I started reading Steering Through Chaos by Scott Wilson when I received it (thanks to a Shane and Shane tweet!). I am a pastor of a church in Texas and always enjoy reading leadership books and the synopsis piqued my interested. I actually just finished it last night at 2:30am. The biggest reason it took me a while to read it was that during the process things Scott wrote made me think. I would put the book down and pray, jot down notes, or think through things we are going through now as a church. That’s a good thing!
There are two things in his thesis for the book that jumped out to me. The first was his premise for writing this from a quote he heard at a conference in which Gerald Brooks said, “Your church will grow only to the level of your pain threshold (31).” Not only is that true, but something I have been wrestling with as I have read Wilson’s book. Secondly, Wilson emphasizes that God’s vision for your church is always about the people. He writes, “Ultimately, the vision that God gives to church leaders and pastors isn’t about the size of your church; it’s about God accomplishing his purpose, rescuing the lost and turning them into fully devoted followers of Christ (31).” I am sure that many pastors lose sight of this along the way and it is always good to have a refresher. Pastoring is not about numbers, bigger better, budget, programs, but about the people. That’s who Christ died for and that’s who we live for. If we are going to attain this God-given vision, there will be times of chaos when the church makes important decision either to move forward and reach the vision, or give up. Wilson guides us along in the times of chaos to move forward and endure the pain to attain the vision that God has for your church.
There are many things that I really enjoyed about the book. The first is that it is personal. If you are looking for a highly researched and documented book, this is not it. In fact, there are only 17 reference notes. Personally, I’m okay with that. This is a been-there-done-that-got-the-tshirt book. That is something I want to read. I do appreciate the research/statistics books, but sometimes it is more beneficial to read something that is from an author’s heart. It is almost like having a mentor sitting down with you to share his journey. I need this as a young pastor. Secondly, it is spiritual. You can easily read through leadership book after leadership book and really glean no spiritual insight. Yet, in Steering Through Chaos Wilson shares about the importance of personal prayer and time with God, staff prayer time, and of course corporate prayer time. He emphasizes letting God lead you as well as finding a good spiritual mentor. That was convicting as well and something I hope to do in the near future. I greatly appreciate this. There was one point where I was deeply convicted about something I was praying for that God had answered and I had not been obedient. I lost sleep over it until the next Sunday and I shared what I believe God was asking/telling us what to do. I am thankful for Wilson’s commitment to the spiritual aspects of leadership. Finally, it is practical. This does not give the reader a distinct “how-to” but provides principles and guidelines to direct along with personal stories about how this was implemented at The Oaks. It’s not a do-it-this-way-and-see-results book, but simple suggestions learned from personal experience to encourage spiritual and numerical growth.
There were only a few minor things that I did not find pleasing about the book. The first would be the stories from other pastors inserted into the chapters. I am really never a big fan of this in any book because you have to read a little further and then come back to the story. I would suggest putting them at the end of the chapter or leaving them out all together. Steering Through Chaos is really personal enough without the name dropping of popular pastors on the subject. They have written their books, let’s read what Wilson has to say. Also, I would hope for a little more unity or flow throughout the book. I know that many leadership books are like this, but I would like to have some continuity throughout the chapters. Each chapter really stands alone, does not build on the previous, and can be read separately. This is personally just my personal preference.
To sum it up, I would recommend this book to anyone serving in leadership. There are chapters in the book I really liked, and some that I did not find as useful. That does not mean it is not beneficial and worth the time to read. I believe Wilson has put a lot of heart in this book and his personality shines. I appreciate his willingness to mentor others through his writings and I would look forward to his next book!
Paul – it was interesting to read your review of the book. It is absolutely true that the vision is always about the people – and not about the size or number of people in the congregation.
Far too many of the books on Leadership (and I have many of them on my shelves) focus on a very “secular” model – and they just don’t ring true with the biblical model. As you stay in the Word you will continue to be reminded that God desires for you to be an Ephesians 4 Pastor – one who is sensitive to “equp the saints for the work of the ministry.”
I encourage you to learn now as a young pastor to encourage the people you serve to be visionary – and encourage them to share with you the vision God has birthed in their hearts. Then with God’s help – carry out your ministry role to “equip them” and do what you can to be a facilitator.
Empower them to serve and honor God and don’t allow yourself to think that “pastoral authority” is in danger of being perverted somehow if you do not keep these “laymen” under your control. As you read all the books on pastoral leadership – they will lead you to believe that as pastor – you are the only visionary – and that everyone must fit into your vision or you are just not a good leader.
Too many godly people are genuinely frustrated beacuse we simply do not free them to be everything God intends. Think about it – how is multiplication ever going to occur – if the only “visionaries” and “vision casters” are the pastors and staff members? Could it be that we have removed multiplication from the Great Commission by limiting the “leadership” and the ability to be “visionaries” to a few?
We need more people aware of God’s vision for their life – not less. It is the responsibility of the called – and we must stop making ordinary church members feel that somehow we are simply more “called” than they are.
If believers see themselves responsible for the vision God has given them – and we help them to understand that we are the gifted servant leaders ready to equip them – and empower them – maybe we could God’s church once again experience true multiplication of believers as it did in the first century.
Maybe by encouraging the multiplication of visionaries – we would return to the biblical model of multiplication – and once again begin turning our world right side up!
Sorry for getting on my soap box – but I just want to see you younger guys refuse to continue the egomaniacal and pride-filled pastoral model that we have taught you and passed on to you – because it seems to be so contrary to the model God gave in Scripture. This is the model that says some preachers have such a corner on the market of truth that we don’t need to plant churches – we just need to have multiple campuses where these “superstars” of the faith can preach to more people.
So Paul – be a world-changer! Stick to the biblical model – and God will be honored – and more believers will be empowered to “fly out of the nest of truth” and try out their own wings of ministry and service. We need more eagles soaring – not more “turkey houses” filled with thousands of turkeys “gobbling” in lockstep while they do nothing on the way to their one moment of glory – the ministry ending event that is their common destiny – being the “butterball” of choice for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner!
Love you! Keep on reading – and keep preaching the Truth!
Your friend – Forrest
Thanks Forrest. I greatly appreciate your comments. Reading the book was a good reminder that vision is about people. I think sometimes pastors (esp. young ones) loose sight of this fact. They are looking for a way to the next church or how to get on the bigger convention committee. Instead, we need to focus on the people God has entrusted us to lead and the vision that He is giving His church. If God wants the other to take place, then it will, but we cannot let pride get in the way. It’s surprising easy to let pride take the reigns.