Spiritual Leadership for Church Officers: A Handbook

by Joan S. Gray

This timely new leadership guide for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is written for church officers who are looking for a deepened relationship with God. Joan Gray challenges elders and deacons to see themselves as spiritual leaders and equips them to lead alongside their pastors.

Gray lays out a variety of leadership styles and helps leaders understand when each is appropriate. She also provides resources for dealing with relationships in the church and identifies ways churches can be supportive of the spiritual leadership of elders and deacons.

Genres: Leadership

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Tomigirl44 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book - I've used it numerous times over the years for training church leaders.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joan Gray's book is an easy read. It makes a lot of important points about the significance of spiritual leadership in church officers, and how to help identify it and strengthen it. The leadership styles tool is helpful for assessing personal preferences in leading and understanding preferences of others.

[Kathryn Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is good stuff here, but I was looking for something to read through with the Elders and I'm not sure there is enough here. Sometimes that is hard to know though because as clergy I sometimes take for granted the things I consider basic.

I do appreciate any and all efforts to remind officers of the church that this is about spiritual leadership and not about fundraisers and dues.

[Heather Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

We used this book to guide our church leaders into becoming stronger both in faith and leadership. Each month we would discuss a chapter. It prompted some good conversations and we did learn more about each other.

In our case, we are looking to grow our church starting with strengthening where we are now. This book supports that. It contains good ideas and examples of what has worked for other churches.

I think we would have benefited more from reading the entire book at once and then breaking it down into monthly review and book study. It is on my list to reread and make notes as I go to share with others in the future.

This church leadership book is written from the Presbyterian view but could be used by any denomination. It fits into about 8-9 30 minutes book study times and is just the right length.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty basic and a bit repetitive but addresses the spiritual role of the church leader in a way which is accessible and practical.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an intentional interim pastor I often find myself turning to this book as a training resource for church leaders and staff. The author's use of metaphors provide leaders with common language that proves useful long after the book is back on the shelf. I highly recommend this book to PC USA church leaders guiding churches in seasons of leadership transition.

[George Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this author's book Sailboat Church and decided to read this one to see which might be a good read for our church Session as this one is directed at Church Officers. This book has a good bit of overlap of material with Sailboat Church, but was worth the read.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good resource for congregational leaders of any denomination

[Marylou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource

This book is an excellent resource for both new and experienced church officers especially ruling elders seeking to avoid burn out.

[Cricketcamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Church as the body of Christ

If you ever wondered how letting the Holy Spirit lead your church might work, read this book. Church leaders acting like the children of God.