Leading Change in the Congregation: Spiritual & Organizational Tools for Leaders

By Gilbert R. Rendle

Many books have been written about leadership and change, but until now none has focused on the kind of change that tears at a community's very fabric. Alban senior consultant Gil Rendle provides a respectful context for understanding change, especially the experiences and resistances that people feel. Rendle pulls together theory, research, and his work with churches facing change to provide leaders with practical diagnostic models and tools. In a time when change is the norm, this book helps to "lead change" in a spiritual and healthy way.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1566991870
• ISBN13: 9781566991872
• Release Date: December 2007
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Length: 188 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Offers a practical approach to congregational development

This book provides both clergy and laity with a practical approach to congregational development by helping leaders to see their congregations as unique and vital to God's kingdom. The questions asked, both in the narrative text as well as the structured ideas is one of the gems of this book. This book provided, and still provides me, with a new set of lenses through which to view the future journey and development of my congregation as God calls it to become and not as a replica of a current trend.

Relevant Advice for Congregations - Needed NOW more than ever

With so many churches struggling to identify programs and services that will meet their goals, 'Leading Change in the Congregation' is a MUST read! Being a Business Analyst, I can attest that the information provided is relevant information that, if followed with integrity and purpose, can elevate congregational conversation, promote healthy dialogue, and generate focused and meaningful change. It's your church....become a leader! ** Not for those seeking a quick fix **

Required leadership reading

A relevant and practical book for transitional leaders. Describes the current socio-economic environment impacting congregations and need for new leadership approaches. Rendel's writing style and first hand knowledge makes this a fast and compelling read.

A good investment of your precious reading time

?Remember back to course you took in seminary about leading your church through change? No? There wasn't one! Come now, that can't be true, but sadly it is in most cases. Pastors are called to shepherd their church's through changes but are rarely given the education or tools to do so. Most of this is picked up by trial and error, often painful trials with many errors. This book could be considered "Remedial Congregational Leadership 101," for those of us who never received this formal training. Clearly Rendle wrote this book not out of some theoretical model (although there is solid theory supporting it) but out of his lived experience of leading many congregations through the turbulant waters of change. With so many demands pulling at the free time of a pastor, this book is well worth devoting some of that time.

A Great Resouce

Excellent insights for planning strategies to help congregations into and through change. A great guide for dealing with the dynamics of change -- spiritual, intellectual, and emotional. Helpful differentiation between "management" and "leadership" and the kinds of situations when each style is more appropriate. I use it as a handbook in doing interim ministry.