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Who Moved My Pulpit?: Leading Change in the Church
Who Moved My Pulpit? may not be the exact question you’re asking. But you’re certainly asking questions about change in the church—where it’s coming from, why it’s happening, and how you’re supposed to hang on and follow God through it—even get out ahead of it so your church is faithfully meeting its timeless calling and serving the new opportunities of this age. Based on conversations with thousands of pastors, combined with on-the-ground research from more than 50,000 churches, best-selling author Thom S. Rainer shares an eight-stage roadmap to leading change in your church. Not by changing doctrine. Not by changing biblical foundations. But by changing methodologies and approaches for reaching a rapidly changing culture. You are the pastor. You are the church staff person. You are an elder. You are a deacon. You are a key lay leader in the church. This is the book that will equip you to celebrate and lead change no matter the cost. The time is now.
143 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2016
121 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Thom S. Rainer
132 books139 followersThom S. Rainer is the founder and CEO of Church Answers and Executive Director of Revitalize Network. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama where he received his degree in business administration. He received both the master of divinity and the Ph.D. degrees from Southern Seminary.
Dr. Rainer has served as pastor of four churches. He is the former president of Rainer
Group consulting. He served for twelve years as dean at Southern Seminary and for thirteen years as the president and CEO of LifeWay Çhristian Resources.
Dr. Rainer has authored or co-authored 33 books. Among his greatest joys are his family: his wife Nellie Jo; three sons, Sam, Art, and Jess; and eleven grandchildren.
Dr. Rainer has served as pastor of four churches. He is the former president of Rainer
Group consulting. He served for twelve years as dean at Southern Seminary and for thirteen years as the president and CEO of LifeWay Çhristian Resources.
Dr. Rainer has authored or co-authored 33 books. Among his greatest joys are his family: his wife Nellie Jo; three sons, Sam, Art, and Jess; and eleven grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
October 1, 2024
A very helpful guide on leading change in the church. Two things need to be clarified I think: 1. Not all change is good change 2. Growth in attendance doesn’t necessarily mean spiritual growth or greater effectiveness. Other than that, this book helped me immensely.
May 8, 2025
A book written in classic Rainer style, with good illustrations throughout. Some of the implications, however, feel more anecdotal than firmly grounded in principle or data. While it offers helpful insights for new pastors, I found other Rainer books to be more beneficial overall.
April 6, 2018
Rainer writes with a direct simplicity that I appreciate. "Who Moved My Pulpit" is written to pastors who have struggled with leading their church through change. In other words, it's written to all pastors.
Although I've experienced some success in navigating change, it is my failures in leading change that loom large for me. I need this book.
Rainer begins by pulling apart a case study and examining the many ways we can fail in leading change. He then explains how different types of church members will receive change differently. He categorizes the congregation as five types: the deniers, the entitled, the blamers, the critics, and the confused. Every person has to be led uniquely through change.
Rainer then lays out a road map for change and spends the rest of the book walking through that road map. His road map is: 1) stop and pray; 2) confront and communicate a sense of urgency; 3) build an eager coalition; 4) become a voice and vision of hope; 5) deal with people issues; 6) move from an inward focus to an outward focus; 6) pick low-hanging fruit; 7) implement and consolidate change.
Of those chapters, number 3 was probably the most impactful. My tendency as a leader can be to focus my leadership energy on converting the unconvertable, on inspiring those who have no interest in change. Rainer estimates that 5% are eager for change, 20% are open to change, 30% are followers, 25% are resistant to change, and 20% are highly resistant to change. My tendency is to expend my energy at the bottom, but Rainer wisely advises to expend your energy with the 25% who are eager and open to change.
Balancing that is the call to always put people first. I love Rainer's reminder: "If you love change more than you love people, you have already failed as a leader."
Although I've experienced some success in navigating change, it is my failures in leading change that loom large for me. I need this book.
Rainer begins by pulling apart a case study and examining the many ways we can fail in leading change. He then explains how different types of church members will receive change differently. He categorizes the congregation as five types: the deniers, the entitled, the blamers, the critics, and the confused. Every person has to be led uniquely through change.
Rainer then lays out a road map for change and spends the rest of the book walking through that road map. His road map is: 1) stop and pray; 2) confront and communicate a sense of urgency; 3) build an eager coalition; 4) become a voice and vision of hope; 5) deal with people issues; 6) move from an inward focus to an outward focus; 6) pick low-hanging fruit; 7) implement and consolidate change.
Of those chapters, number 3 was probably the most impactful. My tendency as a leader can be to focus my leadership energy on converting the unconvertable, on inspiring those who have no interest in change. Rainer estimates that 5% are eager for change, 20% are open to change, 30% are followers, 25% are resistant to change, and 20% are highly resistant to change. My tendency is to expend my energy at the bottom, but Rainer wisely advises to expend your energy with the 25% who are eager and open to change.
