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Character Out of Chaos

David O. Dykes (2005)

David Dykes provides a wonderful example of character and faithfulness in the person and life of Daniel. In examining the biblical account of Daniel's life, Dykes encourages us to follow his example in developing character and conviction in the midst of this chaotic world. This is a helpful tool for those engaged in the struggle between faith and the culture around us, and calls us to more than simple survival, but rather a flourishing life of impact and faithfulness.

Christian Reflections on the Leadership Challenge

Edited by James Kouzes and Barry Posner (2006)

A 'faith-based' companion to The Leadership Challenge, this is an easy introduction to transformational leadership and how transformational leadership needs to be at the core of leadership development in any organization. "It's what leaders do that matters most—and leadership is a skill that can be learned, practiced and developed." A valuable and timely collection of insights from such leaders as John Maxwell, Ken Blanchard, Nancy Ortberg, and others.

The Creative Leader

Ed Young (2006)

This book highlights the importance and dynamic impact of creativity in ministries and organizations. Based on the knowledge and experience of Young and his ministry team, who have built one of the ten largest churches in the United States, The Creative Leader solidifies the benefits and importance of creative visionaries in the ministry world. It thoroughly breaks down the process of how creative leaders and organizations are made, even providing tips for those who consider themselves less than creative.

The Culturally Savvy Christian

Dick Staub (2007)

Radio host and cultural aficionado Dick Staub asks the age-old question: How are Christians supposed to influence popular culture? Staub dismisses the tendencies to either "Cocoon," "Combat," or "Conform," rather speaking out in favor of a model of transformation built upon understanding. He bases this model of cultural interaction on the ideal embodied by C.S. Lewis, who "enriched culture by countering culture, communicating within it, and also creating it." With a solid foundation of Christian faith, Staub contends that all Christians can begin to meet the example of Lewis and remain faithful amongst the cultural turmoil around us.

High - Performance Ethics

Wes Cantrell and James R. Lucsa (2007)

Do you have to lower your ethical standards in order to succeed at your job? High-Performance Ethics authors Wes Cantrell and James Lucas say that the answer is no. The authors outline ways to make ethical decisions (based on the Ten Commandments) that lead to highly successful business practices. High-Performance Ethics includes tips on how to lead a team with integrity, practical tools for resisting the pressure to compromise workplace standards, and encouragement for workers who want to see strong businesses—and strong values—thrive. [amazon.com]

In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership

Henri J. Nouwen (1993)

Nouwen presents a provocative argument against the temptations of leadership that present themselves in Christian service, providing a Scriptural perspective and practical alternatives to each of the identified pitfalls. This work calls us to hold love as the central tenet of our Christian disposition. Though it may be easier to own situations and control people, we are called to love and serve at all costs. Nouwen colors this work with his own story, having left a life of prominence and prestige at Notre Dame, Harvard and Yale to serve a community of mentally handicapped persons in Canada.

Joy at Work

Dennis W. Bakke (2006)

Dennis Bakke is the cofounder and former President and CEO of international energy giant AES. This work is a thorough memoir that covers a multitude of topics and issues, but remains relaxed and readable throughout. Drawing on his vast resources of life and work experience, Bakke presents his philosophy of work. This philosophy places the satisfaction of the employee as the primary goal of an enterprise, rather than profit. As shown through Bakke's case studies of AES, creating an environment of autonomy and self-determination allows workers to claim ownership of their success.

Live Your Calling

Kevin Brennfleck and Kay Marie Brennfleck (2004)

An action plan for self-fulfillment that helps people find their true mission and calling in life … This practical guide inspires men and women to identify and cultivate their gifts to gain purpose, direction and joy in all aspects of life. The authors offer simple, applicable tools and proven techniques to develop decisiveness and maximize the outcomes of the ministry and calling God has given you.

Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives

Richard A. Swenson (2004)

Are you tired, stressed, broke and plagued by worry? Swenson addresses these and other issues as he offers practical tips for healthy living. He focused on four areas of common struggle: emotional energy, physical energy, time, and finances. This book will bring a balanced perspective to the stressors of life and allow you to begin to orient yourself, your time and your resources in such a way that you will have margin, living a properly balanced life.

Off-Road Disciplines: Spiritual Adventures of Missional Leaders

Earl Creps and Dan Kimball (2006)

Creps and Kimball reveal that the practices of prayer and Bible reading should be bolstered by our unexpected encounters that occur with God. These experiences can range from the euphoric to the off-road, complete with the bumps and bruises that happen along the way. Each chapter discusses one of twelve spiritual disciplines (six personal and six organizational) that are essential for the Christian leader.

On Track Leadership

John Kramp (2006)

John Kramp uses this book to describe how leadership is like a train, a notion that he developed during his years spent as a church planter. In On Track Leadership, Kramp develops a unique model of leadership within an engine-to-caboose framework in order to address what leaders actually do. As he works his way through vision casting, team building, communication, motivation/correction, and celebration, he provides present and future leaders with the tools that they need to understand their roles and realize true success.

Ordering Your Private World

Gordon MacDonald (2007 in paperback)

The private world of the individual is shaping up to be one of the most pertinent battlegrounds of the twenty-first century. Cultural values assault us with ideals of busyness and the need for high profile, public personas in order to be spiritually successful in the world of ministry. In Ordering Your Private World, Gordon MacDonald attempts to prepare present and future leaders to live life from the inside out, seeking to win the internal victories necessary for ministering effectively in this new generation.

Rediscovering the Soul of Leadership: Inner Disciplines for the Effective Leader

Eugene B. Habecker (2007)

In this book, Dr. Eugene Habecker claims that there not only is the competition between the public and private sides of leadership, but a third component as well—the soul of leadership. This spiritual dimension is what provides and shapes the expressions of the other types of leadership and is the fire that keeps a leader's passion and heart ablaze. The Soul of Leadership shows its readers how to integrate biblical spirituality into their public and private roles, thus becoming godly and fruitful leaders.

Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ

Dallas Willard (2002)

Dallas Willard presents the concepts of the character of Christ and spiritual formation in such a way that readers will want to take the idea of spiritual life change past mere "talk" and into the realm of action and results. Willard offers manageable steps for approaching transformation and explains how issues of thoughts, feelings, choices, social contexts, the body, and the soul apply to the process. Complete with questions for reflection and easy applications, this book is a must read.

Spiritual Leadership

J. Oswald Sanders (1994)

This book is a classic work on the principles of leadership and the enduring values and themes that can be gleaned from biblical narratives. Readers find the necessary qualities of modern leadership in the lives of characters such as Moses, David, and Paul, as well as insight from more contemporary examples. Sanders discusses the need for discipline, vision, and humility to be exhibited in leaders chosen by God. An easy read that focuses upon spiritual growth and prayer, you will find Spiritual Leadership a helpful resource as you guide and grow your ministry into the future.