Learning to Lead: Lessons in Leadership for People of Faith

The first comprehensive resource for teaching spiritual leadership development in the twenty-first century for all faith traditions. America is changing. Technology, social networking, global economics, immigration, migration and multiculturalism urge communities of faith to expand their vision of spiritual leadership and reflect on how leaders can better serve congregations and communities in the twenty-first century. In this multifaith, cross-cultural and comprehensive resource for both clergy and lay persons, contributors who are experts in the field explore how to engage spiritual leaders and teach them how to bring healing, faith, justice and support to communities and congregations. They offer tools, advice, practical methodologies and case studies on how stakeholders congregational leaders, ordained religious leaders, educators, students and community leaders learn how to do theology in context and grow into faith leadership roles. Contributors: Shaykh Ibrahim Abdul-Malik, PhD, EdD Rev. Carlos Alejandro, MS, MDiv, BCC Rev. Msgr. Richard Arnhols, MDiv Rev. David Billings, MDiv, DMin Lisa V. Blitz, PhD, LCSW-R Miyon Chung, MACSW, MATh, PhD Rev. Warren L. Dennis, MDiv, DMin Antoinette Ellis-Williams, MPA, PhD Jeffrey R. Gardere, PhD Rev. Bill Gaventa, MDiv Michael Gecan, BA Rabbi Diana S. Gerson, MAHL Rev. Brita L. Gill-Austern, MDiv, PhD Lisa Sharon Harper, MA, MFA Phyllis Harrison-Ross, MD Imam Muhammad Hatim, PhD, DMin Rev. Renee S. House, MDiv, PhD Rev. Seth Kaper-Dale, MDiv Rev. Sally N. MacNichol, MDiv, PhD Rev. Gregg A. Mast, MDiv, PhD Anne Masters, MA Rabbi Craig Miller, BA, MAFM Rev. Anthony Miranda Rev. Rose Niles, MDiv, DMin Tanya PagA n Raggio-Ashley, MD, MPH, FAAP Rev. Kevin Park, MDiv, PhD Mary Pender Greene, LCSW-R, CGP Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, BA, MS, JD Rabbi Stephen B. Roberts, MBA, MHL, BCJC Rev. Lee B. Spitzer, MDiv, DMin Rev. Julie Taylor, MDiv, CTR, EMT-B Ronald Thomas, MHCS, SWP Rev. Earl D. Trent Jr., MDiv, DMin Terrie M. Williams, LCSW "

About the Author :
Rev. Willard W. C. Ashley Sr., MDiv, DMin, DH, a frequent speaker on the topics of leadership development, clergy resiliency and interfaith dialogue, is acting dean and associate professor of practical theology at New Brunswick Theological Seminary. He was the interim pastor at Union Baptist Church in Montclair, New Jersey, and is the founding pastor of Abundant Joy Community Church in Jersey City, New Jersey. He also serves as a consultant on disaster recovery and clergy self-care to congregations and Fortune 100 companies. He is author of Learning to Lead: Lessons in Leadership for People of Faith and coeditor of Disaster Spiritual Care: Practical Clergy Responses to Community, Regional and National Tragedy (SkyLight Paths).

