Fostering Leadership Skills in Ministry: A Parish Handbook

by Jean Marie Hiesberger

From The Publisher:

This updated edition of a Liguori bestseller is a survival manual for everyone in parish ministry and who volunteers in leadership positions. Although the Church is the body of Christ, we can never forget that it is made up of many members with different skills, resources, needs, and wants.

Fostering Leadership Skills in Ministry provides help for dealing with some of the most challenging aspects of present-day church ministry. Reminding leaders of the importance of clearly defining their own mission, this handbook goes on to stress the importance of building community, planning together, and empowering small groups. Special consideration is given to the parish council as a leadership community, and a chapter on volunteers points to the ways church leaders can encourage others to respond to their baptismal calling.

Included are tips for dealing with conflict and anger, running a meeting, managing staff, and building confidence. Sections on change and transition, and ministerial development complete this comprehensive ministry-leadership manual.

In a new chapter on adult faith formation, Hiesberger cites Church documents to support her practical suggestions for integrating Catholic-faith components into adult catechesis.

Fostering Leadership Skills in Ministry will be a useful resource for pastors, administrators, lay ministers, parish council members, and all who play an active role in the life of a parish.

About the Author:

Jean Marie Hiesberger is a writer, speaker, consultant, and facilitator who has worked extensively with parish leaders. She is also the co-author of The Gift of Eucharist (Silver Burdett Ginn, 1988). Most recently, she served as project manager of the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops Best Religious Education Practices task force.