Book excerpt: The ministry of catechesis is critical to the mission of the Church, and the most critical factor in an effective parish catechetical program is the catechetical leader. But for these leaders to succeed in their role, they must develop specific leadership skills and competencies. This second volume of The Effective Catechetical Leader series closely examines what catechetical leadership should look like, how it should work, and whom it should serve. A few of the key topics covered in this book include how to be a servant leader while still exercising legitimate authority; how to properly and pastorally handle difficult situations and conflict to build community; how to avoid burnout by delegating responsibility and engaging in collaborative ministry; and so much more. The Effective Catechetical Leader series, developed in conjunction with the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership and written by some of the top catechetical leaders in the country, is the only series to encompass all the various aspects of catechetical leadership. This series provides the practical skills, strategies, and approaches that ensure successful parish faith formation in an evangelizing manner, which leads directly to a vibrant Church. From best practices to new approaches for proclaiming God’s word in a rapidly changing world, this groundbreaking series will empower catechetical leaders to excel at everything from administrative duties to effectively catechizing people of all ages within our diverse Church.