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The Engstrom Institute (EI) is the knowledge resource center for Christian Leadership Alliance (CLA), and it exists to assist Christ-centered organizations in becoming more effective by improving their governance, leadership, management and resource development. 
Looking for Balance
As we look for the best leaders in any given executive search, our attention is always drawn to appropriate balance. The great leader is both goal-oriented and sensitive. He doesn't shy away from hard decisions, nor does he function only when others approve of his decision.
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Creating Boards that Actually Govern
These days, finding an organizational board that actually governs can be as rare as finding a needle in a haystack. In our mismanaged culture, it may seem that the chances of serving on an effective board are extremely low.
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Emergent Innovation in Nonprofit Organizations
Every modern organization confronts the necessity of change. Whether forced by the current global economic downturn, increased competition, a declining historical organizational model, technological shifts ...
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Avoiding Five Fatal Flaws of Christian Fundraising
Last year I attended a workshop during which Dr. Paul Schervish of The Center on Wealth and Philanthropy reported, "We are in the midst of the largest wealth transfer in the history of the world."
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effectiveness articles on this topic
12 Steps to Forming a Charitable Organization
America's nonprofit organizations are often referred to as the independent sector, the voluntary sector, or the third sector of U.S. society. As a CPA and former practitioner ...
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The Strategic Puzzle
Mission statements. Core values. Vision statements. Strategic plans. While these terms and others have been the subject of many books and endless internal debates, confusion and frustration still reign.
effectiveness articles on this topic
Confessions of a Busyness Addict
My life was in jeopardy, but most days it was easy to ignore the danger, as I was constantly being refueled by the approval of others. Plus, the warning signs came slowly; however, the results were nonetheless lethal.
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Ten Common Hiring Mistakes
Hiring the wrong person is one of the biggest mistakes management can make. Here are tips on what not to do. Not checking references ... is probably the most common mistake. Prepare a list of questions for the candidate to answer, and then ask the same questions of their references.
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Churches and the Americans with Disabilities Act
The purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") is to prevent discrimination against disabled persons in two basic areas, employment and construction of and access to buildings and transportation. With respect to construction, those provisions of the ADA do not apply to churches. The employment provisions, however, do apply.
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Breaking Bad News
The movie The Wedding Planner highlights the enormous details that go into planning such an event. Imagine the experience of a wedding planner 2000 years ago at the wedding at Cana, to which Jesus and his disciples were invited.
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Why Business Models Matter
The Lord hasn't called most of us to do a brand new business model. Our organizations are usually doing many things right. But often something ...
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A Letter to Future Leaders
Over a decade ago, Leighton Ford gave a charge to a new generation of young leaders. His words carry great wisdom and relevance for leaders today. CLA appreciates his permission ...
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EI Webinars & Archives
September 23, 12 p.m. EST
This Webinar is entitled "Accounting and Auditing Update" and is led by William Haller, Managing Partner of Capin and Crouse. Register here.
EI CEO Forum
The annual, invitation-only, EI CEO Forum brings CEO's of America's leading Christian ministries together with innovative thought-leaders to discuss the landscape facing ministries in the year ahead. To learn more click here.
EI Steward Leadership Summit
The annual EI Steward Leadership Summit is America's premier Christian fund development educational opportunity! Build exemplary ministry stewardship and resource development programs! To learn more click here.
