Seven Practices of Effective Ministry

by Andy Stanley; Reggie Joiner; Lane Jones

Publisher:

Multnomah

, 2004

Overview

In Seven Practices of Effective Ministry, the authors invite you to take hold of seven simple but powerful principles that are sure to energize your ministry. Each of the seven principles has been put into practice with great success at North Point Community Church, the third most influential church in the U.S. Now it’s your turn to experience real change and real growth in your church.

An engaging parable about one overwhelmed pastor is followed by an overview of seven successful team practices, each one developed and applied in a ministry setting. Reinforced by relevant discussion questions, these clear, easy, and strategic practices can turn any ministry into a winning team.

RETHINK YOUR MINISTRY GAME PLAN!

There’s no scoreboard in the sanctuary, and the only plate is probably for the offering. But every church leader needs to know how to win, and every congregation needs to know when to cheer. This insightful book speaks to every church leader who yearns for a simpler, more effective approach to ministry.

Like your own personal trainer, Seven Practices of Effective Ministry is an insightful guide for any leader who yearns for a better approach to ministry. Here are seven strategic principles that when put into play will bring focus and clarity to everything you do and turn your ministry into winning team.

Contents

Top Highlights

“‘Narrowing the focus seems so limiting,’ Ray finally said, ‘but when you think about it, it really frees you up to do more. You just do one thing really well.’” (Page 41)

“If the win is unclear, you may force those in leadership roles to define winning in their own terms.” (Page 73)

“When you clarify the win, it creates the potential for positive momentum.” (Page 76)

“That’s the first step: Clarify the Win. There’s not a player on that field right now who’s confused about his goal. They may not reach it, but they know what it is. If you give good people a clear goal, then most of the time they’ll work like dogs to get there. But if the goal is unclear, they’re forced to guess or, worse, decide for themselves what a win really is.” (Page 33)

“‘The tendency in business, or in church work for that matter, is to mistake activity for progress. We think that just because people are busy and doing a lot of stuff that we are being successful. The fact of the matter is, if all that activity isn’t taking you where you want to go, then it’s just wasted time.” (Page 36)

Praise for the Print Edition

For many years, I practiced and taught church growth. What I have witnessed as a member at North Point takes church growth to a whole new level. Andy and his team communicate principles that will add value to you and the church you love.

— John C. Maxwell, founder, The INJOY Group

Every professional athlete recognizes the value of solid coaching. The best are always working to get better. From what I’ve seen at North Point, these seven practices can improve the game of any church in America.

— John Smoltz, Cy Young Award-winning pitcher

The practices covered in this book are down-to-earth, practical, and come from real difference-makers who know what church leadership is all about. Andy, Reggie, and Lane have definitely hit the ball out of the park with the Seven Practices of Effective Ministry.

— Ed Young, Jr., Senior Pastor, Fellowship Church

Dozens of wonderful books have been written for church leaders on how to increase attendance, develop programming, or disciple people. This is not one of those books.

The Seven Practices of Effective Ministry is not so much about what to do as it is about what to ask. This book will not tell you how to implement programs, but it will provide you with a new lens through which to evaluate your current programs and any you may be considering.

You will find no new strategy hidden in these pages. But as you embrace each of these seven practices, your ministry cannot help but become more strategic and as irresistible as God intended it to be.

— Andy Stanley

Product Details

• Title: Seven Practices of Effective Ministry
• Authors: Andy Stanley, Lane Jones, and Reggie Joiner
• Publisher: Multnomah
• Publication Date: 2004
• Pages: 224

About the Authors

Andy Stanley is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and the founding pastor of North Point Community Church in Atlanta, Georgia, with a youthful congregation of more than 12,000. Andy is the author of the 1998 Foreword Book of the Year finalist Visioneering, the bestsellers Like a Rock and The Next Generation Leader, and the recent How Good Is Good Enough. Andy and his wife, Sandra, have two sons and a daughter.

Lane Jones is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, where he lives with his wife, Traci, and their three children, Jared, Caitlin, and Madison. He is on staff at North Point Community Church, where he loves to write and participate in the creative process. Lane holds degrees from Georgia State University and Dallas Theological Seminary.

Reggie Joiner is the executive director of Family Ministries at North Point Community Church. He leads the staff responsible for children, student, and married adult ministries. He is also creator of FamilyWise, a nonprofit ministry aimed at helping churches and families teach kids character and faith. Reggie lives with his wife, Debbie, and his four teenagers in Cumming, Georgia.