Cultural Insights for Christian Leaders

"In Cultural Insights for Christian Leaders, Doug McConnell firmly locates leadership not only within the lenses of culture, but also as a critical aspect of missiology. In doing so, he helps us see the vital importance of leading missionally as it relates to God's mission of reconciling the world. McConnell delivers a masterful book, overflowing with probing insights into the intercultural nature of leadership, practical case studies, and a wealth of personal experience in doing precisely what this book espouses. Cultural Insights for Christian Leaders is a first-rate leadership book, coming from a first-rate scholar-leader."

"Administration is one skill. Knowledge of culture is another. Doug McConnell has both. Drawing on what he has learned through administering an academic institution and an agency, as well as listening closely to Christian leaders from many countries, McConnell explores significant organizational issues. How do new insights in cognitive studies shed light on the formation of worldview? What are member care challenges for those ministering to children at risk? From Islam to intercultural leadership, McConnell weaves together insights. As he observes, 'Leading a Christian organization is a sacred duty. If you accept the position, you must shoulder the responsibility, and that includes being a learner.'"

"I sat down to review this book only to find a few hours had slipped by when I next looked at the clock. This book is taken from the pages of academia, experience, and the Scriptures. It is a rare combination of organizational theory and spiritual leadership, something that today's complex mission environment demands. I believe it will become standard reading for newly appointed mission leaders."

"Missiology has long been concerned with the dynamic influence of culture on gospel witness; however, applying that insight to leadership practice is long overdue. McConnell bravely engages the complexity of human beings on mission with God, working in organizational cultures embedded, both locally and globally, in social and cultural realities. Cultural Insights for Christian Leaders is a text that is sure to aid leaders, organizations, and mission in substantive ways."

"Cultural intelligence is fast becoming one of the most valued skills for leaders. Doug McConnell masterfully displays how this is helpful in organizations, but especially how essential it is to Christianity. The integration of these elements makes this volume so unique from other leadership books. The case studies are fantastic and the missiology is solid, making it feel like Harvard Business School meets the apostle Paul, with the best of both worlds. Every successful organization has a mission statement, and McConnell brilliantly unpacks both the goal and process of creating that mission statement in light of biblical principles."