Minneapolis (May 14, 2007) – While leadership books abound, practical advice on administering and nurturing a congregation or other church-related institution—its programs, finances, staff, and assets—is rare. Church Administration: Programs, Process, Purpose, a new comprehensive guide, from two experienced and thoughtful churchmen, treats each aspect of congregational governance not as a bad imitation of business techniques but as a sacred calling with overriding religious mission.

Church Administration, written by Robert Bacher and Michael Cooper-White, lays a biblical and theological foundation for leading congregations and church-related organizations, and it offers a wealth of practical information and examples of “best practices” in key areas.

Topics include governance and working with boards and committees, planning, personnel supervision, office management, budget development and financial administration, teamwork and networking, as well as strategies for good communication (including amidst crises), dealing with conflict, and steering a faith community through the increasing legal complexities that impinge upon any religious entity. The coauthors bring to bear their combined experience of over a half-century in various administrative callings, as well as insights gained in consulting with hundreds of congregations and church organizations.

Written for an ecumenical readership and informed by current insights into program development, and a dose of humor, Church Administration takes account of today’s complex institutional, cultural, and legal realities. It also provides tools for self-assessment and concrete advice on what to do in the unlikely event that things go wrong.

The book itself, suitable as a textbook, reference work, and hands-on guide, is supplemented by a helpful Web site, www.churchadm.com with further administrative tools.

Church Administration: Programs, Process, Purpose
By Robert Bacher and Michael Cooper-White
Item Number: 978-0-8006-3742-2
Price: $25.00 / CAN $30.00 / UK £14.99
Specs: 6” x 9”, hardcover with jacket, 240 pages

Visit the comprehensive Web site at churchadm.com!