The Anxious Congregation: Manage Your Fear. Before It Manages You.

Grenwich Community Church is a typical local church - a typical “anxious” local church. There’s only one small problem. They wouldn’t describe themselves as an “anxious” local church. Barry Moffat, a dynamic visionary leader has just arrived on the scene as their new Lead Pastor. There are signs of life, growth, and momentum. But fear lurks beneath the surface, threatening to disrupt the momentum and sense of excitement. Whether you realize it or not, Grenwich Community Church’s story is your church’s story. Weaving organizational systems principles and theological reflection into Grenwich’s story, Ken Thiessen illustrates how anxiety and fear dominate many of the decisions made in every local church. Your local church. He identifies some of the key manifestations of anxiety and fear and outlines healthier ways of acknowledging and managing anxiety so as to help the church better love God and other people. This book has the potential to change your life and the life of your church, but hold on for the ride!

Ken Thiessen is the Senior Consulting Partner of Power of One Consulting. He lives together with his wife Bev in Regina, Saskatchewan. A graduate of Providence College and Seminary (Otterburne, MB) (B.A./M. Div.) he completed a Doctor of Ministry degree at Carey Theological College (Vancouver, B.C.) in 2008. His Doctoral Project, "Exploring the Use of Power in the Health of the Congregational System" was seminal in framing his thoughts for The Anxious Congregation. He is a certified coach with Gazelles International and consults executive teams and boards of growth-oriented churches, nonprofit organizations, and businesses in strategic planning, organizational health and development, and team building.