Overview

How to Lead When You Don’t Know Where You are Going is a practical book of hope for tired and weary leaders who are in danger of defining this era of ministry in terms of failure or loss. This book does not attempt to describe where the church is headed; rather, it helps leaders stand firm in a disoriented state, learning from their mistakes and leading despite the confusion. This book lays out leadership tasks appropriate for liminal seasons. It blends sound organizational practices with a contemplative leadership stance—an attitude of wonder and an openness to discovery. The book begins by inviting a fundamental shift in the spiritual orientation of the leader, and then moves on to explore the soulfulness of the institution. Author Susan Beaumont introduces four types of work that are appropriate for organizations in a liminal season: clarifying institutional vocation, shaping institutional memory, deepening communal discernment, and nurturing emergence.

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9781538127681

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Reviews

If you long to link spiritual sensitivity and vital leadership, this book is a remarkable resource. Beaumont writes for an in-between time for which none of us is prepared. With marvelous examples, she draws upon authenticity, discernment, memory, and purpose to give hope and direction for congregational leaders. -- Lovett H. Weems, Jr., distinguished professor of church leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary The still, small voice of God tells me not to be afraid. Susan Beaumont's book tells me how. In a time when if-then scenarios and step-by-step solutions no longer satisfy, Beaumont provides guidance on the postures and attitudes that, combined with intentionality and attentiveness, serve to render leaders effective in an era of chronic uncertainty. -- Sarah B. Drummond, founding dean, Andover Newton Seminary Susan Beaumont has written a book that gives great insight on a time in the church that seems both precarious and hopeful. By naming the characteristics and markers of liminality she gives a name to what has already changed, and why many church leaders feel unsettled. But then she continues on, in a way that only someone with her coaching and leadership experience can, to give clear examples and case studies of how leaders can listen to the Holy Spirit to be led through the mist to the future through leadership development and communal discernment. I am grateful for her thoughtful work in this area. -- Dawn Alitz, Luther Seminary Leadership in today's world has more unknown and never-seen-before challenges. When we look at the old models and solutions, the answers simply no longer work. What is a leader to do? Understanding why leadership is different from ever before is the starting point to success. In this volume, Beaumont defines the liminal season of organizations and helps to normalize the new realities so many of us face. If you feel uncertain about next steps and confused about what is happening to your congregation or organization, you will find help to navigate the challenges you face. I encourage you to pick up this helpful volume. -- Phill Martin, Chief Executive Officer, The Church Network

If you long to link spiritual sensitivity and vital leadership, this book is a remarkable resource. Beaumont writes for an in-between time for which none of us is prepared. With marvelous examples, she draws upon authenticity, discernment, memory, and purpose to give hope and direction for congregational leaders.   -- Lovett H. Weems, Jr., distinguished professor of church leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary The still, small voice of God tells me not to be afraid. Susan Beaumont’s book tells me how. In a time when if-then scenarios and step-by-step solutions no longer satisfy, Beaumont provides guidance on the postures and attitudes that, combined with intentionality and attentiveness, serve to render leaders effective in an era of chronic uncertainty. -- Sarah B. Drummond, Andover Newton Seminary Susan Beaumont has written a book that gives great insight on a time in the church that seems both precarious and hopeful. By naming the characteristics and markers of liminality she gives a name to what has already changed, and why many church leaders feel unsettled. But then she continues on, in a way that only someone with her coaching and leadership experience can, to give clear examples and case studies of how leaders can listen to the Holy Spirit to be led through the mist to the future through leadership development and communal discernment. I am grateful for her thoughtful work in this area.  -- Dawn Alitz, Luther Seminary Leadership in today’s world has more unknown and never-seen-before challenges. When we look at the old models and solutions, the answers simply no longer work. What is a leader to do? Understanding why leadership is different from ever before is the starting point to success. In this volume, Beaumont defines the liminal season of organizations and helps to normalize the new realities so many of us face. If you feel uncertain about next steps and confused about what is happening to your congregation or organization, you will find help to navigate the challenges you face. I encourage you to pick up this helpful volume. -- Phill Martin, Chief Executive Officer, The Church Network

If you long to link spiritual sensitivity and vital leadership, this book is a remarkable resource. Beaumont writes for an in-between time for which none of us is prepared. With marvelous examples, she draws upon authenticity, discernment, memory, and purpose to give hope and direction for congregational leaders. -- Lovett H. Weems, Jr., distinguished professor of church leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary The still, small voice of God tells me not to be afraid. Susan Beaumont's book tells me how. In a time when if-then scenarios and step-by-step solutions no longer satisfy, Beaumont provides guidance on the postures and attitudes that, combined with intentionality and attentiveness, serve to render leaders effective in an era of chronic uncertainty. -- Sarah B. Drummond, Andover Newton Seminary Susan Beaumont has written a book that gives great insight on a time in the church that seems both precarious and hopeful. By naming the characteristics and markers of liminality she gives a name to what has already changed, and why many church leaders feel unsettled. But then she continues on, in a way that only someone with her coaching and leadership experience can, to give clear examples and case studies of how leaders can listen to the Holy Spirit to be led through the mist to the future through leadership development and communal discernment. I am grateful for her thoughtful work in this area. -- Dawn Alitz, Luther Seminary Leadership in today's world has more unknown and never-seen-before challenges. When we look at the old models and solutions, the answers simply no longer work. What is a leader to do? Understanding why leadership is different from ever before is the starting point to success. In this volume, Beaumont defines the liminal season of organizations and helps to normalize the new realities so many of us face. If you feel uncertain about next steps and confused about what is happening to your congregation or organization, you will find help to navigate the challenges you face. I encourage you to pick up this helpful volume. -- Phill Martin, Chief Executive Officer, The Church Network

Author Information

Susan Beaumont is a consultant, coach, and spiritual director.  She has worked with hundreds of congregations and denominational bodies across the United States and in Canada.  Susan is the co-author of When Moses Meets Aaron: Staffing and Supervision in Large Congregations and the author of Inside the Large Congregation. Susan is frequently invited to deliver keynote presentations at church conferences, workshops and retreats. You can view her current speaking/teaching schedule at www.susanbeaumont.com

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