Summary

Seven Practices of Effective Ministry targets leaders serving in church ministry. Andy Stanley is named as an author, but the primary contributors are Lane Jones (pastor of Browns Bridge Community Church) and Reggie Joiner (founder and CEO of reThink Group and executive director of family ministries at North Point Community Church). The book is written in the form of a leadership fable, (think Patrick Lencioni - The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and Death by Meeting). It is comprised of two parts - the first half is a story, and the second half details and explains the principles discussed in the story. 

Evaluation

The first half is engaging, but most leaders reading this for insight will probably take quick notes on the fable and spend more time in the application portion. Church leaders will do well to heed the warning presented that adding to any system, instead of upgrading the system, produces fragmentation and conflict. The second half of the book details out the seven principles the team at North Point has compiled and use in their ministry. The steps provided give any competent leader the tools needed to evaluate their work. 

Application

This book is practical and deserves a place on any church leader’s bookshelf. It should also be required reading for interns and new hires in ministry. Some books are read and placed on a shelf or sold, never to be read again. Seven Practices of Effective Ministry will not be one of those books.