In The Art of Leading Change, author Mike Bonem asks: What is the primary distinction between the science and the art of change leadership? His answer: People! And leading people in churches and ministries is messy. The science of change leadership doesn't ignore the human element, but it tends to overlook the differences between people and the significant impact those differences have on how to best lead change. The art of leading change is all about people. We can't do the work God has called us to do without people, yet each individual-and each collection of individuals-is unique. This resource is a guide to better understand and practice the art of leading people through change.
The heart of the book describes ten perspectives on leading change. Each perspective is captured in a memorable phrase that underscores an important principle, such as 'Lead with trust' and 'Resisters are not the enemy.' The ten perspectives are bookended by two other essential insights: 'The Challenge of Leading Change' examines the contours and underlying factors that make change so difficult in ministry settings. 'The Courage for Change,' at the book's conclusion, explores the conviction and fortitude leaders will need for the change journey.
Mike Bonem recently wrote an article for Leadership, the premier journal for church leaders, on Good to Great to Godly, in which he explored the issue of how secular insights on business and leadership could or should be applied in churchesand how that intersects with the spiritual dimensions of the role. The article was exceptionally well-received, in large part because leaders at all levels and in all sizes of churches want to be better leaders but don't get the appropriate training or education. In this new book, Bonem seeks to help leaders think more productively about issues such as financial management, strategic planning, systems thinking, growth--all the things that businesses also have to consider. He has an MBA from Harvard Business School, but is also a church leader and consultant, which make him uniquely situated to help church leaders think about applying practices and insights from the secular business and management literature.
Leading from the Second Chair will raise awareness of the need for strong leaders in secondary positions. It will describe the value they can bring to their organization and to primary leaders when they are serving at their full potential. It will reshape the way they view their role, with an emphasis on their own responsibility as leaders. It recognizes the unique challenges and frustrations of serving in a subordinate position and equips these leaders with the attitudes and skills that they will need to survive and thrive in this new paradigm.
Because of the scarcity of resources for second chair leaders, particularly those in the church, this book will offer a practical way to improve the performance of any organization. Leading Congregational Change discussed the importance of a 'vision community'-a diverse group of key members who discern and implement the vision for a congregation-to guide the transformation of a church. This work will extend the theme of an empowered leadership team as we explore how individual clergy and laity can lead effectively.
