How do Christians Really Act in Business and Ministry?

By their own admission, over 300 seasoned Christian leaders across America report more success in personal performance and in getting results" than in critical areas of character. Based on a landmark study from the Regent University Graduate School of Business, Christian leaders, while very competent in performing their jobs, wrestle with self-centeredness, improper release of anger, status-seeking, impatience, low compassion and poor listening skills. These revealing results and more are detailed in Michael Zigarellis latest book, Ordinary People, Extraordinary Leaders: A Landmark Study of Christians in Business and Ministry: How They Lead, Where They Stumble, What Helps Them Succeed.

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How do Christians Really Act in Business and Ministry?

Gainesville, Florida, September 25, 2002 -- By their own admission, over 300 seasoned Christian leaders across America report more success in personal performance and in getting results" than in critical areas of character. Based on a landmark study from the Regent University Graduate School of Business, Christian leaders, while very competent in performing their jobs, wrestle with self-centeredness, improper release of anger, status-seeking, impatience, low compassion and poor listening skills. These revealing results and more are detailed in Michael Zigarellis latest book, Ordinary People, Extraordinary Leaders: A Landmark Study of Christians in Business and Ministry: How They Lead, Where They Stumble, What Helps Them Succeed.

What do Christian leaders do as leaders?" asks author Michael Zigarelli, a professor at the Regent University School of Business. And what are their obstacles to leading in a more God-honoring manner in the workplace?" After compiling the results of the study, he concluded There are many stumbling blocks to a leaders successful implementation of Christian principles. My interviews...put pride-related issues at the top, but identified several other obstinate barriers as well, including many entailing problems with communication."

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Leaders not only identifies the major obstacles to authentic Christian leadership, it serves as a profile of the committed Christian leader. Among the many positive characteristics of these leaders, Zigarelli found that these leaders make a priority of mentoring others, carefully steward organizational finances, give precedence to customer needs over other stakeholder needs, use unconventional management tools like the Bible and prayer to stay on course ethically, and occasionally witness in the workplace.

Several tables throughout the book also illustrate some interesting gender differences among Christian leaders. Women, for instance, are more likely to disagree that workplace witnessing is a priority for them. However, women are also more likely than men to serve as workplace CEOs" (Chief Encouragement Officers), praising their employees frequently and maintaining open heart" approachability.

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Leaders also offers, based on the authors extensive interviews, the secret to more consistent Christian leadership. We lead best when God is leading us," Zigarelli concludes. When you make your relationship with God a priority in your life, correct attitudes and behaviors are an automatic response at work and everywhere else...The obstacles are still in proximity, but they are less of a nuisance because God confers on those close to Him a clearer vision to see the world as He sees it."

Alternate Title: Identify and Overcome the Obstacles to Authentic Christian Leadership:
Adopt a Leadership Style that Puts God First!

About the Author

Michael A. Zigarelli is an Associate Professor of Management at Regent University. He holds a Masters degree in Industrial Relations from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in Employee Management from Rutgers University. The author of five books, Dr. Zigarelli has appeared on national talk shows including Prime Time America, Midday Connection and Janet Parshalls America.

For additional information about the author, Michael Zigarelli, contact him by phone at (757) 226-4427 or by e-mail at michzig@regent.edu.

Book website: http://www.regent.edu/acad/schbus/maz/opel/opelindex.html

About the Publisher

Synergy Publishers, a division of Bridge-Logos, is a not-for-profit Christian publisher. Ordinary People, Extraordinary Leaders (ISBN 1-931727-07-4) is available at fine Christian bookstores everywhere.

For additional information contact Synergy Publishers at 618-529-4884 or publicity@synergypublishers.com.

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