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Topics:	Decision making, Direction, Leadership, Master plan, Planning, Vision
Filters:	Church board, Counseling, Deacon, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor, Pastoral care
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Acts 7:1-53, Acts 11:1-18, Acts 18:13-26
Date Added:	August 27, 2007

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Click an image or title below to order any of these recommended resources.

Better Than Success: 8 Principles of Faithful Leadership
by C. Jeff Woods
Rather than applying secular business or organizational theories to the Christian setting, this book establishes a definition for faithful leadership focused on a biblical and theological perspective. Especially helpful: "Creating Kairos," or turning crisis moments into meaningful opportunity. (Judson Press, 2001; ISBN 081701389x)

Change: Learning to Lead It and Living to Tell about It
by Jock Ficken
This book is especially helpful for the older congregation whose leadership believes the best is still yet to come. To purchase copies, contact: Jock Ficken, 555 E. Benton St., Aurora, Illinois 60505. Or you can e-mail the author at Jficken@saintpauls.net. (Fairway Press)

Coaching Change: Breaking Down Resistance & Building Up Hope
by Thomas G. Bandy
Teamwork is crucial to decision making in any church. This book shows how coaching can build teamwork by growing winning people. (Abingdon Press, 2000; ISBN 0687090172)

How to Change Your Church (without killing it)
by Alan Nelson & Gene Appel
This book doesn't endorse gimmicks or fads. It says church growth comes from within, and when we revitalize the focus, operation, commitment, and decision-making potential of the local church, it will grow. (Word, 2000; ISBN 0849916607)

Leading Your Church Through Conflict and Reconciliation
edited by Marshall Shelley
Essays on practical topics helpful for church and ministry leaders, including chapters such as "Helping Your Board Listen to God." Contributors include Stuart Briscoe, Edward Dobson, Fred Smith, Chuck Swindoll, and Jack Hayford. (Bethany, 1997; ISBN 1556619405)

Making Peace with Conflict: Practical Skills for Conflict Transformation
by Carolyn Schrock-Shenk & Lawrence Ressler, eds
More than 20 noted authors shaped by many experiences and cultures tell what they learned from walking through conflict. Especially helpful: "Congregational Decision Making" by Alastair McKay. (Herald Press, 1999; ISBN 0836191277)

The Skilled Facilitator: Practical Wisdom for Developing Effective Groups
by Roger M. Schwarz
An experience-based comprehensive reference to guide groups toward realizing their creative and problem-solving potential (Jossey-Bass, 1994; ISBN 1555426387)

When to Take a Risk: A Guide to Pastoral Decision Making
by Terry Muck
This book offers a four-step approach to decision making that helps church leaders translate timeless theological truth into everyday life situations. (Word Books, 1987; ISBN 0917463129)

Decision Making God's Way: A New Model for Knowing God's Will
by Gary T. Meadors
A clearly defined process for decision making based on Scripture. Can be applied to any decision and is a helpful tool in an area that can pose significant challenges. (Baker, 2003; ISBN 0801064295)

Finding God's Will
by J.I. Packer
Packer outlines how to avoid common mistakes in seeking God's will. Positively, he gives direction in how God's will is revealed. (InterVarsity, 1999; ISBN 0830865721)

Decision Making and the Will of God
by Gary Friesen and Robin Maxson
This book seeks to accurately reflect the biblical view of what we can know about God's will and how that impacts our decision making. It addresses the issue on both general and situation specific levels. (Multnomah, 2004; ISBN 1590522052)