Title: Four essential loves : heart readiness for leadership and ministry /
Authors: McAlpine, William R.
Publisher: Wipf & Stock,
Year: 2013
Subjects: Clergy Appointment, call, and election; Christian leadership.; Vocation Christianity; Spiritual formation.; Mission of the church; God Worship and love; Love Religious aspects Christianity; Christian leadership; Clergy Appointment, call, and election; God Worship and love; Love Religious aspects Christianity; Mission of the church; Spiritual formation; Vocation Christianity
Abstract: How does one determine the readiness of any candidate for leadership in ministry? Whether considering vocational ministry leadership or a position on a local board of elders or deacons, without question, knowledge and skills are essential. But an individual's readiness for leadership and ministry cannot be assessed solely on the basis of academic transcripts or impressive statistics found in a pastor or lay leader's annual report. While embracing knowledge and skill as essential to effective leadership and ministry, the author demonstrates how these dimensions are inadequate unless rooted in that which is less quantifiable, namely, heart-readiness. But what does heart-readiness entail or look like in the life of a leader in ministry? In a word that is grossly overused and profoundly misunderstood, love--and more specifically, love for the right things, in the right way, for the right reasons. This book is intended for those being trained in the Bible college or seminary classroom but also for lay leaders already engaged in virtually any ministry context as well. Readers are encouraged to consider and cultivate four essential loves: love for God's Word, for Christ's church, for one's neighbor, and for oneself.
Contents: Is there a place for a place called church? -- The church, the gospel, and culture : defining mission -- A historical framework for sacred space -- A theological framework for sacred space -- The significance of place in fulfilling of the mission of the church -- Missional challenges and opportunities in the twenty-first century -- Where we need to be -- Appendix A: Sacred space walk : a guideline for spiritual reflection.