Description
Book SynopsisThis innovative and original book argues that the qualitative thinking about organizational narrative can provide significant insights into how churches function. As well as analysing how stories and storytelling work in churches, it also provides practical ideas for how they can be used to improve church leadership.
Trade Review‘This absorbing book sets out to bring the category of story into the centre of debates about church leadership. The authors succeed admirably in this with a study that is lucid, persuasive and enjoyable. If people follow stories rather than leaders, here is a rich story well worth pursuing.’ -- John Pritchard
Against the current trend of lionizing heroic leadership, the authors have sought to offer a view of gentler, more collective account of leadership built around stories that explore, evolve, unite and inspire. They have succeeded brilliantly. Their book addresses mainly leadership in religious organizations but it should be read by everyone interested in understanding how leadership, once stripped of its pseudo-heroic qualities, can be exercised effectively by sharing stories. The book, full of rich stories from the authors’ own experiences, will also delight and inspire every scholar and practitioner who loves organizational storytelling and stories in general. -- Yiannis Gabriel
“Leadership is not much of a New Testament word whereas discipleship, or followership, is. Churches are keen on 'servant leadership'. So, too, is business. To say what it means we tell stories. Leading by Story provides excellent thought leadership in what has become disputed territory. It is informative, subtle, insightful and wise. It recognises the importance of leaders who love as well as the significance of context and community.” -- Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury
"...Vaughan Roberts and David Sims have given us a real gem – a book of treasures that will gestate within us as we ponder the ways in which stories lead our thinking and action. This is a great book, full of richness and wisdom from leading thinkers in contemporary Anglican ministry.” -- Martyn Percy, Dean, Christ Church, Oxford
“This is a fresh look at leadership, challenging old models of heroic individualistic approaches and advocating forward looking collaborative leadership. It’s inspired by stories which aid decision making!” -- Caroline Spelman, MP, Second Church Estates Commissioner
Table of Contents1. What Is Leadership? 2. Leading the Stories and Storying the Leading 3. Stories and Identities: Story, Character and Becoming 4. Living in Multiple Stories 5. Who Owns the Story? 6. Church Narratives: Interpretive Stories 7. Church Narratives: Identity Stories 8. Church Narratives: Improvised Stories 9. Curating Congregational Stories in a Tick Box Church? Conclusion: Ten Ideas for Leading by Story in Churches
