Leading from the Second Chair: Serving Your Church, Fulfilling Your Role, and Realizing Your Dreams Spiral-Bound |

Mike Bonem, Roger Patterson

★★★☆☆+ from 501 to 1,000 ratings

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Leadership advice for the second in command.

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 to do their jobs and provide leadership but to 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.

Publisher: 1517 Media
Original Binding: Trade Paperback
Pages: 192 pages
ISBN-10: 1506463290
Item Weight: 0.7 lbs
Dimensions: 6.0 x 0.88 x 9.0 inches
Customer Reviews: 3 out of 5 stars 501 to 1,000 ratings

"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

Mike Bonem is a consultant, coach, author, husband, and father. He has worked with churches, ministries, and Christian leaders for over twenty years, offering a unique blend of world-class consulting and leadership experience that enables clients to turn their visions into results. Mike has written extensively on ministry leadership, served for over a decade as an executive pastor, and equipped ministry leaders throughout the country. His books include Leading from the Second Chair and Leading Congregational Change (both Fortress Press).