Spiritual Kaizen: How to Become a Better Church Leader

Do we still use the term, "new paradigm." This book presents one. Mainline Protestantism has been in trouble for some time. Bishop Hagiya puts a new frame over the problem. It's now more important than ever for clergy to be continual learners and adapters. Hagiya explains and applies various business and management models to the contemporary church and suggests what the church and its clergy must do to thrive, rather than fade away. In effect, the market has changed. This doesn't mean that the church has to become "of the world," but it must see how the world has changed, learn the language of contemporary society, and adapt its approach so it will be heard by those outside the church, including many for whom organized religion--for that matter organized anything--has become irrelevant.So this is a book for front line clergy, for those in the management structure above them, and for involved laypersons. Particularly laypersons, for they need to support, and sometimes challenge the clergy who work with them.The old saying, "If you keep doing what you've been doing, you'll keep getting the same results you've been getting," applies. Definitely worth reading.

I really rate this 4.5. Reviewed by a UMC pastor.The author is a United Methodist Bishop and brings several pointed truths to bear. 1) The statistics he presents about the decline of the church are quite sobering. 2) That does not mean this is the end. 3) There are a couple of essential things church leaders should be doing.The part of "how to become a better church leader" felt a bit misleading to me. But, I do understand what the author was attempting. Throughout the book, its easy to notice that he is good at recognizing and calling out patterns. So his leadership proclamations are about the patterns he notices across the range of many pastors who have strong leadership skills. Its not so much a "how to" as it is a discussion on "whats missing for you?"The real test for a book for me is whether I would pass it to my friends and peers when I am done. I have already with this book, so its a good one for me.

Very good and inspirational ideas about church leadership. My only issue is that, as with so many other resources, this one equates improved quality of a church with growth in the size of the congregation, rather than spiritual growth among the members.

Although the book seems to be written for the clergy, I believe it has good suggestions on helping the leadership in all congregations. It is not a 'recipe' book to make you into a leader but a book to be a tool to make a person become a leader. We have had too much of the 'recipe' types not fitting situations in the real world. After reading it, I decided to make changes in my thinking and it helped me seek positve answers for myself to move on in helping others.I am glad Bishop Hagiya brought into the leadership some of his personal disciplines from his own culture. It made me realize there are other ways of looking upon things that are not part of my white disciplines.Yes. I would highly recommend the book to those who are serously interested in helping the church, their congregation, their community and most of all in growing toward a positive self.

The principles of leadership described in this book are outdated - the church needs new metaphors that are relevant to our world today.

If you are looking for some REAL insights to improving as a leader, either in a church or in business, this is a great choice to read. Easy to understand, excellent examples and very well written.

Grant Hagiya has laid out a compelling, practical, and tactical vision for the church. While the book primarily has a Methodist ecclesiology, the points, steps, and analogies are profound and can be applied in any context. This book will help you grow as a leader and you positively impact you team if you apply it. Phenomenal read!

Grant Hagiya combines his extensive experience in leading organizations with his educational background and images from his culture. The integration is fascinating and enlightening.