| Book Reviews - Leadership - Church [SCROLL Down to read more reviews] |
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Review
The author describes his goal as threefold: an examination of the current state of
pastoral councils in the U.S.; a history of their development since the Second Vatican
Council; and his model of councils including representation, purpose and consultation.
This book contains a wealth of history of church pastoral councils and their evolution
during the last 40 years. The content is based on both his experience and extensive
research on this topic. The book includes a detailed bibliography on the subject of
pastoral councils and a helpful listing of guidelines developed by diocese across the U.
S. This book is a valuable resource for any pastoral council seeking to understand or
improve their design and function.
Selected Brief Quotes
“In most guidelines, the pastor is typically the consensus-builder, the spiritual leader, and
the creator of trust. He fosters a sense of community in the council by serving, that is, by
helping the council achieve its ends in regular meetings.” (pg. 51)
“There is evidence to suggest that the relations between volunteer councilors and professional
lay staff members is not always smooth sailing. … They may feel trapped between the pastor
who employs them and the council that advises him.” (pg. 121)
The author describes his goal as threefold: an examination of the current state of
pastoral councils in the U.S.; a history of their development since the Second Vatican
Council; and his model of councils including representation, purpose and consultation.
This book contains a wealth of history of church pastoral councils and their evolution
during the last 40 years. The content is based on both his experience and extensive
research on this topic. The book includes a detailed bibliography on the subject of
pastoral councils and a helpful listing of guidelines developed by diocese across the U.
S. This book is a valuable resource for any pastoral council seeking to understand or
improve their design and function.
Selected Brief Quotes
“In most guidelines, the pastor is typically the consensus-builder, the spiritual leader, and
the creator of trust. He fosters a sense of community in the council by serving, that is, by
helping the council achieve its ends in regular meetings.” (pg. 51)
“There is evidence to suggest that the relations between volunteer councilors and professional
lay staff members is not always smooth sailing. … They may feel trapped between the pastor
who employs them and the council that advises him.” (pg. 121)
Review
In his latest book, Fr. Sweetser provides an indepth overview of parish operations filled
with key insights for parish leaders. His topics range from writing a mission to planning for
a hopeful future. Based on many decades of consulting with parish leaders, he
describes "best practice" structure and action for parish pastoral councils, commissions
and staff. The final section of the book gives a solid understanding of today's significant
parish topics including: Conversion to Stewardship, Multicultural Parishes, Parish
Transitions, and Clustering Parishes. This is a must read for parish leaders.
Selected Brief Quotes
“ ... all those on the pastoral council know what a good meeting should look like, are able to
accomplish tasks in a collaborative manner, are willing to share their wisdom and insights
with one another, can deal with conflicts as they arise, and know how to pray with others and
to enjoy one another's company." (pg. 71)
“An alternative way of leading is to feel responsible to others rather than for others. In this
mode, the staff person spends time encouraging and empowering others, setting boundaries
and limits within which to operate. ” (pg. 135)
In his latest book, Fr. Sweetser provides an indepth overview of parish operations filled
with key insights for parish leaders. His topics range from writing a mission to planning for
a hopeful future. Based on many decades of consulting with parish leaders, he
describes "best practice" structure and action for parish pastoral councils, commissions
and staff. The final section of the book gives a solid understanding of today's significant
parish topics including: Conversion to Stewardship, Multicultural Parishes, Parish
Transitions, and Clustering Parishes. This is a must read for parish leaders.
Selected Brief Quotes
“ ... all those on the pastoral council know what a good meeting should look like, are able to
accomplish tasks in a collaborative manner, are willing to share their wisdom and insights
with one another, can deal with conflicts as they arise, and know how to pray with others and
to enjoy one another's company." (pg. 71)
“An alternative way of leading is to feel responsible to others rather than for others. In this
mode, the staff person spends time encouraging and empowering others, setting boundaries
and limits within which to operate. ” (pg. 135)
"... the best leaders are those who don't order, but persuade; don't dictate, but draw out; don't squeeze, but grow the people around them." David Gergen U.S. News & World Report June 19, 2006 |
"Great supervisors do not try to strengthen weaknesses; instead they maximize strengths while managing around weaknesses." David Stark Christ-Based Leadership 2005 |
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Review
This concise but insightful booklet is filled with content and questions that guide a
church leadership body from business as usual to a deep understanding of how their
spiritual journey can enhance the quality of their leadership and service. It addresses a
treasure trove of key topics often overlooked in church leadership formation including:
personal spirituality, discerning membership, consensus decision making, group
dynamics, and the role of prayer in our work. Each chapter contains critical insights in
understanding the unique role of church leadership as well as reflective questions that
will deepen your leadership group's call to their own spiritual journey. This booklet would
make an excellent study guide for church leaders as they grow into the fullness of their
role as a church leader.
Selected Brief Quotes
“ Unfortunately, it is all too easy for us, priests and laity alike, to forget that we are church.
As a result, we get trapped in winning rather than serving, in success rather than holiness,
and in tasks rather than Gospel. And, quite possibly, our greatest weakness - we forget to be
joyful. Consider this proven reality: the quality of our ministry is determined by the quality of
our spirituality." (pg. 5)
“The Scriptures teach us that the function of prayer is not to change the mind of God but
rather to change our own minds, to enable grace and wisdom to break into our hearts and
heads.” (pg. 20)
This concise but insightful booklet is filled with content and questions that guide a
church leadership body from business as usual to a deep understanding of how their
spiritual journey can enhance the quality of their leadership and service. It addresses a
treasure trove of key topics often overlooked in church leadership formation including:
personal spirituality, discerning membership, consensus decision making, group
dynamics, and the role of prayer in our work. Each chapter contains critical insights in
understanding the unique role of church leadership as well as reflective questions that
will deepen your leadership group's call to their own spiritual journey. This booklet would
make an excellent study guide for church leaders as they grow into the fullness of their
role as a church leader.
