What if I told you that you were only one step away from unlocking new levels of maturity and growth in your church? The myth of the silver bullet still exists because we desperately want it to. We all prefer quick fixes and bandage solutions to the long, hard, slow work that produces real change. So the moment we learn about a new ministry or strategy and see its effect in another church, we run to implement it in our own. Unfortunately, this impulse is usually met by opposition, skepticism, and ultimately, rejection. What if the solution isn't a new model or a complicated strategy, but a shift in perspective? What if you could keep your church's current vision, values, and model, and simply make a few micro-shifts...leading to macro-changes? This book explores five micro-shifts that have the potential to produce macro-changes in your church. As you read, you will discover how to integrate these micro-shifts into the life of your church, starting with the way you disciple. You will finish by developing a plan to structure, communicate, and evaluate these changes to ensure that they take root and pave the way for lasting change and kingdom impact.

Offers a guide to initiative problems, adventure games and trust activities. The activities of this book have all been used effectively by a variety of teachers, counsellors, therapists, camp directors and church leaders. All have wanted an effective, engaging way to bring people together to build trust, and to break down artificial barriers.

What does living for Jesus look like in the everyday stuff of life? Many Christians have unwittingly embraced the idea that “church” is a once-a-week event rather than a community of Spirit-empowered people; that “ministry” is what pastors do on Sundays rather than the 24/7 calling of all believers; and that “discipleship” is a program rather than the normal state of every follower of Jesus. Drawing on his experience as a pastor and church planter, Jeff Vanderstelt wants us to see that there’s more—much more—to the Christian life than sitting in a pew once a week. God has called his people to something bigger: a view of the Christian life that encompasses the ordinary, the extraordinary, and everything in between. Packed full of biblical teaching, compelling stories, and real-world advice, this book will remind you that Jesus is filling the world with his presence through the everyday lives of everyday people... People just like you.

This book aims to inspire and ignite leadership action that makes a difference for you, your organisation and the world we live in. Its purpose is to clearly state the case for leadership and its importance to all of us at this time. At an organisational level, there is little doubt that real leadership is the engine room of performance. In the absence of systemic, results-focused leadership, breakthrough performance and high commitment will not be achieved. To make progress on our most significant issues, we need a new paradigm of leadership that supersedes the outdated industrial age leadership paradigm and liberates us from old ways of thinking about how to manage and lead people. A new paradigm needs to guide our actions and decisions in a constructive, values-driven way. It is one that will empower each of us to take full responsibility and accountability at all levels of organisations, in government, and in the community. Importantly, a new paradigm will create an environment of high levels of commitment and learning. Leadership Without Silver Bullets: A Guide to Exercising Leadership will show you: * a fresh, honest examination of leadership today * why and how the industrial age leadership paradigm continues to dominate today and hinder performance * the type of leadership demanded for the future * an important new emerging paradigm and what you can do in your own organisation * leadership to successfully adapt What people are saying about Leadership Without Silver Bullets: I have had the privilege of seeing the results of Phillip Ralphs work as a leadership coach. He is outstanding. I can highly recommend this book as both practical and inspiring with valuable insights on how leadership in organisations really works. Michael Rennie, Managing Partner McKinsey and Company, Australia and New Zealand Engaging style, easy to read, great mix of theory and live experience. Phillip Ralph has written a practical handbook for leaders who want to dig deeper and transform themselves and their organisations. Courage required. Faint-hearted types advised to steer clear of this book. Phil Clothier, CEO Barrett Values Centre, United Kingdom This is not just another book claiming to deliver the secrets of leadership success. Instead, through the use of thought-provoking examples and practical ideas, Phillip shares his unique take on what defines real leaders... Shaneen Argall, Director, Human Resources SMS Management & Technology, Melbourne, Australia Phillip Ralph is a leading consultant to CEOs and executives and he partners with organisations to achieve breakthrough, team and organisational performance. He is an author, coach, facilitator and keynote speaker. Phillip is the founder of The Leadership Sphere.

