Lynn Anderson, Navigating the Winds of Change: How to Manage Change in the Church. Howard Publishing, 1994.
Referenced in: Change Concepts and Theories
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
Books on congregational change usually have a brief shelf-life, because while there are many timeless principles of effective change, each new era places the punctuation marks differently on that process. Also, most books on the subject usually engage in change advocacy, i.e. they advocate certain changes and suggest healthy process for getting there. The changes they advocate address the issues current of the author’s time and place, and in our culture, these issues change rapidly. It is therefore rare to find a book on this subject that has enduring value, but Lynn Anderson’s Navigating the Winds of Change is one of them. There is change advocacy, particularly for growing churches to adopt contemporary forms of worship. Churches still struggling with this issue will resonate with sections one and four, comprising six chapters. The remainder of the book, however, offers good insight into change process that is broadly applicable to most any setting. Of special value is Section Five: The Art of Change Management, where Dr. Anderson summarizes and applies best practices for organizational change. He discusses forging new futures while respecting the past, determining what must and must not change, minimizing chaos, getting change into your system, distinguishing between change and transition, and changing perceptions. Written by a visionary who has the heart of a pastor. I highly recommend this book.
From the Publisher
How Can Your Church Manage Cultural Change Without Compromising Eternal Truths?
Many churches are currently grappling with this question, and this important book by Lynn Anderson is full of answers.
The winds of change are blowing, and they will not be ignored. Churches that learn how to successfully manage the changes these winds bring will sail smoothly into the 21st century. Congregations that close their eyes to the reality of change will be swept off course or into extinction.
In this book, Anderson—a well-known author, minister and leader—presents a wealth of practical, effective strategies for managing change in the church. He is the creative force behind the annual “Church That Connects” seminar that has helped hundreds of church leaders manage positive change in their congregations; and now he gives these vital strategies directly to you.
About the Author
Lynn Anderson has been in the ministry for over thirty-five years and currently serves as president of Hope Network, a ministry dedicated to coaching, mentoring, and equipping spiritual leaders for the twenty-first century. He received his doctorate from Abilene Christian University in 1990.
Anderson’s lifelong career of ministry has involved speaking nationwide to thousands of audiences and authoring eight books — including The Shepherd’s Song; Navigating the Winds of Change; Heaven Came Down; They Smell like Sheep, Volume 1; and If I Really Believe, Why Do I Have These Doubts?
He and his wife, Carolyn, live in Dallas. They are the parents of four grown children and the grandparents of eight wonderful grandchildren.
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Related Areas
See Other Resources on Change and Transition in Churches:
- Change and Transition in Churches, Intro
- Change Concepts and Theories
- Change Receptiveness and Resistance
- Leading Change and Transition
See Resource Guides on Over 100 Areas of Ministry Leadership: