Leading Through Change

by Barney Wells/Martin Guise/Ron Klassen, Julie Becker (Illustrator), Stuart Hoffman (Editor)

Rural areas are experiencing changes. Changes brought by an encroaching city. Changes brought by communication technologies such as the internet and satellite TV. Changes brought by urbanites buying land and making the area their personal retreat. In short, rural areas are experiencing changes that they are not seeking, but must now respond to. This book is about leading through change, whether it be proactive or reactive.

You might be facing issues such as

Our community is changing but our church is not
Our church's worship style hasn't changed in recent memory
Our church is not reaching the young people in the community
Our church is declining
Our church has newcomers that are bringing ideas that meet resistance and even create conflict
Our church building is run-down and sends the message that we are old, tired and worn out
Change is already happening in your town. Learn how to lead your church to greater effectiveness and fruitfulness through this change.

112 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2005

Reviews

[Benjamin Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

The revised edition will get 5 stars when they put it out... which I highly hope they do in 2025. RHMA is a very wonderful agency, and this book is a must read for all pastors who are working in a "rural" context, or even those not in a rural context who are looking for change. In seminary we had to read 500+ page books about this very subject, but this book says it all a lot better, and is directed towards the average pastor-- one in a church under 100 people.

[Jon Hembree · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for any church, but specifically aimed at rural churches. Change is inevitable and increasing, even in rural areas that are typically slower to cultural change. Leading Through Change outlines typical changes a church may go through, and also gives really practical advice to help navigate through any type of change. I’d recommend it!

[Will Dole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a four star concept. The first part is pretty dated at this point; but the second half lays out nine steps for leading change in a small/rural church. Well thought out and seasoned by the authors many decades of ministry experience and biblical wisdom.

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would encourage every rural and small town pastor to read this book. It is one of the best books I have read this year. Most churches need to change to meet the needs of their changing communities. But that change needs to be done in ways that are positive and not destructive. The book talks about time and patience, starting with prayer and building relationships, discussing the ideas with people beforehand and giving them times to think about it and make suggestions. I have found they usually have great ideas to improve the idea to make it better than I could have ever dreamed of. It talks of respecting people and the history and tradition of the church. Change is often needed, but it talks of making a lot of small changes or tweaking some things the church is already doing rather than making a big dramatic change. It talks of the traits of people in rural areas. If you’re like me and have attended evangelism or leadership or church growth meetings and you’re from a rural church, you leave frustrated because a rural church is different than a city church. This book respects and addresses the unique challenges and opportunities.
Four criteria when considering change: is it 1) strongly needed; 2) theologically correct; 3) culturally appropriate, and 4) doable.
“If your try to force a change that isn’t doable, and in the process are straining people and resources to the breaking point, that change isn’t likely Spirit-driven. We believe that when God is in a change, He will open the doors.”
“It is crucial that the pastor and other newcomers who may be future leaders of change in a rural church invest considerable time, years perhaps, building themselves into the (relationship) web. This is done by providing pastoral care in times of crisis, visiting the elderly in their homes, practicing hospitality, spending time in the local café, attending community events, and generally being a friend to people in the church and community.”