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Dudley, Carl S. Effective Small Churches in the 21st Century. Nashville: Abingdon Press. 2003. ISBN: 0687090903 ISBN-13: 9780687090907 In the Louisiana Conference of United Methodists, only 89 churches have Sunday morning worship attendance greater than 100. Of course, there are a few who have over 1,000 in worship each Sunday, but over 400 churches in the conference are small (very small) and this seems to be the same trend in every Conference and Jurisdiction. The truth is, most United Methodist pastors will never serve a large church; therefore, it is important to have a resource that is written specifically for small churches, rather than trying to apply "mega-church" answer to small church problems. Effective Small Churches is that resource. Using their congregational experiences as case studies, readers will examine, with Carl Dudley's help, how their unique qualities can be mobilized to encourage local leaders, strengthen commitments, organize resources, and focus their energies to experience to meet new challenges. The primary goal of the book is to lead ministers who have begun a new appointment through a series of specific exercises, questionnaires, and guided dialogue with church members to jump start their appointment. So many good ideas. The Cabinet should make every pastor go through the exercises and report on their findings to their District Superintendent during the first six months at their new church.

Ferriss, Timothy. The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich. New York: Crown Archetype. 2007. ISBN-10: 0307353133 ISBN-13: 978-0307353139 If you view church work as a career, rather than a calling, it is easy to see the move from working 40 hours a week as the Associate Pastor at a church to working 80 hours a week as the Senior Minister at a church as a "promotion". If you have spent your life attending and serving small churches, it is easy to see the role of Pastor as Chief Cook and Bottle Washer. Tim Ferriss' book was not written for those who serve God in a church setting, but there is so much to be gleaned from this book. If for no other reason, read this book because Tim Ferris gives you permission to be unreasonable and unambiguous, puts you on a Low-Information Diet, and teaches you the Art of Refusal. If nothing else, you can learn how to get a church secretary for $4.00/hour and get more work done. Some of this advice just won't work for those of us who serve God in the church, but so much of it will. Buy a highlighter. Buy some sticky notes. Buy the book.

Interesting column about the UMC, young pastors, new church plants and the future.

Vivian, Loved this article! I have been thinking more and more about what our future looks like, what the future of worship and church community will be - obviously we need to be looking at "re-thinking" what church really is. I loved ths: "John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, was quoted as saying: "The world is my parish." He did not say "the people that show up to this particular building on a Sunday are my parish." I am feeling led to begin to vision what it looks like to see the WORLD as our parish and really stop worrying so much about the building and get out in our neighborhoods and BE church. Thanks for sharing! Sandy

Though the examples are specifically geared towards youth ministry, Mark Yaconelli lays out a model for a "business meeting" in church leadership that focuses on contemplative prayer and seeking God's direction rather than following the typical business model of church leadership.

I've used an adaptation of this model and found it to be helpful in focusing the "business meetings" as well as bringing the leadership team together in spiritual practice and vision.

This is an interesting (and free) magazine that shares stories and ideas about church leadership.

This is an interesting read for those that are in the UM system. It seeks to look at the struggle of many mainstream churches; how is our leadership being effective?

How are women playing a role in leadership in the church. I found this article to be a bit abrasive but at least am happy that they're looking at the issue at all.

In this Harvard Business Review Case Study Brad Powell, the newly hired senior minister of a Temple Baptist Church, must lead the organization to reverse a three-decade decline and return to fulfilling its mission. Brad spent the first six months assessing the situation, building relationships, and reiterating the longstanding mission of the organization. Now, with an understanding of its history, an intimate knowledge of the immediate challenges, and a clear vision of what the organization should become, Brad is considering his strategy and next steps. As the leader of a nonprofit organization resourced by members and volunteers, Brad must lead change that produces results without compromising the mission. The B case summarizes Brad's actions and the results.

This is the other book my DS gave me when I began serving a small church. It helped me understand the dynamics and how to help them leverage who they are to achieve more effective (and therefore) satisfying administration of their church.

These are often on the conservative side, but some are very usable for mainstream churches and they are free.

not a good name, but a site worth checking out

an interesting web site with multiple resources

I read about this conference in Christian Century (April 5, 2011) a leadership conference about failing, recovering, learning from mistakes, and community reassurance.  It's being held in a failed church that is now a bar!

This book was an interesting find because while it's about leadership it is also about membership. How we act as leaders will potentially either grow or reduce membership in a congregational setting. While this may be completely apparent, it's something to look at when you're thinking of how you present yourself as a leader to a congregation.

Brian J. Dodd © 2003 InterVarsity Press Tired of failing with the latest leadership seminar's advice, Dodd returned to graduate school and found himself drawn to the apostle Paul. Even as he faced Paul's shortcomings (Dodd admits struggling with Paul's acceptance of slavery), he had to admit that Paul is arguably the most effective Christian leader of all time. Why? Agree or disagree (with Paul or Dodd), the exploration is thought-provoking and would inspire pastors to look within their own relationship with Christ and theology for the answers they seek as leaders.

Within the church, there are those called to servant leadership. Their callings are evidenced by gifts and promise of usefulness. Greenleaf is well-known for coining this term "outside" the church.

Because not everyone will serve in urban/suburban settings.

These faithful people, who have given so much for so long, receive the highest percentage of student pastors, near-retirement (often exhausted) pastors and burned out (or nearly there) pastors.

OK, this is a stretch - but it shows poor leadership, a leader who is not merely "laissez-faire" but who misses the point entirely. And since Amy Erickson originally posted it to FB, I think it's fair game here. Current and future church leaders, don't be like this fake prof - speak your truth (even if you pay the price)! Be a leader!

I remember Nadia and her church from last year's Journey Days and I think she is a tremendous religious leader and proof that leadership does not always come in a business suit. She knows how to motivate her flock and I think her "anti-excellence, pro-participation" style leads, ironically, to both excellent and participatory worship. She's humble where it counts, knows how to talk to people, lives her values, and is a phenomenal preacher. And an Iliff alum.