Review :
"Invaluable.... The breadth of topics and depth of presentation assures that [this] will be a significant resource for seminary education and practical ministry for years to come." Dwight H. Judy, PhD, professor emeritus of spiritual formation, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary; author, "A Quiet Pentecost: Inviting the Spirit into Congregational Life " Timely, informative and inspirational ... much needed in a world yearning for the creation and nurture of the fundamentally new that is also fundamentally better. Lester Edwin J. Ruiz, MDiv, PhD, director, Accreditation and Institutional Evaluation, Association of Theological Schools Bold.... Offers most helpful guidelines for seasoned caregivers as well as a new generation of potential leaders who recognize the extraordinary gift of spirituality. Cain Hope Felder, professor and editor, "The Journal of Religious Thought," Howard University School of Divinity The book we have been waiting for to move the church forward in an uncertain age. An outstanding resource for congregational leaders. Every member in every pew needs this book. Ralph B. Watkins, PhD, DMin, associate professor of evangelism and church growth, Columbia Theological Seminary A practical and necessary resource in theological education.... It models in content and format the richness, multidimensionality and flexibility characteristic of contemporary spiritual leadership. Dr. Carmen Nanko-Fernandez, associate professor of pastoral ministry and director, Ecumenical Doctor of Ministry, Catholic Theological Union When the nation, corporations and religious communities cry for creative and effective leadership with integrity, this timely book answers the challenge. Hak Joon Lee, professor of theology and ethics, Fuller Theological Seminary An incredible cadre of leaders provides insights and tools to help empower the next generation to shape our communities and shepherd our journeys. Rev. David Emmanuel Goatley, PhD, executive director, Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society A treasure chest.... I felt blessed being in the company of leaders, being mentored all at once, at the flip of every page. Rev. Prof. Neal D. Presa, PhD, moderator, 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA); pastor, Presbyterian Church, Middlesex, NJ; affiliate assistant professor for preaching and worship, New Brunswick Theological Seminary Persuasive [and] compelling.... Provides a contemporary leadership model that integrates emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of humanity, thereby offering future leaders the tools needed to pursue personal growth and realize self-fulfillment. Yvonne Simons, executive director, the Anne Frank Center, USA Helps spiritual leaders ... develop their leadership gifts in the crucible of caring, crisis, community and congregational environments. Your investment in walking through this book will bring gracious and generous returns as you identify and implement the lessons offered by gifted, wise and tested leaders. Rev. Dr. Thomas R. De Vries, MDiv, DMin, general secretary, Reformed Church in America" "Invaluable.... The breadth of topics and depth of presentation assures that [this] will be a significant resource for seminary education and practical ministry for years to come." Dwight H. Judy, PhD, professor emeritus of spiritual formation, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary; author, A Quiet Pentecost: Inviting the Spirit into Congregational Life Timely, informative and inspirational ... much needed in a world yearning for the creation and nurture of the fundamentally new that is also fundamentally better. Lester Edwin J. Ruiz, MDiv, PhD, director, Accreditation and Institutional Evaluation, Association of Theological Schools Bold.... Offers most helpful guidelines for seasoned caregivers as well as a new generation of potential leaders who recognize the extraordinary gift of spirituality. Cain Hope Felder, professor and editor, The Journal of Religious Thought, Howard University School of Divinity The book we have been waiting for to move the church forward in an uncertain age. An outstanding resource for congregational leaders. Every member in every pew needs this book. Ralph B. Watkins, PhD, DMin, associate professor of evangelism and church growth, Columbia Theological Seminary A practical and necessary resource in theological education.... It models in content and format the richness, multidimensionality and flexibility characteristic of contemporary spiritual leadership. Dr. Carmen Nanko-Fernandez, associate professor of pastoral ministry and director, Ecumenical Doctor of Ministry, Catholic Theological Union When the nation, corporations and religious communities cry for creative and effective leadership with integrity, this timely book answers the challenge. Hak Joon Lee, professor of theology and ethics, Fuller Theological Seminary An incredible cadre of leaders provides insights and tools to help empower the next generation to shape our communities and shepherd our journeys. Rev. David Emmanuel Goatley, PhD, executive director, Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society A treasure chest.... I felt blessed being in the company of leaders, being mentored all at once, at the flip of every page. Rev. Prof. Neal D. Presa, PhD, moderator, 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA); pastor, Presbyterian Church, Middlesex, NJ; affiliate assistant professor for preaching and worship, New Brunswick Theological Seminary Persuasive [and] compelling.... Provides a contemporary leadership model that integrates emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of humanity, thereby offering future leaders the tools needed to pursue personal growth and realize self-fulfillment. Yvonne Simons, executive director, the Anne Frank Center, USA Helps spiritual leaders ... develop their leadership gifts in the crucible of caring, crisis, community and congregational environments. Your investment in walking through this book will bring gracious and generous returns as you identify and implement the lessons offered by gifted, wise and tested leaders. Rev. Dr. Thomas R. De Vries, MDiv, DMin, general secretary, Reformed Church in America "