The Politics of Ministry: Navigating Power Dynamics and Negotiating Interests
Digital Logos Edition
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Overview
“Politics” is often considered a dirty word. It brings to mind lies and manipulation, accusations and scandals. But at its most basic level, politics is simply the everyday activity of getting things done with other people: understanding their interests, recognizing the power dynamics at play, and learning how to negotiate relationships and institutions to achieve a common goal.
These realities are as true in ministry settings as anywhere else. In The Politics of Ministry, Bob Burns, Tasha Chapman, and Donald Guthrie combine their long ministry experience with sociological research on the topic. Filled with real-life stories taken from a variety of ministry settings, this book sets out wise principles and practices that help us see more clearly the political dynamics at play in our churches and parachurch ministries.
All ministry is political. As servants of Christ’s kingdom, we are called to navigate the politics of ministry with grace, wisdom, and charity. This book shows us how the gospel of Jesus changes the way we work with those around us toward our common goal.
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- Recognizes the power dynamics at play.
- Combines their long ministry experience with sociological research on the topic.
- Shows us how the gospel of Jesus changes the way we work with those around us.
Written by my three friends and colaborers, Burns, Chapman, and Guthrie share a combined one hundred years of negotiating ministry in the trenches. They present rich substance, timely practical resources and case studies for applying biblical theology into the challenges of daily ministry. All for the sake of the health and mission of Christ’s church. This book will help us in seminaries to more effectively prepare pastors and leaders to face future challenges in ministry with realistic hope. It will also be a tool to sustain them as they grow in wise stewardship of people, power, interests, and negotiation wherever God calls them.
--Mark L. Dalbey, president and associate professor of applied theology at Covenant Theological Seminary
The most perilous leadership land mines are often political ones. Those called to lead the church quickly learn they must not only read the Bible well, they must also read the room well. Utilizing a scholarly bent with practitioner flair, a persuasive case is made that the longevity and fruitfulness of Christian leadership is in good part due to a growing competency in navigating the inevitable political realities any faith community presents. For all who are called to the enterprise of church leadership, The Politics of Ministry is an invaluable guide down the path of greater effectiveness and influence. I highly recommend it.
--Tom Nelson, senior pastor of Christ Community Church in Kansas City, president of Made to Flourish, author of The Economics of Neighborly Love
This book addresses political issues in ministry with honesty and clarity, illustrated with rich examples from real-life stories. The conceptual frameworks provided—interests, power, negotiation, and ethical considerations—are extremely helpful to understand the phenomena and to explore redemptive approaches in various situations. This is a must-read for all who are involved in various types of church and parachurch ministry.
--Sutrisna Harjanto, Bandung Theological Seminary, Bandung, Indonesia
- Title: The Politics of Ministry: Navigating Power Dynamics and Negotiating Interests
- Authors: Bob Burns, Tasha D. Chapman, Steven Garber, Donald C. Guthrie
- Publisher: IVP
- Print Publication Date: 2019
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Pages: 216
- Era: era;contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
- Subjects: Church; Ministry
- ISBNs: 9780830841509, 0830841504
- Resource ID: LLS:9780830873807
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-05-09T18:58:38Z
Save on 2024 best-sellers!