Book Bite: The Better Pastor by Patrick Lencioni

The Better Pastor: A Fable by Patrick Lencioni

Clocking it at 101 pages, The Better Pastor aims to provide - in story form - simple lessons for pastors to follow while acknowledging the difficulties of the position. Lencioni does an excellent job acknowledging the stumbling blocks that can arise in a non-profit, ministry-focused institution while highlighting the need to be better.

Clean cover.

The fable charts the activities of a pastor following a conversation with a Lencioni-stand in and the changes he makes to his parish. The best lesson from this beginning section is that a ministry geared towards eternal salvation demands the highest levels of engagement and management - as its mission is loftier than making widgets, generating revenue, or providing employment. Heaven is the ultimate "product."

Lencioni then offers basic principles over the course of the book:

1. The pastor is not only a spiritual leader but a staff leader.

2. The pastor serves as a model for the parish - what he allows is allowed.

3. Transparency is key.

4. High standards are key and accountability around those is essential.

5. Proper feedback loops within the parish are good.

6. Outside support and brotherhood for priests is a must.

7. Change can and must happen.

The simple fable serves as introduction to management and leadership ideas that many pastors don't receive in the course of their formation - which, rightly, tends to be focused on liturgy, faith, and the Church. Like pastors, many principals enter the field focused on their role as academic and, even, faith leaders - but neglect the full compass of leadership the position entails. The lessons within are worthy for all nonprofit leaders to consider.

In the end, the book makes a great gift for leaders in new roles or apathetic faith-based positions.