Leading Change and Managing Transitions

"It isn't the changes that do you in; it's the transitions.  Change is not the same as transition.  Change is situational:  the new site, the new boss, the new team roles, the new policy.  Transition is the psychological process people go through to come to terms with the new situation.  Change is external; transition is internal."
-- William Bridges, Managing Transitions

This seminar deals with effective leadership in a time of constant change and transition – the norm for most churches and effective ministry.   We explore how leaders act, what leaders can help create, and how to effectively lead change and manage transition.  Change deals with the process of getting us from now to the exciting, purposeful future.  Transition is dealing with the emotional response to the loss that comes with change (grief).  Being able to do both well is the key to successful change in a church.

Participants will learn the 8 steps of change as outlined by John Kotter in his book Leading Change (beginning with creating urgency and building a guiding coalition) and how to apply these steps to their particular setting as they lead change to enable effective ministry in their context.  We also utilize the 3 stage process (start with the ending, use the neutral zone creatively, and launch a new beginning) for managing the accompanying transitions as described in Managing Transitions by William Bridges, directing our learning toward our ministry settings.  Participants will gain skills, models, insights, and strategies for managing transitions effectively amidst an environment of change – using case studies and back home situations to explore options and responses that can be used immediately upon return to the parish.

This seminar is led by Dr. Doug Anderson, executive director of the Bishop Rueben Job Center for Leadership Development at Dakota Wesleyan University.  He was formerly a district superintendent and pastor of several growing churches of different sizes in the United Methodist Church.  He has led a variety of practical church seminars and consultations for over 20 years.  He is also a member of the Academy for Spiritual Formation of the Upper Room.

DATES AND PLACES

This seminar will be held on the following dates and locations.  Click on a location for further information.