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Review
As noted on the cover, this book is “a must read for parish leaders who will find it a
valuable guide for strengthening collaboration skills “; The authors present a four-stage
model of collaboration that identifies a maturing pathway to deep, effective
collaboration among parish staff and leaders. The final stage, true collaboration, is
characterized by ownership of a common mission, competition replaced by a spirit of
partnership, and a recognition of the value of diverse gifts. This book will provide parish
staff and leaders with a powerful understanding of how to achieve true collaborative
ministry.
Selected Brief Quotes
“Collaboration is only fully possible when we utilize all the gifts present within the Christian
community. ... The collaborative church does not only need lay ministers, it requires lay
leaders. The skills and insights gleaned by laity in their homes and workplaces provide them
with a rich source of giftedness which is needed within the church." (pg. 180)
“Characteristics of Achieving Level Four of Collaboration
As noted on the cover, this book is “a must read for parish leaders who will find it a
valuable guide for strengthening collaboration skills “; The authors present a four-stage
model of collaboration that identifies a maturing pathway to deep, effective
collaboration among parish staff and leaders. The final stage, true collaboration, is
characterized by ownership of a common mission, competition replaced by a spirit of
partnership, and a recognition of the value of diverse gifts. This book will provide parish
staff and leaders with a powerful understanding of how to achieve true collaborative
ministry.
Selected Brief Quotes
“Collaboration is only fully possible when we utilize all the gifts present within the Christian
community. ... The collaborative church does not only need lay ministers, it requires lay
leaders. The skills and insights gleaned by laity in their homes and workplaces provide them
with a rich source of giftedness which is needed within the church." (pg. 180)
“Characteristics of Achieving Level Four of Collaboration
 | Acknowledges, articulates, and experiences a sense of ownership of a common mission | |
| Achieves a sense of unity accompanied by a desire to work together for a common goal. | |
| Decides to identify, value, and bring together the various gifts." (pg. 19) | |
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Review
The author, Albert Winseman, is The Gallup Organization’s Global Practice Leader for
Faith-Based Organizations. Based on significant statistical research, they have
“discovered that the two primary causes of spiritual health (in a church) are spiritual
commitment and congregational engagement.” The research describes three types of
members: engaged, not-engaged, and actively disengaged. The author contends that
little energy should be spent on the actively disengaged. Instead, leaders should focus
on moving members from the not engaged level to the engaged level. Although not a
recipe of activities, this book will help church leaders understand these concepts and
prioritize their efforts in achieving a spiritually healthy church and a growing body of
engaged members.
Selected Brief Quotes
“ ... engaged members regularly have the opportunity in their congregations to do what they
do best, because leaders have invested the time needed to discover their members' greatest
talents and gifts, and have put them in roles they can perform with strength." (pg. 45)
“... if you understand that everyone has unique talents and strengths, then you can create a
culture that values each person's uniqueness and encourages members to maximize their
talents in the contributions they make to their church. ” (pg. 89)
The author, Albert Winseman, is The Gallup Organization’s Global Practice Leader for
Faith-Based Organizations. Based on significant statistical research, they have
“discovered that the two primary causes of spiritual health (in a church) are spiritual
commitment and congregational engagement.” The research describes three types of
members: engaged, not-engaged, and actively disengaged. The author contends that
little energy should be spent on the actively disengaged. Instead, leaders should focus
on moving members from the not engaged level to the engaged level. Although not a
recipe of activities, this book will help church leaders understand these concepts and
prioritize their efforts in achieving a spiritually healthy church and a growing body of
engaged members.
Selected Brief Quotes
“ ... engaged members regularly have the opportunity in their congregations to do what they
do best, because leaders have invested the time needed to discover their members' greatest
talents and gifts, and have put them in roles they can perform with strength." (pg. 45)
“... if you understand that everyone has unique talents and strengths, then you can create a
culture that values each person's uniqueness and encourages members to maximize their
talents in the contributions they make to their church. ” (pg. 89)
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Review
As noted on the book cover insert, "Living Your Strengths shows all members how to use
their innate gifts to enrich their parishes - right now. It teaches you to identify and affirm
your talents, and how to use them for growth and service." This book provides a process
and a valuable resource for discovering your unique gifts and understanding how those
gifts can be matched to the right ministry in your parish. After purchasing the book, you
will be assigned a unique code to access the online Clifton StrengthsFinder 1.0
assessment survey. Once you receive your top five strengths, the book will offer insight
into these strengths. Using these tools, you will be able to discover the many hidden
talents of your parishioners and guide them in matching them to your ministry
opportunities.
Selected Brief Quotes
“In Gallup's research into human potential over the past 30 years ... the evidence is
overwhelming: You will be most successful in whatever you do by building your life around
your greatest natural abilities rather than your weaknesses." (pg. 2)
“....your Signature Themes - your top five themes of talent, are unique to you. A theme is a
category of talents, and your Signature themes are simply a starting point for idscovering
your greatest talents, and a strength - the ability to consistently deliver near-perfect
performance in a specific taks - is what you create when you add helpful knowledge and skills
to your talents. ” (pg. 63-64)
As noted on the book cover insert, "Living Your Strengths shows all members how to use
their innate gifts to enrich their parishes - right now. It teaches you to identify and affirm
your talents, and how to use them for growth and service." This book provides a process
and a valuable resource for discovering your unique gifts and understanding how those
gifts can be matched to the right ministry in your parish. After purchasing the book, you
will be assigned a unique code to access the online Clifton StrengthsFinder 1.0
assessment survey. Once you receive your top five strengths, the book will offer insight
into these strengths. Using these tools, you will be able to discover the many hidden
talents of your parishioners and guide them in matching them to your ministry
opportunities.
Selected Brief Quotes
“In Gallup's research into human potential over the past 30 years ... the evidence is
overwhelming: You will be most successful in whatever you do by building your life around
your greatest natural abilities rather than your weaknesses." (pg. 2)
“....your Signature Themes - your top five themes of talent, are unique to you. A theme is a
category of talents, and your Signature themes are simply a starting point for idscovering
your greatest talents, and a strength - the ability to consistently deliver near-perfect
performance in a specific taks - is what you create when you add helpful knowledge and skills
to your talents. ” (pg. 63-64)
The Center for Parish Leadership
Equipping Catholic Leaders ~
Believing in Strong Parishes
Believing in Strong Parishes
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