A Door Set Open: Grounding Change in Mission and Hope

by Peter L. Steinke

We resist change less when we associate it with mission and fortify it with hope. So argues longtime congregational consultant Peter Steinke in his fourth book, A Door Set Open, as he explores the relationship between the challenges of change and our own responses to new ideas and experiences. Steinke builds on a seldom-explored principle posited by the late Rabbi Edwin the 'hostility of the environment' is proportionate to the 'response of the organism.' The key, Steinke says, is not the number or strength of the stressors in the system--anxiety, poor conditions, deteriorating values--but the response of the individual or organization to 'what is there.' Drawing on Bowen system theory and a theology of hope, as well as his experience working with more than two hundred congregations, Steinke makes the case that the church has entered an era of great opportunity. Theologian and sociologist Ernst Troeltsch said the church had closed down the office of eschatology. Steinke reopens it and draws our attention to God's future, to a vision of hope for the people of God. The door is set open for exploration and new creation.

Genres: Leadership, Church, Religion

156 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Rick Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially I had some serious doubts about how helpful this book would be. In the acknowledgements section, the author sang the praises of a denominational official with which I had had dealings while pastoring one of my former congregations. During a time of conflict, this person's inept and boneheaded treatment of our church leadership group had the effect of turning a bad situation into a near disaster. "If Steinke cites this person as being instrumental to the success of his own work," I thought, "I'm not sure that I have much interest in anything that he might have to say about church transition and conflict resolution."

Well, I am happy to report that my initial misgivings were all for naught, as the book is a brilliant resource for church leaders involved in leading congregations through times of transition. His insights resonate with my own experience over the years; and I was especially impressed by his regular reference to the work of New Testament scholar N.T. Wright in setting the theological context within which a healthy, hopeful church must embrace its future. The book is filled with insights which will certainly be of great help to pastors and other church leaders who are tasked with helping their churches move through times of significant change and transition.

As an interim pastor, I intend to make regular use of the guidance which Steinke offers in this book.

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! Addresses the nature of anxiety over change. How to fight anxiety - through mission and hope.
"I have yet to work with a congregation that is in conflict or in transition that moved notably beyond its present arrangement without the guidance of leaders who inspire hope in others."
"When consulting with churches embroiled in conflict or paralyzed by passivity, I always ask the congregation, “Does this congregation have a clear sense of its mission?” …Some members believed their congregation had a sense of mission because they had a mission statement. Sad to say, few knew what it was."

[Lisa Lewton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steinke is a voice of challenge and truth for the Christian church today. This is a quick and easy read that could be used by boards and councils to get thinking about mission. He adds helpful stories and examples along the way. Discussion questions would have been awesome. I would recommend this book to any church leaders moving a congregation into the future. This is both practical and rooted in Christian theology, as we proclaim hope in the world.

[Anthony Risson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timely read for me with emerging from the time of restrictions and asking the question, "Where to now for the church?" The link between change and mission, and engaging Christians in places of open enquiry and hopeful future, was well-made by Steinke. And re-iterated that the mission of the Church is the mission of God . . .

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best lines, "Immaturity has its payoffs." That is the case with what is going on in the United States right now. "When leaders become tyrannized by the 'cookie gouger', they function to soothe rather than to challenge--at the expense of progress." The corporate world CEOs would be wise to read this book.

[Caleb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not all that different from other books on change in the church world, but simple and concise which are helpful for leaders trying to navigate change. Perhaps his greatest contribution is the necessity of hope in leading churches towards change. As with all books on change, the central message is staying on mission and not listening to naysayers.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every page includes a gem worth finding, highlighting and then either letting it change your mind or your actions. This is an excellent, short, well documented and well written guide to managing change, especially in a congregation.

[Audrey Webster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pastor asked me to read this book which was being used by transitioning team.

[Daniel Seifert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's a textual conversation that makes a connection between ecclesial health, hope and mission while facing squarely the reality of the shaping forces of fear and anxiety. Steinke is a congregational systems consultant who grounds his work on three hinges or discussions—mission grounded in the kingdom of God, a future built on hope, and the values of applying family systems principles to faith communities.

Its first part discusses cultural factors that impinge on churches and the emotional systems that can sidetrack even the most well-intentioned leaders. The second explores the centrality of mission for dealing with cultural and systemic issues. The third offers insights, advice, and hope for congregations seeking to move forward.

Overall it is a guidebook for leaders seeking to understand change and the factors which sabotage it, as well as for congregations seeking to live into their mission with faith and hope.

[Elsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The theology in this is wonderful. It truly captures the imagination and allows me to see our current story in the church rooted in the Biblical story. This is a huge gift and a resource I'll return to. However, I would have loved for a bit more of how to complete this process of change. It's missing the steps. Perhaps because there is no one model but Steinke seems to allude to some best practices that are not clearly defined in this book.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book if your church needs therapy. Chances are, your church needs therapy. Trust me.

[Kathy Nealand · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that affirmed my work with congregations.
Set them out to do mission and give them hope.
A good read.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grounding family systems thinking in Scripture and theology. Huzzah!

And a handful of sermons to boot!

[Kathryn Saunders-Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book about change and all the emotional reactivity it creates. Important to know when trying to lead.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

really, one of the most wonderful books I have read lately. more later.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Embracing Reality with Hope

Thoughtful engagement with the world of the church as it is but emphasis goes that the way forward into God's future is to have hope in the promise and strive to become the agent of hope in. The place you are living and being the church.