Loosing Control

Leaders of congregations want to foster change but how is rarely obvious. Some pursue top-down approaches while others think bottom-up. Either approach assumes some control by the leader, but effective leadership of change needs more than control; it requires influencing the ongoing change that is naturally occurring. In the organizational literature this matter is understood in terms of systems and more specifically complex adaptive systems or self-organizing systems. This literature has important insights for church leaders when viewed in tandem with biblical principles.

These concepts are presented here within the story of a mid-career pastor who is frustrated by his complacent congregation and is seeking a new way forward. Information on complex adaptive systems is presented in the context of the story of his interactions with a church consultant, a seminary professor, some published materials and an ongoing seminar conducted by the consultant. The pastor's engaging issue is whether change in a church is best pursued top-down or bottom-up. Within this context, self-organizing change becomes the central focus of the book and eventually is distinguished from both top-down and bottom-up initiatives. The focus is understanding the connection between such change and biblical principles.

""Ron Anderson is a gifted academic with the heart of a pastor, a layperson whose job it is to pastor the pastors in Pueblo Presbytery, so it is no surprise he has written a book that is so steeped in solid organizational theory, and yet imminently accessible to anyone with experience dealing with church dynamics. Using a storytelling format, Ron makes organizational theory come alive.""
--Brad Munroe, Pastor to the Presbytery, Grand Canyon and de Cristo Presbyteries

""It is difficult to create a book on change management that is not dry as dirt. Ron Anderson has accomplished that feat in Loosing Control. He presents important and substantial information in an engaging and highly accessible style. Loosing goes to the top of my must-read list for pastors and other church leaders. I think I will be buying multiple copies and passing them out--this book is that valuable.""
--The Rev. Dr. Bruce G. Stevens, Executive Emeritus, Synod of the Trinity (PCUSA) and Senior Partner, Building Your Lead

""Practical theologians leading parishes and organizational development practitioners can find each other's languages difficult to master. Anderson bridges that gap. He adroitly fosters a conversation providing insight for the organization specialist into the unique relational economy of a church system, and for the pastor into a broader understanding of the human undercurrents operating in a church which hopes to breathe the Gospel into its own mission context.""
--Wilson Gunn, Rev. Dr. G. Wilson Gunn, Jr., General Presbyter, National Capital Presbytery, PCUSA

""In the prolific world of church leadership and changing resources, Loosing Control is the one I am recommending . . . as it focuses on the primary function of a church--to disciple people in the way of Jesus through self-organization, resulting in ongoing transformation. Ron Anderson masterfully weaves profound theory, real-life story, and skillful practice into a dynamic source of revitalization for spiritual communities.""
--Steve Shive, General Presbytery (PCUSA), Presbytery of Wyoming, and Organizational Relationship System Coaching Coach


Ronald D. Anderson is Professor of Education Emeritus at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Pueblo (PCUSA). He is the author of several books and has served as president of two national professional associations. His career has combined in-depth study of making change in organizations and providing leadersh