Most approaches to nonprofit organizational leadership are borrowed from the for-profit sector. But these models are often inadequate to address the issues nonprofit leaders face. We need a new framework for nonprofit management that is rooted in historical precedent and biblical principles yet is also appropriate for the nonprofit context. Nonprofit consultant and researcher Kent Wilson presents a comprehensive model for steward leadership, in which leaders act as stewards or trustees, never as owners. Scripture and history give concrete examples of stewards who manage resources on behalf of others for the good of others. Wilson applies this classical understanding of the steward to modern organizational management, defining and developing steward leadership as an alternative to its cousin, servant leadership. Steward leadership offers great hope for the transformation and effectiveness of nonprofit leadership for stakeholders, board members, executive directors and staff members. Designed by a nonprofit leader for nonprofit leaders, this fresh approach to leadership gives you a new focus to lead your organization with excellence.
"Kent Wilson provides a fresh look at steward leadership through the eyes of an experienced nonprofit CEO and the lens of a biblical worldview. Steward Leadership in the Nonprofit Organization is a thoughtful developmental guide for any leader."
Al Lopus, president and cofounder, Best Christian Workplaces Institute
"When God interrupted my life as a church pastor and called me to found and lead a nonprofit organization ten years ago, I really could have used this book. Rather than borrowing spiritual concepts to buttress popular leadership theory, Kent Wilson mines Scripture and uncovers a fresh perspective on leadership-the leader as steward. This is the basic primer every Christian executive and pastor needs to read, digest, and read again!"
Mike Johnson, founder and president, Ascending Leaders
"This astute historical sketch of the steward from antiquity positions modern readers to grasp the gravity of biblical passages with the steward in view. I especially appreciated the use of ancient quotes, theological principles, contrasting charts, and call-out boxes that illustrated key points. In a time when too many Christians are acting like owners, Kent Wilson does more than map a model of the steward leader for readers, he shows us how to recalibrate the compass of our spiritual livesand steward leadership toward faithfulness to our master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Well done!"
Gary G. Hoag, Generosity Monk, press author and international liaison, ECFA
