Your Church in Rhythm : The Forgotten Dimensions of Seasons and Cycles

"A gentle new way for church leader's to survive stress and burnout. Bruce Miller debunks the idea of balance--basically trying to have it all, all the time. Most churches and their pastors try to do everything at once and feel guilty if any one aspect (worship, ministries, outreach, etc.) is neglected. He replaces the exhausting concept of balance with the idea of rhythm: churches, like people, need to give attention to different programs and ministries at different times, basically by attending to their seasons and cycles. Offers an innovative new model for church leaders. Miller has been influential in the formation and promotion of "Church-Based Training" as in international movement. Offers a proven method for avoiding burnout for church leaders and members by doing the right things at the right time. The author offers much-need help to overwhelmed leaders and shows them how to apply Miller's seasonal/cyclical approach to church life."-- Provided by publisher

A gentle new way for church leader's to survive stress and burnout

Bruce Miller debunks the idea of balance—basically trying to have it all, all the time. Most churches and their pastors try to do everything at once and feel guilty if any one aspect (worship, ministries, outreach, etc.) is neglected. He replaces the exhausting concept of balance with the idea of rhythm: churches, like people, need to give attention to different programs and ministries at different times, basically by attending to their seasons and cycles.

• Offers an innovative new model for church leaders
• Miller has been influential in the formation and promotion of "Church-Based Training" as in international movement
• Offers a proven method for avoiding burnout for church leaders and members by doing the right things at the right time

The author offers much-need help to overwhelmed leaders and shows them how to apply Miller's seasonal/cyclical approach to church life.

Your Church in Rhythm 5 CONTENTS 9 ABOUT THE JOSSEY-BASS LEADERSHIP NETWORK SERIES 11 FOREWORD 13 PREFACE 15 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 17 INTRODUCTION: Time: The Forgotten Dimension 19 PART ONE: Identifying What Time It Is in Your Church 33 1: Why Do Church in Rhythm? 35 2: Kairosand Chronos Rhythms 49 3: Discerning Your Organizational Stage 59 4: Recognizing Your Ministry Seasons 77 PART TWO: Kairos Rhythm Strategies 89 5: Release Expectations 91 6: Seize Opportunities 105 7: Anticipate What’s Next 123 PART THREE: Chronos Rhythm Strategies 139 8: Pace Your Church 141 9: Build Mission-Enhancing Rituals 155 10: Oscillate Intensity and Renewal 171 CONCLUSION: Rhythm Solution Process for Your Church 187 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 197 RHYTHM OVERVIEW 201 NOTES 203 REFERENCES 209 THE AUTHOR 213 INDEX 215 9780470598870 A gentle new way for church leader s to survive stress and burnout Bruce Miller debunks the idea of balance basically trying to have it all, all the time. Most churches and their pastors try to do everything at once and feel guilty if any one aspect (worship, ministries, outreach, etc. ) is neglected.