The Twelve Keys Leaders' Guide

Since it was published in 1983, the first edition of the original Twelve Keys to an Effective Church has benefited thousands of congregations around the world.

The thoroughly revised and updated Twelve Keys Leaders' Guide, designed to accompany Twelve Keys to an Effective Church, offers leaders an indispensable, step-by-step resource for creating and implementing their long-range plans. It clearly shows how to examine a church's strengths and move the congregation toward action, accomplishment, and achievement. This valuable guide thoroughly explains the basic principles of the planning process and gives helpful insights into the dynamics of memory, change, conflict, and hope in congregations. You will discover possibilities to build the momentum, deepen the resources, and advance the strengths of your congregation.

This important resource can also be used to help build an effective, successful business, develop a strong, healthy non-profit grouping, advance an effective, healthy college or university, and create a strong, healthy family.

A Prayer ix

A Bird on the Wing xi

Part One: Momentum

1. Motivations 3

2. Leaders and Key Objectives 15

3. An Effective Long-Range Plan 28

4. Excellent Mistakes and Objectives Worth Not Doing 36

5. Memory, Change, Conflict, and Hope 47

Part Two: Resources

6. Congregation, Community, Direction 75

7. Possibilities 87

8. What to Listen For and Look For 106

9. Principles for Participation 112

Part Three: Developing Your Congregation

10. Planning and Action 127

11. Creative Study 136

12. Celebration Planning 141

13. Act Swiftly 151

14. Matches, Timelines, Focus 162

Conclusion: Grace 168

Acknowledgments 187

About the Author 189

Books by Kennon L. Callahan 191

Index 195

Kennon L. Callahan, B.A., M.Div., S.T.M., Ph.D. — researcher, professor, and pastor — is one of today's most sought-after church consultants and speakers. Author of many books, he is best known for his groundbreaking Twelve Keys to an Effective Church, which has formed the basis for the widely acclaimed Mission Growth Movement.

Since it was published in 1983, the first edition of the original Twelve Keys to an Effective Church has benefited thousands of congregations around the world.

The thoroughly revised and updated Twelve Keys Leaders' Guide, designed to accompany Twelve Keys to an Effective Church, offers leaders an indispensable, step-by-step resource for creating and implementing their long-range plans. It clearly shows how to examine a church's strengths and move the congregation toward action, accomplishment, and achievement. This valuable guide thoroughly explains the basic principles of the planning process and gives helpful insights into the dynamics of memory, change, conflict, and hope in congregations. You will discover possibilities to build the momentum, deepen the resources, and advance the strengths of your congregation.

This important resource can also be used to help build an effective, successful business, develop a strong, healthy non-profit grouping, advance an effective, healthy college or university, and create a strong, healthy family.