Leadership

Book Review: Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome, by Kent and Barbara Hughes

Review by Ken Barbic | 9Marks Journal: Deacons | 04.02.2010

This book attempts to bring refreshment to the soul of anyone that has been laboring in the desert of ministry drought—and it is exceptionally successful.

Book Review: God’s Potters: Pastoral Leadership and the Shaping of Congregations, by Jackson W. Carroll

Review by Jonathan Leeman | 03.31.2010

How then should we measure excellence in ministers and churches? We should measure them entirely according to whether they are faithful to living by and proclaiming God’s Word.

How can a young pastor know when to initiate new structural or institutional changes?

9Marks

A young pastor should consider several matters when considering when to initiate new structural or institutional changes in his church:

Moving from a Deacon-Led to an Elder-Led Church

By Phil Newton | 9Marks Journal: Deacons | 03.31.2010

Rather than a healthy, robust congregationalism, this church practiced congregational micromanagement.

Do We Need To Use the Titles “Elder” and “Deacon”?

By Benjamin Merkle | 9Marks Journal: Deacons | 03.31.2010

There are no biblical qualifications for trustees, council members, “leadership teams,” or other titles of our devising.

The Biblical Qualifications and Responsibilities of Deacons

By Benjamin Merkle | 9Marks Journal: Deacons | 03.31.2010

The main difference between an elder and a deacon is a difference of gifts and calling, not character.

Deacons: Shock-Absorbers and Servants

By Jamie Dunlop | 9Marks Journal: Deacons | 03.31.2010

Elders lead ministry, deacons facilitate ministry, the congregation does ministry. That, I believe, is the New Testament model.

What tips do you have on doing a pastoral search wisely?

9Marks
Train your own. The best way for a church to get a new pastor is to train him themselves. This is a serious investment of time that could take years or even decades to bear fruit. But it is every church’s responsibility to train pastors and elders, and the best new pastor for any church will be a man who is already known to the church, already loves the church, and already has a faithful track record within the church.

If you’re interviewing to be the pastor of a new church, what are some questions you should be sure to ask?

By Colin Adams | 9Marks Journal: Pastoral Moves | 03.08.2010

A list of theological, philosophy of ministry, and personal questions.

Book(s) Review: This Little Church . . . Went to Market & Stayed Home, by Gary Gilley

Review by Flynn Cratty | 9Marks Journal: Elders (Part 1) | 03.06.2010

In the end, this emphasis on the Bible as the norm for life and doctrine is the most helpful thing in these two books.

Book Review: The Purpose Driven Church, by Rick Warren

Review by Paul Alexander | 03.05.2010

We do not need more purpose driven churches. We need more gospel driven churches.

Book Review: Reviewing Leadership, by Robert Banks and Bernice M. Ledbetter

Review by Jeremy Yong | 03.05.2010

Christians wanting a true evaluation of current approaches to leadership will unfortunately have to wait. This book isn’t it.

Book Review: Selling Out the Church, by Philip Kenneson and James Street

Review by Jamie Dunlop | 03.05.2010

Kenneson and Street have composed an excellent critique of a discipline that has become almost second nature in many church circles, even despite its limited applicability.

Book Review: Reforming Pastoral Ministry, ed. by John Armstrong

Review by Greg Gilbert | 03.03.2010

John Armstrong has compiled a book called Reforming Pastoral Ministry that is a well-placed and much-needed dart in the balloon of the church growth movement.

Book Review: The Book on Leadership, by John MacArthur

Review by Owen Strachan | 03.03.2010

This book is a very good resource for pastors seeking a spiritually-focused book on leadership.