Balancing that is the call to always put people first. I love Rainer's reminder: "If you love change more than you love people, you have already failed as a leader."
July 18, 2016
I'm not sure the low rating is deserved by the author, or if it goes deservingly to the American church. I couldn't wrap my mind around how petty church-goers can be.
March 23, 2018
Helpful and practical guide for pastors and church leaders on leading change in their churches. Most churches are declining or not growing, and change is urgent. This book is realistic about how hard it is to lead a church or ministry to change. There are the early adopters (5%), those open to change (20%),the followers who simply go with whoever has the loudest voice or most influence (30%), those who are resistant to change (25%), and those who are highly resistant (20%), who basically are the most critical, divisive and are not fun at all to be around. But Rainer did a good job providing a roadmap for how to most effectively lead your people through change.
Though I am not a pastor, I am leading an organization through change, while also being led through a change process, and I thought The principles that Rainer gave were transferable to other contexts, including my own. I was challenged at points with my own mistakes and failures, while at the same time encouraged that leading will always be hard, will never be universally embraced by everyone you lead, and will require courage as a leader to stay the course in order take people where God is leading. If you are a ministry leader, you probably need the advice contained in this book.
Though I am not a pastor, I am leading an organization through change, while also being led through a change process, and I thought The principles that Rainer gave were transferable to other contexts, including my own. I was challenged at points with my own mistakes and failures, while at the same time encouraged that leading will always be hard, will never be universally embraced by everyone you lead, and will require courage as a leader to stay the course in order take people where God is leading. If you are a ministry leader, you probably need the advice contained in this book.
January 17, 2022
Very good practical insight, and very encouraging.
April 18, 2023
Very quick read on implementing change in the church. It’s size shouldn’t fool you, though, it’s a good book.
February 28, 2022
Solid, succinct book by Rainer on leading change in a church. Good statistics supported by poignant illustrations bolstered by biblical principles make for a good read.
December 1, 2022
The book was mainly about leading through change. Very good! Here are a few great thoughts I gleaned from the book:
When leading to make a change, start it with prayer. Beginning in your own power, confidence and cockiness is a big mistake.
When leading to make a change, you must asses unintended consequences. There will almost always be reactions beyond the change itself.
When leading to make a change, make sure to always communicate. You cannot over-communicate!
When leading to make a change, deal with the people issues. Get buy-in from others, especially key people.
When leading to make a change, model the right attitude in leadership.
Five kinds of unmovable church members
The Deniers. Some will just live in denial, but it is the fastest way to death.
The Entitled. Those who expect what they want. They don’t want anything that upsets their way of doing church.
The Blamers. They would rather blame than take fault. They blame everything on culture, community and others. They resist change.
The Critics. They find fault in everything and everyone.
The Confused. Many times they are good innocent people, so they resist change.
The following is a roadmap for leading change in your church:
Stop and Pray.
Successful and sustaining change does not occur without prayer.
Start with prayer.
Ask for wisdom.
You cannot see the future, but God can.
Pray for courage. Pray for strength.
Confront and Communicate the Urgency for Change.
Look at the statistics and face the reality.
Get outside eyes and ask them to be blunt with you.
Openly and honestly share the feedback and facts with your congregation.
Build an Eager Coalition.
Find the influencers, get them on board and keep them in the loop. This will help to communicate to the rest of the group or congregation.
Become a Voice and Vision of Hope.
Hope begins and continues with God.
You lead in hope by reading the Bible daily, communicating that hope to others, and finding low hanging fruit to share with others.
Hope has to accompany vision.
Deal with People Issues.
Change is all about people.
If you don’t deal with people issues, you will fail in the change.
You have to love people more than you love change.
Move From an Inward Focus to an Outward Focus.
First, you must be an example of focus as a leader.
You cannot lead in change without embodying change first.
Outward focus begins with you.
Pick low Hanging Fruit.
What are some things you can do right now?
Find, create and point out victories.
Implement and Consolidate Change.
If you’re not careful, the change becomes more important than what you are going to do after the change. The means becomes the end.
The number one reason for complacency is unclear and unstated vision.
We do not change for change sake, but for the Gospel sake.
We live in urgency because the gospel is urgent.
There are always resistors, and many hesitant ones as well. What seems slow to you as a leader is likely too fast for those in the congregation. You need wisdom and discretion.
Leading in change begins in prayer, but you must continue in prayer as well.
We do not want to change people, we want God to change people.
When leading to make a change, start it with prayer. Beginning in your own power, confidence and cockiness is a big mistake.
