The Politics of Ministry - by Bob Burns & Tasha D Chapman & Donald C Guthrie (Paperback)

About the Book

At its most basic level, politics is simply the everyday activity of getting things done with other people. Filled with real-life stories, this book from Bob Burns, Tasha Chapman, and Donald Guthrie combines their long ministry experience with sociological research, setting out wise principles and practices that help us see more clearly the political dynamics at play in our churches and parachurch ministries.

Book Synopsis

We all need help navigating the politics of ministry. "Politics" is often considered a dirty word. It brings to mind lies and manipulation, accusations and scandals. But at its most basic level, politics is simply the everyday activity of getting things done with other people: understanding their interests, recognizing the power dynamics at play, and learning how to negotiate relationships and institutions to achieve a common goal. These realities are as true in ministry settings as anywhere else. In The Politics of Ministry, Bob Burns, Tasha Chapman, and Donald Guthrie combine their long ministry experience with sociological research on the topic. Filled with real-life stories taken from a variety of ministry settings, this book sets out wise principles and practices that help us see more clearly the political dynamics at play in our churches and parachurch ministries. All ministry is political. As servants of Christ's kingdom, we are called to navigate the politics of ministry with grace, wisdom, and charity. This book shows us how the gospel of Jesus changes the way we work with those around us toward our common goal.

Review Quotes

"The Politics of Ministry is an excellent and one-of-a-kind toolkit for anyone involved in Christian ministry around the world and committed to redeeming the messiness in ministry. As scholar-practitioners, Bob Burns, Tasha Chapman, and Donald Guthrie, with real-life examples and thought-provoking questions, facilitate how to navigate different power dynamics and how to negotiate interests."--Ebenezer G. P. Perinbaraj and Esther T. Rajamani, founders and coexecutive directors of Rabah Network, Chennai, India

"Politics? Ministry? The two words on the surface appear incongruous, even disconcerting. Yet more often than we may know, the derail-er of a pastor or ministry leader is not their own moral failing or lack of competence, but rather the invisible yet powerful systems at work in the context they have entered. These systems are emotional and relational in nature, and unless the leader has been equipped to look for them and engage them appropriately, they may never be effective in their role regardless of intelligence or theological prowess. The resources and tools provided in this important book will help a ministry leader (or any leader) navigate contextual waters that may seem calm on the surface but often have a powerful undertow. An integration of systems thinking, interpersonal relational health, and complexity science, The Politics of Ministry is a practical handbook for any ministry leader seeking to build dynamic, healthy organizational cultures and not lose their own sanity in the process."--Lisa Pratt Slayton, CEO, Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation

"The most perilous leadership land mines are often political ones. Those called to lead the church quickly learn they must not only read the Bible well, they must also read the room well. Utilizing a scholarly bent with practitioner flair, a persuasive case is made that the longevity and fruitfulness of Christian leadership is in good part due to a growing competency in navigating the inevitable political realities any faith community presents. For all who are called to the enterprise of church leadership, The Politics of Ministry is an invaluable guide down the path of greater effectiveness and influence. I highly recommend it."--Tom Nelson, senior pastor of Christ Community Church in Kansas City, president of Made to Flourish, author of The Economics of Neighborly Love

About the Author

Tasha D. Chapman (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is associate dean of lifelong learning and adjunct professor of educational ministries at Covenant Seminary. She is coauthor of Resilient Ministry with Bob Burns and Donald C. Guthrie.

Bob Burns (PhD, University of Georgia) is the pastor of spiritual formation at Church of the Good Shepherd in Durham, North Carolina. He was previously dean of lifelong learning and associate professor of education ministries at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis. He is ordained in the Presbyterian Church in America. He is coauthor of Resilient Ministry with Tasha D. Chapman and Donald C. Guthrie.

Donald C. Guthrie (PhD, University of Georgia) is professor of educational ministries at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. Guthrie has a broad range of past experience serving the university sphere over the years as campus minister, vice president for academics, and director of several university programs and conferences. He is coauthor of Resilient Ministry with Bob Burns and Tasha D. Chapman.

Steven Garber is professor of marketplace theology and leadership at Regent College, Vancouver, and the principal of The Washington Institute for Faith, Vocation and Culture. A consultant to foundations, corporations, and schools, he is a teacher of many people in many places. His books include Visions of Vocation and The Fabric of Faithfulness.