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Leading from the Second Chair: Serving Your Church, Fulfilling Your Role, and Realizing Your Dreams (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series) Kindle Edition
This book addresses the unique challenges faced by secondary Church leaders, offering practical advice on fulfilling and successful service.
Church leaders who hold second chair positions are under tremendous pressure. They are expected to do their jobs and provide leadership while deferring to the top leader’s decisions and preferences. It's a constant balancing act where the challenges often go unrecognized. Leading from the Second Chair offers an invaluable resource to leaders who serve in second (and third or fourth) chair roles, enabling them to become more productive, proactive, and fulfilled.
Mike Bonem and Roger Patterson share their own and others' experiences of failure and success in these vital roles. They offer support and practical advice for reshaping the way second chair leaders can serve well and improve the overall performance of their church or organization. Leading from the Second Chair equips readers with the positive attitudes, skills, and strategies needed to become powerful leaders who will survive and thrive in God's service.Customers who bought this item also bought
Editorial Reviews
Review
"Someone said the hardest instrument to play is second fiddle. But since Jesus had one or two things to say about serving and submitting, this is a rich field. Mike Bonem and Roger Patterson have addressed a key need with wisdom and clarity." --John Ortberg, author, If You Want to Walk on Water, Get Out of the Boat; teaching pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church
"The mission of an organization either hangs together or it falls apart at the critical interface between first and second chairs. This helpful volume from seasoned practitioners identifies and addresses the character, competencies, and chemistry that make for effective second chair leadership. It's a book for you, no matter which seat you're in." --Reggie McNeal, author, The Present Future; director, Leadership Development, South Carolina Baptist Convention
"When first released, this book became a guide for me as I navigated the challenging role of leading those below me, but also those above me. To this day, it remains the book for thousands of leaders who have one of the most challenging roles--that of leading from the second chair." --Tim Stevens, Vice President of Consulting, Vanderbloemen
"If you are a second chair leader, are considering a second chair role, or work with a second chair leader, this book is a must-read!" --Warren Schuh, executive pastor, Calvary Community Church
Review
-- Ed Young, senior pastor, Fellowship Church
"Bonem and Paterson tell the truth about leading from the second chair. Leaders will be set free to lead to their true potential because of the practical and profound insights in this book."
-- Dan Reiland, executive pastor, Crossroads Community Church
Find Out How to Lead Effectively—Even When You're Not in Charge
"Somebody said the hardest instrument to play is second fiddle. But since Jesus had one or two things to say about serving and submitting, this is a rich field. Mike Bonem and Roger Patterson have addressed a key need with wisdom and clarity."
—John Ortberg, author, If You Want to Walk on Water, Get Out of the Boat; teaching pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church
"The mission of an organization either hangs together or falls apart at the critical interface between first and second chairs. This helpful volume from seasoned practitioners identifies and addresses the character, competencies, and chemistry that make for effective second chair leadership. It's a book for you, no matter which seat you're in."
—Reggie McNeal, author, The Present Future; director, Leadership Development, South Carolina Baptist Convention
"The Bible is full of strategic leadership partnerships: Moses and Aaron, Mordecai and Esther, Paul and Silas, and even the Trinity. Each one demonstrates individual gifts being cojoined for maximum ministry effect. Leading from the Second Chair articulates and celebrates the necessity of God's strategic partnerships."
—Mike Slaughter and Kim Miller, lead pastor and creative director, Ginghamsburg Church
"If you are a second chair leader, are considering a second chair role, or work with a second chair leader, this book is a must-read! Mike Bonem and Roger Patterson have done a superb job of defining the living paradoxes a second chair leader deals with day in and day out. Don't consider a second chair role without reading this book first."
—Warren Schuh, executive pastor, Calvary Community Church
"Leading from the Second Chair targets the misunderstood and often unrecognized paradoxes of empowered second chair influence. Leaders in the twenty-first century church can avoid tragic pitfalls while leveraging the powerful contribution of second chair leaders by understanding and engaging the experience-forged insights in this important book."
—Jared Roth, vice president, International Church of the Foursquare Gospel
From the Inside Flap
They say it's lonely at the top. And it can be even lonelier when you are almost at the top. Church leaders who hold second chair positions are under tremendous pressure. They are expected do to their jobs and provide leadership but defer to the top leader, too. It's a demanding balancing act. How can they lead effectively while serving under someone else's leadership?