When leading to make a change, you must asses unintended consequences. There will almost always be reactions beyond the change itself.
When leading to make a change, make sure to always communicate. You cannot over-communicate!
When leading to make a change, deal with the people issues. Get buy-in from others, especially key people.
When leading to make a change, model the right attitude in leadership.
Five kinds of unmovable church members
The Deniers. Some will just live in denial, but it is the fastest way to death.
The Entitled. Those who expect what they want. They don’t want anything that upsets their way of doing church.
The Blamers. They would rather blame than take fault. They blame everything on culture, community and others. They resist change.
The Critics. They find fault in everything and everyone.
The Confused. Many times they are good innocent people, so they resist change.
The following is a roadmap for leading change in your church:
Stop and Pray.
Successful and sustaining change does not occur without prayer.
Start with prayer.
Ask for wisdom.
You cannot see the future, but God can.
Pray for courage. Pray for strength.
Confront and Communicate the Urgency for Change.
Look at the statistics and face the reality.
Get outside eyes and ask them to be blunt with you.
Openly and honestly share the feedback and facts with your congregation.
Build an Eager Coalition.
Find the influencers, get them on board and keep them in the loop. This will help to communicate to the rest of the group or congregation.
Become a Voice and Vision of Hope.
Hope begins and continues with God.
You lead in hope by reading the Bible daily, communicating that hope to others, and finding low hanging fruit to share with others.
Hope has to accompany vision.
Deal with People Issues.
Change is all about people.
If you don’t deal with people issues, you will fail in the change.
You have to love people more than you love change.
Move From an Inward Focus to an Outward Focus.
First, you must be an example of focus as a leader.
You cannot lead in change without embodying change first.
Outward focus begins with you.
Pick low Hanging Fruit.
What are some things you can do right now?
Find, create and point out victories.
Implement and Consolidate Change.
If you’re not careful, the change becomes more important than what you are going to do after the change. The means becomes the end.
The number one reason for complacency is unclear and unstated vision.
We do not change for change sake, but for the Gospel sake.
We live in urgency because the gospel is urgent.
There are always resistors, and many hesitant ones as well. What seems slow to you as a leader is likely too fast for those in the congregation. You need wisdom and discretion.
Leading in change begins in prayer, but you must continue in prayer as well.
We do not want to change people, we want God to change people.
June 8, 2017
Thom Rainer provides a great book, with his intriguing title: “Who Moved My Pulpit?” The title comes from a real scenario that arose when a pastor decided to change the pulpit from a traditional lectern to a more conventional pulpit. Rainer uses this as an example that launches his discussion of change and the critical role it plays in the church, providing much needed insight on the significant role that change plays in the church. He states that church leaders do not have an option in leading change, they need to pray for wisdom, courage, and strength in the process of so doing (pp. 41-2).
Rainer suggests a nine-step protocol for change. First, in order to lead change, leaders must stop and pray. Rainer provides several examples where change without prayer has led to havoc. Prayer is a critical ingredient for any change. Second, Rainer states that leaders must confront and create a sense of urgency; they must present the brutal facts to the congregation that are propelling change. Rainer’s third suggestion for change to progress is for leaders to develop a team of individuals who are excited about this change and can support the pastor and the church through the process. Rainer suggests that leaders must also become a vision and voice for hope during change, assisting the church in keeping focus amid change. The next element that Rainer states is critical for successful change is to deal with relational issues that will arise in the midst of the process. The sixth issue that Rainer points out as being a serious protocol for change is that churches must move from a focus solely on individuals in its own congregation to focusing on the community-at-large. In stating this, Rainer points out that churches need to have a focus on the Great Commission and not simply on maintaining a stagnant body of believers. He provides an example where the changes needed in a certain church started with small and incremental changes, what he refers to as “low-hanging fruit.” Often churches need to see success in smaller programs and incentives (i.e. low-hanging fruit), in order to gain the momentum to succeed in larger ones. Rainer’s eighth step involves implementing and consolidating change. In other words, making sure that the change actually happens. His final step is an acknowledgment that leaders need to focus on the eternal in their ministerial efforts. Life is short and time needs to be spent on the eternal.
