Thriving in the Second Chair: Ten Practices for Robust Ministry (When You're Not in Charge)

Second chair leaders play a critical role in churches across the world. They serve in paid and unpaid capacities, and include laity, ordained clergy, bivocational, licensed local pastors and others who lead significant ministries, but who are not the lead or senior pastor.

Mike Bonem, author of Leading from the Second Chair, takes that important work to the next level, with Thriving in the Second Chair. Here, Bonem points readers beyond their external circumstances to the ways they can act and think differently. He highlights ten key factors that will help second chair leaders do more than just survive. These deep “springs” will enable them to thrive, so that their lives and ministries are fulfilling, vital, and sustainable.

The first three springs relate to the single most important professional relationship for any second chair leader – their relationship with the first chair. The next four look at some of the most common and essential aspects of the second
chair’s job. The final three springs are arguably the deepest and most important. They enable second chairs to thrive even if they’re struggling with the first seven. These three springs offer help for staying spiritually anchored, overcoming loneliness, and becoming re-energized.

Mike Bonem is a Christ-follower, author, consultant, coach, speaker, pastor, businessperson, husband and father. He loves to help churches and ministries, and their leaders, reach their God-given potential. Mike’s previous books include Leading from the Second Chair and In Pursuit of Great and Godly Leadership. He has spoken across the country and internationally on topics related to ministry leadership and congregational effectiveness. Mike has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a breadth of experience in ministry and business, including 11 years as an executive pastor, consulting with some of the country’s leading churches and with Fortune 100 companies, and leading a start-up business. More information is available at www.MikeBonem.com.