a book on church ministry or pastoring. I have met some pastors who shepherd their churches like the senior partner in an accounting firm and people in such congregations will either leave for a place with some life or they will end up with shrivelled up, crusty souls. So taken for what it is meant to be, not bad, though an injection of some humour or annecdotes would go a long way to making it less of a slog.

[G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be blunt, about two thirds of this book were insufferable. Most of it is a sort of reference for those new in ministry, so it doesn't make for engaging reading. I suppose it could be useful for someone looking to bring structure to a church or ministry; it includes many templates and sample forms and policies for free use. The book is obviously aimed at someone in a congregational tradition, and many chapters would be irrelevant to other readers. The saving grace for me was the chapter on the pastor's personal life. This is good, solid advice for anyone in ministry, even if it took a long time to get there.

[Rodger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Textbook for the class I am teaching. It is good for what it is supposed to do. If you need help in church administration you will find some answers here. Not a good read though.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read JUL 2002

[Andy]

0552

[Stephen Gonzalez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Textbook for class. Not the most exhilarating read but profitable