Tormented by past heartbreak and contemporary politics, for Edgar 'Lefty' Mendieta the news of the murder of lawyer Bruno Canizales represents just another day at the office in the drug-ridden city of Culiacán. It soon becomes clear that there is no shortage of suspects in a city where it's hard to tell the gangsters from the politicians. Canizales was the son of a former government minister and the partner of a drug baron's daughter, with his own penchant for cross-dressing and dangerous sex. What is less clear is why the assassin chose to use a silver bullet. And why, two days later, they seem to have struck again. In this sweltering city where a desire for the truth can be as dangerous as any drug, Mendieta's search for justice takes him from mansions to drug dens, in Élmer Mendoza's seminal founding text of Latin America's 'narco-lit' wave.

Reproduction of the original: The Silver Bullet by Fergus Hume

There are no secrets to school improvement. There are no silver bullets and no magic answers. It is far less glamorous. It is a question of identifying numerous actions and applying effort 'day in, day out' to improve them. This book contains 89 strategies which leaders have successfully used in primary and secondary schools to make the difference to their pupils. 'This brilliant book is a 'must have' for any school leader. It is packed full of realistic strategies that can be adopted, adapted and implemented' - Sarah Paul, Headteacher, Wyberton Primary Academy. 'Packed to the brim with practical advice for school improvement that is founded in his real-life work.' - Jayney Cooksley, Headteacher, Briar Hill Primary School. 'Really resonates with me, the strategies are particularly useful for new Headteachers and those working in stand-alone schools' - Rebecca Walker, Primary Director, West Norfolk Academies Trust. 'The title of the book is perfect - there are no 'silver bullets' but this strips the mammoth beast of school improvement back to a toolkit that focuses on doing fewer things really well. No bandwagons to jump on, just relentless consistency in tried and tested strategies to provide a great education for all learners.' - Donna Tandy, Deputy Chief Executive, The Focus Trust. 'Each page bristles with rich examples of school improvement,'Abby Byford, Director of the ATT Institute 'Provides simple and easy-to-access advice to school leaders, will be very much welcomed by many,'Rowena Hackwood, CEO, Astrea Academies Trust 'This book is a must have for any school leader looking to bring about positive change, with tried & tested ideas.'Liz White, School Improvement Advisor. 'Everything I know of Paul's work is nothing but excellence and 'No Silver Bullets is no different'Julie Keyes, The Education Consultant. 'No Silver Bullets offers a valuable and pragmatic approach to ensuring that school improvement strategies 'stick'. Grounded in Paul Ainsworth's extensive experience and expertise, this book will be an invaluable resource to any school leader seeking to make sustainable improvements in their school community.' - Zoë Elder, author of 'Full On Learning' 'A book to not just read once but act as a reference, challenge and reflection as to where you are at on your School Improvement journey and context.' - Stephen Logan, Deputy Head, Malet Lambert School. 'No Silver Bullets is an excellent guide to key strategies that really make a difference when it comes to school improvement from someone who "walks the talk" with school leaders each and every day.' - Gavin Booth, CEO, Infinity Academies Trust. 'No Silver Bullets is a reassuring and realistic message that school improvement relies on day to day hard work and clear focus and not an external quick fix being adopted by the school.' -Leann Lynch, Strategic Teaching and Learning Leader, L.E.A.D. Equate Teaching School Alliance. 'I have supported over sixty schools in the last six years as I have worked in Director of School Improvement roles across for four Multi-Academy Trusts. I help Headteachers and school leadership teams make their school the best it can be. I rarely suggest drastic changes, instead on each visit, I look for little tweaks which will make the difference to their school. This book contains the suggestions that I make the most often. They are quickly adopted and help drive school improvement.' - Paul K. Ainsworth So whether you are a school leader or a system leader, read through the actions and see which of these small changes can make a big difference to your school.