Seven Practices of Effective Ministry (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

There’s no scoreboard in the sanctuary, and the only plate is probably for the offering. But every church leader needs to know how to win, and every congregation needs to know when to cheer. This insightful book speaks to every church leader who yearns for a simpler, more effective approach to ministry. An engaging parable about one overwhelmed pastor is followed by an overview of seven successful team practices, each one developed and applied in a ministry setting. Reinforced by relevant discussion questions, these clear, easy, and strategic practices can turn any ministry into a winning team.

Your ministry is perfectly designed to produce the results you are currently experiencing. If you are satisfied with those results, you don’t need this book. If not, it’s time for a change.

Like your own personal trainer, 7 Practices of Effective Ministry is an insightful guide for any leader who yearns for a simpler, more effective approach to ministry. Here are seven strategic principles that when put into play will bring focus and clarity to everything you do and turn your ministry into a winning team.

“For many years, I practiced and taught church growth. What I have witnessed as a member at North Point takes church growth to a whole new level. Andy and his team communicate principles that will add value to you and the church you love.”

John C. Maxwell, founder, The INJOY Group

“Every professional athlete recognizes the value of solid coaching. The best are always working to get better. From what I’ve seen at North Point, these seven practices can improve the game of any church in America.”

John Smoltz, Cy Young Award-winning pitcher

“The practices covered in this book are down-to-earth, practical, and come from real difference-makers who know what church leadership is all about. Andy, Reggie, and Lane have definitely hit the ball out of the park with the 7 Practices of Effective Ministry.”

Ed Young, Jr., senior pastor, Fellowship Church

Story Behind the Book

Looking for ways to help pastors faced with hectic lives and depleted resources, Andy Stanley, Reggie Joiner, and Lane Jones decided to write a parable about the complicated life of a local pastor. Rather than come straight at those in ministry with formulas and lists, they engage readers in an effort to have them identify with the character.

About the Author

Andy Stanley

Andy Stanley is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and the founding pastor of North Point Community Church in Atlanta , Georgia , with a youthful congregation of more than 12,000. Andy is the author of the 1998 Foreword Book of the Year finalist Visioneering, the bestsellers Like a Rock and The Next Generation Leader, and the recent How Good Is Good Enough. Andy and his wife, Sandra, have two sons and a daughter.

Lane Jones

Lane Jones is a native of Atlanta , Georgia , where he lives with his wife, Traci, and their three children, Jared, Caitlin, and Madison. He is on staff at North Point Community Church , where he loves to write and participate in the creative process. Lane holds degrees from Georgia State University and Dallas Theological Seminary.

Reggie Joiner

Reggie Joiner is the executive director of Family Ministries at North Point Community Church . He leads the staff responsible for children, student, and married adult ministries. He is also creator of FamilyWise, a nonprofit ministry aimed at helping churches and families teach kids character and faith. Reggie lives with his wife, Debbie, and his four teenagers—Reggie Paul, Hannah, Sarah, and Rebekah—in Cumming , Georgia .

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah Books (August 18, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590523733
• ISBN-13: 978-1590523735
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #18,334 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Every Leader!, March 13, 2005

By	Gerald Khoo (Singapore) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book has been a highlight in my reading this year! It has challenged me to look deeper into what needs to be done in ministry. The 7 Practices are (1) Clarify the Win, (2) Think Steps, Not Programs, (3) Narrow the Focus, (4) Teach Less for More, (5) Listen to Outsiders, (6) Replace Yourself, and (7) Work On It.

The book begins with a parable, much like that from authors Spencer Johnson or Ken Blanchard, where the 7 practices are being explained in a story about a pastor with a situation in church where he needs help in. The story begins with the pastor thinking whether he should go for a board meeting (which he was dreading to go), or to go for possibly the most important baseball game that season. In order not for me to spoil your reading, I would not go further but to say that the story will wet your appetite for more.

The book continues to explain each practice not only with clarity, but ending each chapter with a list of questions. It is often that we jump from problem to answers not realizing our answer to the problem may not really be moving us forward. Hence, to have the right answers, we need to first ask the right questions, and this book provides hard questions for us to evaluate where we are. The book can be assumed as a coach for any person in ministry, asking the right and tough questions, and the answers that you come up for those questions would be the process to go toward. This is because every ministry is different, but the questions the same, and your own answers to the questions would suit that context of ministry you are in.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Brief Disclaimer, June 7, 2006

By	R. Kirkham "jrkirkham" (Rushville, Illinois USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Page 67 has contains a brief disclaimer that begins with the following sentence: "The principles and practices described in this book are not and cannot be a substitute for God's blessing or power." I love that disclaimer.

Church growth architects tend to love books like this. Theologians and contemplatives hate them. Don't allow yourself to be sucked in by either side. Quality pastoral ministry has at least four dimensions: pragmatic, Spirit empowered, personal, and public. This book focuses on the pragmatic. In doing so it found its nitch.

Written in story style, which is designed to appeal to post moderns, this book offers 7 principles, which if followed, will most likely enhance any pastor's ministry potential. Pastors, you owe it to yourselves and your congregations to keep as up to date as possible on all facets of ministry. Get this book. It is worth its price.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy and Helpful Read, April 24, 2007

By	DarrenGJohnson "DarrenGJohnson" (Georgia, USA) - See all my reviews

I have been a pastor for the last seven months at the time of writing this review. I found it to be extremely helpful for me. This is the kind of book that will influence how you see and do things for the rest of your leadership life. The book uses baseball to illustrate ministry and the writers make it interesting. The very first point is "clarify the win." This point is often missed by churches. I often hear "we need revival" and then I have wondered, "what would revival actually look like and how would we know we were in it if it was going on?" If you do not know what it means to win then you will not know what or when you need to be celebrating. All seven points are rich and important. I recommend this book to pastors and leaders that may be at the point of frustration and need something to jumpstart their ministry again.