Comprehensive material on Leadership everyone should read, whether you are in a position of leadership or not!!
Book Contents
Introduction
Reason for this book
God Given Confirmation
Need for Structure
"Stir up your pure minds..."
My Aim!
Chapter 1 Scriptural Structure
Leadership Example
Proper Order
Elements of a proper structure
Properly Placed
Chapter 2 The Leadership Role
The Team
Called to Leadership
Setting Leaders into Office
Launching Ministries
Hindrances to Ministry
Purposes for Ministry
Principles of Leadership (7)
Characteristics of a Leader (7)
Interactions of Leaders
Priorities and Relationships
In Conclusion
Chapter 3 The Pastor
Who is the Pastor?
Scriptural Support
Office of Pastor
Summary
Chapter 4 Other Leadership Ministries
Elders
Definition
Qualifications
Duties of Elders
A Work Honorable and Good
Deacons
Definition
Qualifications
Duties of Deacons
An Acquired Standing
Other Supportive Ministries
From the Five-fold Ministries
From the Supportive Gifts
Conclusion
Chapter 5 The Congregation
Placed by God
Characteristics of a Strong Congregation
Called to Minister
Pastor's Responsibility
The Result
Chapter 6 Governmental Structure
Explanation
To Write or Not to Write
Defining the Structure
Check the Internet
The Incorporation
Articles of Incorporation
By-Laws
Policy and Procedures Manual
Board of Directors and Officers
Agents
Advisory Council
Tax and IRS Status
Summary
Chapter 7 The Finished Work
Appendix A Articles of Incorporation
Appendix B Restated Articles of Incorporation
Appendix C Constitution and By-Laws
Appendix D Syllabus (Full teaching outline of each chapter.)
Book Preface
I argued with God, I really did. When it became obvious that He was directing me to write this material, I stood like Moses at the burning bush voicing reasons why I was not the one. He reminded me that I had been trained my entire ministry for what needed to be said, and that when the book was successful it would be because of Him. I realized that the burden had been placed, and it was not going away, so I asked for His anointing as I took up the pen. He honored that request, covering me as I worked on this book with the same anointing I felt when I preached.
Paul said in Eph. 4:1, "I beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called." My question is, "How can anyone do so if he is not equipped?" My greatest desire is for leaders to be equipped with tools that will give them everything necessary to be effective in their leadership roles. I want to pass on some of the practical experiences of leadership that I have had in my years of ministry, giving examples that would keep others from having to learn some lessons the way I had to…by "hard knocks." (These experiences are highlighted in the book by grayed in boxes.) I also hope to encourage lay persons to support and work with their leaders.
Through the years the church has been divided over many things. Leadership principles should not be one of them. I have attempted to present a scriptural view of this subject, taking care to not "denominationalize" it. In doing so, I will only define the pieces of church structure, leaving the utilization of these pieces to the leading of the Holy Spirit. An entire chapter will be spent discussing what it means to be a leader -- understanding the call, knowing the commitment, placing leaders into office, launching ministries, developing principles of leadership, recognizing the characteristics of a godly leader. Discussion will include things that can hinder our effectiveness, and explore topics that oftentimes might be skirted -- authority, submission, priorities and relationships. I will define the role of the pastor, look at the ministry of elders, deacons, and other leadership areas in the church. And I will not leave out the congregation, rather discuss their supporting role in seeing the vision of the ministry carried out. Lastly, I will define the "legal" or governmental structure of the corporation, supply some examples and suggestions for how it’s structure can be properly (and scripturally) implemented.
This book has been written with the support and backing of my pastor and church. The material has been thoroughly scrutinized by godly men. I wrote it with the words of the prophet Habakkuk ringing in my heart, "Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it". Now I submit it with this prayer on my lips, "God, anoint it to the reader’s heart as fervently as you did the writer."
About the Author
After listening to a message by Billy Graham, Dennis, at the age of 12, walked into his bedroom and invited Christ into his heart. It was not long before he knew that God had called him to minister and answered that call, preaching his first message at the age of 16. From that beginning he has been busy preaching, teaching, and working in other leadership ministries.
Contrary to expectations the Lord led him to attend a secular college instead of a seminary. His major in mathematics opened the door for a career working with two consecutive companies in his home town. First as a computer programmer/analyst and more recently as an applications development specialist, he has worked the last 13 years leading projects in a variety of areas. This project-lead capacity has taught him how to supervise and organize both people and project tasks to their maximum benefit, honing people skills that have been beneficial in his ministry as well.
His ministry has been as unusual as was his turn toward secular work, and as full-time. For God had prepared the way for him to be able to support himself financially and at the same time work in an associate position in a church that could not afford additional staff. There he worked side by side through the tenure of two pastors until he was led to move to a church in his home town in 1990, where since that time, Dennis has served as co-pastor and as associate pastor. His ministry in these churches allowed the senior pastors the ability to be away from the church as needed, and Dennis built a rapport with other pastors in the area that allowed him to fill their pulpits so they could do the same.
But there was more. For several years in the beginning of his ministry Dennis taught both youth and young adult classes. He served two years as the president of the area-wide youth rallies, organizing rallies in all of the participating churches. Because of his rapport with the local churches, he was solicited to fill the interims between pastors and to work with the leadership to bring in ministry to permanently fill that role. He has written and presented dramas, overseen praise and worship ministries, and helped direct youth ministries. He works side-by-side with his pastor in counseling as well as working with the leadership in all business decisions.
