Steering through chaos…

The challenges of leadership often multiply during times of transition. And, churches seem to be a breeding ground for potential chaos as a result of change. The smallest adjustment can be enough to break a relationship, derail a vision and stall momentum.

We all could use some counsel and case studies to craft a plan to help us navigate through our own change successfully. And, that success isn't defined by making it through unscathed, but to grow courage, strength, unity and faith in every person affected by that change.

Impossible task? Doesn't have to be.

Forego the one-way ticket to burn-out and a nervous breakdown. Pick up a copy of Scott Wilson’s new book, Steering Through Chaos instead. It’s full of simple wisdom, case studies and transferable principles regarding our self-leadership and the leadership of others. Some macro categories:

• Our response to transitions and discomfort
• Clarity, tenacity and the endurance to stay on track
• Timing and crucial moments
• The delicate balance of motivation
• Corporate prayer and trust
• Recognizing opportunities and avoiding obstacles

Scott even includes case studies from some great coaches that make this resource even more valuable. Among others, you'll hear stories from my boss Tim Stevens about communicating change, from Larry Osborne about changing staff structures, from Dino Rizzo about obedience without consensus, from Scott Hodge about asking questions, from Troy Grambling about knowing who to listen to and from Greg Surratt about tips for transition.

I’ve got one free copy of Scott’s book to give away. If you’re in the middle of chaos looking for some handles to help steer through it, leave a comment. This free copy might just have your name on it.

Comments

[Lauryn]

My church could definitely use a copy of this book right now. We're going through the process of merging two churches, which means changing EVERYHING we do.

Thanks for the opportunity, Kem!

[mike]

chaos? you should see my desk for starters.

[Courtney]

how timely... on a personal/professional level. i've been quite surprised at how a seemingly 'small' change can really rock the boat. this looks like an excellent resource.

[Angie]

Pick me. I'm no more deserving than any other person or organization, but pick us anyway. Not that you can pick, if it's random. Random like this comment. Yeah, so just... um... may I have it please?

[Tonjac]

Our church (and the staff) is going through some major changes and this resource would be very helpful to us. Thanks for sharing! Tonja

[Michael Cumming]

This book sounds great! Even if I don't win the free copy I think I am going to purchase it. I am in the midst of transitioning from being in the military for the last ten years into full-time ministry.

[Leanne Shawler]

would love a copy of this book.

[Josh]

Sounds like a great book. We all can use help in this area I am sure!

[Dan Brubacher]

WOW . . . this book title describes exactly where my church is at right now. Trying to navigate toward a preferred future while the winds of chaotic change blow all around. I would SO love to get my hands on this book!

[Vanessa]

This would be a great read for our team. God has been doing some extreme renovation here in the past two years... ;)

[Jonathan Sims]

I would love to own a copy of Scott's latest writings! Truly inspired by " The Next Level" and I know that this would also compliment my life in the same fashion. Unemployed for almost one year after layoff, finances very tight, personal turmoil in every aspect! Lets say I could use the inspiration that Scott shares every Sunday and in his writings! GOD Bless!

[Scott Kobel]

this books sounds great, new to this site, but it looks like a lot of great information and motivation !!

[Ted Hicks]

I just got back into reading... read Kem's book and loved it... now moving on to others and if Kem recommends this book, I have to read it.

[brad donoho]

Added to my Amazon Wish List...t-u for sharing!

[Craig Strauss]

Sounds very helpful.

[Zack Williamson]

Need... Book... (gasp)

[Leah Carreon]

Sounds like a great book, I will definitely buy it!

[Kim G.]

Sounds like a great tool. Thanks for the resource.

[Marc Cauthon]

Sounds great, would love a copy of the book! Looks like something we could really use...

[Scott Weber]

Weekend attendance plateaus - check
Giving down - check
Some staff let go - check
Reveal Spiritual Life Survey taken - check
Reveal reveals church not growing disciples - check
Outside consultants hired - check
Senior Pastor resigns - check
Offering goes down more - check
More staff let go - check
New executive director hired - check
Senior Pastor returns - check
Staff being restructured according to new comprehensive master plan that includes a clear, simple pathway for people to grow in their faith - a work in progress

Chaos? Youbetcha.

[Jace Breeback]

I recently took on the role of Creative Arts Pastor at my church, but am having a very difficult time with the transition. I feel as if our worship arts teams (artists / graphic artists / actors / worship band / tech folks) are kings of their own individual islands, patrolling their own territory and rarely venturing to another island to see what's going on. My desire is to unite all these teams. To encourage them to move away from their islands and to better communicate and participate with other teams. It seems like this book would provide wisdom and direction in the midst of this process. Thanks for your consideration.

[Todd Erickson]

Transitioning my family of 5 from suburban church work to mission work in Guatemala is proving to be a little chaotic. Send me that book!

[Billy]

I work for a church planting group that has partnered with a struggling church and we are leading them through a restart process. We are starting over. Talk about steering through chaos. Would love to read this book.

[Marc Cauthon]

Would love to have a copy of this book. Sounds like something we could use!

[Chris Queen]

I think that this topic would benefit any of us, regardless of where we are now...

[Aaronlundberg]

change is nothing new, but the speed of it is. I could use this book right about now

[Barry Whitlow]

Looks like a GREAT book Kem - thanks for all that you do!

[Jeromiejones]

I'd love a copy of this book. Right now I'm on the leadership team of a church plant targeting a college town. Everything is a transition and without a clear path.

[Tonja]

Our church and its staff has many changes going on (and more that NEED to happen). I'd love this resource to help us manage things well. Thanks for letting us know about this!

[jeff]

I'm in a rural church trying to restructure for continuing growth...chaos seems to be the norm.

[Danielle Hartland]

um...HELLO!
:::raises hand:::

[Don Gergely]

I'm tired of being afraid of change. Let's be the church...let's be radical for, with, and through Jesus and His Spirit...God is birthing new and bold things for His earthly Kingdom. Will He use you? Will He use me? No more holding back.

[Robbie McCormac]

Great post.

We're currently in the middle of finding our next Sr. Pastor in a dual sr. pastor structure, and I'm excited about passing on this info.

[Kay Lynn Brown]

We just survived (we think) a church assessment in Boise, Idaho. The next step is to implement the suggested changes... aaaah! Sounds like the book for our team.

[Deanmayeda]

At times, the transition I'm going through is exciting. At other times it is a source of insecurity and anxiety. I tell myself, sometimes, that it's an issue of trusting in God - but I know it's more complex. I'm looking forward to reading this book.

[Jeff Brace]

Lot's of chaos this past year for our team. Thanks for the tip.

[Matt Esau]

It's almost funny how timely this post subject is. In fact it is quite funny. I'm actually laughing because of how crazy I feel right now.

It would be awesome to get ahold of this book. Would love to have several people at my church read this!

[Stacy Goebel]

Sounds great to me!