Nehemiah's life continues to serve as a significant model for leaders in the 21st century, even though he lived and served over 2500 years ago. From his beginnings as a cupbearer to the king to taking charge of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, he teaches us a remarkably uncommon thing--how to lead as a servant. In Becoming Nehemiah, David McKenna invites the reader to join this remarkable man of God on a journey of leadership that matches the trials and challenges leaders face today. Through Nehemiah's story, one recognizes the difficult task of balancing the promises of biblical leadership with the premises of secular leadership and learns how Nehemiah was able to serve with full integrity in both of these settings. Becoming Nehemiah will give pastors, church leaders, teachers, business professionals, or leaders of any kind compelling insights and practical advice as they begin their own journey to become servants who lead with significance. Becoming Nehemiah offers: Information and insight into the life of Nehemiah Practical exercises at the end of each chapter to assist in developing one's own journey regardless of the level of position he or she holds Scripture references, illustrations, and relevant examples that help to bring Nehemiah's story into the 21st century

General editor Lloyd J. Ogilvie brings together a team of skilled and exceptional communicators to blend sound scholarship with life-related illustrations.

The design for the Preacher's Commentary gives the reader an overall outline of each book of the Bible. Following the introduction, which reveals the author's approach and salient background on the book, each chapter of the commentary provides the Scripture to be exposited. The New King James Bible has been chosen for the Preacher's Commentary because it combines with integrity the beauty of language, underlying Hebrew and Greek textual basis, and thought-flow of the 1611 King James Version, while replacing obsolete verb forms and other archaisms with their everyday contemporary counterparts for greater readability. Reverence for God is preserved in the capitalization of all pronouns referring to the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit. Readers who are more comfortable with another translation can readily find the parallel passage by means of the chapter and verse reference at the end of each passage being exposited. The paragraphs of exposition combine fresh insights to the Scripture, application, rich illustrative material, and innovative ways of utilizing the vibrant truth for his or her own life and for the challenge of communicating it with vigor and vitality.

General editor Lloyd J. Ogilvie brings together a team of skilled and exceptional communicators to blend sound scholarship with life-related illustrations.

The design for the Preacher's Commentary gives the reader an overall outline of each book of the Bible. Following the introduction, which reveals the author's approach and salient background on the book, each chapter of the commentary provides the Scripture to be exposited. The New King James Bible has been chosen for the Preacher's Commentary because it combines with integrity the beauty of language, underlying Hebrew and Greek textual basis, and thought-flow of the 1611 King James Version, while replacing obsolete verb forms and other archaisms with their everyday contemporary counterparts for greater readability. Reverence for God is preserved in the capitalization of all pronouns referring to the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit. Readers who are more comfortable with another translation can readily find the parallel passage by means of the chapter and verse reference at the end of each passage being exposited. The paragraphs of exposition combine fresh insights to the Scripture, application, rich illustrative material, and innovative ways of utilizing the vibrant truth for his or her own life and for the challenge of communicating it with vigor and vitality.

General editor Lloyd J. Ogilvie brings together a team of skilled and exceptional communicators to blend sound scholarship with life-related illustrations.

The design for the Preacher's Commentary gives the reader an overall outline of each book of the Bible. Following the introduction, which reveals the author's approach and salient background on the book, each chapter of the commentary provides the Scripture to be exposited. The New King James Bible has been chosen for the Preacher's Commentary because it combines with integrity the beauty of language, underlying Hebrew and Greek textual basis, and thought-flow of the 1611 King James Version, while replacing obsolete verb forms and other archaisms with their everyday contemporary counterparts for greater readability. Reverence for God is preserved in the capitalization of all pronouns referring to the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit. Readers who are more comfortable with another translation can readily find the parallel passage by means of the chapter and verse reference at the end of each passage being exposited. The paragraphs of exposition combine fresh insights to the Scripture, application, rich illustrative material, and innovative ways of utilizing the vibrant truth for his or her own life and for the challenge of communicating it with vigor and vitality.