Dennis has filled the role of member, teacher, elder, associate pastor, interim pastor, and Board member. All of this experience has given him an unusual insight to the interactions of these offices within the church. The filling of interims has necessitated the understanding of the different church's offices, operations, and policies, as well as experienced him in working with the leadership and the Board of Directors of those churches. He has been placed in the position of interpreting the organization's documents as well as making changes, or even writing them.
One of the most enjoyable areas of Dennis' ministry has been the researching, developing, and teaching of different series from God's Word. Using the same analytical approach that has enabled him to finish the many projects he has supervised, he would compile the materials in such a way as to exhaust the topic, but present it in a fashion that all levels of audience could receive. One of those series, developed over many years and from a burden to see leadership undergirded, was the core for the material in this book.
Comments about the Book
It is a great honor and privilege to recommend this reference book of wisdom and knowledge to all, especially to those who are in leadership. I have had the unique pleasure of knowing and sharing with the author, Dennis Moses, many hours of personal fellowship. He and I have spent much time in discussing the merits and need for a book of this type. He has given long and exhaustive hours researching, compiling and writing this text.
I have found Dennis to be a very sincere and concerned individual, who deeply cares about the daily operation of churches. The information contained herein will guide you in developing both physical and spiritual leadership in the area of church administration. If you will adhere to the principles set forth, you will not fall into errors that have entangled part of the Body of Christ through lack of knowledge.
This book will be a great tool in laying a good foundation for the operation of a church, and also in correcting errors of administration in the elder-ship and the governing board of the church. Likewise, it will open the windows to God’s blessings for you through the knowledge contained within its covers when these principles are applied to the church/ministry.
Don Krider
Director, World Wide Ministries
Fresno, California
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Reading through the manuscript, it is clear that Dennis Moses has a clear understanding of Christian leadership. Not only does he write on the subject of leadership, but has also set the example of leadership in many areas within the local church. He’s not writing from theory only, but more from the practical standpoint.
Dr. John Bosman
International Speaker and Author
President and Founder of JWB Institute for Dynamic Church Leadership
Pastor, Glad Tidings Assembly of God
Lake Charles, Louisiana
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In the Church of Jesus Christ, perhaps no issue is as crucial as leadership and how each leader is to function in ministry. Dennis Moses has written a book that addresses the issue head-on from a biblical yet practical perspective.
It has been my privilege and pleasure to fellowship with Dennis on occasion. Each time I have been impressed with his sincere and humble attitude about spiritual things. His keen insights about leadership and church government, and his ability to pass on this knowledge is a blessing to the Body of Christ.
I feel certain that the chapters in this volume will do much in clarifying and informing the reader on how to escape some of the mistakes and pitfalls which have led to division in local churches and havoc in ministry.
David Cook
President
International Bible College
San Antonio, Texas
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Dennis has done an excellent job of dealing with the subject of leadership and church government from a solid Biblical standpoint. He has served Abundant Life Church as co-pastor and associate pastor faithfully for eight years. During this time he was interim pastor at a neighboring church for three months. While interim he helped the church locate and set in the present pastor. He also served this church, which was previously his home church, and another nearby church as interim before coming on staff with us. This book is the fruit of his ministry and result of multiple hours of research.
I have known Dennis for many years. Ministering to those in church leadership has been a burden of his heart for several years. The Lord has used him to give solid counsel in this area. He is an excellent minister of the Word. He has shown an ability to lead during difficult times.
Robert A. "Bob" Rutherford (my pastor)
Pastor, Abundant Life Church of DeRidder
DeRidder, Louisiana
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It has been my pleasure to witness the unfolding of these principles from a two-part series that Dennis shared in the church we previously pastored in Texas to its present form. This is a book that every leader and everyone who loves their leaders should heed to and study.
Dub Williams
Missionary Statesman
Christian Educator
Pastor, Marshall Assembly of God
Marshall, Minnesota
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Many times we hear people say, "I wish someone would write a book to help pastors of churches." Well, Dennis has done it. I especially appreciated the down–to–earth way he has blended theory with practical experience. I believe this material is written in a fashion that will be easily understood even by the most inexperienced administrator. Sometimes we get bogged down in what is "politically correct" and lose sight of "what works." Thank you Dennis for taking the time to do this work. My prayer is that many ministers needing such information as you have dealt with here will avail themselves of it. Take time to read the material offered here. Use what will help you. Never try to copy any material to the letter but mold it to you individual needs. I do not doubt that you will be benefited by this book.
Dr. Harold G. Eiland
Pastor, Christian Fellowship Church
Cutoff, Louisiana
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To everything there is something that is identified as the supporting framework. To the human body, the skeletal system is that supporting framework. Without it the body would be a useless pile of muscle and potential. The body of Christ is no different; it also requires a supporting framework. This book gives great light into God’s ordained framework for the local body. I would recommend its reading to anyone interested in developing a strong framework for their local body.
E. J. Dantin
Pastor, Leesville Full Gospel Church
Leesville, Louisiana
How to Order this book!
To order this book send $10.00 plus $2.00* shipping and handling (total of $12.00)** to:
Dennis D. Moses
532 Claude Kelly Road
DeRidder, Louisiana 70634
For more information Dennis can be reached at (337) 462-0285 or (337) 462-4097.
*Orders generally shipped via U.S. Postal Media rate and delivers in 4 to 5 days. Orders requested to be shipped other than Media rate may require more shipping. Orders mailed outside the United States will require more shipping.
**All funds must be payable in U.S. currency.