Your Church in Rhythm

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.

About the Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series ix Foreword by Will Mancini xi Preface xiii Acknowledgments xv Introduction Time: The Forgotten Dimension xvii Part One Identifying What Time It Is in Your Church 1 1 Why Do Church in Rhythm? 3 2 Kairos and Chronos Rhythms 17 3 Discerning Your Organizational Stage 27 4 Recognizing Your Ministry Seasons 45 Part Two Kairos Rhythm Strategies 57 5 Release Expectations 59 6 Seize Opportunities 73 7 Anticipate What’s Next 91 Part Three Chronos Rhythm Strategies 107 8 Pace Your Church 109 9 Build Mission-Enhancing Rituals 123 10 Oscillate Intensity and Renewal 139 Conclusion Rhythm Solution Process for Your Church 155 Discussion Questions 165 Rhythm Overview 169 Notes 171 References 177 The Author 181