General editor Lloyd J. Ogilvie brings together a team of skilled and exceptional communicators to blend sound scholarship with life-related illustrations.

The design for the Preacher's Commentary gives the reader an overall outline of each book of the Bible. Following the introduction, which reveals the author's approach and salient background on the book, each chapter of the commentary provides the Scripture to be exposited. The New King James Bible has been chosen for the Preacher's Commentary because it combines with integrity the beauty of language, underlying Hebrew and Greek textual basis, and thought-flow of the 1611 King James Version, while replacing obsolete verb forms and other archaisms with their everyday contemporary counterparts for greater readability. Reverence for God is preserved in the capitalization of all pronouns referring to the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit. Readers who are more comfortable with another translation can readily find the parallel passage by means of the chapter and verse reference at the end of each passage being exposited. The paragraphs of exposition combine fresh insights to the Scripture, application, rich illustrative material, and innovative ways of utilizing the vibrant truth for his or her own life and for the challenge of communicating it with vigor and vitality.

Description: "If a leader is a Christian, what difference does it make?" Giant strides have been made in secular leadership theory toward a Christian viewpoint. Priority is now given to character as well as competence, accountability as well as power, transformation as well as transaction, and servanthood as well as success. But these qualities apply to secular as well as to Christian leadership. So, the question remains, "What difference does it make?" David McKenna finds the answer in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ--a divine act for him and a defining attitude for us. Philippians 2:11-15 sets the standard and gives the details. "Your attitude should be the same as Jesus Christ" means following his call to the cross, where we die to self and sacrifice all self-interest in position, power, and prestige in order to serve obediently, faithfully, and humbly for the good of others and the glory of God. Christ-centered leadership is not an extension of the highest and best of human leadership. Radical obedience to the call of Christ and utter dependence upon the Holy Spirit make a substantive difference. In the most practical terms, Incarnation continues in us when we live fully, lead freely, and go where he wants us to go. Endorsements: "At last Someone writing about Christian leadership who takes seriously the incarnation of Jesus and the actual life, ministry, and writings of Paul. . . . With the insight of decades of leadership experience and an understanding of contemporary issues, McKenna brings the focus on Christian leadership to a fine point. The essential nature of Christian leadership requires a concerted and sustained discipline to be like Jesus. Nothing else can be authentically called Christian leadership." --Jesse C. Middendorf, General Superintendent, Church of the Nazarene "What can be more critical to the church than Christ-centered leadership? What is more contrary to the world than Christ-centered leadership? Eminent and widely read author David McKenna has been instrumental in the spiritual formation and development of many of us. His latest contribution, Christ-Centered Leadership, what he terms his 'best book, ' will be similarly helpful as we follow Christ, and by his grace lead as he would lead: sacrificially." --Commissioners William and Nancy Roberts, USA National Leaders, The Salvation Army "I wish I had this book when I began my career as a CEO. David McKenna gives invaluable insights to a new generation of Christian leaders, yet his wisdom runs so deep I find much to learn in Christ-Centered Leadership." --Richard Stearns, President, World Vision USA "There are a myriad of books on leadership but none like Christ-Centered Leadership by longtime leader David McKenna. It is the premier book on leadership. . . . What is written is not mere theory but very practical examples of leadership lived out in the context of large, complex institutions as well as smaller organizations. . . . A must for every leader, regardless of age or level of leadership." --Jo Anne Lyon, General Superintendent, The Wesleyan Church "Expertly weaving Scripture, leadership research, and personal experience, David McKenna condenses five decades of senior leadership wisdom. I wish I could have read this book when I was thirty " --Alec Hill, President, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship "Die to self and instead do sacrifice in a way that completely empties you and epitomizes the cross. Christ-Centered Leadership is a humbly uncompromising manual of uncomfortable truths, a must-read for anyone truly wanting to model Christ and his cross in the corner office." --Harold B. Smith, President and CEO, Christianity Today "After decades of practicing Christ-centered leadership himself, David McKenna has put his wisdom into words that will inspire and instruct a new generation of leaders in both the church and society. . . . Because so much of what he writes comes from his actual experience, the book combines the ring of truth with th

