Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times: Being Calm and Courageous No Matter What Paperback – November 20, 2006

Steinke enables readers to quickly get a 50,000-feet view of what happens when challenging events occur in churches. This perspective enables leaders to properly analyze the problem and have confidence and emotional strength to implement solutions.For example, understanding that people are usually more interested in relieving their own anxiety rather than managing the crisis is a key factor in the strategy a leader uses in a crisis. By focusing on relieving anxiety, a leader can more quickly get to the heart of the issue and ignore the static (e.g. blaming, criticizing, taking offense, desire for instant solutions, avoiding responsibility) that anxiety causes.The solution is for a leader to use calm, reflective, and principled action toward working through the problems. He responds rather than reacts. He changes the conflict from a win/lose situation to a learning situation so that both groups can focus on solving the problem rather than wining. The effects of this thoughtful approach will permeate the whole organization and offset the negative effects caused by those who are controlled by anxiety.If you would like help in analyzing and solving conflicts in churches, this book is for you. It will give you the theoretical and practical help that you are looking for.

Wow! My first Steinke book. I immediately ordered two others (Uproar and A Door Set Open). I love his use of illustrations, examples from churches he has worked alongside, personal experience, and bullet-point lists that capture his thoughts at the end of each chapter.This is a great resource for congregational leadership and dealing with groups as emotional systems. Edwin Friedman was Steinke’s mentor and it comes out in his writings. Every chapter was beneficial and I encourage church leaders to read, absorb it, and live it.

This book is good value for congregations that may feel like they have lost their way a little. It probes the sort of issues that often lie a little below the surface, and which may be difficult for those trying to see the wood for the trees. The insights that the author offers as to the psychology of congregations discerning their gut reactions from their considered responses was particularly valuable to me. I found the advice helpful, and the case studies very useful.The reason I have not given this book 5 stars is that I felt that the author had more to say, but chose not to, for whatever reason. For example, I think there could have been more case studies, and that these were likely more wide-ranging than the few given. But that is nit-picking, and should not detract from the value that this book does give.

Relatable. Seems to be timeless. Confirmed some patterns I had already noted. Predicted others accurately. Recommended read even if not in an “anxious time.” Wish I had read before getting into one

an absolutely MUST read for every pastor and lay leader; I wish I had known this 20+ years ago; author identifies the dysfunctional nature of "internal corporate family systems" - taking Bowen family systems theory and applies it to the church; highly necessary for church leadership to know and apply

This book provided wonderful content to prepare me for a period of transition at our church. It was easy to read and gave great spiritual and physiological references for the challenges congregational leaders face in times of change. Scenarios of real life issues are included as well as checklists and open ended questions. I am much better prepared to lead in the anxious time approaching our congregation.

This book is, in my view, one of the top five books on church conflict ever published. The layout of the book makes it easy to read but Steinke's insights on conflict - and staying calm in the midst of it - are profound. The appendix on narcissistic functioning in the church is right on and true to life. I quote this book often and will continue to do so in the days ahead. I recommend this book highly!

Not an easy read but good advice. Illustrations from the world of physics can be challenging for those not scientifically inclined.

Sometimes a friend tells you something, out of the love they have for you, that you need to, but don't want to, hear. This book speaks lovingly to those who would face this task with courage and openness to those words and ideas.

This mind blowing expose reveals motivations, undercurrents and hidden loyalties that can affect us all. Its context is for congregations ;but it's applications could be translated further afield.I'm going to read it again!! A very practical and accessible book!

finally something that make some sense

A good read for congregational,leaders. Stresses importance of balanced courageous leadership. Conflicts are inevitable, and can be a source of learning and growth.

very good book.