Over the Past few decades mainline Protestant congregations have not easily embraced the notion of spirituality. As much as any aspect of church life, spirituality has been misunderstood, misused, and resisted by both clergy and laity. Yet times are changing. Today many people feel a deep spiritual hunger and are out looking for fulfillment in a wide variety of settings. In this new context, mainline congregations need to awaken to the presence of the Spirit in their midst and equip leaders to nurture both the personal and corporate spirituality of their congregations. Beyond the Ordinary is explicitly written to help church leaders who have had no formal training in spiritual formation. Drawing from years of experience teaching Christian spirituality, Ben Campbell Johnson and Andrew Dreitcer explore the spiritual dimensions of leadership, looking in depth at the meaning of spirituality as it relates to the tasks of ministry. This friendly, inspiring book will enable readers to erase the negative stereotypes of spirituality and develop vital models and practices for the church today. The book introduces a faithful understanding and practice of the spiritual life to those who have not yet dipped into the well that is Christian spirituality. For those who have already tasted this water and still thirst, it offers a way to dip even more deeply. Chapters discuss the issues surrounding a meaningful spirituality for our changing times, the importance of holding prayer and mission in tension, and the crucial role of Scripture in the formation of our lives. The authors also underscore the importance of vision, myth, and discernment in the spiritual life of the church. And they discuss the power of spiritual practices like discernment and visioning for enhancing the spirituality of congregations and helping them become agents of social transformation. Intended for personal and group use by pastors, elders, other church leaders, and those preparing for service in the church, the book includes questions for reflection and discussion as well as journaling exercises to encourage learning and growth.

Southern Baptist Convention president Johnny M. Hunt often shares his unique Christian testimony: a shy, rebellious kid whose alcoholic father left a wife and six children to fend for themselves, he did not embrace faith until after he was married. So when Johnny talks about investing in people, earning respect, living intentionally, daring to dream, and being courageous, his words ring especially fresh and true.

Building Your Leadership Résumé

is Hunt's presentation of wisdomfocused lessons like those mentioned above that will simply yet greatly enhance any business or ministry. Each five-to-six page entry guides the reader toward becoming a selfless leader whose impact on others can be immediately rewarding as well as eternally significant.

Christian Reflections on The Leadership Challenge is a faith-based companion to the best-selling leadership book of all time--The Leadership Challenge. Grounded in Jim and Barry's time-tested research, Christian Reflections on The Leadership Challenge describes their Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership (R) --Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart--and offers practical guidance and inspiring examples about how Christian leaders can have a powerful impact in their workplaces, communities, and congregations by bringing their faith into their leadership.

In addition to Jim and Barry's foundational wisdom, the book brings together five leaders who reflect on the Five Practices from a Christian perspective. John C. Maxwell, David McAllister-Wilson, Patrick Lencioni, Nancy Ortberg, and Ken Blanchard share insights and stories culled from personal experience and the lives of other Christian leaders who have accomplished extraordinary things in churches, communities, classrooms, and corporations. Their thoughtful reflections on the role of faith in leadership will propel leaders and aspiring leaders

From Dagwood to Dilbert, the past fifty years haven't seen muchevolution in our attitudes toward work. Too many of us stillbelieve that our work selves and our real selves, our professionaland personal lives, are separate entities. This book is about howthat concept is slowly, but surely, changing. It is about why it ischanging. And, most important, it is about why it must change. C.Michael Thompson takes a compelling look at the connection betweenour inner lives and our work lives and shows how the development ofthe individual spirit can trigger not just personal fulfillment, but much-needed organizational change.

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