Customer Reviews

Leadership Handbook of Management and Administration

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This book is one of a series of three works edited by James D. Berkley. Various church leaders give their input on a vast array of topics related to church management and administration. Had I known a reference work of this scope was available, I would have purchased it when initially published.

This work is divided into seven parts: personal management, transitions, leadership, paid-staff supervision, volunteer-staff supervision, management, and finances. Contributing authors include: Leith Anderson, Peter Drucker, Jack Hayford, Aubrey Malphurs, Joseph Stowell, and Chuck Swindoll. Each part of this volume is filled with words of wisdom from men and women who excel in their fields.

I highly recommend this book, and the two other volumes in the series, for all experienced and inexperienced church staff members. There is something here for everyone that will help in working with the various nuts and bolts of ministry. I know of no other title that compares to scope and excellence found here.

I purchased this book for academic reasons. But, not that I've finished my studies, I can assure you that this one will stay within easy reach in my office library. A collection of dozens of topic specific essays, each supported by several more articles on the topic, this book is one that I believe I will be referencing throughout my ministry career. A special surprise for me was finding writings from ministry leaders whom I know personally and whose expertise in leadership I have seen demonstrated first hand. This is not a book of management theory, but instead a book of knowledge based on the practical first-hand experience of the writers. It is a must read for all pastors and ministry leaders.

I found this book exceedingly easy to read and full of information. My only concern is that some of the information is dated. The book attempts to cover things like tax laws and computers -- these things change so quickly, it's not surprising that the information seems a bit outdated. I do feel there is excellent information in this book regarding choosing the ministry as a career, and what that means. There are just certain chapters I would skip. If I became a senior pastor somewhere and needed to know the latest tax laws, I would call an accountant before I trusted ANY book. Likewise, if I needed to buy a computer at any point, in any capacity, I might turn to a magazine, but never to a book printed several years earlier.

Not only did I receive this book in a timley manner it also was in great condition. Thank you so much!