Rainer suggests a nine-step protocol for change. First, in order to lead change, leaders must stop and pray. Rainer provides several examples where change without prayer has led to havoc. Prayer is a critical ingredient for any change. Second, Rainer states that leaders must confront and create a sense of urgency; they must present the brutal facts to the congregation that are propelling change. Rainer’s third suggestion for change to progress is for leaders to develop a team of individuals who are excited about this change and can support the pastor and the church through the process. Rainer suggests that leaders must also become a vision and voice for hope during change, assisting the church in keeping focus amid change. The next element that Rainer states is critical for successful change is to deal with relational issues that will arise in the midst of the process. The sixth issue that Rainer points out as being a serious protocol for change is that churches must move from a focus solely on individuals in its own congregation to focusing on the community-at-large. In stating this, Rainer points out that churches need to have a focus on the Great Commission and not simply on maintaining a stagnant body of believers. He provides an example where the changes needed in a certain church started with small and incremental changes, what he refers to as “low-hanging fruit.” Often churches need to see success in smaller programs and incentives (i.e. low-hanging fruit), in order to gain the momentum to succeed in larger ones. Rainer’s eighth step involves implementing and consolidating change. In other words, making sure that the change actually happens. His final step is an acknowledgment that leaders need to focus on the eternal in their ministerial efforts. Life is short and time needs to be spent on the eternal.
March 14, 2018
Who moved my pulpit is geschreven voor leiders in de kerk die op zoek zijn naar hulp bij verandering die ze door willen of moeten voeren. Ik heb het boek gelezen omdat ik naar Rainers podcasts luister.
Het boek is door en door praktisch. Met een stappenplan, korte hoofdstukken en alinea's, vragen om je eigen gedrag en kerk te toetsen aan het einde van elk hoofdstuk en een enquete/test in de bijlage waarmee je je kerk kan inschalen. Rainer zelf noemt het 'een verzameling van verhalen over hoe God leiders heeft gebruik om verandering en vooruitgang te realiseren'. De vele anecdotes maken duidelijk wat mis kan gaan bij het leiden van veranderprocessen, maar ook hoe het wel kan.
Het boek is dun en je leest er razendsnel door heen. Mocht het thema je interesseren en je komt het boek tegen dan is het zeker de moeite waard.
Enkele quotes om het gevoel van het boek aan te geven:
Het boek is door en door praktisch. Met een stappenplan, korte hoofdstukken en alinea's, vragen om je eigen gedrag en kerk te toetsen aan het einde van elk hoofdstuk en een enquete/test in de bijlage waarmee je je kerk kan inschalen. Rainer zelf noemt het 'een verzameling van verhalen over hoe God leiders heeft gebruik om verandering en vooruitgang te realiseren'. De vele anecdotes maken duidelijk wat mis kan gaan bij het leiden van veranderprocessen, maar ook hoe het wel kan.
Het boek is dun en je leest er razendsnel door heen. Mocht het thema je interesseren en je komt het boek tegen dan is het zeker de moeite waard.
Enkele quotes om het gevoel van het boek aan te geven:
"I simply know that if something is important to the church, it really cannot be over-communicated."
Pagina 12
"Leading change in the church is impossible in your own power. It can be both redundant and exhausting. There will be days where you will wonder if it’s worth it. You will be worn out. You need to pray for God’s strength."
Pagina 33
"Here is a simple lesson and beginning point. Change agents are agents of hope. And hope has its being in the heart of God. There is no true hope apart from God."
Pagina 68
"The entire congregation had a sense of arrival. Again, they saw the relocation as the end instead of the means. And when the end is achieved, there is nothing left to do. That is why one of the greatest challenges for a church that has successfully completed change is to enter into a period of complacency."
Pagina 119
June 2, 2023
In short, it’s great! I loved it. The title is obviously a nod to “Who Moved My Cheese” and like that book this book deals with change. Only this book deals with change in a church. This book isn’t written in parable form either.
I can’t think of a single principle in the book that I disagreed with. Maybe that is because I have witnessed my Pastor successfully lead change in our church. If he didn’t do it exactly like this book said then it was awfully close as far as my memory recalls. I have personally witnessed those who resist change, I myself being chief among them, and watched as my Pastor worked to “win” us over.
I don’t like change. Change is hard. I wouldn’t say that I was ever unmovable, but I definitely need a “good reason” to change. I have to be convinced. I am not constantly ready for change, I am not eager for it. I can be open to change, but I will almost always challenge the loudest voices. I also can’t just be a follower and say “Oh that sounds great” just because my Pastor suggests something. I can’t. Sometimes I wish I could but that isn’t who I am.
This book does great with giving church leaders a template for leading change in a church. It also does good with pointing out that change is constant. If the Church refuses to change, it will become so inwardly focused that it will become ineffective and irrelevant. The Church cannot allow itself to become ineffective or irrelevant. Change is required.
Overall it was great. If for no other reason I thought it was great because I have personally lived it. I can testify that much of the principles and insights in this book are accurate. It’s a great read for anyone who is a leader in a church who wants to support their Pastor through change, or for a Pastor who sees that change is needed for the church to grow. I loved it.
