The Bookshelf
Leadership in the Wesleyan Spirit
by Lovett H. Weems, Jr.
(Abingdon, 1999)
True Wesleyan leadership involves walking the tight-rope between continuity and change. Weems contends that leadership in the Wesleyan spirit includes these practices: (1) multiple leadership, (2) leadership from the center and the edge of society, (3) holding together and in tension seemingly incompatible commitments, (4) seeking unity in diversity. The passions of a Wesleyan leader are to know God, proclaim Christ, and seek justice. This is a good book for a leadership team to read and discuss.
Behavioral Covenants in Congregations: A Handbook for Honoring Differences
by Gilbert R. Rendle
(Alban, 1999)
Working through disagreements and learning to respect our differences forms real community, the kind of true relationship we all seek with one another. Our Christian heritage offers disciplines and traditions to help us move through chaos and disruption, but our culture is increasingly known for incivility. Rendle reminds us of our heritage and helps us rediscover the discipline of covenant. This practical workbook gets to the heart of modern congregational life, showing us how to live together as a covenant community despite our differences.