Change Fall 1987

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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 ...

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