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Guided by Grace: A Narrative to Lead Organizational Change
Calvary Church stands as a beacon of faith in the quaint town of Oakridge. Its imposing edifice is a testament to over seven decades of spiritual endurance. Yet the once-vibrant congregation has dwindled and stagnation hangs in the air. Into this uncertainty steps Pastor Terrance, a young man brimming with energy and a fervent desire to reignite the flames of devotion.
Freshly ordained and armed with seminary knowledge, Terrance faces the challenge of shepherding a congregation resistant to change. Tradition holds firm; the refrain "we have always done it this way" echoes through the hallowed halls. Terrance finds an unlikely ally in Merle, a stalwart member whose family helped found the church in 1947. Together, they embark on a journey to breathe new life into Calvary Church.
Through biblical narratives and unwavering faith, Terrance weaves a story that resonates with the hearts of the faithful. Slowly, the congregation opens its hearts, embracing the transforming power of collaboration and vision. As new programs and outreach efforts take root, Calvary Church emerges as a vibrant, flourishing community. The journey is long and arduous, but the rewards are immeasurable—a testament to the enduring power of faith, perseverance, and willingness to embrace change.
Freshly ordained and armed with seminary knowledge, Terrance faces the challenge of shepherding a congregation resistant to change. Tradition holds firm; the refrain "we have always done it this way" echoes through the hallowed halls. Terrance finds an unlikely ally in Merle, a stalwart member whose family helped found the church in 1947. Together, they embark on a journey to breathe new life into Calvary Church.
Through biblical narratives and unwavering faith, Terrance weaves a story that resonates with the hearts of the faithful. Slowly, the congregation opens its hearts, embracing the transforming power of collaboration and vision. As new programs and outreach efforts take root, Calvary Church emerges as a vibrant, flourishing community. The journey is long and arduous, but the rewards are immeasurable—a testament to the enduring power of faith, perseverance, and willingness to embrace change.
156 pages, Paperback
Published July 14, 2025
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September 22, 2025
This book attempts to instruct the reader in organizational change. It does so from the perspective of a pastor and church. References to Jesus are thin, and the narrative is more cringe than believable.
The pastor keeps telling people they will honor the past while embracing the future, but there isn't anything specific that he does to actually honor the past...other than speak the platitudes that the church WILL do it.
If this were a book to guide churches specifically, it fails entirely for its thin and vague references to Jesus. The foundation of the church is variably described as a character's heart or dedication, or the church's tradition...but never is Jesus listed as the foundation.
But the subtitle says this is about ORGANIZATIONAL change. So churches aren't the only organization it might be talking to.
The subtle digs against traditional worship as preventing this fictional church from growth are all the talking points you would expect from a book written in 1992.
The book begins with the bold assertion "When we experience holy discontent, we are aligned with God's heart for taking positive action to change the world "
That sounds nice...but "Says who?" Where does this assertion come from? It isn't supported by Scripture. It's just stated and presumed to be true and that the reader will agree. So the whole premise of the book is tendentious at best.
The nuggets in the book aren't in the narrative at all, but in the sidebars that give best-practice advice for organizational change. But you can get that advice better and more clearly presented in other books.
The pastor keeps telling people they will honor the past while embracing the future, but there isn't anything specific that he does to actually honor the past...other than speak the platitudes that the church WILL do it.
If this were a book to guide churches specifically, it fails entirely for its thin and vague references to Jesus. The foundation of the church is variably described as a character's heart or dedication, or the church's tradition...but never is Jesus listed as the foundation.
But the subtitle says this is about ORGANIZATIONAL change. So churches aren't the only organization it might be talking to.
The subtle digs against traditional worship as preventing this fictional church from growth are all the talking points you would expect from a book written in 1992.
The book begins with the bold assertion "When we experience holy discontent, we are aligned with God's heart for taking positive action to change the world "
That sounds nice...but "Says who?" Where does this assertion come from? It isn't supported by Scripture. It's just stated and presumed to be true and that the reader will agree. So the whole premise of the book is tendentious at best.
The nuggets in the book aren't in the narrative at all, but in the sidebars that give best-practice advice for organizational change. But you can get that advice better and more clearly presented in other books.
Displaying 1 of 1 review