I can’t think of a single principle in the book that I disagreed with. Maybe that is because I have witnessed my Pastor successfully lead change in our church. If he didn’t do it exactly like this book said then it was awfully close as far as my memory recalls. I have personally witnessed those who resist change, I myself being chief among them, and watched as my Pastor worked to “win” us over.
I don’t like change. Change is hard. I wouldn’t say that I was ever unmovable, but I definitely need a “good reason” to change. I have to be convinced. I am not constantly ready for change, I am not eager for it. I can be open to change, but I will almost always challenge the loudest voices. I also can’t just be a follower and say “Oh that sounds great” just because my Pastor suggests something. I can’t. Sometimes I wish I could but that isn’t who I am.
This book does great with giving church leaders a template for leading change in a church. It also does good with pointing out that change is constant. If the Church refuses to change, it will become so inwardly focused that it will become ineffective and irrelevant. The Church cannot allow itself to become ineffective or irrelevant. Change is required.
Overall it was great. If for no other reason I thought it was great because I have personally lived it. I can testify that much of the principles and insights in this book are accurate. It’s a great read for anyone who is a leader in a church who wants to support their Pastor through change, or for a Pastor who sees that change is needed for the church to grow. I loved it.
October 22, 2016
The subtitle “Leading Change In The Church” says it all. Rainer is the premier expert on church change as he has exclusively given his life over to helping with local church issues. It’s the same size as his popular “I Am a Church Member”, but this time he aims specifically at those who are actively trying to change churches from a dying model.
Don’t confuse this book with those telling you to change to a specific new model. He only reminds us of our stated mission of reaching people and assumes pastors will seek the Lord about the specific changes needed to bring that out. He focuses on dealing with the inevitable resistance that will be found in most established churches to change.
He reminds us that no matter how needed change may be, change can be badly mismanaged and doomed to failure. The bulk of the book is 8 elements of implementing change. These elements have been beaten out on the anvil of hard experience and seem incredibly wise.
Rainer is a man easy to appreciate. There is a humility and real concern that pervades his writings. He instructs without a heavy hand and seems to be genuinely rooting for you on these pages.
As a pastor, I found real instruction in this volume. It’s another winner from Rainer’s pen.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Don’t confuse this book with those telling you to change to a specific new model. He only reminds us of our stated mission of reaching people and assumes pastors will seek the Lord about the specific changes needed to bring that out. He focuses on dealing with the inevitable resistance that will be found in most established churches to change.
He reminds us that no matter how needed change may be, change can be badly mismanaged and doomed to failure. The bulk of the book is 8 elements of implementing change. These elements have been beaten out on the anvil of hard experience and seem incredibly wise.
Rainer is a man easy to appreciate. There is a humility and real concern that pervades his writings. He instructs without a heavy hand and seems to be genuinely rooting for you on these pages.
As a pastor, I found real instruction in this volume. It’s another winner from Rainer’s pen.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 29, 2017
It is great for what it is. It is a simple, straightforward explanation of a healthy model for leading a church or ministry through change. Much of the content can be described as fleshed-out bullet-points with illustrations. There are other books for detailed analysis of each step and its theological or philosophical underpinnings. However, this is meant to be a quick and easy read. This keeps the points from being obscured or the reader from being bogged down, which easily happens in the larger books.
Unfortunately, it can make it seem very basic and repetitive. However, that is what this book is meant to be. None of it was earth-shattering or new. But it was written in an engaging fashion and pulled me quickly through the material. You might say, as I did, "I already knew most of this," but the question is, "am I mastering it." If not, then it is worth the time. It will also be a great future reference to glance through and quickly focus on steps you need to keep in mind as you lead through future transitions.
In addition, this style of book I see as being most useful as a text-book/guide for working through church changes with other church leaders and lay-people. The book gives the basic outline that the pastor can flesh out with other material that fit that particular ministry's culture and circumstance. I imagine that this is the author's and the publisher's primary intent, anyway.
Unfortunately, it can make it seem very basic and repetitive. However, that is what this book is meant to be. None of it was earth-shattering or new. But it was written in an engaging fashion and pulled me quickly through the material. You might say, as I did, "I already knew most of this," but the question is, "am I mastering it." If not, then it is worth the time. It will also be a great future reference to glance through and quickly focus on steps you need to keep in mind as you lead through future transitions.
In addition, this style of book I see as being most useful as a text-book/guide for working through church changes with other church leaders and lay-people. The book gives the basic outline that the pastor can flesh out with other material that fit that particular ministry's culture and circumstance. I imagine that this is the author's and the publisher's primary intent, anyway.
