Customer Reviews

Leading from the Second Chair: Serving Your Church, Fulfilling Your Role, and Realizing Your Dreams (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series)

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"Leading From the Second Chair" is written by Mike Bonem and Roger Patterson, two veterans of leading congregations while serving in subordinate roles. The book is to help other church support staff (Assistant or Associate Pastors, Youth Directors, Evangelism Directors, Worship Leaders) to be effective leaders in their local congregation while also fiercely loyal followers of the Senior Pastor.

Bonem and Patterson argue that, in order to be an effective "second-chair leader," a person must embrace several sets of paradoxes. They must be fully subordinate and loyal to the Senior Pastor, yet they must also proactively lead the congregation (take initiative, build relationships, make and carry out plans). Second-chair leaders must develop an expertise in a particular area of church work, yet at the same time must always keep the congregation's "big picture" in mind. Finally, the second-chair leader must learn to find contentment, happiness, and joy in his position, while at the same time feeling the restlessness that comes from ambitious dreams.

The authors attempt to tackle a difficult subject in this book, and the mantra of "embrace paradoxes" does capture the confusing reality of second-chair leadership. They appear to have a good grasp of what challenges face the second-chair leader and they do a good job of confronting the reader (who is presumed to be a second-chair leader) and calling him to repentance if he is guilty of insubordination, lack of initiative, laziness, or otherwise failing to embrace the various paradoxes. In short, they call a sin a sin and call the reader to repentance.

Yet, while they appear to understand the unique situation of second-chair leaders and repeat continually the difficulty of such a position, the author's words never really connected with this reader. The authors give vague examples, they give thumbnail sketches of what other second-chair leaders experienced, and they speak in generalities far too much to make a real connection with the reader. Second-chair leaders who turn to this book for help need to know that the authors really, truly understand what the second-chair leader is going through (complete with all the frustration, discouragement that go along with poor leadership teams, and all the synergistic joys that come with a highly functional team). But rather than encounter the reader at an emotional level, the reader is told "we know what it's like, trust us," and then he is given broad generalities.

It should be noted that the book makes many assumptions about the reader (which may or may not be the case with you). The authors use a variety of real-life examples of multi-staff ministries, but they all fit the same general mode--wealthy mega-churches with huge staffs and non-traditional ministries (e.g. multi-site models; outreach through drama and praise band; heavy college campus ministry; coffeehouse worship). Those working in smaller, traditional churches, or those who emphasize depth in ministry rather than breadth might not find this book as helpful. Also, the authors assume that the Senior Pastor is a driven, hard-working visionary; those who find their congregation or first-chair leader stagnant may not benefit from this book.

In all, there's nothing really bad about "Leading from the Second Chair," but there's nothing really great about it either. Mildly recommended for anyone on a team ministry, whether first-, second-, or third-chair. Yet, realize that while this book might be a discussion facilitator, it is certainly not the definitive work on the subject.

"Leading from the Second Chair" is a very well-written book that flows easily, packed with applicable advice and illustrations. When I decided to read this book, I was expecting it to focus solely on leadership issues within the church. However, as I read through it, I kept applying the sound leadership lessons to my secular job! Very simply, I could not put down "Leading from the Second Chair." As all of us answer to an ultimate "first chair," most of us also answer to or work for someone else. Good, practical tips on how to blossom and be content as an effective leader in a subordinate role is what this book is all about. I think anyone who decides to read "Leading from the Second Chair" will be glad they did!

I'm someone who recently transitioned from first chair to second chair by choice due to a recognition of my strenghths and weaknesses. This book helped in that transition as I felt my way around this new role. It also helped confirm for me that I had made the right choice. I found especially helpful the section on the "deep/wide paradox" in seeing the need for balance between minutia and grand vision. Also helpful (and humbling for a former first chair) was the section on the "subordinate leader paradox". This book will be extremely helpful to the second chair leader who feels trapped in a bad situation with a bad first chair (not me) but is still full of great wisdom for the person in a great situation with a great first chair leader(like my church). I recomended this book to a church planter in Hawaii and he read it along with his potential second chair guy, which I thought was a great use of this book. Every second chair leader should read this, especially young guys like myself.

IF . . .

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.

This book highlights very well the struggles that can occur in second chair leadership. It sheds light on the issues of being in a 'subordinate' role of leadership, yet having strong leadership gifts, and how to balance out the two. It talks about common things that second chair leaders in ministry have to deal with, and is a great source of encouragement when the reader recognizes that he or she is not alone, but shares common struggles, issues, emotions, etc., with other second chair leaders all over the world.

Having been to leadership conferences, absorbed leadership periodicals and books for years, and taught leadership many times before - this book helped bring great perspective for those who are wired to be leaders, yet don't have the 'first chair' position. It shows how YOU, as a second-chair leader, can make as strong an impact with your life as someone in a first-chair leadership position... not only through providing strong support for your first chair, but also in utilizing your own strengths as a leader in the most effective way from second chair.

After 37+ years as a second-chair leader, finally there is a book with practical information that fits the position. I've always felt called to the second chair, but have also chafed at not being able to exert greater leadership for my church. The authors have done a masterful job of providing principles along with real-life examples. I recommend this to any second-chair leader.

"Leading from the Second Chair" focuses on the needs and specific issues related to be a "subordinate" leader, yet Mike Bonem and Roger Patterson do an excellent job of addressing those issues in a way which is appropriate for all leaders, regardless of their role. One of the unique ways in which this is done is by directly speaking to the "First Chair" leaders at the end of each section. I found the book to be a helpful addition to the dialogue on leadership by focusing on a topic not usually addressed in those conversations. While "Leading from the Second Chair" is written primarily from and to the church setting, there are some helpful tips here for leaders in all walks of life.

Reading through this has helped me to understand what I did right and wrong while in the position of a second chair. Now, as a solo pastor, when the time arrives to a add a second chair to the staff I have a better grasp of what to expect of them and myself. My eyes have also been opened in how lay leaders operate in this capacity.

Leading from the Second Chair, is a must read for any leader that serves in a subordinate role. I've read a lot of books on leadership, but this is the first book that really targets me and the leadership role I serve in. I think you'll agree that this book captures the importance of second chair leaders and the significant role they have in any organization. I love this book and can't recommend it highly enough.

This book gave me a fresh perspective on a difficult situation. I can get away with calling myself a good leader. I am a graduate of the nation's oldest military college and a former naval officer. And I know that all leadership is challenging. But I was not ready for the difficult dance that a second chair has to manage. No one person - even a senior pastor - can be the expert on everything. And if you are a strong leader, with proven and developed expertise in your profession it can be difficult when you report to someone without the same insight. I am an associate pastor in a growing church and also the principal of the church's school. My senior pastor is a great guy, an amazing preacher, and a solid church leader who has little experience in education and management of multiple employees. It can be tough trying to support someone who doesn't get you and does not have the time to absorb all that you have learned in two decades of working. But that is my job and it is also my job to be the servant and make things work in this relationship. This book gave me a lot of what I needed to get there mentally. On another note, if you are the top person in any ministry involving multiple staff you may need to read this book as much as your subordinates do - especially if you have less than five years in a senior subordinate role. But don't trust me - the people who wrote and contributed to this book are the experts - and it shows.