The world desperately needs the ministry of a thriving churchbut all too often the local church is stagnant and ineffective. An ailing church needs vibrant, healthy leadership! But what's the solution when leaders feel fatigued from their work, discouraged by church conflicts, and ill equipped for the demands of shepherding?

Church planter and professional interim pastor Robert D. Stuart challenges pastors and elders to take a frank look at the most common illness behind a stagnant church: weak or ineffective leadership. In this diagnostic manual, he lists some telltale symptoms of a poorly led church, such as fear of change, personal "sacred cows," and superficial uniformity instead of true unity.

The great news is that when leaders take steps to improve, the health of the church improves too! Stuart provides practical suggestions and examples from his own experiences to point overwhelmed leaders toward the one remedy that works: emulating the leadership of the church's true head, Jesus.