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Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In Church Professionalism, DaLana R. Patterson presents a detailed account of how church work should be executed with the same standards of consistency, clarity, and accountability expected in any profession, but governed by scripture. She defines key terms and applies them directly to ministry roles. Drawing on her experience in both corporate and church environments, Patterson outlines how communication, time management, follow-through, planning, and interpersonal conduct are all subject to biblical expectations. She illustrates how disorganization, procrastination, and lack of accountability undermine ministry. She gives specific practices for leading meetings, responding to emails, mentoring successors, and managing church finances. She also explores burnout, leadership development, and the effect of personal behavior on the public perception of faith. Patterson argues for deliberate, spiritually grounded, skillful execution of all church responsibilities.
Church Professionalism by DaLana R. Patterson is an outstanding and much-needed resource that redefines ministry conduct with sharp practicality and spiritual grounding. Her guidance gives readers clear, actionable instructions that come from a place of experience, authority, and exhaustive research. Patterson does what my daughter calls 'keeping the receipts.' She is not just saying what she thinks should be done; she relates everything she addresses directly to scripture, and, just as importantly, within the context of the scripture. The standout to me, which I hadn't even come across before, is in the cautionary tale of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 on dishonesty in handling funds, with three different Psalms on the importance of trust, and to affirm that all money belongs to God, making stewardship a divine responsibility. This standard runs through every section, leaving no room for excuses, no space for carelessness, and no confusion about what is required. Overall, a confident and God-forward guide for those in ministry work.
