Leadership

Book Review: Renovation of the Church, by Kent Carlson and Mike Luken

Review by Bobby Jamieson | 9Marks Journal: Revitalize: Why We Must Reclaim Dying Churches—and How | 10.28.2011

This book tells the story of how and why the authors turned a seemingly thriving seeker church into a church in which forming mature disciples of Jesus is the central concern.

Book Review: The U-Turn Church, by Kevin Harney and Bob Bouwer

Review by Brian Croft | 9Marks Journal: Revitalize: Why We Must Reclaim Dying Churches—and How | 10.28.2011

Here are a few ways this book can help pastors who are reforming churches, as well as cautions you will want to consider as you read.

Pastors’ Forum: Do’s and Don’ts of Church Reform

By B. Johnson, G. Kell, M. Dever, M. Lawrence, M. McKinley, T. Anyabwile | 9Marks Journal: Revitalize: Why We Must Reclaim Dying Churches—and How | 10.28.2011

What to do—and what not to do—in the midst of church reform.

Book Review: Axiom: Powerful Leadership Proverbs, by Bill Hybels

Review by Bobby Jamieson | 9Marks Journal: The Pastor and his Staff, Part 2 | 08.29.2011

Along with much biblical wisdom and good sense, there are a number of assumptions and values in this book that don’t square very well with Scripture.

The Case Against the Senior Pastor

By Shawn Wright | 9Marks Journal: The Pastor and his Staff, Part 2 | 08.29.2011

I’m hesitant to say that a church should formally recognize one elder as the senior elder.

The Case for the Senior Pastor

By Greg Gilbert | 9Marks Journal: The Pastor and his Staff, Part 2 | 08.29.2011

There’s enough biblical evidence in the New Testament to warrant the idea of a senior or lead pastor among the pastors.

How Much Should You Pay Your Pastors?

By Patrick Traylor | 9Marks Journal: The Pastor and his Staff, Part 2 | 08.29.2011

The first step in preparing a healthy compensation decision is, by God’s grace, to build a healthy local church with biblical structures of leadership and accountability.

Why An Administrative Pastor

By Ryan Townsend | 9Marks Journal: The Pastor and his Staff, Part 2 | 08.29.2011

It just might be a good thing for your second hire to be a trellis-builder: an administrative pastor.

Blessings and Trials of Short-Term Staff

By Mark Dever | 9Marks Journal: The Pastor and his Staff, Part 2 | 08.29.2011

Short-term staff are a blessing from God. They should be used for his glory and their own good, as well as for the good of other congregations they may yet serve.

You Should Think Twice Before Firing Incompetent Staff

By Phillip Jensen | 9Marks Journal: The Pastor and his Staff, Part 2 | 08.29.2011

It’s not appropriate to sack competent staff members simply to suit the current developments at the church.

You Have An Obligation to Fire Incompetent Staff

By Matt Schmucker | 9Marks Journal: The Pastor and his Staff, Part 2 | 08.29.2011

An unfaithful employee of the church undermines the trust which underlies a Christian’s giving.

When Should Ministry Be Staffed?

By Jamie Dunlop | 9Marks Journal: The Pastor and his Staff, Part 2 | 08.29.2011

Generally, if an activity is not important enough to get done if the staff position were eliminated, it is likely not important enough to get done at all.

Book Review: The Gift of Church, by Jim Samra

Review by Bobby Jamieson | 9Marks Journal: The Pastor and his Staff, Part 1 | 06.28.2011

Pastors, active church members, and church skeptics alike will be well served by this loving reminder of the centrality of the local church in the Christian life.

Book Review: The Intentional Church, by Randy Pope

Review by Ben Wright | 9Marks Journal: The Pastor and his Staff, Part 1 | 06.28.2011

As you read this book you’ll see that Randy Pope has accomplished tremendous work for the sake of the gospel, and his approach to ministry planning has borne abundant fruit.

Dear Associate Pastor, Sincerely, a Former Associate Pastor

By Michael Lawrence | 9Marks Journal: The Pastor and his Staff, Part 1 | 06.28.2011

So you’ve been called by a congregation to serve as an associate pastor. Now what?