This book helps pastors and church leaders understand the role their personal transformation as Jesus's disciples plays in effective congregational leadership. It shifts the focus of leadership from techniques and charisma to spiritual transformation and developing emotional maturity so leaders can effectively lead congregations to embrace change. End-of-chapter discussion questions are included. The first edition sold more than 20,000 copies and has been regularly used as a textbook over the past fifteen years. The second edition has been revised throughout and includes a greater emphasis on Bowen Family Systems Theory.

Contents

Introduction
Part 1: The Call to Personal Transformation
1. The Need for Personal Transformation
2. Following Jesus on the Leadership Journey
Part 2: Leading Living Systems
3. Understanding the System
4. Thinking Systems, Watching Process
5. Becoming a Calm Leader
6. Leading in Uncertain Times
Part 3: Family Patterns
7. Going Home Again
8. The Nuclear Family
Part 4: The Spirit and the Journey
9. The Spiritual Life and the Path to Transformation
10. Learning to Learn Again
11. Thinking Systems as a Christian
Epilogue
Appendix A: Constructing a Family Diagram
Appendix B: Developing a Rhythm of Spiritual Practices
Appendix C: Bowen-Based Training Programs
Appendix D: Recommended Reading
Appendix E: Glossary
Indexes