Can just anyone learn to be an effective leader? Lyle E. Schaller-one of the nation's leading experts on church growth and planning-says YES! And he shows how in this practical, information-packed book

The starting point, Schaller says, is to recognize that leadership skills are learned. That's why scores of major colleges and universities now offer courses in leadership development. And the same skills that help forge effective leaders in government and business can be used in the local church, in the service of ministry.

Exploring twelve key characteristics of leaders, Schaller reveals:

Leadership can be taught and learned.

It is difficult to teach someone who doesn't want to learn.

Leaders know how to organize for action

Leaders accept responsibility.

Terms such as authoritarian and laissez-faire are obsolete for leadership categories

Occasionally leaders must take initiative in instituting change.

Leaders enlist allies and affirm coalitions.

It is foolish to ignore research on the qualities of leaders

. Leadership is affected by the size and type of church, the congregational culture, and the role and style of the most influential recent pastor

Leaders share certain recognizable qualities.

It's never too late to learn to become a leader

God is sull at work in the world.