Leading Faithful Innovation: Following God into a Hopeful Future

by Dwight J. Zscheile, Michael Binder, Tessa Pinkstaff

What might God be up to amid the seismic changes the church and our culture are undergoing? What opportunities will congregations encounter if they rediscover and follow God's leading? Leading Faithful Innovation offers a practical, hands-on approach to addressing this challenge, a process that culminates in the hope that comes from following the Spirit.



Dwight Zscheile, Michael Binder, and Tessa Pinkstaff build on Scripture, theology, and the latest leadership and change theories to guide church leaders on a journey toward grassroots, participatory spiritual growth. This faithful innovation begins with a three-step listening to God and to each other, acting so we can learn, and sharing our stories in community. Real-life stories and supportive spiritual practices make each step toward effective change accessible and actionable.



The book then examines how these steps change the culture of a church, establishing a new, biblically grounded way of being church. The authors present leadership practices that invite readers to redefine their leadership identity, accept the loss of their role as the primary driver of their congregation, and discover new hope and possibility. These topics are again fleshed out with real-life stories and undergirded by suggested practices.



Throughout the book, the authors demonstrate that faithful innovation is not another program or an add-on to what readers are already doing. It is a path to a new normal. It is an ongoing way of following God that allows the Spirit of God to drive the energy among the people of the church.

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 18, 2023

Reviews

[Milan Homola · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an important read because it is practical and relevant. This team is on to something and has the models, experience, etc to prove it. The book gives a doable framework, yet honest about the real challenges it brings to our current modus operandi in the American Church. It is one of very few books that balance strategy/systems with Holy Spirit reliance...and it's the first one post-Covid. This makes the book a real gem that should be considered by anyone serious about healthy spirituality amidst a thriving Christian church in a broken world.

[Kris Bjorke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this and want to use this methodology with the grant work I currently do. The authors of "Leading Faithful Innovation" offer an inspiring and transformative read for anyone involved in leadership and congregational work or community development. The Listen, Act, Share process, provides a practical framework for fostering innovation within faith-based and community organizations. The approach is both accessible and profound, encouraging leaders to deeply listen to their communities, take meaningful action based on collective insights, and share the journey and outcomes to build stronger, more resilient networks with the idea of the "Lydia's" from the Bible in our midst (those spiritual, but not religious). I think it is an essential resource for those of us committed to leading with empathy, creativity, and faith.

[Tim Meier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I firmly believe that every church and denominational leader desiring depth and effectiveness in this new era of church in America must read this book. It’s highly practical, accessible, and applicable across many contexts. The work will be hard but the frame is set out here in such helpful ways. I will share this widely in my network and will start in my own local congregation. Grateful for this contribution.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for church leaders and those who feel a calling to step up into a leadership role in their church. Listening to the people who make up our communities and being willing to share and grow together is what will deepen spiritual faith and make churches a place of love and support. I look forward to discussing the ideas from this book with others.

[Melinda Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for pastors and leaders of congregations on leading adaptive change by remembering to root ourselves in spiritual practice of listening, acting, and sharing. Solid, practical information that can be applied and learned from.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good book to read with other leaders in your church. It incorporates different techniques and practices to begin to imagine another way to serve one’s community and engage in ministry together.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical book on ministering a post covid world and how to listen, lead and experiment as we grow in faith.