The Change Agent
by Lyle E. Schaller (Abingdon, 1972)
Schaller’s preface begins: “Anyone seriously interested in planned social change would be well advised to recognize two facts of life. First, despite the claims of many, relatively little is known about how to achieve predictable change. Second, much of what is known will not work.”
Schaller has observed, classified, and effected change in American churches for years. A holder of five academic degrees-including an M.S. in political science and a B.D.-Schaller knows the theory of change; his vast church experience allows him to apply it.
Chapters in this classic text range from “How to Cut Your Own Throat” to “The Nature of Change” to “Anticipating and Managing Conflict.” His thesis: “A systematic and anticipatory approach to planned social change is the most effective style.”
Leading Churches through Change
by Douglas Alan Walrath (Abingdon, 1979)
The process of church change can be an interesting subject-when someone else’s neck is on the block. Walrath, a church development consultant, gives readers the opportunity to observe from a safe distance through several case studies of churches in change. Some changes went well, others not so well, and the case studies point out why.
He concludes with five principles: begin well, honor the context, establish good communication, deal promptly and positively with conflict, and build a positive church image. This book can motivate students of change to become agents of change.
Leading Your Church to Growth
by C. Peter Wagner (Regal, 1984)
Change demands dynamic leadership, and Wagner wrote this book to help pastors develop their leadership role. He understands the hefty price involved in growth. Pastors have to realign their leadership style and job descriptions, perhaps forgoing cherished closeness to the whole flock.
Wagner argues strongly for taking a directive role in change. He casts light on healthy “followership,” the differences between special-interest groups and congregations, and solving the problems of change. He writes, “The indispensable first step in guiding a church through change is earning the right to lead people.”
The Mind Changers
by Emory A. Griffin (Tyndale, 1976)
If the change agent succeeds, the art of persuasion will probably have something to do with it. Em Griffin, communications professor at Wheaton College, provides a wealth of tools for the Christian persuader, and he shows how to use them ethically.
Griffin combines the best of social psychology with sound Christian wisdom to illuminate why people are resistant to change, how to move them toward change, and the best ways to solidify attitudes into commitment.
Beginning a New Pastorate
by Robert G. Kemper (Abingdon, 1978)
Sometimes the pastor is doing the changing, and few books have better advice for the pastor in transit. Kemper’s thesis is that thoughtful, intentional change makes more sense than going with the flow.
Kemper offers counsel on questions to ask a prospective congregation, things to consider when making a decision, the impact on one’s family, and the process of getting established after the change.
My copy is worn from constant reference to it during one transition I made and from the many times I’ve loaned it to pastors on the move. His counsel works.
The Unchurched: Who They Are and Why They Stay Away
by J. Russell Hale (Harper & Row, 1980)
While many of us were looking the other way, the culture around us changed. Unchurched people surround many churches, and they display a bewildering array of lifestyles and beliefs.
Hale helps us understand the changed society we inhabit and hear the sometimes-angry, sometimes-longing voices of a post-Christian culture. He combines interesting vignettes and arresting snatches of conversation with a social scientist’s insight and ability to classify. The resulting book gives solid help for church folk wanting to reach a population far different from them.
– James D. Berkley
associate editor, LEADERSHIP
Leadership Fall 1987 p. 101
Copyright © 1987 by the author or Christianity Today/Leadership Journal. Click here for reprint information on Leadership Journal.
