Page 150 - Appreciative Leadership

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The Courage of Inspiration:

Awakening the Creative Spirit

Inquiry Inclusion

Inspiration
Appreciative
Leadership

Illumination
Integrity

A VISION BEYOND OURSELVES
With less than 10 years in ministry, