The Choice - The Christ-Centred Pursuit of Kingdom Outcomes

Gary Hoag, Scott Rodin and Wesley Wilmer have written a book which deserves consideration by everyone in a ministry leadership role. They tackle the challenging question of how we measure ministry results & outcomes. Their primary argument is that numeric growth isn't always an indicator of spiritual success, but that a range of invalid assumptions can lead ministry leaders to adopt 'common' growth-oriented approaches, thus missing the heart of what God may be calling them to. In 'The Choice', they contrast what they describe as 'The common path' with 'The Kingdom path'.

According to the writers, issues of control, idolatry and pride cause many ministry leaders to uncritically follow the common path, which simply imports a secular organisational management approach into a ministry context.

After carefully describing each element of the common path and the kingdom path, the authors then explore the 'Ten Marks of Christ-Centred Ministry', including submission to the Father, prayerful strategic planning, transparent financial administration, serving people humbly, and mobilising spiritually gifted people.

They conclude with a discussion of the attributes of a steward leader, and the book includes a study guide for organisations seeking to unpack the ideas further.