Shepherding the Church
Effective Spiritual Leadership in a Changing Culture
- Church Leadership & Ministry
- Publisher: Moody Publishers
- Published: 1997
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Publisher's Description
Times are changing. The Truth never will. It's tough to be a pastor today. Christians who stand up for what God has said are disregarded and labeled right-wing extremists. Political correctness and tolerance of anything but godly character is the norm. So how do ministers lead God's people in this pagan culture? How do they shepherd the flock as the lights fade dimmer and the nights grow colder? This book is not about programs. It not about developing the best techniques for numerical growth. Rather it is a discussion of the heart of the matter--the heart of the shepherd. In Shepherding the Church, Dr. Stowell takes a look at what it takes to be a truly effective leader from the inside out. He encourages today's leaders to focus on their own character, spiritual growth, and spiritual gifts. Examine some heart issues like: how do I prove to my congregation that I'm trustworthy? How do I lead by loving? How do I overcome insecurities? How can I transform lives with my preaching? How do I lead my flock by the way I live my life? How do I persevere? Even in these tough times, effective leadership is possible. Learn from Dr. Stowell as he encourages today's leaders to keep their eyes on the non-negotiables of Christian ministry.
Endorsements (11)
“Joe Stowell's analysis of leadership is profoundly biblical and practical and thus properly radical. A splendid book; a must read.”
“Joe Stowell is a man with a "kingdom heart" that transcends smaller issues and goes out to all the body of Christ. His care and concern for pastors is clearly reflected in this book.”
“Joe Stowell's advice to pastors is, like himself, firm, faithful, forceful, and fun. It will do a lot of good!”
“A powerfully argued and seminal book dealing with the most important question facing the church today. I would feel more encouraged if every pastor and lay leader were compelled to read it and absorb its message.”
“It has been my observation that congregations change when their leaders change. At last there is a book that expresses many things I have felt about spiritual leadership. I highly recommend it.”
“In a day when church-growth gurus are telling us to "market the church" by finding out the "wants" of a lost society and developing programs to meet those wants, Joe Stowell brings us back to the biblical pattern of "churching the market" to meet the "needs" of those around us.”
“In his inimitable proclamation-in-print style, Joe Stowell writes as a friend to all pastors. . . about God's calling to preach the Word and to demonstrate its power in our lives. A significant work!”
“Joe Stowell shares his mind, but also his heart; his commitment, but also his experience. Invaluable help for the person who seeks to be a faithful shepherd of the flock of Jesus Christ.”
“Provides a beautiful balance between theological/biblical integrity and practical church-growth methodology. Joe Stowell has done the church in this generation a great service and provides a significant challenge for the future.”
“With the contemporary marginalization of Christianity in our modern society, we are in desperate need for a definitive word from God to the church and its shepherds. Joe Stowell has provided us with such a word. You will discover the timeless truths of what the church is, what it is to look like, and how it is to function.”
“Without throwing stones, Joe Stowell analyzes problems insightfully, applies the Scriptures accurately, and encourages God's servants compassionately. Reading this book reminded me of our old Youth for Christ slogan "Geared to the times, but anchored to the Rock."”
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