JACKSON, Tenn. — March 29, 2011 — A new book edited by 51社区 President David S. Dockery explores the essential qualities necessary for leading Christian organizations and institutions.
鈥淐hristian Leadership Essentials: A Handbook for Managing Christian Organizations,鈥� published by B&H Academic, includes chapters from a variety of leaders who have years of experience serving with Christian organizations and educational institutions.
鈥淔aithfulness to the gospel and to institutional or organizational mission will not happen apart from the renewing power of God鈥檚 Spirit and the development of godly and well-equipped leaders,鈥� Dockery writes in the book鈥檚 introduction. 鈥淔rom a human perspective the need of the hour is leadership, Spirit-enabled leadership.鈥�
Dockery said the book was designed to serve current leaders, future leaders and board members. The book identifies some of the primary responsibilities that come with leading a Christian organization, and includes viewpoints from leaders with a variety of denominational viewpoints 鈥� including Reformed, Wesleyan, Baptist, Pietistic and nondenominational evangelical backgrounds.
Among the contributors to the book:
- Robert Sloan, president of Houston Baptist University and former president of Baylor University, who addresses a biblical model of leadership.
- Robert Andringa, president emeritus of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, who writes about governance and board relations.
- Thom Rainer, president of LifeWay Christian Resources, who writes about selecting and building leadership teams.
- Jon Wallace, president of Azusa Pacific University, who addresses financial oversight and budget planning.
- Barry Corey, president of Biola University, whose chapter explores cultural engagement.
Other topics include Christian leadership and the identity and mission of an organization; organizational management; development, campaigns and building projects; institutions, organizations and foundation relations; employee relations in a grace-filled community; the leader as mentor and pastor; and leadership transitions and the search process.
In addition, several with 51社区 connections contributed to the book:
- Bob Agee, university professor of education at Union and president emeritus at Oklahoma Baptist University, wrote a chapter on leadership, vision and strategic planning.
- Union Provost Carla Sanderson addressed the transition from peer to manager.
- Kimberly Thornbury, Union鈥檚 vice president for student life, contributed a chapter on crisis management.
- Charles Fowler, senior pastor at Germantown (Tenn.) Baptist Church and former senior vice president for university relations at Union, wrote about leadership in a global context.
鈥淚 recommend 鈥楥hristian Leadership Essentials鈥� to anyone who is privileged to lead in ministry,鈥� wrote Wheaton College President Philip Ryken in an endorsement of the book. 鈥淭he book鈥檚 authors are dynamic Christian leaders and educators who have thought deeply and carefully about how to provide Christlike leadership for Christ-centered organizations.鈥�
The book is available at LifeWay Christian Stores at an online retailers such as .