Ebook
Calvary Church stands as a beacon of faith in the quaint town of Oakridge. Its imposing edifice is a testament to over seven decades of spiritual endurance. Yet the once-vibrant congregation has dwindled and stagnation hangs in the air. Into this uncertainty steps Pastor Terrance, a young man brimming with energy and a fervent desire to reignite the flames of devotion.
Freshly ordained and armed with seminary knowledge, Terrance faces the challenge of shepherding a congregation resistant to change. Tradition holds firm; the refrain “we have always done it this way” echoes through the hallowed halls. Terrance finds an unlikely ally in Merle, a stalwart member whose family helped found the church in 1947. Together, they embark on a journey to breathe new life into Calvary Church.
Through biblical narratives and unwavering faith, Terrance weaves a story that resonates with the hearts of the faithful. Slowly, the congregation opens its hearts, embracing the transforming power of collaboration and vision. As new programs and outreach efforts take root, Calvary Church emerges as a vibrant, flourishing community. The journey is long and arduous, but the rewards are immeasurable--a testament to the enduring power of faith, perseverance, and willingness to embrace change.
“Guided By Grace is a testimony of faith, resilience, and courageous leadership in the face of organizational inertia. With the voice of a storyteller, the heart of a pastor, and the mind of a scholar, Keith Haney weaves together parable and strategy, bringing to life the principles of organizational change in the local church. Whether you are a church leader or congregational member, this book will unpack and help you navigate familiar tensions such as wandering in the wilderness of tradition and change.”
—Eugene P. Kim, Professor of Leadership and Organizational Change, Concordia University Irvine
“Dr. Haney has written the definitive ‘how to’ leadership manual that will guide congregations to discover how they can preserve their unique traditions while prayerfully discerning how to serve well those whom God has placed in their path. Through the telling of the story of Calvary Church, Haney adroitly allows the reader to unpack and understand his or her own congregation. Guided By Grace is a perfect resource for pastors and their congregational leaders to read together.”
—Kurt Senske, author of The CEO and the Board: The Art of Nonprofit Governance as a Competitive Advantage
“I appreciate Rev. Dr. Keith Haney’s creative approach in providing a proven process for leading congregational change. The heart of Guided by Grace is a fictional narrative. However, the story is drawn from Haney’s real-life experiences in more than thirty years working with congregations and church leaders. By closing chapters with practical guidance and exploratory questions Haney makes Guided by Grace a practical handbook for church leaders facing today’s challenges.”
—Kevin Wilson, President, Ohio District Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
“Guided by Grace is both thoughtful and deeply relatable. Through a compelling narrative, Haney captures the real challenges that church leaders face when trying to lead meaningful change. What makes this book stand out is its honest portrayal of the emotional, spiritual, and practical realities of ministry. It does not offer quick fixes. It offers wisdom, reflection, and real tools rooted in lived experience. I felt a deep sense of connection while reading and was encouraged by the steady reminder of why this work matters. This is a valuable resource for anyone committed to helping their congregation grow while staying grounded in faith.”
—Kellie Albrecht, Assistant Dean, Concordia University Irvine