A variety of experienced church leaders, missioners and other practitioners share simple and effective ideas for enhancing the life, worship and witness of every local church. With humour, realism, real-life stories and top-tips for dealing with challenging situations, here is a welcome aid for all clergy and lay church leaders.

A compelling case for an entrepreneurial approach to ministry and mission, exploring its biblical basis and potential benefits. Based on extensive interviews with entrepreneurial ministers from a range of denominations. Draws on examples of 'entrepreneurs' from the Bible and Christian history to help readers imagine how such an approach could work in their own context. Addresses the problems some have with the word 'entrepreneur' and sets out a positive and informed alternative understanding. Full of informative and inspiring case-studies of entrepreneurial ministry in action. Building on his own experiences as a priest and an entrepreneur, Volland argues that the concept of entrepreneurship offers churches a helpful lens through which to view Christian ministry and mission, and an understanding and approach to ministry that is well fitted for the mission task in a rapidly changing world. He shows how an entrepreneurial approach is consistent with understandings of leadership in the major denominations and in the new churches. He also argues that such an approach is consistent both with the nature of God and with human collaboration with God's activity in the world. His conclusions are based on extensive interviews with entrepreneurial ministers (Justin Welby and Steven Croft were among the interviewees), and his findings result in practical suggestions for those seeking to be more entrepreneurial in their ministries as well as in recommendations for strategic change that will encourage sustainable church growth and vitality in the years ahead.

Developing Healthy Churches is an utterly practical and realistic guide for any leader seeking to revitalize and grow their church. The long-awaited sequel to the bestselling Healthy Churches’ Handbook, this new volume will help you implement tried and tested approaches for healthy church growth in your parish.

In a world of competing voices about what church is all about, Gene Getz, with the wisdom God has granted him over decades of ministry, provides a solidly grounded and thoroughly biblical approach to how God assesses the strength, health, and maturity of a local church. Previously titled The Measure of a Church. He addresses... -The definition of the church -The standard of measure by which the church should be defined (Is it centered on Christ? Does it display the fruit of the Spirit? Is it growing in its ability to display faith, hope, and love?) -How does one measure leadership? -How does one measure worship? -What is the one, ultimate standard the church is measured by?

With contributors including Rowan Williams, Ann Morisy, Graham Cray, George Lings and Stephen Croft this book aims to resource debate and reflection on the development of the parish system alongside and together with fresh expressions of church life.

Pastors and church leaders are constantly faced with strategic questions. How much staff does the church need? How many workers are needed in the nursery this month? When is the right time to start a second worship service? How many people should we train for evangelism this year? How does seating and parking impact worship attendance? When church leaders have questions about planning, running, or growing their churches, they need answers fast! What Every Pastor Should Know offers pastors and leaders 101 valuable rules and "sacred" laws to help answer real-life ministry questions. From advertising to facilities to visitation, this valuable book offers the practical help that leaders need, just when they need it most. This comprehensive guide will become one of the most valuable books in a leader's library. Never again will they wonder if they based critical decisions on the right information. They'll get the answers they're looking for all in one place.

All the Scripture references you need, with the words and phrases unique to Eugene Peterson's masterful paraphrase, are put right at your fingertips with The Message Concordance. This innovative resource offers three study tools in one: * A word concordance, featuring the contemporary words unique to The Message. * A phrase concordance, referencing the distinctive phrases The Message is known for. * A synonym concordance, enabling you to bridge familiar words from other translations (KJV, NIV) with their equivalents in The Message.

Discusses how a church can support and empower its children and young people while setting boundaries and expectations. Encourages the emphasis of a commitment to learning on the part of youth. Promotes instilling positive values and nurturing a positive identity in youth.