Leading from the Second Chair offers an invaluable resource to leaders who serve in second (and third and fourth) chair roles, enabling them to become more productive, proactive, and fulfilled. The book reveals the paradoxes of second chair leadership. These leaders must be subordinate to the top leader yet lead in their own right. They should be deep in their expertise but wide in perspective. And they must be content in their jobs yet remain enthusiastic about their dreams for the future.
Mike Bonem and Roger Patterson share their own and others' experiences of failure and success in this vital role. They offer support and practical advice for reshaping the way second chair leaders can serve well and improve the overall performance of their church or organization.
Leading from the Second Chair equips readers with the positive attitudes, skills, and strategies needed to become powerful leaders who will survive and thrive in God's service.
From the Back Cover
About the Author
Roger Patterson is the associate pastor of West University Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, where he has served for eight years. He is a second chair leader who loves to invest in the development of other leaders for the expansion of God's Kingdom.
Visit the Leadership Network Website, www.leadnet.org, for more innovative resources and information.
Product details
- ASIN : B008NBZ7J2
- Publisher : Jossey-Bass; 1st edition (June 22, 2012)
- Publication date : June 22, 2012
- Language : English
- File size : 3.3 MB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 204 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #236,990 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors
Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.
Mike Bonem is a Christ-follower, consultant, coach, author, husband and father. He loves to help churches and ministries, and their leaders, reach their God-given potential. Mike is the author or co-author of five books on ministry leadership, including Leading from the Second Chair and The Art of Leading Change. He has worked with some of the nation’s leading churches and has spoken across the country and internationally on topics related to ministry leadership and congregational effectiveness.
Mike has a breadth of experience in ministry and business. Before serving for 11 years as an executive pastor, he obtained an MBA from Harvard Business School, worked as a consultant for McKinsey and Company and co-founded a start-up company. He uses this background in his current work as a consultant to churches, denominations, and other ministries, and as a coach for the leaders in those organizations. Mike and his wife, Bonnie, have been married for over 35 years and have four adult children. More information on Mike and his work can be found at www.mikebonem.com.
Dr. Roger Patterson is a husband, father, author, pastor and radio host. Roger's A Minute of Vision for Men, his newest book, is the first in the new A Minute of...series from Tyndale. Roger is the Senior Pastor of West University Baptist & Crosspoint Church - a multi-site church in the heart of Houston, Texas.
Roger's A Minute of Vision broadcast is heard in over 300 markets across the U.S., in Canada, and it reaches as far as Australia. His new book, A Minute of Vision for Men: 365 Motivational Moments to Kick-Start Your Day will challenge men, in just a minute a day, to live up to their God-given potential.
Roger and his wife Julee have been at West University Baptist since 1997. They have two sons, Brady and Cooper and one daughter, Carson, who are the joy of their lives. Roger received his Doctor of Ministry and his Master's of Divinity degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Bachelor of Arts in Christianity and Speech from Houston Baptist University. Roger loves playing basketball and golf, but most of all he loves spending time with his family.
To contact Roger Patterson, please email, roger.patterson@att.net
Customer reviews
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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book extremely insightful and a wonderful resource for ministers. They appreciate its readability, particularly noting it's a must-read for associate leaders. The book receives positive feedback for its pacing, with one customer highlighting its helpful scriptural support.
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Customers find the book extremely insightful and a wonderful resource for ministers, praising its wealth of knowledge.
"This book was an eye-opener. It confirmed much of what I've experienced in various staff roles and as a lead pastor...." Read more
"...This book builds savy. This book is timely, important, and could potentially prevent many ministry wrecks...." Read more
"...text books for a recent class and it offered wisdom and great information for those serving as the second chair whether in ministry or the workplace...." Read more
"This book is great if you want to become a leader." Read more
Customers find the book highly readable, with multiple reviews noting it is a must-read for associates and beneficial for Christian church leaders.
"This is an excellent book!..." Read more
"Good reading for any Christian Church Leader who is not the current Church Pastor." Read more
"This is one of the best books that I have personally read as a 2nd Chair leader at my church...." Read more
"...Great book." Read more
Customers find the book timely, with one mentioning its excellent service.
