Leaders Who Last: Sustaining Yourself and Your Ministry

by Margaret J. Marcuson

Book Overview

An introduction and guide to "sustainable ministry," which empowers pastors and church leaders to focus on their inner resources for proactive leadership.

Church leadership does not have to be a recipe for burnout. There is an easier way, one that is doable, effective, and sustainable. It is counterintuitive, so help is needed to get it right. In this book, Margaret Marcuson shares her experiences and guides church leaders to a more...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1596270950
• ISBN13: 9781596270954
• Release Date: March 2009
• Publisher: Seabury Books
• Length: 152 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

She Knows What She's Talking About

From Marcuson's first example (being stopped on her way to lead worship by a parishioner concerned about a broken toilet) to a final reframing, "We are in fact creating a triangle with God when we pray, allowing God to take on some of our anxiety for those we are praying for," she ably clarifies the major pitfalls of pastoral leaders and offers many practical solutions. Marcuson's mentors, Murray Bowen of family systems theory and Rabbi Edwin Friedman, provide her with ample effective ways to reframe congregational function and dysfunction. Her own experiences plus those from her extensive consulting career offer real illustrations. You will see yourself here! She counsels clergy accept responsibility for ourselves, and encourage, teach and model maturity so that congregants might grow in spiritual maturity themselves. Calling the popular model of good ministry simply "overfunctioning," she demonstrates how to step back from the fray and lead, after reflecting on ourself, our call, and the nature of the congregation. Such leaders, she asserts, last. This is a great book to read, consult, and share with peers as well as with vestry, board members, and lay leadership. Only when all of the parties are growing in self awareness and mutual respect, can healthy congregations grow healthier. Pastor Catherine Fransson, Seattle First Baptist Church.[...]

Ministry as Leadership / Leadership as Ministry

Margaret Marcuson has provided pastors with a practical, powerful guide to living out their ministry as leaders in such a way that their leadership itself becomes a ministry. In each chapter she highlights ways to think and act as a leader that result in greater health, clearer direction and deeper satisfaction in ministry. In "Taking Responsibility for Self" Marcuson illuminates the balancing act between over and under functioning while suggesting leaders challenge members as a way of leading. In my favorite chapter, "Know Your Purpose" Marcuson spells out leadership by self differentiation in practical, clear terms. This difficult concept comes to life in her examples, personal references and guidelines. Overall Marcuson has done a superb job of adding her voice to those who have demonstrated the usefulness of Bowen theory for the adventure of pastoral ministry.

Honest and Forthright

This is a really honest book for those in pastoral ministry. It is not fluffy or filled with tools and techniques, but is a realistic portrayal of the challenges in ministry and some of the ways to meet those challenges with authenticity and health. The chapter about money offers much wisdom for those of us working in congregations, thinking lofty theological thoughts about generosity and stewardship which don't seem to always work practically. It is also filled with wise thoughts from those working as pastors, who have found creative ways to fulfill their call to be faithful and faith-filled teachers and preachers of the gospel.

This Book is a Lifesaver (Your Own)

If you want to do ministry and still have a life - this book is for you. Also, if you care about your effectiveness and not wasting the time and energy you're spending, spend some time and energy getting this book and reading it. This is one of those rare times when you can read, reflect, and find yourself breathing easier. Margaret has a real gift for taking a life-sustaining "theory" of healthy practice and applying it to real ministry in congregations and organizations. You won't be wondering what this has to do with your actual situation - she's been there and makes the connections.

Healthy, Thriving Ministry

If church leaders had only one practical book to apply for creating and sustaining a healthy ministry, this is the one to read. I didn't want to put it down! Since I serve in a Judicatory capacity, I can see where Margaret Marcuson has addressed the real issues. The chapters include: Know Your Church's Story; Know Your Own Story; Know Your Purpose; Understand Money; Lead and Do Not Panic; Stay Connected. If you serve in a church leadership role, I would highly recommend that you put this book on the top of your reading list. Rev. Susan EngPoole Unity of Louisville Church Louisville, KY [...]