The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) model of leadership is pervasive within the fundamentalist movement of churches. This model of leadership lacks biblical warrant and creates risk to the flock of God. Consequently, not only is targeted research necessary but also a path to transition a church from the CEO model of leadership to the Shepherds and Servants model. This book offers the redemptive, theological, and practical approach for such a transition. Redemptively, the book shows how the Shepherd and Servants model is part of God's ultimate plan. Theologically, the Shepherds and Servants model is prescribed by scripture. Practically, steps for transition are presented for moving a fundamentalist church from a top-down model to a healthy, biblical model of leadership.
Messenger, sentinel, steward ... these three words have been used to describe the work of a priest in the Church of England since Cranmer wrote the original ordination rite in 1550. Two more, servant and shepherd, were added in 1980. Taken together, these five metaphors provide a rich and resonant set of ideas through which to explore the nature of Christian ministry. In this short, lyrical book, Bishop Stephen Cottrell explores each one; based on actual addresses given to ordinands on the night before their ordination, it is refreshing, challenging and accessible. Anyone considering ordination or already in ministry will want to read this book for the fascinating exploration of the five metaphors he considers.
How Can Deacons Mobilize Service in the Church? Deacons are essential to a church's health—yet confusion abounds regarding their biblical job description. What's their God-given role in a local congregation and how do they relate to the church's overall mission? In this short book, Matt Smethurst makes the case that deacons are model servants called to meet tangible needs, organize and mobilize acts of service, preserve the unity of the flock, and support the ministry of the elders. Clearing away common misconceptions, Smethurst offers practical guidance for deploying deacons and helping churches to flourish.
Discover a fresh perspective on the art of leading in Dr. Kevin Leman's story about a young reporter who lands the meeting of a lifetime and walks away with the keys to exceptional leadership. The Way of the Shepherd points you beyond dated trends and out-of-touch management techniques to the strategies that will make you a truly outstanding leader. When William Pentak had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interview Ted McBride, one of the most respected CEOs in America, he was shocked by what McBride was willing to share. McBride taught him the seven secrets he inherited long ago from his mentor--an eccentric but brilliant professor who passed on these time-tested management principles that, while ancient in their origin, are still applicable in today's fast-paced, high-tech world. Throughout The Way of the Shepherd, you'll learn how to infuse your work with meaning, no matter your role, title, industry, or the size of your team. Uncover the tried-and-true best practices for how to engage, energize, and ignite your workforce by: Getting to know your team, one person at a time Relentlessly communicating your values and your mission Defining the cause for your people and showing them where they fit in Having a heart for the people that you're leading Understanding that great leadership isn't just professional, it's personal If you're ready to transform your team, create a culture of belonging, and truly learn to lead by example, it's time to discover The Way of the Shepherd.
Effective leadership is a major influence in the value creation for the success and sustainability required for organizations to thrive. Servant leader, or service minded-behaving leader, motivation and interactions tend to promote exemplary performance and collaboration in organizations. This is a 21st century must-have workplace-applicable style to develop cohesive high performing teams, purposeful and engaging environments, and build trust and organization vitality. Key Factors and Use Cases of Servant Leadership Driving Organizational Performance provides findings and recommendations to support practical application of servant leadership theory for the 21st century economy. Moreover, the book seeks to share evidence of how servant or service mindset and behavior-oriented leaders might mitigate organizational existing conditions to promote team member empowerment through servant-like interactions, as a result influencing their performance. Covering topics such as empathetic leadership and employee satisfaction, it is ideal for executives, managers, researchers, practitioners, aspiring leaders, educational institutions/libraries, academicians, consulting firms, and students.
"Lords or Servants is a refreshing look at the Scriptures as they reveal God's plan for leadership in the church. Learn what the Scriptures say about authority in the church. What are the various leadership roles in the church and how are they to be administered? What is the meaning of ""servant leadership? Learn the answers to many questions regarding God's plan for leadership in His church. To most people the term ""servant leadership"" is an oxymoron. In virtually every culture, servants are not leaders and leaders are never considered lowly servants. Yet, that is the concept Jesus introduced as the pattern for His Church. While most religious leaders often use the term, their leadership style is often far from the Biblical model of a servant leader. The concept in Scripture comes from the ancient cultural role of ""elders"" in extended family structures and one of the most common occupations of the day, tending sheep. The term ""elder"" by definition, simply refers to an older person in years. It was not a position to which one was appointed or elected, rather one earned by living a long time (hence the term ""elder"") and earning the respect of the extended family to represent them in whatever issues arose that needed a family representative. Elders in New Testament churches were appointed by the apostles or preachers to serve as ""bishops"" or ""overseers,"" but they were ""elders"" because they were the older, respected members of the church community, hence ones whom others would admire and follow. The role of the older person (elder) selected to a leadership role in the church was that of a ""pastor"" or ""shepherd."" Both of these terms referred to one who tends sheep. Nobody in Old or New Testament times would have thought of a shepherd as a person of authority who occupied a great position of leadership. Exactly the opposite. Shepherds occupied one of the lowest rungs on the social order of the day. They were servants...usually tending someone else's sheep. They had no authority over anyone. They did not even ""command"" the sheep, because that is impossible. Anyone who knows the nature of sheep knows they cannot be commanded or driven. However, a gentle, loving shepherd who earns their respect and trust can lead sheep anywhere. This is precisely why the Apostle Peter said to the early church leaders, ""Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock."" Lords or Servants examines in detail the Biblical concept of servant leadership, specifically the role of elders, deacons, and ministers in the local church. It is a concept that is foreign to our modern culture, but the only one that works. Most church problems are a result of the perversion of God's leadership style. Discussions about positions of authority are as out of place in the church of our Lord today as similar discussions would have been in a group of shepherds during Biblical times. All authority in heaven and on earth belongs to the King of Kings...Jesus. The rest of us are servants in His kingdom. Lords or Servants just may give you an entirely new view of leadership in all areas of life. It is the model of the Son of God... worth emulating. Lords or Servants is recommended for all Christians, not just leaders.
Today's professionals need reliable models to teach them how to become better leaders. In this remarkable book, leadership experts Blaine McCormick and David Davenport introduce us to a new kind of leader by offering a new image of leadership--the leader as shepherd. Drawing on the wisdom of the timeless Twenty-Third Psalm, the authors provide professionals with ancient wisdom for grappling with today's leadership challenges. Shepherd Leadership offers a much-needed lens through which to consider our own leadership as well as the leadership of those around us. This book teaches us important lessons about leadership: we can be vigilant without being adversarial, we can serve without being passive, and we can guide without commanding. Shepherd Leadership offers a visionary new model for transforming leadership practices in both corporate and small business settings. This is whole-person leadership. It's not just a matter of thinking or doing things a certain way. It's a fully integrated life--a matter of head and hand and heart. It's a way of thinking and doing and being. Blaine McCormick and David Davenport inspire leaders with a fresh interpretation of this familiar spiritual text, helping all to integrate their spiritual life with their working life through a unique blend of timeless wisdom and contemporary business leadership strategy.
