Leading Congregations and Nonprofits in a Connected World: Platforms, People, and Purpose

$30.09
by Hayim Herring

Shop Now
Leading Congregations and Nonprofits in a Connected World shares emerging practices for leading and organizing congregations and nonprofits in our increasingly networked lives. Drawing on studies of congregations across denominations, and nonprofits with historic ties to faith communities, Hayim Herring and Terri Elton share practical, research-based guidance for how these organizations can more deeply engage with their communities and advance their impact in a socially connected world. “Drawing on their wide reading on and qualitative analysis of interview and social media data gathered from fifteen carefully chosen Jewish and Lutheran organizations, the authors identify wise practices and provide accessible tools for communities seeking to flourish during this time of change…. This book will be most valuable to pastors, priests, rabbis, religious non-profit executives, and the leadership teams with which they work. It provides theologically sensitive and socially savvy insight into the ancient and modern roles of religious leaders and communities… For this reader, it was worth the price of the book hearing interviewee David Ingber fearlessly advocate for balancing the wisdom of our traditions with the wisdom of crowds.” ― The Anglican Theological Review “One of the most pressing issues facing our society is the disruption of traditional organizations dedicated to our communal well-being: congregations and nonprofits. Herring and Elton have written a very important and practical book on a critical topic: how to restructure our most important institutions to match the urgency of working in a networked world. Buy this book and read it, then buy more copies and distribute them to your board, staff, and volunteers, and get your whole organization moving towards the 3.0 paradigm in this book!” ―Allison Fine, co-author of The Networked Nonprofit “This book artfully breaks down the barriers that often exist between new and old non-profits. By taking a critical eye to both, the authors present findings untold in other books on congregational change. Herring and Elton weave storytelling with deep context, facilitating a powerful experience for the reader looking to reflect on organizational success. A must-have for anyone interested in leading in the non-profit world.” ―Rabbi Elie Kaunfer, Mechon Hadar, author of Empowered Judaism: What Independent Minyanim Can Teach Us about Building Vibrant Jewish Communities “Herring and Elton have written a hopeful, practical roadmap for leaders that fosters a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. This book dares to link congregations and non-profit organizations in strategic conversations essential for thriving in a fast-changing world. This is a way forward.” ―Peggy Hahn, executive director, LEAD “With deep insight into the cultures and structures of religious institutions and non-profits, and with an appreciation for the challenges and risk-taking involved in leading them, Herring and Elton have given us a glimpse of the future, equipped us with new tools, and emboldened us to return to mission and move forward.” ―Rabbi Aaron Brusso, Bet Torah “This book tells the unlikely and awesome story of the standard-bearers and pace-setters for all of us doing the work of transformational change in the spirituality and religion space. Drawing on decades of experience studying congregational dynamics, digital and virtual technologies, organizational theory, and leadership paradigms, Herring and Elton offer frameworks and language to help map a path forward for legacy institutions and innovators to keep ourselves fresh, relevant, and real.” ―Rabbi Lizzi Heydemann, Mishkan, Chicago, Illinois “Herring and Elton provide an extraordinary resource for congregational and non-profit leaders seeking to strike a balance between traditional hierarchical systems and modern social networking. They provide a methodology for synagogues and other organizations to explore their futures in a structured and intentional way. They make a strong case that the organizational structure of a synagogue impacts in deep ways the impact that a synagogue can make on its members, its community, and the world at large. I can put their theories and rubrics to immediate use in the congregation I serve.” ―Rabbi Joel Mosbacher, Shaaray Tefila “A massive shift is underway in how people imagine and participate in organizations. Congregations and non-profits designed for a world of hierarchies find themselves at a loss in an emerging world of networks and platforms. This book explores the nature of this change and offers hopeful paths forward, grounded in the real-life experience of a variety of innovative congregations and organizations.” ―Dwight Zscheile “I found this book fascinating and illuminating. It gave me a language and a lens to reflect on the challenges and changes that emerged over the years I was senior rabbi at a congregation that was both “established and adapting.” And it will better prepare

Customer Reviews

No ratings. Be the first to rate

 customer ratings


How are ratings calculated?
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Review This Product

Share your thoughts with other customers