Tim Kurth
What happens when the people entrusted to lead a church become its greatest obstacle?
Church governance is broken-and author Tim Kurth has spent decades living with the consequences. In Principles for Good Order, Kurth introduces a transformative model built on the foundation of John Carver's ten pricinciples carefully adapted for Lutheran congregations, schools, and ministry organizations. Drawing on deep theological conviction and hard-won practical experience, he makes a compelling case that good order isn't merely an organizational nicety-it's a Gospel imperative.
Learn why board dysfunction, personal agendas, and organizational chaos persist-and how a model based on ten unshakeable principles from John Carver can restore purpose and peace. Kurth shares practical wisdom shaped by real-world situations, moving beyond one-size-fits-all bylaws to equip both seasoned and new lay leaders for the work ahead.
When boards function as they should, pastors flourish. When pastors flourish, congregations thrive. When congregations thrive, the Great Commission advances.
This book is available through Amazon or Concordia Publishing House.
David A.H. Brown
Dr. Debra L. Brown
This is not just a book "about governance", it tells you how to "do governance".
the authors deliver:
-
Proven Governance Solutions: It is a single source--the ultimate guide--for solving your governance problems.
-
Access: It includes almost 70 governance concepts and tools that are unique only to this book.
-
Competence and Confidence: It covers the broad spectrum of governance issues from governance structure and process, through boardroom leadership, culture and behaviour.
-
Answers! It tells you not only what works, but as importantly what does not work in governance.
This is the ultimate guide for board members and executives regardless of sector-private, public and not-for-profit. Whatever the jurisdiction in the world, this guide remains a highly relevant resource. Designed to build both competence and confidence, its principle-based approach allows any reader interested in governance to benefit from its solutions and tools.
This book is available through Amazon.
Kurt Senske
"As CEOs and board members, we lead in an environment that is experiencing an axcelerated rate of change. The world in which we operate is increasingly uncertain, complex, and competitive.
This book provides a road map that will allow CEOs and their boards to openly examine and adapt their governance model to be designed to drive organizational missional success. Organizations who embark down this path will be at a competitive advantage vis-a-vis their peers who do not. This is the art of governance."
This book is available from Concordia Publishing House.
"This book is written for CEO's and board members who seek to improve the way they govern their nonprofit organizations." (from the Preface to the book)
The book addresses three aspects of "good governance" - gaining commitment to the concept, developing the board policy manual, and integrating the board policy manual into the governing process.
The book contains sample board policies, ways to confront roadblocks, case histories, and a board policy manual template.
Structure Your Church for Mission provides an accessible look into the profound impact of organizational structure as it relates to congregational life. It is practical and clear while being based on sound theory and years of real life experience.
Structure Your Church for Mission is crisply illustrated with graphic elements, charts and tables to help readers of various learning styles grasp the concepts integral to the Cornerstone Model of Aligned Governance and Operations.
James C. Galvin
"This book changes the conversation on governance and clarifies the confusion by organizing all boards into just three types: managing, governing, and navigating. You will learn to determine precisely which type your board is, identify pitfalls, and confidently lead the way to increasing your board's net contribution to the organization it serves. The author is highly experienced as a board consultant and provides practical, common sense strategies that work. He addresses typical board dysfunctions and shares best practices that any board can put into practice immediately to maximize their effectiveness - now and in the future.
This book is available through Amazon.
Miriam Carver
&
Bill Charney
The Board Member's Playbook offers real-world scenarios that address the challenges that confront boards of all types of organizations. Step by step, the authors walk readers through a proven problem-solving sequence that allows them to find solutions consistent with the values and policies of their organization.
By completing the rehearsal exercises, participants will sharpen their problem-solving skills and become more responsible board members. The exercises will help readers learn to better conduct regular busiuness, make major decisions, set policy, deal with crisis, and act as responsible stewards of the organization they serve.
In contrast to conventional advice that unwittingly urges board members to think and govern like managers, the authors' new approach invites boards to think and govern like leaders.
Governance as Leadership describes three modes of govenance - fiduciary, strategic, and generative - that togther enable effective trusteeship.
David J. Peter
"Every congregation needs to determine hoiw it will organize to best proclaim the Gospel, administer the Sacraments, and care for its members. While organizational details are never the main thing, if the mission and ministry of the Church is to advance, leaders need to give attention to organizational matters.
David J. Peter nprovides a resource to advance fruitful mission and ministry by improving the organizational design and administrative practices of congregations. He presents three dominant models for organizing churches and identifies the advantages and disadvantages of each."
This book is available from Concordia Publishing House.