Publisher's Synopsis
When two–thirds of this nation′s congregations are witnessing flat or declining membership rates, something has to change. But bound by tradition we often resist the very change our congregations need to thrive. Our challenge: revitalize our congregations and create a new center, one that will give church leaders a solid foundation for growing and reinvigorating congregations in the joyful spirit of Christianity. Written by three distinguished church consultants, Leading Congregational Change offers proven processes and tools for accomplishing this goal and revitalizing churches of any size and across the broad spectrum of denominations.
With this much–needed handbook, the authors brilliantly combine their experience guiding dozens of churches through the change process with both the study of Christian disciplines and the sophisticated understanding of such important business thinkers as John Kotter on leading change and Peter Senge on learning organizations. In this eminently readable book the authors have distilled their insights and practices into simple but powerful concepts for leading congregations, whether long established or recently formed, through profound change.
The central component of their original change model is for congregations to first nurture spiritual and relational vitality–that is, the creative power that faithful people experience together as they passionately pursue God′s vision for their lives. Then, drawing examples from thriving churches, the authors offer long–term support for building upon this kind of vitality through eight well–considered stages. These include personally preparing for change, creating a sense of energy and urgency, and establishing a "vision community"–a diverse group of key members who work together to collaboratively discern and shape the church vision, share it with the broader congregation, and implement it through specific action plans.
Recognizing that individual and church transformation go hand in hand, the authors elucidate essential church leadership disciplines such as sustaining creative tension and team learning. This book′s thoughtful approach enables leaders to treat their congregation as a spiritual and human organism that is complex, connected, and ever–changing. The model it provides can help any church passionately pursue God′s vision.
"If you keep doing what you′ve been doing, you′ll keep getting what you′ve been getting. Can you live with that?"
For pastors and church leaders who answer no to this vital challenge, Leading Congregational Change provides practical, refreshing, and highly effective tools and processes for generating deep transformation.
The authors, having led hundreds of congregations through change, present a powerful, sequential process for moving a church toward renewal. They reveal how to deal with resistance from key members who do not understand why change is needed, show how to develop a "vision community"–a diverse group within the church who can collaboratively discern and help to implement God′s vision for their congregation–and identify the specific leadership disciplines required to successfully shepherd change. Based on a proven model, this book empowers church leaders to help declining congregations grow and become reenergized and vibrant again.
Leaders using this guide will also be interested in the companion Leading Congregational Change Workbook, which offers assessment questions, planning worksheets, activities, and case examples for each stage of the process.
"Leading a church to change from being tradition– or program–driven to being purpose–driven is a task filled with all kinds of potentially explosive and divisive issues. This is a book you ought to read before you change anything." Rick Warren, author, The Purpose–Driven Church
"This is a landmark book for churches and change. Effecting change is never easy in congregations. Leading Congregational Change is a practical guide for congregational leaders that includes spiritual wisdom and its application from the best thinkers of ourday."
Bob Buford, founding chairman, Leadership Network
"This book spotlights the universal principles for navigating the rapids of change between chaplaincy and mission. Identifying the simplicity–within the complexity–of this challenging leadership role, pastors and leaders learn how to go from hopeful to possible."
Herb Miller, editor, The Parish Paper
Workbook copy
Lead Your Church to a Vibrant Future
If you are a pastor, lay leader, or devoted church member vitally interested in renewing your church, this essential workbook will give you precisely the tools you need to transform your congregation. Based on a practical, proven model, it brilliantly combines biblical wisdom with the best new business thinking on how organizations learn and grow. Here you will find specific, hands–on resources for initiating change, including
- thoughtful questions for assessing congregational life
- learning exercises for building leadership teams
- practical methods for developing leadership skills
- planning worksheets
- Bible studies that illuminate the dynamics of church life, leadership, and change
- contemplative practices
- case examples from churches that have successfully led change using this empowering model
- and many other practical tools to guide your church′s transformation and your individual growth as a leader
With this book you′ll learn, step by step, how to form a "vision community"–a diverse group of key members who work together to collaboratively discern and shape the church mission, share it with the broader congregation, and implement it through specific action plans. Whether your congregation is long established or recently formed, this book will help you passionately pursue God′s vision for your church.
