Developing a Dynamic Mission for Your Ministry: Finding Direction and Making an Impact as a Church Leader

by Aubrey M. Malphurs

Publisher:

Kregel

, 1998

Overview

Many otherwise well-trained pastors are often unprepared for actual leadership in the local church. Effective leaders must know how to provide direction, and the key to a leader's direction is one's mission. This new work on a crucial ministry topic—mission—is addressed by a recognized leader in the field. In his practical step-by-step style, Malphurs presents a workable definition of a mission statement, its "custom-fit" development for each ministry, and its implementation through a carefully refined ministry strategy. As Malphurs explains, "The act of leadership is fundamentally the act of articulating first a ministry mission statement and then pursuing it.… Therefore, the purpose of this book is to help you as leaders develop and articulate a definitive, well-thought-out mission statement for your ministry."

Contents

Top Highlights

“Second, by painting a clear, well-defined target on the wall, everyone who is a part of the ministry organization knows where to direct their energies.” (Page 15)

“What will it take for this ministry to do what it’s supposed to be doing? Next to the first question, this is the most important mission question an evangelical organization can ask.” (Page 39)

“A mission and a vision are similar in four ways: Both are biblically based, direction oriented, goal directed, and future focused.” (Page 45)

“A significant, dynamic mission statement need be no longer than a single sentence.” (Page 34)

“A major characteristic of these small, struggling churches is that they focus more on being than doing. Being has everything to do with survival; doing has more to do with success. Churches that concentrate their energy on being tend not to think much about doing, and it’s the latter that emphasizes such things as mission, vision, values, and other vital concepts.” (Page 9)

Praise for the Print Edition

Do you need a church statement? Are you trying to find help in determining one? Then look no further, for this title by Aubrey Malphurs will guide you through the process. After stressing the importance of a mission statement, the author carefully defines what a mission statement is and isn't. He then instructs the reader as to the ways to develop a mission statement, to communicate a mission statement, to implement a mission statement, and to preserve a mission statement. Having an entire congregation "on the same page" for ministry is a tremendous help in mobilizing a congregation to work together in Christian service. A mission statement establishes that common ground. For any Christian leader involved in strategic planning, this volume is well-worth the small investment in time and money.

—David R. Bess, online reviewer

Product Details

• Title: Developing a Dynamic Mission for Your Ministry: Finding Direction and Making an Impact as a Church Leader
• Author: Aubrey Malphurs
• Publisher: Kregel
• Publication Date: 1998
• Pages: 144

About Aubrey M. Malphurs

Dr. Malphurs is a visionary with a deep desire to influence a new generation of leaders through his classroom, pulpit, consulting, and writing ministries. He is involved in a number of ministries ranging from church planting and growth to leadership development. He has pastored three churches and is the author of numerous books and articles on leadership and church ministry. Currently he is the president of the Malphurs Group and is a trainer and consultant to churches, denominations, and ministry organizations throughout North America and Europe. His research and teaching interests include church planting, church growth, and leadership development.