From the pragmatic to the mystical, the following books represent a broad spectrum of resources focusing on vision, goal setting, and finding spiritual direction.
Allen, Daniel J. and Daniel L. Mead. Ministry by Objectives. Wheaton, Ill.: Evangelical Teacher Training Association, 1978. An approach to setting ministry goals that emphasizes objectives and strategies.
Anderson, James D. and Ezra E. Jones. The Management of Ministry. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1978. An attempt to balance the spiritual and administrative aspects of ministry.
Armerding, Hudson T. Leadership. Wheaton: Tyndale, 1978. Excellent for inspiring a vision for leadership, especially the chapters on faith, handling success, and consistent growth.
Bloesch, Donald. The Reform of the Church. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 1970. Discusses the functions of the church needed to enhance growth and renew vision.
Borst, Diane G. and Patrick J. Montana, eds. Managing Non-Profit Organizations. New York: American Management, 1977. Compiled articles. The best are “MBO in Church Organizations” and “The Future: Its Challenge and Promise.”
Campolo, Anthony. The Success Fantasy. Wheaton: Victor, 1980. Helpful in considering our visions in light of the success orientation of Western culture.
Costas, Orlando. The Church and Its Mission. Wheaton: Tyndale, 1975. A critique from a Third-World perspective.
Dayton, Edward R. and Ted W. Engstrom. Strategy for Living. Ventura, CA.: Regal, 1976. Ways to make best use of your personal time and abilities.
Elliot, Elisabeth. A Slow and Certain Light. Waco, Tex.: Word, 1976. Meditative reading on the practical and mysterious ways God guides our lives and decisions.
Engstrom, Ted W. and Edward R. Dayton. The Art of Management for Christian Leaders. Waco: Word, 1976. Helpful for personal goal setting as well as helping others set goals.
Engstrom, Ted W. and Edward R. Dayton. Strategy for Leadership. Old Tappan, N.J.: Revell, 1979. Good sections on planning.
Friesen, Garry and J. Robin Maxson. Decision Making and the Will of God. Portland: Multnomah, 1981. How to bridge the gap between spiritual guidance and practical living.
Hauck, Gary. Is My Church What God Meant It to Be? Denver: Accent, 1979. A useful tool in evaluating church vision and standards of measuring success.
Hendrix, Olan. Management for the Christian Worker. Libertyville, Ill.: Quill, 1976. Good overall aid to effective goals.
Hoke, Donald E., ed. Evangelicals Face the Future. Pasadena, Calif.: William Carey Library, 1978. Overviews of future evangelical concerns that should affect church planning.
Hughes, Charles L. Goal Setting. New York: American Management, 1965. The classic on individual and organizational effectiveness.
… Kempis, Thomas. The Imitation of Christ. Nashville: Nelson, 1981. A spiritual classic, helpful in keeping priorities in line with God’s desires.
LeTourneau, Richard. Management Plus. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1976. Defines the spiritual qualities needed to effectively guide others.
Lovelace, Richard. Dynamics of Spiritual Life. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity, 1979. A refreshing and inspirational resource regarding spiritual direction.
MacDonald, Gordon. The Order of Our Private Worlds. Chicago: Moody, to be published in 1984. Integrates spiritual direction and vision with the pragmatic details of personal management.
Mallone, George. Furnace of Renewal. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1981. A challenge to the contemporary church from Malachi’s prophecy.
Perry, Lloyd. Getting the Church on Target. Chicago: Moody, 1977. Excellent guide in refining organizational objectives and priorities.
Perry, Lloyd and Norman Shawchuck. Revitalizing the Twentieth-Century Church. Chicago: Moody, 1982. Practical guide to renewal with emphasis on planning to make visions come true.
Raines, Robert. Success Is a Moving Target. Waco: Word, 1975. Biblical perspectives on success.
Richards, Lawrence O. and Gib Martin. A Theology of Personal Ministry. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981. Fine resource for leaders, including a chapter on “Communicating Vision.”
Schaller, Lyle. Activating the Passive Church. Nashville: Abingdon, 1981. How to stimulate spiritual renewal.
Sine, Tom. The Mustard Seed Conspiracy. Waco. Word, 1981. A futurologist’s view of what the church must do.
Snyder, Howard. Liberating the Church. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1983. Emphasizes the kingdom of God as the church’s primary goal.
Werning, Waldo J. Vision and Strategy for Church Growth. Chicago: Moody, 1977. The need for faith and vision is balanced with proper planning.
Westerhoff, John H. Inner Growth; Outer Change. New York: Seabury, 1979. Emphasizes prayer, spiritual vision, and God’s Word as the foundation for outreach and ministry.
Young, Robert. Religious Imagination. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1979. On the prophetic role of the pastor.
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