THE GIFT:
How your leadership can serve your church
By Chris Green
IVP. 153 pages. £14.99
ISBN 978 1 789 743 531
Please, not another book on leadership! Most pastors’ bookshelves are already heaving under the weight of books on leadership.
Why do we need another one?
Perhaps because recent experience has taught us that leadership in our current cultural context is a fraught issue. And the wellbeing of Christ’s church and the integrity of its witness is at stake as a result.
Who is Chris Green? Currently, the vicar of St James Church, Muswell Hill and previously Vice Principal at Oak Hill College.
The need and the gift
In Part 1, he addresses the question ‘Who Needs Leaders?’ If we’re to avoid tyranny on the one hand and anarchy on the other, we all do. In Part 2, Green explores the gift of leadership. He describes how pastors and elders need to bring together two gifts – the ability to lead and the ability to teach. Christ’s church is blessed by those who serve out of the overlap.
So, why the headline for this review – ‘Leadership Italian-style’? It relates to Green’s apparent obsession with pizza – and olives! You’ll have to read the book to savour the flavour.
Things we need to relearn
The Gift doesn’t say anything new. But it does say well some things we need to read, mark and learn all over again. With wisdom and experience drawn from both academia and local church ministry, Green is a surefooted guide. He writes with clarity and engaging humility. I particularly appreciated the way he roots the whole book in Scripture, although he is quick to acknowledge his debt to secular thinkers. The only truth out there is God’s truth, after all. Each chapter ends with a helpful summary and the now obligatory ‘process’ questions.
Who should read The Gift? Despite the subtitle, Green often seems to assume that his readers will be in full-time paid ministry. In fact, the book is applicable to every ministry leader – and prospective leader. As is often the case, it’s probably best read and processed in a group setting. Another project for the next elders’ retreat?
Postscript: which big names endorse The Gift? None. Not even one. Thank you, Chris. Your book is a gift that speaks for itself !
