William Chris Hobgood, Welcoming Resistance. Alban Institute, 2001.
Referenced in: Leading Change and Transition
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
Hobgood defines resistance as energy that rises up to counteract change in a system. He suggests that resistance can appear in at least three forms: intentionally antagonistic, emotional and reactive, and rational and probing. Antagonistic forms require a special level of conflict management, and are not the focus of this book. His central thesis is that the other two forms of resistance can be a sign of vital, high quality, and faithful life in a congregation. These kinds of resistance come from people who are loyal, and they usually offer something of value that may be harmful if ignored. This well-written guide equips leaders to welcome and navigate helpful forms of resistance. Using clear definitions and explanations, as well as illuminating case studies, Hobgood applies insights from emotional systems, situational leadership, adaptive leadership, power distribution, and other helpful disciplines.
From the Publisher
Resistance can be a sign of vitality, high quality, and faithful life in a congregation. It can also be a learning opportunity for congregational leaders who recognize the value of hearing from those who resist ministry initiatives, inviting their input and listening to their response. So argues Chris Hobgood, based on his research in eight congregations growing in their practice of stewardship, evangelism, spiritual formation, and compassion.
Hobgood proposes a “continuum of interventions” that can be made by pastors and lay leaders. He also observes that the degree of resistance will intensify as the degree of change deepens but suggests that when we try to squelch resistance we threaten the congregation’s very existence. While it may be tempting to believe that battles have been won when resistance is gone, it is in the give-and-take of change initiators and resisters interacting openly and with mutual respect that congregations become lively and richer places.
Congregational leaders will appreciate Hobgood’s positive and pastoral approach to the resistance they encounter in their own faith communities and his concrete and practical suggestions for building more constructive relationships.
About the Author
Dr. William Chris Hobgood is a consultant to churches in a variety of areas, and to clergy on developmental and family needs. He serves as the Regional Minister, Capital Area, The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and was formerly their Regional Minister (Executive), State of Arkansas. Hobgood also served as Vice President, Interfaith Conference of Washington, DC; Chair, Board of Directors, Division of Overseas Ministries for The Christian Church in the U.S. and Canada; and pastor in Kentucky, Indiana, and Virginia.
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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
- Overcoming Change Resistance, Creating Change Receptiveness
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