July

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July 2023 Issue

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Editorial

Christian leadership: a strange business?

Randy J. Siebold, Erich Baumgartner

While it is an honor to be called by God to serve in one of His organizations, working for the church can seem to be a strange business. On the one hand, the importance of this life calling cannot be overestimated; it is a lifework with eternal consequences. On the other hand, we are weak and woefully unprepared for any task with eternal consequences. Thankfully, each church leader (and member) can proclaim with Paul, “This is a faithful saying . . . , that Christ… Continue reading...

Shaping the heart of a leader cover image

Shaping the heart of a leader

Erich Baumgartner

Life does not always turn out as planned. Sometimes it turns out surprisingly better. An example is the case of Joseph—one day, a slave in Pharaoh’s prison, the next, propelled into top leadership in the land of his suffering. In charge of an unprecedented food security…

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Pastoral leadership: cover image

Pastoral leadership: A catalyst for whole-church ministry

Boubakar Sanou

Ministry in the New Testament finds its source and focus in Jesus Christ. Jesus set the tone and example for ministry by calling His followers to find greatness through servanthood. Jesus said He came “not to be served but to serve” (Matt. 20:28, RSV). Based on Jesus’…

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Forgiveness— The core of innovation cover image

Forgiveness— The core of innovation

Karen Tilstra

Forgiveness can mean different things. When a friend misses a lunch appointment, we might be miffed, but we usually forgive. However, a cheating spouse or a friend’s betrayal is not so easy. Whatever the case, without forgiveness, we are stuck in a revolving door of…

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The spiritual journey of leadership: cover image

The spiritual journey of leadership: A framework

Randy J. Siebold

Early in my Christian walk, I found Bible verses that spoke about how God would grant the things I wanted and needed if I asked in faith (e.g., Matt. 21:22; John 15:7). But what I lived seemed to be different. While at times I had remarkable answers to prayer, sometimes,…

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Social change model of leadership development cover image

Social change model of leadership development

Sung Kwon

What does it mean to be a pastoral leader? What is God asking of us?1 Throughout Jesus’ ministry, we witness a genuine servanthood approach toward humanity, especially the marginalized, disadvantaged, and disenfranchised—the poor, the sick, the ritually unclean. Jesus…

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Resources

Multiplying Leaders in Intercultural Contexts: Recognizing and Developing Grassroots Potential

Erich Baumgartner

Pastors have long known in theory that one of their most strategic roles is to equip and multiply members of the church who are intentional about reaching their community (2 Tim. 2:2). The challenge has been that most pastors are trained as theologians and preachers, with little instruction in how to train missional leaders. The classroom model of their own schooling is usually of little help. In addition, pastors in many parts of the world today face another challenge:… Continue reading...

Pastor’s Pastor

Self-denial: The key to effective pastoral leadership

Ramon J. Canals

Walter Mischel, a psychologist at Stanford University, conducted a groundbreaking study known as the Stanford marshmallow experiment. This study focused on understanding self-control and self-denial in children, revealing the long-term benefits of practicing self-denial.1 The findings from this experiment highlight the importance of developing self-control to achieve our goals and lead successful lives. This principle also applies to pastoral leadership, where… Continue reading...

Dateline

Religious news from around the world

Third Healthy Lifestyle leadership training course inspires pastors Seoul, South Korea Church leaders participated in a Healthy Lifestyle leadership training course at the Anmyeon Training Center in South Korea. The course was organized by the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD), Korean Union Conference (KUC), and the five local conferences, from April 16 to 21, 2023. The slogan “NEWSTART Lifestyle” was not just a theory, but practice. Participants engaged… Continue reading...

Practical Pointers

Five strategies for healthy leadership

Jill Buller

Maintaining health can be a struggle for busy leaders but it is critically important for incisive decision-making and effective leadership. Additionally, leaders are influencing their teams and can have profound effects on the health of others. Here are five suggestions for improving your own health and the health of your team, including goals to work toward. 1. Boundaries Establishing boundaries allows you to take control of your time, energy, and resources… Continue reading...