Ian Fair, Leadership in the Kingdom: Sensitive Strategies for the Church in a Changing World. Second Edition. ACU Press, 2008.
Referenced in:
- Plural-Elder Congregational Leadership
- Empowering Leadership
- Empowering Ministry Belief Systems and Structures
- Leader-Manager Continuum
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
This is a fine text representing the Plural-Elder Congregational model of church leadership. In this respect, Fair is similar to other authors such as Alexander Strauch, Gene Getz and Lynn Anderson. He provides a balance to Strauch’s emphasis on the structural authority of elders by distinguishing between office and function and warning against an over-dependence on the directive, positional authority. He differs from Gene Getz in not suggesting a primary leader or senior pastor. It is a great supplement to Anderson in suggesting practical ways to set up leadership systems that facilitate shepherding and empowering the flock.
Fair sets his suggestions in the context of contemporary leadership strategy, with emphasis on a participatory over against democratic and directive/autocratic philosophies. Writing primarily to Churches of Christ, he demonstrates how they have unwittingly reflected Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Baptist models, and calls the church to a more purely elder-led congregational system that fosters reciprocal ministry. He also helps elders understand the difference between efficiency and effectiveness, management and leadership, control and empowerment, absolute authority and functional authority, titles and functions, etc. He discusses participative decision-making, effective meetings, budget development, and fostering a team relationship between elders, deacons, and ministers. Two special sections discuss training elders and selecting elders through a participative reaffirmation process.
From the Publisher
Ian Fair examines the crucial demands of leadership in a time of deep and broad cultural change. He offers practical guidelines for congregational leaders trying to be sensitive to the needs of their flocks and faithful to the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. New to this edition is a chapter on how to develop leaders within a congregation.
About the Author
Dr. Ian Fair is a retired Bible professor who has taught courses in church leadership. He is in much demand as a speaker, seminar teacher and preacher.
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