January 17, 2018
Dr. Rainer is a gift to church leadership at all levels. In all honesty I moved this book to the top of my to-read pile because of its relative brevity. However, I ended up being greatly challenged by the need to be in constant consideration of the following from the end of the book, "There will always be change to lead. It is a never-ending cycle of introducing change, implementing change, incorporating change, and introducing the next change."
As a church planter, less than one year in, I have often thought that change would be needed after we became "established" by whatever metric one can arrive at that destination. People? Money? Permanent Space? What would lead us to be established I wasn't sure but it gave me cover to not want to deal with change even this early in the church planting process.
Dr. Rainer's book is most beneficial because it breaks the need for change down into manageable bites. Often those who desire to be change leaders, like myself, struggle to pull the trigger on some of the initial steps because everything in front of us, the unknowns and unknowables, serve as a way to dismiss pursuing the change needed. The steps Dr. Rainer offers takes the feeling of impossibility and makes it feel not only possible, but necessary and accessible.
I cannot recommend this book enough to those who are in leadership positions in church. It is a trusted guide and resource I plan on coming back to again and again.
As a church planter, less than one year in, I have often thought that change would be needed after we became "established" by whatever metric one can arrive at that destination. People? Money? Permanent Space? What would lead us to be established I wasn't sure but it gave me cover to not want to deal with change even this early in the church planting process.
Dr. Rainer's book is most beneficial because it breaks the need for change down into manageable bites. Often those who desire to be change leaders, like myself, struggle to pull the trigger on some of the initial steps because everything in front of us, the unknowns and unknowables, serve as a way to dismiss pursuing the change needed. The steps Dr. Rainer offers takes the feeling of impossibility and makes it feel not only possible, but necessary and accessible.
I cannot recommend this book enough to those who are in leadership positions in church. It is a trusted guide and resource I plan on coming back to again and again.
March 18, 2025
I picked this book up since it's written for ministers and leaders who are seeking to lead change in the church. Mostly, there's some stories, a whole lot of repetition, and a bit of advice that wasn't too bad with a whole lot of American Evangelicalism from a big church background. I give it two stars since there was some helpful tidbits for those seeking to lead change in difficult situations, but I had a hard time agreeing to a fair amount of the author's ideas. Granted, Rainer is not necessarily coming at things from a Reformed and confessional angle, that's very evident in the book, but it seems that certain things he's more ambivalent on than many in the SBC (evening services, worship styles, the way to preach, etc.). I really wanted to like the book since there's little from an Evangelical perspective on this aspect of ministry, but there was far too much disagreeable and little of great substance. I understand that his background is in larger SBC churches, which is foreign to many pastoral contexts, and it seemed like it would help those with larger churches over 100 members. From a Reformed perspective it wasn't a really helpful, worthwhile book. Though it may be helpful for someone particularly leading a mid-size, larger church that's not of a Reformed persuasion.
August 7, 2017
WHAT I LIKE MOST ABOUT THE BOOK
What I liked most was that it was an easy and quick read. Thom addressed some very sensitive and difficult areas that relate to change within the local church. I love how he addressed specific areas and also how to anticipate responses. I really appreciated his ideas about establishing what he calls an "Eager Coalition". I also appreciate his statistical analysis of how people respond to changes. His section on "low hanging fruit" was very insightful. Then at the end of the book he has an excellent survey for leaders and church members.
WHAT I LIKED LEAST ABOUT THE BOOK
There really was not anything that I didn't like. Much better than his book "Simple Church".
TAKEAWAYS FROM THE BOOK
I wish I had read this book 12 years ago due to how I wrongly handled changes in a prior church. I plan to work towards creating an "eager coalition" at our current church and to identify what he calls "low hanging fruit."
WHO SHOULD READ THE BOOK
This book is ideally for Pastors and church leaders.
What I liked most was that it was an easy and quick read. Thom addressed some very sensitive and difficult areas that relate to change within the local church. I love how he addressed specific areas and also how to anticipate responses. I really appreciated his ideas about establishing what he calls an "Eager Coalition". I also appreciate his statistical analysis of how people respond to changes. His section on "low hanging fruit" was very insightful. Then at the end of the book he has an excellent survey for leaders and church members.
WHAT I LIKED LEAST ABOUT THE BOOK
There really was not anything that I didn't like. Much better than his book "Simple Church".
TAKEAWAYS FROM THE BOOK
I wish I had read this book 12 years ago due to how I wrongly handled changes in a prior church. I plan to work towards creating an "eager coalition" at our current church and to identify what he calls "low hanging fruit."
WHO SHOULD READ THE BOOK
This book is ideally for Pastors and church leaders.
August 15, 2017
Like Rainer's other works, I found this short read to be informative and practical. The author walks the reader through eight principles which are intended to leave lasting change for a stagnant or declining church. After a brief discussion concerning the state of the American church to include those unwilling to change, Rainer devotes a chapter to each particular principle.