Synopsis: If the Christ-centered college or university did not exist, would it have to be invented? Back in the 1950s, the answer was in doubt. With few exceptions, Christian colleges wallowed in defensive self-doubt and divisive competition while under attack from the rising public sector. Students of American higher education predicted that they would soon become as extinct as the whooping crane. Rather then succumbing to doomsayers, leaders in Christian higher education bonded together around the commanding truth that "all things come together" in Jesus Christ. They drove their stake for the future in the integration of faith and learning as the reason for the existence of Christ-centered higher education. Out of this commitment came a renaissance movement of common cause and unprecedented cooperation through the Consortium of Christian Colleges and the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. Will integration continue to be the energizing and all-pervasive influence that gives the Christ-centered institution its reason for existence? Trustees, presidents, deans and faculties in each generation must think and rethink the concept in the light of theological, academic, technological, and cultural change. David McKenna opens the conversation by remembering where we were, confirming who we are, and envisioning what we can be. Endorsements: "Amazingly specific historical notes and insights. Ends with a new vision to guide the way. What a gift this will be." --Robert Andringa, President Emeritus, Council for Christian Colleges and Universities "This is extremely well written. . . . I commend this book as] another wonderful statement for those of us who continue to lead the way for Christian higher education." --Phil Eaton, President, Seattle Pacific University "I found this a great read with so much resonance with my own life's purpose . . . I already have a list of people to whom I want to give this book." --George Brushaber, President Emeritus, Bethel University "I . . . applaud as loudly as I am able the book's key message, that Christian colleges and universities should be eager to celebrate God's call to wholeness in Christ as the foundational premise of their work in providing collegiate-level education for all of God's human creation." --Richard Stephens, President Emeritus, Greenville College "Without doubt, this is an important and compelling work. Important because it gives us first-hand insight into the conditions that prompted the re-emergence of Christ-centered higher education in North America. But even better, we see anew the vision that inspired it. And for that reason, it is worth our attention." --Stan Gaede, President, Christian College Consortium "Combining intellectual autobiography with a penetrating analysis and critique of the plight of higher education, McKenna offers a powerful overview of the forces at work shaping our universities and colleges as they, in turn, shape each new generation of students. . . . Beyond the numerous insights sprinkled throughout the book, the analysis of the evolution of higher education in America is one of the most riveting and provocative of any available." --Gayle D. Beebe, President, Westmont College Author Biography: David L. McKenna served as President of Spring Arbor University, Seattle Pacific University, and Asbury Theological Seminary. He also served as the first Chair of the Board of the Consortium of Christian Colleges and later as consultant to the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. Retired since 1994, McKenna continues to add a book a year to the 32 volumes that he has written. He and his wife, Janet, reside in Kirkland, Washington.

