The joy of ministry is lost in the terror of being ill equipped for daily tasks. This book leads the way, providing clear plans for the daily tasks of effectively leading a congregation. Make or Break Your Church in 365 Days helps pastors develop competency in the daily task of leading congregations by answering two fundamental questions: • What must be done in the first 365 days of a pastor’s tenure? • What is the optimal way to structure a daily work life to affect change in the first year and beyond? These very specific tasks are the behaviors that demonstrate competency and lead to growing, effective churches.

Lead the kind of ministry you’ve always dreamed of… Many congregations are declining due to an inward focus, and see their pastor as someone who should only minister to their needs. But pastors must anticipate a better future. Direct Hit offers hope to leaders of congregations that have lost their outward focus. By preparing for and leading systemic change, pastors can bring new life into the culture of a congregation, guiding it to answer God’s call to reach people with the good news. Direct Hit offers practical explanations for how to: Develop a vision and communicate a strategy for its implementation Motivate a congregation to embrace the vision Develop resources, ideas, and personnel to prepare for change Embrace and implement change Embed a new DNA into the life of a congregation Systemic change occurs as a result of hard work, but the gain far outweighs the pain. Once change has occurred, a whole new world of opportunity opens up—a world in which you are privileged to equip, lead, and oversee a congregation that has joined God’s mission. Ready. Aim. Go for it! "Church leaders need more than motivation and inspiration. In Direct Hit, Paul Borden explains how to change dysfunction to health and decline to growth." Leith Anderson, Senior Pastor Wooddale Church, Eden Prairie, MN "Direct Hit gets to the heart of the matter. Pastors--it's about Christ and leadership. Congregation--it's about Christ's purpose and mission. There is plenty of interpretation and coaching here for both sides of the pastoral relationship, but above all there is urgency. It's time to stop dithering and get on with it." Tom Bandy, President Easum, Bandy, and Associates Paul Borden, is Executive Minister of Growing Healthy Churches (formerly American Baptist Churches of the West) and is in demand nationally as a church consultant. Direct Hit is the second Abingdon publication by Borden, whose first book, Hit the Bullseye, has sold 11,000 copies.

Explore together how congregations can change to become more fruitful for the purposes of Christ. Remember the Future:€ Praying for the Church and Change prepares leaders of congregations and conferences for courageous new conversations with readings that draw us toward renewed vision, cultivate hope and keep us attentive to the mission of Christ. Read€together as leadership teams, boards and covenant groups€to understand more clearly the "why" of congregational ministry and the internal resistances and external challenges to the mission of the church.

ADVANCED PRAISE FOR PASTOR UNIQUE: Becoming a Turnaround Leader Each year thousands of books are written, published, and distributed. Few are really significant works. Pastor Unique is, in my view, a significant book. Gary L. McIntosh, D.Min., Ph.D. Talbot Seminary, Biola University Helping pastors understand themselves and their role is crucial and fundamental. So is training them in the tactics and strategies of change. Furthermore, they must learn how their personalities help or hinder leading change. I believe the process described in this book is targeted more specifically than any other I know to provide this training . Paul Borden. Ph.D. Director, Church Health Initiative I am grateful to the authors for including The Birkman Method in their work with pastors. My father, Roger Birkman, was passionate about helping people of faith gain a clearer, more accurate understanding of self and others. The authentic kind of leadership development recommended in this book will profoundly impact pastors and the people they lead. We are proud that Birkman can play a role in the important initiative represented in Pastor Unique. Sharon Birkman Fink, CEO Birkman International, Inc. Are you still searching for that killer church health conference, that rock star pastor to imitate, or the perfect formula that will tell you how lead your church to effective service in Jesus mission? Pastors who chase dreams of high powered ministry by looking for answers outside of themselves are inevitably discouraged when they learn that what works for others wont work for them. If thats your story, Pastor Unique is what youve been looking for. Inside you will learn how to use all the tools the Head of the Church has already given you your identity, your personality, and your life experience to become a turnaround leader in your church.

Ever wonder if your daily work really matters? Do you wish your career could truly connect with Christ's mission and the bigger story he's writing every day? Is it possible for you to find deeper satisfaction in your job, greater integration of your faith in your daily work, and stronger connections with co-workers, clients, and other work contacts? In Henry's Glory, Zach and Maggie face a critical crisis in both family and their careers. Old spiritual "ghosts" haunt Zach's psyche, based on his larger-than-life uncle's narrow view of the kind of work that truly glorifies God. Transported across their journey of discovery by a classic old pickup truck and several wise but oh-so-quirky characters, Zach and Mags embark on an intriguing quest for a real sense of calling and greater life purpose in their everyday work. Their story of discovery proves stunning, provocative, and forever perspective-changing. Join the adventure of personal discovery in this captivating story. Henry's Glory supplies a robust blend of humor, biblical/spiritual inspiration, history, romance, mystery, and thought-provoking reflection questions for personal study and group discussion.

Creating an environment that both embraces our newcomers and excites them enough to return does not happen by chance. We must be prepared to be effective stewards of those God brings us. And, why shouldn't the Church be the epitome of service at its best, as modeled by the greatest server of all time? Built on The Journey Church of the City's As...