If given the opportunity, I would have offered 3.5 stars instead of the 4 listed. Although the book was an easy read, it was informative and contained pertinent (and vital) information for church leaders. That said, I wonder if the author had an expectation in regards to words used, chapters, or pages to write? After a brief introduction to the state of the American church to include a discussion concerning church members unwilling to change, Rainer spends an ample amount of time on each principle. He then writes another chapter summarizing each principle once again. I'm a slow learner, but was this really necessary?
If given the opportunity, I would have offered 3.5 stars instead of the 4 listed. Although the book was an easy read, it was informative and contained pertinent (and vital) information for church leaders. That said, I wonder if the author had an expectation in regards to words used, chapters, or pages to write? After a brief introduction to the state of the American church to include a discussion concerning church members unwilling to change, Rainer spends an ample amount of time on each principle. He then writes another chapter summarizing each principle once again. I'm a slow learner, but was this really necessary?
February 23, 2020
This is a good outline of some of the issues faced in leading the church through change. The first chapter, honestly, made me mad. It focused on the anger of a congregation over moving a pulpit, and the feelings of failure the pastor had because of the uproar. The immaturity of the church is not the focus, but rather the ineffectual leadership of the pastor. The rest of the book was more centered on overcoming the immature church influencers and proceeding to change by building relationships and an emphasis on prayer. This is a small book (I listened to the audio version) and won't take much time to read. That's the difficulty with it ... it's such a huge subject and such a needed one, but such a brief treatment. But I love Thom Rainer and will continue to read and listen to him. He has a lot to offer and he does so succinctly and without much detail. Three stars because of the repetition in such a small book and for talking about change in nonspecific ways. Still, it's a good primer for further reading in the subject. I'm not sorry I spent a few hours with it.
December 20, 2016
Considering changes in your church? This is a must read!
"Who Moved My Pulpit?" is a very engaging book to read. Mr. Rainer covers the different stages that should be covered when making changes within a church. Too often, changes are made too quickly, resulting in resentment, resistance or people leaving the church. This book has such wisdom regarding how to more effectively make changes in a manner that has less resistance and ultimately will give glory to God. Most of our churches in America are in dire need of change as they are becoming emaciated. We need change to happen so we will be more outward focused rather than inward focused. Thom does an amazing job covering this, and I would highly recommend this book to any church leaders or anyone that is interested in helping to change our churches for God's glory. I received a copy of this book in exchange for this review from B&H Publishing and all opinions are my own.
"Who Moved My Pulpit?" is a very engaging book to read. Mr. Rainer covers the different stages that should be covered when making changes within a church. Too often, changes are made too quickly, resulting in resentment, resistance or people leaving the church. This book has such wisdom regarding how to more effectively make changes in a manner that has less resistance and ultimately will give glory to God. Most of our churches in America are in dire need of change as they are becoming emaciated. We need change to happen so we will be more outward focused rather than inward focused. Thom does an amazing job covering this, and I would highly recommend this book to any church leaders or anyone that is interested in helping to change our churches for God's glory. I received a copy of this book in exchange for this review from B&H Publishing and all opinions are my own.
December 29, 2022
Solid, quick and easy to read. The concepts are simple and straightforward but serve as good reminders. In some ways, the most obvious points were the most helpful reminders, including the emphasis on prayer. The book is written for church leaders, and I was reading as a Christian school leader, so not all the ideas transferred perfectly, but there was a great deal of overlap. The emphasis in the book is growth as reflected (primarily) through numbers and outreach, and less so about theological health or maturity. In fact, the criticism of churches being inwardly focused as an assumed negative (as opposed to one aspect to consider in balance with a number of other factors), made the application quite a bit more limited. Also, the concepts are largely digested (it seems) from other similar books, but that's not a knock. I'm glad I read it and can take away a few concepts as I enter a season of change leadership. It may become even more relevant as I go.
May 11, 2018
It is sad that many churches across America would need a book like this. As a pastor, I read this book and I hope that our church would maintain the simplicity that would keep us from many of the problems that face those who would need this book.
I give the book 3 stars because while it doesn't really get to the heart of what exact "change" that it is trying to address, it is well written and easy to understand. Though, I think if we maintain the simplicity of what "church" is supposed to be according to scripture and history, we might not need to read this.
The only 2 major points of interest that I took from this book are these- 1. Small changes can happen overnight but big changes should be progressive. 2. Never go into anything without first giving it a lot of thought and prayer.
I give the book 3 stars because while it doesn't really get to the heart of what exact "change" that it is trying to address, it is well written and easy to understand. Though, I think if we maintain the simplicity of what "church" is supposed to be according to scripture and history, we might not need to read this.
