/Christian News/ — How can those in positions of leadership balance an inner spiritual life with the outward needs of the people in an organization? More than thirty years of leadership experience combined with a deep understanding of spiritual formation practices make InterVarsity Press publisher Bob Fryling qualified to answer that question. The Leadership Ellipse does not look at leadership goals as a bull’s-eye within a round target, but rather as separate but equal focal points in an oval-shaped ellipse. Looking at issues in this way helps leaders to better guide those who report to them, and enables them to care for their inner life as well. The Leadership Ellipse details a Christian practice for the difficult task of leading others while following Christ with all of one’s heart, soul, mind and strength.

In addition to his role at IVP, Fryling is vice president of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He also served as an Evangelical Christian Publishers Association board member from 2001 to 2006. Fryling writes, speaks and teaches in the areas of spiritual formation, leadership, Christian faith and culture.

In the current tumultuous publishing climate, IVP has remained strong under Fryling’s leadership. During his thirteen years as CEO, InterVarsity Press has experienced over 50 percent growth. IVP has also been named a finalist each of the four years it has participated in the Best Christian Workplaces contest, and was recently named one of the best book publishing companies to work for by Book Business magazine (November 2009), which listed among the company’s “best” features that employees are “supported by love and prayer during difficult times” and that IVP has an “open management style regarding finances and company business.”

Fryling appeared on January 26 at Salt Exchange in Chicago, a conference for Christian leaders in both business and ministry. He will also be leading a workshop at the Christian Leadership Alliance national conference in San Diego on April 20, 2010.