The Calling of Congregational Leadership: Being, Knowing, and Doing Ministry: Being, Knowing, Doing Ministry (Columbia Partnership Leadership) Paperback – Import, 30 May 2013

I used this book in my doctoral program as part of the reading materials. It is a great book to read!

Pastoral leaders, Protestant seminarians, and laity are the focus of this book, The Calling of Congregational Leadership by Larry McSwain. This book’s approach recognizes the collaborative work of ministry. Those engaged in ministry as employees of a local congregation find themselves in teams working together even though there is one designated leader. Seminarians face challenges of idealism versus realism as this book seeks to prepare them for the human face of congregational ministry with all its contradictions. Lastly, directing this book at the laity informs both leadership and laity that each has a responsibility in leading the church forward. In understanding the roles of each, it paves the way for the next generation serving the church.After defining church as faith communities who seek to aspire to the fullest meaning of community and recognizing that pastors never function in isolation, McSwain begins with his purpose. It is the purpose of exploring ways that pastoral and lay leaders can do their jobs of leading in a more authentic way. Positive aspects are the focus. McSwain highlights that the choices leaders make are crucial and says, “Further, when they make those choices as a disciplined search for the will of God in their midst, no human standards of measurement can assign to them a designation of failure” (p. 9). This book is more practical than theoretical and embraces the same threefold understanding of ministry held by McAfee Seminary: being, knowing and doing. Each part of his book reflects an aspect of this focus.A missional church needs a leader inspired to lead them in ways that direct the work of God in the world. This takes a repertoire of knowledge. McSwain rightly spends a good portion of the book defining the theological vision or the mission of God. Three key elements emerge out of the rule of God’s “New Order of the Spirit.” They are centering, connecting, and commitment: (1) centering self and community in the very being of God; (2) connecting to the needs of the human family with compassion; (3) commitment to humbly following Jesus Christ. Leadership is not about refining our individual talents, but about doing the work of leadership. Both being and knowing are important, however, if you cannot do the work of leadership then the congregation you serve cannot flourish. McSwain carefully examines the processes that “doing” church involves. The chapters on dreaming, caring, proclaiming, organizing, and resourcing takes one through several facets of leadership. The imagining and visioning spirit that enables a vital and vibrant congregation to grow; to the caring and proclaiming components that nourish and sustain the congregation; to the management of worship, learning, hospitality, and outreach which takes both organization and resources.The final three chapters of the book are devoted to critical leadership areas especially for young ministers and other ministerial staff beginning their careers. Conflict resolution, evaluation and celebration are often down-played in books devoted to pastoral education, but the ability to effectively apply these skills in ministry cannot be ignored.McSwain uses a lovely metaphor of the church as a beautifully woven tapestry in his chapter on handling conflict. As a leader you will empower others (skilled tailors and seamstresses) to handle the mending. He shares, “They will engage in the patchwork process of weaving the tapestry back to wholeness. The evidence of the damage from the tears (weeping is a common reaction to conflict) over the “tear” will remain for those who live through it, but the community of faith can learn to live with repaired fabric” (p. 211-12). This and other skills are discussed with an emphasis on proactive, healthy responses to leading a congregation in the midst of inevitable and uncomfortable changes.This book is truly a wonderful resource for ministers, seminary students, and lay leaders in locally autonomous congregations. It is practical, yet inspirational to the dynamic work of God’s kingdom. My prayer is that the knowledge, resources, and spirit of this book will grace the hearts of many who take the time to read and apply what is contained between the covers of this excellent book.

A good reference book and, also, a thought-provoking read. Well worth the time.

A very helpful book on seeing lay people as "lay leaders." Looked closely at how ministries work together to the place where the church is today.

Great book for the new pastor. Questions are answered and direction is given. Simple, articulate and complete. Follow the chapters and learn the fundamentals.