The Business of the Church: The Uncomfortable Truth that Faithful Ministry Requires Effective Management

by Jr. John W. Wimberly

Publisher:

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

, 2010

Pastors are called to be not only leaders with vision, but also managers of congregational systems, says John Wimberly in The Business of the Church. Drawing on his thirty-six years in ordained ministry, Wimberly weaves the realities of congregational dynamics and faith-centered purpose together with practical, proven approaches to business management. A student and friend of Rabbi Edwin Friedman, Wimberly builds on Friedman's systems theory as he helps readers avoid common pitfalls and put into practice effective techniques of congregational management. The book begins with a foundational discussion of how a systems approach helps congregational managers identify areas of dysfunction and effective solutions. Managing the critical 'inputs' of people, facilities, and finances has a direct bearing on the desired 'outputs' of proclamation, pastoral care, and mission. A strategic plan, through which a congregation sets its goals and identifies and prioritizes resources, is an essential management tool for both pastors and lay leaders. The author's conversational writing style and many real-life examples make a seemingly complicated, mysterious topic for some an engaging and easily applicable read.

Praise for The Business of the Church

Where was this book thirty years ago when I graduated from seminary? Wimberly does a masterful job of analyzing the intriguing system that is the church. Even better, he dishes up a feast of practical strategies that promote congregational vitality and effectiveness. As I read, I found myself laughing, nodding, and learning, often at the same time.

John Wimberly reminds us pastors that God is in the details of management, and that if the organization is to survive and thrive we cannot neglect tending to the day to day and season to season management of ministry. His weaving of systems theory into his practice of management is especially helpful and provides significant linkage to the more pastoral side of our working with the same folks who are together with us running the organizational side of the church.

If you have questioned whether the words business and church should be in the same paragraph, then you must read this book. Wimberly does a masterful job connecting essential business functions to ministry. Starting from an acknowledgment of the systemic nature of church, to the day to day management of staff and money, he guides the reader to deeper understanding of roles and function.

This is where we as clergy fail again and again. We don't handle finance and administration in a professional way; we don't even know what is appropriate and what isn't. John Wimberly has put together all of the essentials about how to manage the business side of the church's life for those who prefer not to learn the hard way.

Product Details

• Title : The Business of the Church: The Uncomfortable Truth that Faithful Ministry Requires Effective Management
• Author: Wimberly,, John W., Jr.
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Publication Date: 2010
• ISBN: 9781566996495

About John W. Wimberly, Jr.

John W. Wimberly, Jr., with four decades of experience as a parish pastor, has a unique combination of congregational ministry experience as well as theological and business skills. He has earned an MDiv, Ph.D in systematic theology and MBA. During his thirty year ministry at Western Presbyterian Church, the congregation changed from a tiny group of retired folks to a program size church in which 2/3 of the members were under the age of 45. He also led negotiations for the congregation on a deal with the International Monetary Fund worth more than $20 million and managed the construction of a new church facility in downtown D.C. His areas of expertise include church growth, strategic planning, financial planning and alignment issues. You can visit his blog at http://managingministry.com/.