C. Jeff Woods, On the Move: Adding Strength, Speed, and Balance to Your Congregation. Chalice Press, 2009.
Referenced in: Church Leadership Foundations, Church Dynamics, Research
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
When conducting intentional congregational renewal, one encounters terms such as identity, mission, vision, etc. Most resources define them well enough, but Jeff Woods provides a thorough guide to each of these concepts, showing how each piece is distinct from but related to the others. He also lays out processes for leaders and congregations to clarify each concept to enhance their efforts. Wood’s does not provide a planning or renewal process. His chief contribution is guiding the following concepts: identity, mission, vision, results, potential, performance, capacity, allocations, passion, and maturity. He devotes a chapter to each. Anyone who has heard these terms but wants to know their meaning from and experienced guide will appreciate this book.
From the Publisher
On the Move will help any organization become more agile in a rapidly changing environment. Agility requires strength, speed, and balance, and this book will help your organization enhance all three.
C. Jeff Woods gives readers a strong theoretical base drawn from an extensive bibliography as well as practical examples of how to put each concept to work in your organization.
Editorial Reviews
“An astute observer and practitioner of organizational behavior, Jeff Woods has written a very constructive approach to institutional change. He clearly demarcates the relationship of vision and mission, the potential and performance of people, the nuances of donor relations in fundraising, and how to approach and embrace change. Whether you lead a church, a nonprofit, a denominational body, or a theological school, you will find his scholarly and applied analysis of what makes for an agile organization very perceptive.” — Molly T. Marshall, president, Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Shawnee, Kansas
“Administration is about process and people. Dr. Woods focuses upon collaboration, which is the backbone of good process. He understands the need to foster passion within your community of stakeholders.” — Larry Fenn, superintendent of Lisbon Central Schools, Lisbon, Connecticut
“A researcher and a novelist came together to develop this outstanding book to help organizations thrive in the twenty-first century. Jeff Woods is both of those people. He succeeds in balancing research with story, theory with practice, insightful tools with probing questions, defining reality with passionate hope. The principles Woods develops cut across any organization, allowing for what is common to all and unique to yours.” — Phil Bergey, Phronesis Leadership Services and Design Group International
“Having read Jeff Woods previously, I was curious to see what new insights On The Move would provide to practitioners of organizational development. Several chapters into the book, I stopped critiquing and began applying its ingenious concepts and penetrating questions to the organization and colleagues I serve. We have since embarked on a fresh and comprehensive assessment of organizational agility—one framed by the finest book I have read on the topic.” — David Black, president of Eastern University, St. Davids, Pennsylvania
“In his teaching and writing, Jeff Woods consistently exhibits wisdom about systematic and imaginative organizational development. On the Move calls for organizations to become agile by feeding their vital signs, developing a diversity of outcomes, and living in a balance of strength-speed, prediction-testing, and incubation-journey. To create his agility model, Woods examines layers of organizations, then provides use of inventories and questions for others to do the same. This astute book combines solid processes with excellent tools for leaders to develop agile organizations ready for change.” — Lisa R. Withrow, Methodist Theological School in Ohio
About the Author
Jeff Woods currently serves as Associate General Secretary for Regional Ministries for the American Baptist Churches, USA. He is author of five previous books related to leadership and organizational development from Judson Press and the Alban Institute, as well as more than thirty published articles in both trade journals and refereed academic journals, including The Clergy Journal, Christian Ministry, American Baptist Quarterly, Preacher s Magazine, and Metropolitan Education.
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