Governance and Ministry: Rethinking Board Leadership

Amid the tectonic shifts in institutional religious life in the United States, Governance and Ministry has proven to be an indispensable guide for leaders and clergy on how to work together to lead congregations. In this third edition, veteran congregational consultant and minister Dan Hotchkiss revises and updates a classic in the field to reflect today's church and synagogue landscape, filled with practical insights based on his extensive, in-the-trenches work with religious groups from across the spectrum.

Governance and Ministry highlights the importance of reaching the right governance model for a congregation to fulfill its mission-to achieve both the outward results and the inward quality of life to which it is called. Hotchkiss draws on governance research from business, non-profits, and churches, as well as deep experience in a variety of denominations and congregations to help readers determine the governance model that best fits their needs. The third edition has been streamlined and reorganized to better help readers think through leadership models and the process of change. The book features Dan's insights on the implications of congregational life after Covid, the impact of increased political polarization in the United States, shrinking congregation size within both Jewish and Christian groups, the process of governance change, policy choices, the impact of digital ministry, online worship services, and social media, and the always challenging lay-clergy relationship. It also features appendices with resources often requested by Hotchkiss's consulting clients: a style guide for policy-makers and a unified example of a board policy book. This third edition also offers online resources to enhance the book.