Church management books are books that provide guidance and insights on managing and administering the resources, activities, and operations of a church. These books offer practical advice and best practices on a range of topics, including financial management, personnel management, facilities management, leadership, strategic planning, and more. They are intended to help church leaders and administrators effectively manage their organizations and support the growth and success of their churches.
There are several ways to learn about church management, like through formal education, workshops and conferences, job experience, and through reading books, articles, and case studies related to church management. They can provide a deeper understanding of the subject. Keeping up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field can also be helpful.
When evaluating church management books, it can be helpful to consider the following factors:
- Relevance: Ensure that the book addresses topics that are relevant to your church and its needs.
- Author credentials: Consider the author’s experience, background, and expertise in church management and related fields.
- Evidence-based approach: Look for books that are based on research and data, and provide practical and actionable advice.
- Case studies and examples: Books that provide case studies and examples of church management practices in action can be more engaging and easier to understand.
- User-friendly format: Consider the organization, layout, and style of the book to ensure that it is easy to read and understand.
- Compatibility with your beliefs and values: Look for books that align with your personal and organizational beliefs and values.
These books provide a wide range of perspectives on church management and can offer practical advice and guidance on various aspects of the field, from leadership and organizational development to financial management and strategic planning.
It’s in this spirit that our editors compiled this list of the best books on church management to provide you key points and improve your overall church management. These titles are the most popular currently available on the topic, written by thought leaders in the field.
Note: We only included the best books on church management with a 4-star or better ranking and a minimum of 50 reviews.
The Best Books on Church Management
Most Popular: Church Administration: Creating Efficiency for Effective Ministry
Author/Publisher: Robert Welch
From the publisher: “This second edition of Church Administration helps pastors and church staff become effective and efficient leaders, managers, and administrators. Among the topics discussed are: Administration Documents, Organizing the Church, Administering Personnel Resources, Financial Resources, Physical Resources, and Administering Risk Management.”
Top-Rated: Church Administration in the Black Perspective
Author/Publisher: Floyd Massey, Samuel McKinney
From the publisher: “With over 60,000 copies in print, Church Administration in the Black Perspective, first published in 1976, has become a classic reference manual. African American pastors look to this informational guide as a source for details on church structure, management, and organization. This revised edition features updated language and fresh information in such areas as budgeting and the use of modern technology.”
Best Value: Church Administration
Author/Publisher: Charles Tidwell
From the publisher: “Guidelines and procedures for effectively administrating the work of a local church. Relates information about organization, objectives, ministry plans, human resources, providing controlling factors, and basic skills of church administration. Includes appendix and bibliography.”
Popular Illustrated: Church Administration Handbook
Author/Publisher: Bruce Powers
From the publisher: “What’s new about this third edition of the long respected and often used Church Administration Handbook? In addition to time and technological-sensitive updates to the basic organizational details, the needs of people and churches have continued to change, with questions now being raised about the quality of congregational life, nature of leadership, and responsibility for ministry among all believers.”
Popular Finance: Church Administration and Finance Manual: Resources for Leading the Local Church
Author/Publisher: Otto Crumroy, Stan Kukawka, Frank Witman
From the publisher: “Originally created as a sourcebook for the authors’ week-long course on church management and administration, the manual in draft version has been field-tested by hundreds of pastors and lay leaders. Not simply a theoretical resource, the Manual provides suggestions for almost every aspect of parish administration: position descriptions, various financial forms, materials for stewardship and Christian education, building use and safety issues, employee record keeping, and much more.”
Popular Practical Guide: Feeding & Leading: Practical Handbook on Administration in Churches and Christian Organizations
Author/Publisher: Kenneth Gangel
From the publisher: “A practical handbook on administration in churches and Christian organizations. Author Kenneth O. Gangel is scholar in residence at Toccoa Falls College in Toccoa Falls, Georgia, and distinguished professor emeritus of Christian education at Dallas Theological Seminary. He is the author of more than twenty books and has written over eight hundred articles for journals and periodicals.”
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