Description: Lighten up Most of us take ourselves too seriously. Christian leaders, in particular, are tempted by the position they hold, or the power they wield, to lose touch with their humanity, become arrogant, and alienate their followers. But what about our tendency to shoot ourselves in the foot, time and time again? Can we laugh at ourselves? David McKenna, a Christian college president, brings a lifetime of learning to this question. By confessing his own foibles and laughing at the ludicrous, he finds that God is laughing with him--not to ridicule, but to give the special grace that saves us from ourselves. The lessons are humbling when the laugh is on us, but they can lead to the discovery that a sense of humor is a partner with the witness of a joyful spirit. McKenna shows us by example how to lighten up and find God as we laugh at ourselves. Endorsements: ""Just as we suspected, and with impeccable timing, we find in Dr. McKenna's When God Laughs with Us, evidence that God not only has, but encourages a bountiful sense of humor and offers a written respite for leaders who often take ourselves far too seriously. Thanks David for insight into yet another delightfully creative dimension of our Heavenly Father."" --Sandra C. Gray President Asbury University ""In sharing many lighthearted and humorous experiences, often directed at himself, David McKenna reveals how a person can keep balance and perspective while making important decisions."" --Norman L. Edwards Seattle, Wasthington ""When God Laughs with Us highlights encounters, at once serious and funny, each with its opening and insight into a deeper reality of our life with God. Dave's capacity to peel back the veneer that encases so many leaders and prod us to look deeper into our soul so that we can bear the weight of leadership more lightly is provocative . . . You will enjoy the combination of personal and professional anecdotes and be drawn into reflecting on the intersection of your own personal and professional 'life lessons.' You'll love the book."" --Gayle D. Beebe President, Westmont College ""Dave McKenna, always in for a good laugh, has the gift of seeing the funny side of just about anything. And the comedic comes through, inevitably, in any leadership setting, especially for college presidents working with students who think up the most astonishing ways to pull pranks and have fun. Read this delightful little volume and I promise you laughter, joy, and healing for the soul."" --Donald Demaray Professor Emeritus of Preaching Asbury Theological Seminary ""In When God Laughs with Us, David McKenna treats us to priceless moments of personal gaffes, awkward moments, cultural tensions and, at times, hilarious slapstick type situations which rival the Three Stooges. Whether it is being drenched in water before a speaking engagement or arriving at the pulpit of the wrong church, McKenna allows us to see that leadership can be fun when we learn to laugh at ourselves. Indeed, McKenna's humorous stories wonderfully remind us of the truth of Reinhold Niebuhr's quip that, 'Humor is the prelude to faith and laughter is the beginning of prayer.'"" --Timothy C. Tennent President Asbury Theological Seminary ""What a terrific and timely book. For all of us in leadership, without question we take ourselves too seriously, to our detriment, I might add, limiting our effectiveness as Christians and as leaders. Dave McKenna comes to the rescue. Out of his long and storied career, and as a skilled storyteller, he hammers home a wise insight: We've simply got to lighten up a bit. In story after story, we find Dave leading and modeling a way for us."" --Philip W. Eaton President Seattle Pacific University "When you need a cup of coffee and a good humor break, take time to read When God Laughs With Us. Once again David L. McKenna has captured through his prolific pen those humorous times of life when God smiles with us. Through insightful life stories of w

David L. McKenna shares glimpses into his transition from 33 years as an executive in higher education, to taking walks and shopping for groceries. With insights that are often humorous and light-hearted, McKenna offers a helpful game plan for people taking a serious look at retirement.

"Succession begins before we assume a position of leadership, not when we get ready to leave it," writes David McKenna. Instead of focusing narrowly on how a leader can maximize his or her role, McKenna illuminates a leader's place within the grand scope of an organization's history and mission. "A leader," McKenna informs, "builds upon the past, gives momentum to the present, and leaves the promise of greater things to come." To illustrate this "Succession Principle," McKenna points to "The Greatest Succession Story Ever Told"-that of John the Baptist preparing the way and then stepping aside for Jesus. Artfully weaving together the example of John the Baptist and wisdom gleaned from his own 50 years as pastor, educator, and executive in higher education, McKenna lays out 12 succinct rules of succession, guiding both new and experienced leaders from topics such as: building upon your organization's history and contributing to its ongoing story, perceiving the signals that tell when it's time to step aside, transferring loyalty from yourself to your successor, managing your emotions during your transition, rejoicing in a job well done and celebrating your successor, letting history be your judge. McKenna shows us how to be servant-leaders who prepare the way for greater things.

Noted author and scholar David McKenna celebrates these simple, yet distinctive foundations and shares with enthusiasm the chalenges facing present-day Wesleyans in his timely new book.