This 159 page paperbook may seem pricey for its size, but it's a priceless resource for church leaders, clergy and lay. Internal conflict, demographic change, technological advances, increasingly pluralism, and other factors demand that churches today approach ministry in a more intentional, systematic, and rational fashion. Without a system for management of the church, the church may fade from the scene, or at least, the churches that do approach church life in a systems approach.

The authors, both noted writers, consultants, and professors in church management, sunccintly state the purpose of their book: to provide "a practical theology for the church seeking to be missionally effective in its ministry to a turbulent environment." The nine chapters of the book go a long way to accomplishing this goal and without being too dry or "bookish."

After an introductory chapter, chapters two through nine present the systems approach of management in a readable fashion. Areas such as program planning, budgeting, and problem and decision analysis are addressed. The last chapter will have a particular interest for clergy with its title "The Pastor as Church Manager."

This book is a definite, must read, for churchmen today, regardless of denominational affliation or theological outlook.