Selected Brief Quotes
“ Unfortunately, it is all too easy for us, priests and laity alike, to forget that we are church.
As a result, we get trapped in winning rather than serving, in success rather than holiness,
and in tasks rather than Gospel. And, quite possibly, our greatest weakness - we forget to be
joyful. Consider this proven reality: the quality of our ministry is determined by the quality of
our spirituality." (pg. 5)
“The Scriptures teach us that the function of prayer is not to change the mind of God but
rather to change our own minds, to enable grace and wisdom to break into our hearts and
heads.” (pg. 20)
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Review
Gubish & Jenny have created a simple-to-use workbook for parish pastoral council
members, as well as other key parish staff and leaders. It is naturally divided into a
historical prologue and four major sections covering a wide range of topics. Often
overlooked topics include:
• The important role of prayer and reflection
• How to use a consensus-model of decisions
• How to conduct effective meetings
• Typical roles within parish councils
Also discussed are the seven essential elements of parish life and how to reflect them
within effective parish pastoral planning. This is a practical guide that includes many
examples, definitions, and ready-to-use materials that can have an immediate impact
on your parish leadership.
Selected Brief Quotes
“The purpose of revisioning the council is primarily the development of mission-focused
parishes, rather than programmatic or finance-driven ones. ... When there is clear awareness
of this 'larger vision' proposed by the gospels and taught by the Church, a parish finds itself
energized by a sense of mission and directed to matters that will do more than simply fill the
annual calendar.” (pg. 11)
“Parishioners who serve on a parish pastoral council must be those who have received a call
to the ministry of leadership. Together with the pastor, these are individuals who are capable
of reflection, discernment, visioning, reaching consensus, and pastoral planning.” (pg. 160)
Gubish & Jenny have created a simple-to-use workbook for parish pastoral council
members, as well as other key parish staff and leaders. It is naturally divided into a
historical prologue and four major sections covering a wide range of topics. Often
overlooked topics include:
• The important role of prayer and reflection
• How to use a consensus-model of decisions
• How to conduct effective meetings
• Typical roles within parish councils
Also discussed are the seven essential elements of parish life and how to reflect them
within effective parish pastoral planning. This is a practical guide that includes many
examples, definitions, and ready-to-use materials that can have an immediate impact
on your parish leadership.
Selected Brief Quotes
“The purpose of revisioning the council is primarily the development of mission-focused
parishes, rather than programmatic or finance-driven ones. ... When there is clear awareness
of this 'larger vision' proposed by the gospels and taught by the Church, a parish finds itself
energized by a sense of mission and directed to matters that will do more than simply fill the
annual calendar.” (pg. 11)
“Parishioners who serve on a parish pastoral council must be those who have received a call
to the ministry of leadership. Together with the pastor, these are individuals who are capable
of reflection, discernment, visioning, reaching consensus, and pastoral planning.” (pg. 160)
The Center for Parish Leadership
Equipping Catholic Leaders ~
Believing in Strong Parishes
Believing in Strong Parishes
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Review
The author integrates his experience as a pastor, business consultant and trainer in this
well researched guide to best-practices for today’s church leaders. In an easy to read
blend of scriptural wisdom and content from current leadership authors, Stark provides
many creative ideas for understanding and implementing effective, faith-filled
leadership within today’s complex church environments. The book highlights the central
organizational learning from experts such as Patrick Lencioni, Jim Collins, and others,
and then translates their message into language and practice relevant for church
leaders, staff and lay volunteers. This book would make a great study guide for church
staff teams.
Selected Brief Quotes
“ A big surprise to many church leaders, for example, is the reluctance of laypeople to take
hold of authority and responsibility after years of passively bowing down before it. they have
to be coached into this process, which often will involve patiently training them in vision-
casting, decision-making, and working effectively in leadership teams." (pg. 70)
“...trust is reinforced no primariy by vision but by a shared set of values. People agree to
follow along together, holding each other accountable along the way. ... Remember, an
organization does not create values, but discovers and clarifies values that are already
embedded in its people.” (pg. 74)
The author integrates his experience as a pastor, business consultant and trainer in this
well researched guide to best-practices for today’s church leaders. In an easy to read
blend of scriptural wisdom and content from current leadership authors, Stark provides
many creative ideas for understanding and implementing effective, faith-filled
leadership within today’s complex church environments. The book highlights the central
organizational learning from experts such as Patrick Lencioni, Jim Collins, and others,
and then translates their message into language and practice relevant for church
leaders, staff and lay volunteers. This book would make a great study guide for church
staff teams.
Selected Brief Quotes
“ A big surprise to many church leaders, for example, is the reluctance of laypeople to take
hold of authority and responsibility after years of passively bowing down before it. they have
to be coached into this process, which often will involve patiently training them in vision-
casting, decision-making, and working effectively in leadership teams." (pg. 70)
“...trust is reinforced no primariy by vision but by a shared set of values. People agree to
follow along together, holding each other accountable along the way. ... Remember, an
organization does not create values, but discovers and clarifies values that are already
embedded in its people.” (pg. 74)