Peter L. Steinke (1938–2020)

Wow! My first Steinke book. I immediately ordered two others (Uproar and A Door Set Open). I love his use of illustrations, examples from churches he has worked alongside, personal experience, and bullet point lists that capture his thoughts at the end of each chapter.
This is a great resource for congregational leadership and dealing with groups as emotional systems. Edwin Friedman was Steinke’s mentor and it comes out in his writings. Every chapter was beneficial and I encourage church show more leaders to read, absorb it, and live it. show less

An interesting combination of cell biology, Bible stories, and systems dynamics -- used to highlight some of the dysfunction typical of religious communities and prescribe behaviors likely to promote strong leadership. Those already deeply involved in congregational politics will recognize some of the parishioner types described. Steinke's suggestions for leadership success aren't necessarily easy, but they sure seem promising and admirable.

An interesting combination of cell biology, Bible stories, and systems dynamics -- used to highlight some of the dysfunction typical of religious communities and prescribe behaviors likely to promote strong leadership. Those already deeply involved in congregational politics will recognize some of the parishioner types described. Steinke's suggestions for leadership success aren't necessarily easy, but they sure seem promising and admirable.

I first came across Steinke several years ago and he has become fundamental to the way I perceive relationships inside and outside the church. His "systems approach," appropriated from Murray Brown and later Edwin Friedman, is recognizing there is never a simple cause and effect between two persons but that both are mutually contributing various causes and effects. Great, short read. Essential reading for church leadership.