The only 2 major points of interest that I took from this book are these- 1. Small changes can happen overnight but big changes should be progressive. 2. Never go into anything without first giving it a lot of thought and prayer.
November 12, 2017
I do somewhat enjoy Thom Rainer books. He apparently forgot about his book "High Expectations" as this is one of his weakest books. It felt as if the author strained to make it like the book "Who Moved My Cheese?"
There were some good general principles of leadership in the book, such as picking the low hanging fruit (achieving small victories." I suppose that someone who is new to leadership would benefit from this book.
Frankly, the book was not worth the $12 that I paid for it. A series of blog articles would have warranted the same amount of reflection that the contents of the book. For someone who has been in pastoral leadership any amount of time, this book would not be worth the read.
There were some good general principles of leadership in the book, such as picking the low hanging fruit (achieving small victories." I suppose that someone who is new to leadership would benefit from this book.
Frankly, the book was not worth the $12 that I paid for it. A series of blog articles would have warranted the same amount of reflection that the contents of the book. For someone who has been in pastoral leadership any amount of time, this book would not be worth the read.
November 14, 2017
Two years ago I read An Autopsy of a Deceased Church and it spoke volumes regarding the situation I was experiencing and this book, Who Moved My Pulpit?, also speaks volumes of the challenges that pastors face within the church regarding leading change. It has been a very eye-opening book and I look forward to providing more of a review of this book, after I can review the highlights I've made and thinking over the points from the book.
This is a much needed book for all pastors and staff to read, regardless of where they are at, so that they can all effectively lead the change that is necessary for the church, to the glory of God.
This is a much needed book for all pastors and staff to read, regardless of where they are at, so that they can all effectively lead the change that is necessary for the church, to the glory of God.
April 30, 2019
Really loved this. I've been fortunate enough not to face some of the major resistance that was illustrated in this book, but change is hard to lead. Especially in the church. But Thom Rainer lays out some great bullet points for any leader to follow before executing change in a church. I've always been a fan of Thom Rainer's practical applications he lays out in his books, and this book excels at that.
Recommended for any leader in a church, especially if you are on staff. Though it may not always be big, ministers should always be prepared to lead change in the church to better reach our communities and unbelievers.
Recommended for any leader in a church, especially if you are on staff. Though it may not always be big, ministers should always be prepared to lead change in the church to better reach our communities and unbelievers.
September 3, 2023
Good book about leading change in the church. I thought it was interesting how a former lawyer who became a pastor stated he was more stressed as a pastor. I think a lot of people take for granted the work done by pastors and their families.
Leaders who embody hope in their churches have three
clearly defined traits:
1. They read the Bible daily.
2. They choose to communicate hope.
3. They look for low-hanging fruit. Leaders of hope regularly seek small victories for the church. They likewise seek stories of small victories that take place in the lives of their members and the ministries of the church.
Leaders who embody hope in their churches have three
clearly defined traits:
1. They read the Bible daily.
2. They choose to communicate hope.
3. They look for low-hanging fruit. Leaders of hope regularly seek small victories for the church. They likewise seek stories of small victories that take place in the lives of their members and the ministries of the church.
January 20, 2019
This book was helpful for general guidance on leading change in a church as a leader, successfully providing a reliable roadmap for change. It serves its purpose and covers a broad range of issues that can be encountered throughout the change process. It can be a little repetitive and makes you wish you could read more on the topics that hit home. But this book is a good resource for pastors and church leaders with busy schedules who are looking for resources as they seek to change or revitalize their church.
May 5, 2020
The title of this book "Who Moved My Pulpit?" was a little deceiving as it could give off the impression that the content is about preaching. However, learning that it is about leading change in the church, I found it to be quite helpful to think through, though at times it does feel like a Christianized book on leadership in the church. Much of the book seems to be based off of different church experiences and the struggles of pastors and leaders in the church. Overall, it could be helpful to read through with other leaders in the church who might be facing stagnation in a church.
January 30, 2021
Though small, an excellent work on change in the church. Just enough information and illustrations to help churches prayerfully consider needed change in the church. A distillation on many other church growth books. An excellent work for church leaders to work through together. I liked his emphasis on the urgency of our task and therefore the need to fight the ever present danger of complacency. The need to pick low hanging fruit to build trust and small wins is also a good reminder. Many other practical helps.
October 28, 2016
Fairly solid handbook on leading change in the local church - lots of talking points that one can share with the church board. It's not a bible study, so not a lot of scripture references in this short book. It's basically a collection of blog posts and bulletin points with commentary and assumes you know your bible background to what a healthy church should look like. Again, good for discussion. 3 1/2 stars.
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