"...This book builds savy. This book is timely, important, and could potentially prevent many ministry wrecks...." Read more
"...This book was timely and helped me to see that while I may never be the one casting the vision the opportunity to support vision and develop others..." Read more
"This was referred to me by a close friend. It arrived at the perfect time and is quite helpful...." Read more
"This is an awesome product. The service was excellent, it did arrive before the estimated date. I would highly recommend this product to all leaders." Read more
Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, finding it well-explained and easy to read, with one customer noting its helpful scriptural support.
"...Instead, the book lays out material that can be used by pastors and staff in their churches." Read more
"...the first time, gives a particularly balanced approach with helpful scriptural support. Get this and give it to anyone who is not in the first chair." Read more
"Loaded with information and has detailed explanations. It is a guide to many unanswered questions I had. I love it!!!!!!" Read more
"Easy read...." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2017This book was an eye-opener. It confirmed much of what I've experienced in various staff roles and as a lead pastor. The paradoxes of tensions faced by anyone serving on a staff was well explained. If there was one negative, it might be the absence of testimonies of second chair leaders from smaller churches. Still, the book's tenets are easily transferred into any church of any size. Even as a lead pastor, I came away from this book recognizing myself as a "second chair" that follows the Lord Jesus Christ. This book is not another leadership book full of theory and technique. Instead, the book lays out material that can be used by pastors and staff in their churches.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2006IF . . .
Staff communication and Egos are healthy enough to take it.
This book elevates the role of second chair pastoral staff. As the lead pastor of a church I appreciate the public acknowledgment of the immense value of second chair leadership. Any senior pastor who feels a need to micromanage or minimize the role of others is guilty of leading the church to mediocrity, sort of like an engine only running on one cylinder. I always want my second chair leaders to be LEADERS in every sense of the word.
This book also cautions second chair leaders to check their personal egos at the door when they enter. Subordination is a great American weakness that does great damage to the church. Often second chair leaders excell in vision, energy, and drive, but too often are weak in areas of savy and experience. If the first chair leader feels threatened, things quickly go from bad to worse. This book builds savy.
This book is timely, important, and could potentially prevent many ministry wrecks. I suggest that every multiple staff church use it as a study guide for a series of staff meetings. I wish it had come along earlier in my ministry.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2024Book is in perfect shape and arrived quickly. Only draw back is it seems yellowed with age.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2021This is an excellent book! This was one of the supplemental text books for a recent class and it offered wisdom and great information for those serving as the second chair whether in ministry or the workplace. I highly recommend it!
- Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2022This book is great if you want to become a leader.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2017Most of my time in ministry has been in a second chair role. This book gave me a greater appreciation and acceptance of my place in the kingdom purpose of God. I recommended this book to my first chair and he had all the staff of our church read it. I just went through the book again with a group of men on the campus of the multisite church that I pastor. I'm now seeing God fulfill the dreams He gave me while I was a student in Bible college 40 years ago, and He's surpassing those dreams even while I continue to serve in a second chair role.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2023Good reading for any Christian Church Leader who is not the current Church Pastor.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2019Wish it had an audiobook version
Top reviews from other countries
- Mr T.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 29, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars very helpful book despite being American and about huge churches ...
very helpful book despite being American and about huge churches with teams of teams. the principles are still the same.
- MikeandhisharemReviewed in Canada on November 28, 2018
4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
This is a great book to inspire you to be more than “just” a second chair; be a great second chair! I pray more first chairs read it to understand more fully what it means to be a second chair.
- EbonyReviewed in the United Kingdom on July 17, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars Reader training
This book was very useful as part of my Reader training in the Church of England. It was recommended reading.
- Fred A. WatersReviewed in Canada on October 28, 2016
3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars
Helpful insights.
- Mr C J ButlandReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 25, 2016
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoying this book so far - a few chapters in ...
Enjoying this book so far - a few chapters in. My observation, as a church leader in the UK, is that this is very much a book written from the perspective of the American church scene (obviously!). It's very much applicable, but there are also quite obvious differences in terminology and feel - quite business-like at times.
But I'm definitely finding it challenging and helpful in my own role and am looking forward to reading the rest of i!