Resource Pack #8

How do I receive a Resource Pack?

We are offering this resource pack to Vanguard members at a cost of $42.00 plus shipping. To order, please call (800) 630-2838. You may charge your purchase to Visa or Master Card or make payment with a personal/business check.

In this Resource Pack, the contents are designed to encourage, inspire, and catalyze you and your leadership team.

1. “A Fish Out of Water” by George Barna

Sometimes the better books never receive the recognition they deserve; I happen to think this is one of Barna’s better books. While it is a few years old the principles are every bit as applicable today. Every leader–whether of a church, business, sports team, or community service group–will inevitably face certain challenges. When we encounter these challenges, we sometimes feel like fish out of water and wonder whether we’ll ever have what it takes to be successful leaders.

In this book, George Barna outlines practical strategies for how you can overcome these struggles to become the effective leader God intends for you to be. Drawing from decades of extensive research, Barna reveals how you can anticipate and navigate through nine challenges that confront most leaders, including these:

• “How do I get people excited about God’s vision for our group?”

• “What is my leadership style, and how can I best work with others?”

• “If I’m supposed to be the leader, why isn’t anyone following me?”

• “Should I ever use conflict to resolve critical issues?”

• “How do I nurture my relationship with God?”

A Fish Out of Water is a valuable tool for any leader who desires to maximize his or her leadership abilities and to raise the water level for God’s people.

2. “Beyond the Box; Innovative Churches that Work” by Dave Travis and Bill Easum

I have been blessed to know Dave Travis, Senior VP for Leadership Network, for several years. He and Bill Easum combined their foresight and church wisdom in this book about some of the more non-traditional models and methods being used by churches in North America. It includes an overview of team-driven churches, multi-site churches (even mentions New Life), innovative church plants, and a look at developing an equipping culture. This book is informative and practical, written about churches that are really making it work.

3. Developing a Kingdom Perspective (Audio Tape) by Dr. Ray Baake

At Leadership Network’s recent Camp Improv, I was really rocked by this message from Ray Baake. It, in many ways, is a “state of the kingdom” address. I think you will agree it has real world implications for all of us.

For those of you not familiar with him, Ray is the Chair of the Board of Regents, and Professor of Urban/Global Leadership at Northwest Graduate School. Dr. Bakke is the founder of International Urban Associates. IUA animates a network of more than 100 urban-based church and mission leaders in many of the largest cities of the world. Through resourcing, networking and mentoring Dr. Bakke’s ministry touches countless people every year.

4. “From Impulse to Purpose: The Key to Success ” (2-Audio Tapes) by B. Courtney McBath , Calvary Revival Church

At the recent Leadership Convention for Calvary Alliance of Churches, I was so blessed by these two keynote messages I wanted you to get it firsthand. Pastor McBath is a close friend of our network’s and communicates a clear and balanced word to all spiritual leaders.