Several pastors have recommended this book, including the one I interviewed for this class. It is not uncommon to encounter congregations (and, I would think) people serving non-profits to have experienced betrayal. This is an invaluable resource for learning how to help them work through the residual issues towards healing and wholeness.

Congregations are struggling so much that a whole industry has arisen to provide pastors with the "secrets" of being a successful leader in their field.

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

spiritual, visionary, passionate teacher = leader. interesting article about how one person can have a big impact

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.

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.

This little book was given to me by my District Superintendent (manager) to help me transition into my first pastorate. I found its practical wisdom illustrated by anecdotes to be very helpful.

Ideas and concepts for those who want to help their congregations move beyond a focus on themselves.

Adam Hamilton was the keynote speaker at the 2010 Annual Conference for the United Methodist Rocky Mountain Conference. The most successful pastors I know participate in this summit and read his books. I find his materials interesting and useful.

I think the ongoing situation in Libya provides an interesting illustration of leadership and what happens when there is no clear leadership or at least a process for leadership. Qaddafi seems to have provided a form of leadership for decades - somewhat along the lines of Northouse's narcissistic leader type. Understandably, Northouse does not provide an analysis of the use of violence in acquiring and retaining a position of leadership/power. Yet it seems to me that one reason Qaddafi has been able to retain power when others have fallen is his ability to lead, even if brute force is used to enforce his position. What is the difference between Mubarak and Qaddafi? Why did Mubarak lose the support of his inner circle where Qaddafi has not? Further, a lack of clear leadership seems to be hobbling NATO and the rebels. Those who oppose Qaddafi seem to agree only on the fact of their oppositional sentiment; they seem unable to agree on what should be done to effectively express that opposition.

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

As both parties head into a week of negotiations on the federal budget, it strikes me that the language and actions of leaders have a real impact on those they lead. How can one hold firmly to principles while retaining open lines of communication? As we seek to lead our churches or non-profit organizations, and especially as we seek to act in ways that are just and allow those who are marginalized a seat at the table of power, it seems to me that we are most likely to succeed when we speak with respect to and about all involved.

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.

Peter Koestenbaum, © 2002 Jossey Bass A professor of philosophy at San Jose State University in California for over 25 years, Koestenbaum seeks to discover whether successful business leadership principles are compatible with ethical and philosophical principles. Written in response to 9/11, topics include ethics, facing reality, and inquiring whether business - whose leaders often consider their realm to be set apart - must confront issues such as death, evil and courage in today's world.

Wheatley has an unusual approach to leadership that incorporates left and right brain thinking. I return again and again to this book to discover a new way to think about an existing issue.