Ken Thiessen

I've been a restaurant owner, salesman, student, pastor, denominational leader and consultant. You'll notice that "author" doesn't appear in that list. Until now! I never set out to write a book although I've always enjoyed crafting presentations that were interesting, engaging, and generated a tangible response from the audience.

My wife has on numerous occasions said, "You're going to write a book!" I always dismissed her affirmation and challenge. That is until I completed my Doctoral Project, "Exploring The Use of Power in the Health of the Congregational System." Dr. Mark Davies, my project supervisor encouraged me to take my academic work and rewrite it for practitioners - pastors, church leaders and volunteers. Two years of procrastination and finally I set out to do what I told my wife I'd never do - write a book. What I discovered was most surprising! I really enjoy writing. I particularly like writing in a way that helps people who are in the trenches, on the front line doing important, noble work gain some tools that will help them be more effective in making a difference in the lives of people they connect with. The Anxious Congregation. Manage Your Fear. Before It Manages You. was my first attempt at this.

The Entrepreneurial Nonprofit. The Key to Maximizing Sustainable Impact is my second book. Geared for nonprofit organizations it combines fable and theory and outlines a planning model for nonprofits that addresses some common challenges within the social sector space and provides the opportunity for strategic thinking resulting in a solid plan that nonprofits can execute which dramatically increases their ability to scale up and grow their organization and their impact of doing good in the world.