A newsletter from the editors of Leadership Journal
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
The 2008 presidential campaign has developed into one of the most contentious and historic elections in recent memory. Adding to the drama has been the reoccurring focus on religion. Whether it's a former pastor turned politician or a politician's former pastor, the subject has been front and center in the media for months. How should we respond?
In anticipation of our summer issue on God and government (due out in July), we've invited John Ortberg to share his insights about how church leaders ought to engage the political sphere. He recalls the homespun wisdom that one should not talk about religion or politics in polite company. But what about religion and politics? It's a seemingly lethal combination for a pastor, but Ortberg thinks politics is an important aspect of human activity—one God is very interested in.
Still, there's a real danger when Christians put too much stock in politics. As he says, "The human race needs an administration of another kind." Begin reading John Ortberg's full article below and then share your thoughts at our blog, Out of Ur.
Also at LeadershipJournal.net:
- Does a church really need a senior pastor? After a bad experience with personality-based, top-down leadership, The Next Level Church in Denver has decided a team of equals is a better approach.
- Angie Ward reviews the latest leadership books from Tim Keel and Andy Stanley. Their two very different approaches come down to which half of your brain you lead with.
- Pastors are aware that popular movies and books can impact their congregations, but what about video games? Move over Narnia and Harry Potter, the Grand Theft Auto IV game is predicted to be the highest grossing media release of the year. Our of Ur is buzzing about what the church should say about this wildly popular, and morally bankrupt, game.
 Blessings,
Skye Jethani
Leadership managing editor
Newsletter@LeadershipJournal.net
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 Leader's Insight: Talking Religion and Politics Without Getting Co-opted
by John Ortberg
Anybody but me notice that this is an election year? I have loved politics since I was a kid; one of my first and favorite books was a little Cold War classic called Being an American Can Be Fun.
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How politically vocal will your church be leading up to the presidential election in November?- We don't say a word about politics—ever.
- We will pray about the election as it draws near.
- The election will be mentioned in sermons occasionally.
- Entire sermons will be preached related to the election.
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.
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 MINISTRY STAFF
Next & Level
After a bad experience with personality-based, top-down leadership, a whole new approach was needed at what is truly The Next Level Church.
a Leadership Interview
The Next Level Church in Denver began as the Gen-X brand of Applewood Baptist Church in 1993. It eventually became independent, and was known for a high-energy Tuesday night worship event drawing thousands from the Denver metro area.
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 Which Half-Brain Do You Lead With?
Reviewed by Angie Ward
There are two very different approaches to church leadership today. One is practical, focused on measurable outcomes, and concrete. Call it "left-brained." The other is intuitive, focused on process, and organic. Call it "right-brained." From these two mindsets have emerged two effective, respected church leaders with two new books. Andy Stanley is founding pastor of North Point, a megachurch near Atlanta. Tim Keel is founding pastor of Jacob's Well, an emerging church in Kansas City.
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 Finish the Course
During his time as the U.S. division director of Wycliffe Bible Translators, Bernie May used to write a column in the ministry's newsletter. He once wrote about Ken and Neve Shoemaker of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, faithful supporters who were in their 80s at the time.
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Leadership Weekly
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Copyright © Tuesday, May 6, 2008 ChristianityToday.com, Christianity Today International
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What Movement Are You Watching?
Of the many streams of influence in the church leadership today, which one is of most interest to you right now?
- Missional life and ministry: 33%
- Church-wide focus on spiritual formation: 27%
- Reawakened Reformed theology: 12%
- Apostolic leadership among churches: 8%
- The growth of liturgical worship: 8%
- "Reveal"ing shifts in seeker-sensitive churches: 6%
- Multiplication of multi-site churches: 5%
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 Jesus on Leadership
C. Gene Wilkes discusses every aspect of an honorable
servant leader—from humbling your heart to building a
winning team. Foreword by Calvin Miller.
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 Biblical Eldership
Alexander Strauch thoroughly explores the Biblical model
for eldership and explains how a renewed focus on eldership is an essential component of a revitalized church.
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