Life is full of surprises. Dr. Bob Whitsel was my pleasant surprise as I entered the masters program, in ministerial leadership, at Indiana Wesleyan University. Dr. Bob practically met us at the door during our week residency. He broke the ice for us and challenged us with our first course.
On-line coursework represents change in education; Dr. Whitesel represents successful change within the local church. His latest book, Preparing for Change Reaction: how to introduce change in your church, was published in 2008 by the Wesleyan Publishing House. Bob Whitesel's Preparing for Change Reaction was named as one of top five leadership outreach resources for 2008, by Outreach Magazine.
Interacting with Dr. Bob has created great value for my own experience with IWU. The point was never about gaining knowledge, as much as it has been about growing as a pastor and seeing new vision for our local church. Rumor has it, that Dr. Bob may spend some time in the Carolinas (smart man). I pray that he will influence more pastors and churches, particularly in the Carolinas. Reading Dr. Bob's books are a privilege...interacting with Dr. Bob is an experience. You might want to visit his site at: http://web.mac.com/bob.whitesel/CCC/Welcome.html
Thank you Dr. Whitesel for seeking God's face to provide wisdom for change, church growth and leadership. Trust to see you soon.
Pastor Al
7 comments:
Sounds interesting. Would like to read his most recent book on change in the church.
Pat
Thanks Pat for your comment. The last book was published through WPH. I will order three for our book rack...for best price.
Posted this, in part, because we have opportunity for Dr. Whitesel to visit our church. Also did a quick reveiw of our web site...thanks in that area too!
HEY PASTOR AL IT IS REFRESHING TO SEE A MAN OF YOUR CALIPER AND STATUE TO HAVE THE DESIRE TO LEARN. I WISH YOU THE BEST IN ALL THAT YOU DO.
Dale...
Spoke with a successful pastor this morning, with several decades of experience. He said that a growing church is often lead by a growing pastor. I think a part of that growth is learning...the significant part is in continuously saying 'yes' to God.
Forward thinking (vision) is important and so is education. Unfortunately, sometimes it is difficult to move past our big dreams or vision for the church and get down to where the "rubber meets the road" i.e. develop tactics to transform our knowledge and vision into something greater or at least more concrete. It is often hard to think that change can come without having to change either one's values, morals, ethics and/or level of comfort. Dr Whitesel might help us recognize avenues that we as congregants can do this somewhat painlessly. I hope we are able to support his visit to our church.
Thanks Pat,
Having spent two semesters with Dr. Whitesel, I am confident that he has something to say to the present church-at-large. The problem remains that pastors are exposed to these emerging ideas...but lay leaders rarely gain access to the same sessions. That is why I like, at the minimum, that a core group sees what I see. In this case...it will be everyone in the church.
Read your post
Post a Comment