Managing Change
How does your church know when to resist change and when to embrace it? Learn how.
See Related:
Training Theme |
PowerPoint| Topics: | Change, Direction, Expansion, Growth, Leadership, Planning, Resistance, Transitions |
| Filters: | Church board, Deacon, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor |
| Purpose: | Discipleship |
| References: | Matthew 9:16-17 , Acts 16:1-17:34, 1 Corinthians 10:23-32 |
| Date Added: | August 27, 2007 |
Click an image or title below to order any of these recommended resources.
Leadership Journal
Vision and Direction
The leading publication for church leaders devoted this issue to setting a church's course for the future.
Read it online at:
http://christianitytoday.com/le/2000/003/
Into the Future
by Elmer Towns & Warren Bird
An essential on trends by two experts in church research, this book seeks to "help you present the gospel, by word and deed, in a society that has changed the meaning of such concepts as values, truth and character." Includes profiles of several cutting-edge churches that effectively communicate the gospel to today's generation. (Revell, 2000; ISBN 0800757254)
Discontinuity and Hope
by Lyle E. Schaller
Schaller, an expert on congregational health, looks at the upheaval created by changes in society and explains how churches can view change as a threat to the status quo or as an opportunity for growth. (Abingdon, 1999; ISBN 068708539X)
Moving Off the Map: A Field Guide to Changing the Congregation
by Tom Bandy
Full of charts and self-tests, this is a guide to developing vision and congregational support for it. The first section offers 280 assessment questions. The chapters on stages in the process are practical. (Abingdon, 1998; ISBN: 0687068002)
Doing Church: A Biblical Guide for Leading Ministries through Change
by Aubrey Malphurs
Malphurs is direct: preach on principles, not practices. He gives a framework for thinking through the issues raised by changing styles of worship and approaches to ministry. Malphurs won't give you the answers, but he'll tell you how he came to his. (Kregel, 1999; ISBN: 0825431875)
Dying for Change
by Leith Anderson
Forged from the fire of personal experience, this book explains changes in society that have shaped our world, the spiritual and sociological changes that the church needs to face, and what kind of leadership is necessary to facilitate those changes. (Bethany House, 1990; ISBN: 1556611072)
Church Personality Matters: How to Build Positive Patterns
by Herb Miller
Miller doesn't ask "What is our mission?" until halfway through this book. After the usual chapters on history, setting, and size, Miller moves to the issue of personality-more specifically, personalities. Your church's vision will be determined in part by the age and interests of the members and leaders. That contributes to the corporate personality. The chapter on potholes to progress is especially practical. (Chalice Press, 1999; ISBN: 0827204779)
Futuring Your Church: Finding Your Vision and Making It Work
by George B. Thompson, Jr.
This slim volume is helpful in outlining the process for casting vision. There are much longer and more detailed works, but this one is good for the newcomer who needs an overview. (United Church Press, 1999; ISBN: 0829813314)
How to Change Your Church (Without Killing It)
by Jim Mellado, Gene Appel, and Alan Nelson
Change is often a necessary thing, but it can also be difficult and even devastating. This book gives practical advice for leading your church through change in the best way possible. Embrace your future and lead people to it. (W Publishing Group, 2000; ISBN 0849916607)
The World's Most Powerful Leadership Principle: How to Become a Servant Leader
by James C. Hunter
Hunter proposes a three step process for effecting change on an individual or congregational level. This process ties leadership and character development as inseperable things. (Random House, 2004; ISBN 1578569753)
How to Change Your Church (Without Killing It)
by Jim Mellado, Gene Appel, and Alan Nelson
Change is often a necessary thing, but it can also be difficult and even devastating. This book gives practical advice for leading your church through change in the best way possible. Embrace your future and lead people to it. (W Publishing Group, 2000; ISBN 0849916607)
The World's Most Powerful Leadership Principle: How to Become a Servant Leader
by James C. Hunter
Hunter proposes a three step process for effecting change on an individual or congregational level. This process ties leadership and character development as inseperable things. (Random House, 2004; ISBN 1578569753)
Change Management
by Jeffrey M. Hiatt
Though this book is written with a focus on business, there are great principles that can be gleaned in navigating congregational change. This is a standard book in the area of change management. (Prosci Research, 2003; ISBN 1930885180)
