Transitioning: Leading Your Church Through Change

This is a solid, great book about transitioning yesterday's church into tomorrow's church. Dan pulls no punches, he is very direct and focuses on what is truly important. I was challenged, convicted, encouraged, and energized to lead. This is the best book I've read on the dicey proposition of change in the local church.

When I first starter to read this book I was looking for helpful insights in Transitioning our church from "personality driven" (mine) to "purpose driven"(God's). After reading the first chapter I wasn't sure if this small book would be "meaty" enough. It seemed that it was rewording of Rick Warren's, "Purpose Driven Church" along with a healthy dose of John Maxwell's 21 leadership principles and the story of Nehemiah just to keep it Biblical.I found that his book is well worth its price in gold!! It brought Maxwell's leadership principles from theory to practical application, not only for the Church organization but for my personal life. The author then fills in some of the, "yes, but how????" of Rick Warren's book. The Nehemiah story is not just a religious "tag on" but he masterfully weaves his account throughout this book that he seamlessly was able to encourage and help facilitate needed change.This book's presentation is one of lists (chapters) within lists (within the chapters) and still able to have individual chapters stand on their own. This is especially helpful after you read the book and desire to review certain portions.The author, Dan Southerland, then includes over 60 pages at the end of the book to be used as study / workbook!!! You do not have to read the other 2 books to follow along but you will definitely enhance your understanding by doing so.

Dan has carefully articulated valuable lessons on transitioning from Nehemiah and his own experience. He gives helpful advice on dealing with complainers who just don't get the purpose of the church. Don't let potential conflict keep you from pursuing the lost in your community. GET THIS BOOK! It will help you transition into a relevant, biblical church.

This is a very important read for any leader that wants to successfully move his organization from where they are, to where they need to be. From Vision to implementation, the entire cyclical process is clearly illustrated with numerous real-life examples... Many well-intended leaders of change have failed because they did not understand the preparation and pre-work that is need to successfully transition an established organization... applicable for either the church or business environments... This book provides a great roadmap for both!!