Leading Congregational Change: A Practical Guide for the Transformational Journey (Book)
Jim Herrington, Mike Bonem, James H. Furr, Authors.  San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2000.

This practical resource addresses how to transform a declining or stagnant congregation wedded to the traditions, rules, and patterns of its past into a re-energized and vibrant congregation.

The transformational process the authors propose has several key components. One emphasizes the need to increase congregations’ spiritual and relational vitality as a preparation for the changes they are about to undergo. Another speaks to the need for leaders to possess the interpersonal skills to constructively manage the conflict that is an inevitable result of transformational change. A third component addresses the leadership disciplines a leader must master in order to be able to guide an organization through difficult times.

Chapter 1 introduces and describes the development of the “Congregational Transformation Model” that provides the framework for this book. Subsequent chapters examine facets of the model in greater detail, with particular attention paid to the disciplines of leadership, such as generating and sustaining creative tension, enabling team learning, and practicing systems thinking. Each chapter includes explanations, examples from the authors’ many years of teaching and consulting experience with congregations undergoing transformation, and suggestions for action. Insights from the broader study of organizations are often included as well.

Congregational leaders who sense the need for profound change in their congregations would benefit from this book, as would consultants and judicatory staff providing assistance to such congregations. A companion workbook providing more detailed “how to” information is also available.

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