The minister as entrepreneur
Subtitle: leading and growing the Church in an age of rapid change
By: Michael Volland
Publisher: SPCK
Published: 2015
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Number of pages: 149
ISBN-13: 9780281071821; 9780281071838
Subjects: Christian leadership; Entrepreneurship; Christianity
Description: A compelling case for an entrepreneurial approach to ministry and mission, exploring its biblical basis and potential benefits. Based on extensive interviews with entrepreneurial ministers from a range of denominations. Draws on examples of 'entrepreneurs' from the Bible and Christian history to help readers imagine how such an approach could work in their own context. Addresses the problems some have with the word 'entrepreneur' and sets out a positive and informed alternative understanding. Full of informative and inspiring case-studies of entrepreneurial ministry in action. Building on his own experiences as a priest and an entrepreneur, Volland argues that the concept of entrepreneurship offers churches a helpful lens through which to view Christian ministry and mission, and an understanding and approach to ministry that is well fitted for the mission task in a rapidly changing world. He shows how an entrepreneurial approach is consistent with understandings of leadership in the major denominations and in the new churches. He also argues that such an approach is consistent both with the nature of God and with human collaboration with God's activity in the world. His conclusions are based on extensive interviews with entrepreneurial ministers (Justin Welby and Steven Croft were among the interviewees), and his findings result in practical suggestions for those seeking to be more entrepreneurial in their ministries as well as in recommendations for strategic change that will encourage sustainable church growth and vitality in the years ahead.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 134-143) and index.
Table of contents: title: Part 1, Entrepreneurs : what? who? why now ...? Dragon's den? Towards a positive understanding of the entrepreneur; title: Definitions of the entrepreneur; title: An entrepreneurial God?; title: Part 2, Dreaming dreams, building reality : entrepreneurial ministers in their own words. Facets of the entrepreneur; title: Feeling positive about entrepreneurs in Christian ministry; title: Church buildings can be a resource; title: Teamwork and partnering with others; title: What factors help entrepreneurship to happen?; title: What hinders entrepreneurship?; title: The impact of senior leadership on entrepreneurship in the local church; title: Conclusion : what has been said and what do we do next?; title: Appendix 1, Suggestions for group discussion; title: Appendix 2, Suggested essay questions; title: Appendix 3, Avenues for further research.