Steering Through Chaos

Steering Through Chaos: Mapping a Clear Direction for Your Church in the Midst of Transition and Change covers the all-too-familiar experiences pastors go through when dealing with changes that occur in ministry. Whether it’s staff transitions, new buildings or congregational growth, author and pastor Scott Wilson gives practical and encouraging advice to help leaders navigate these tough waters. Having pastored for more than 20 years, and currently leading a congregation that is experiencing exponential growth, Wilson has a lot of material to draw from.

One premise making this read unique from other change-management books is that the author recommends you, as the leader, be the initiator of, not the reactor to, change. While it may seem counterintuitive, the author provides some practical advice on how to create change yourself when your church is doing well—not when it starts to decline—so that your congregation may experience even greater growth.

Another area that makes this read different than other business or management books on change theory is the Pentecostal/theological perspective of the author. He offers practical advice, but does not sidestep the spiritual endeavors that need to take place when dealing with change and chaos. He balances the two very well.

The book includes another nice touch—10 vignettes from other pastors and leaders highlight the topic and give another vantage point for readers. The author also provides helpful questions and group discussion topics at the end of each chapter, which will assist pastors in analyzing and implementing the book’s principles in their own settings.

Scott Wilson does not negate the pain that occurs when a church goes through change. But he does give the reader hope, a plan, and numerous practical and spiritual nuggets to navigate through the stress. I, for one, have already implemented a couple of his concepts into my ministry.

How to get this resource

This book is available at your local Christian bookstore, or at your favorite online book retailer.

Reviewed by: Joseph R. Fehlen, pastor, South Everett Foursquare in Everett, Wash.