Leading in DisOrienting Times: Navigating Church and Organizational Change

by Gary V. Nelson, Peter M. Dickens

Jack Mezirow, a leader in education theory, suggests that all transformative learning begins with a 'disorienting dilemma': an idea or experience that challenges or shifts fundamental values and assumptions. Gary Nelson and Peter Dickens, pastors and teachers with vast experience working with congregations and organizations, believe it is time for Christian leaders to be 'disoriented,' for the fundamental values and assumptions of Christian leadership to be reframed and broken down so they can see the leadership task in new ways. Blending current literature from both Christian and secular scholarship with individual and organizational examples, Leading in DisOrienting Times provides support for the concept of servant leadership that may be initially disorienting, but is ultimately liberating.

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2015

About the author

Gary Nelson is an urban missiologist and President and Vice Chancellor of Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Prior to 2010 Nelson served as General Secretary of Canadian Baptist Ministries (CBM). Since 2004 Nelson has been one of the Vice-Presidents of the Baptist World Alliance, of which his denomination is a member-body.

Reviews

[Dennis Sy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting ready to lead

Great book to equip leaders on how to manage and lead in times that is always changing. A wake up call for church leaders to adjust and rethink ways of ministering and leading without compromising the message of the gospel

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a challenging and encouraging read. This is a must read for anyone trying to navigate change in their context. It highlights how to love and shepherd well while still driving the organization forward.

[Merv Budd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leading an organization in change is never easy but it seems that our present reality is one of constant change. Nelson and Dickens address the ways that change can be nurtured (although not controlled) in complex organizations through servant leaders. It is written primarily for church leaders but there are principles that would be helpful in all types of organizations.

I found the book helpful but not always simple to read, at times I felt they worded things awkwardly (however, I may just have been tired). The front half of the book was just okay for me (more of a review of things I've read before) but the back half I found much more helpful. There are some thoughtful takeaways that I will definitely be applying in my own context and change efforts.

If you are finding that your efforts to bring change aren't working this book is the one you need to read. It will help you to understand why what you are doing is not working and how you can make progress.