Rooted in the Call: A Chairperson's Guide to Spirit-Led Leadership and Discernment is a contemplative yet practical guide for those entrusted with leading the governing body of the church. Far more than moderating meetings or managing agendas, the role of chairperson is a sacred calling to help the church stay aligned with God's mission while navigating the complexities of governance, personalities, and resources. In this book, Keith Clark-Hoyos draws from years of consulting, judicatory leadership, and formation work with boards to provide a resource that equips chairpersons to lead faithfully, effectively, and with clarity of purpose. Written in a warm and encouraging style, the book combines biblical reflection, practical exercises, and suggested leadership practices designed to ground chairs in Spirit while supporting the everyday tasks of their role. Organized in five parts and twelve chapters, Rooted in the Call begins by framing the sacred role of chairperson, then guides leaders into practices of discernment, agenda-setting, and dialogue. Subsequent chapters address the importance of anchoring decisions in mission, sustaining healthy rhythms across the year, and nurturing the whole body of the church. The final sections prepare chairs to lead through crisis and transition, mentor future leaders, and establish a personal "rule of life" to remain grounded for the long haul. Each chapter includes: Scripture reflection drawn from translations such as NIV, NRSVue, CEB, CEV, MSG, and TLB, chosen for clarity and contemplative depth. Reflection prompts to encourage discernment and personal application. Suggested practices such as prayer pauses, agenda rituals, and year-at-a-glance tools to strengthen both spiritual and governance leadership. This book is ideal for new or seasoned chairpersons, pastors who partner with them, and boards who want to cultivate Spirit-led leadership at the center of their governance. It can be used for personal study, leadership training cohorts, or as a companion resource in workshops and retreats. At its heart, Rooted in the Call reminds chairpersons that leadership in the church is not about control or efficiency but about discernment, courage, and faithfulness. To be rooted in the Spirit is to lead with grace, clarity, and resilience-helping the church remain grounded in God's mission today and into the future.
Clark-Hoyos, Keith: - Keith Clark-Hoyos is a consultant, coach, and author dedicated to equipping church leaders with the clarity and courage to lead faithfully. Known for his positivity and contemplative approach, Keith has guided hundreds of churches and nonprofit leaders through seasons of governance challenges, financial uncertainty, and mission discernment. His work integrates practical tools with deep spiritual reflection, helping leaders align their decisions with God's call. A former judicatory executive, Keith founded Church Training Center in 2015 to provide consulting, training, and accounting services for ministries across the nation. Through webinars, cohort training, and the Effective Church Leadership Community, he and his team support boards, treasurers, and pastors in building strong systems of governance and stewardship. Church Training Center's publishing arm, Clark-Hoyos Publications, creates resources that bridge the gap between spiritual discernment and practical leadership, including Embracing Our Call, The Ministry of Money, Serving the Call, Sacred Listening, and The Heart of Stewardship, The Practice of Faith. Keith holds a Master of Arts in Ministry, Leadership & Service from Claremont School of Theology and studied Business Administration and Church Ministries at Simpson University. He is also an ordained Daoist Monk in the Wù Zhēn Pài (Awakened Reality Sect) lineage, bringing a contemplative depth and spiritual groundedness to his teaching and writing. This unique integration of business, theology, and contemplative practice enables him to speak with both practical wisdom and spiritual resonance to leaders navigating complex challenges. Rooted in the Call: A Chairperson's Guide to Spirit-Led Leadership and Discernment reflects Keith's conviction that church governance is not merely administrative but deeply spiritual. Written for board chairpersons, it provides a pathway to lead with discernment, nurture resilient leadership practices, and keep churches grounded in mission. The book draws on Keith's years of experience equipping governing bodies, his theological training, and his contemplative practice, offering a resource that is both accessible and inspiring. At the heart of Keith's vocation is a desire to empower church leaders to live faithfully, lead effectively, and align all resources-financial, human, and spiritual-with the mission God has placed before them.
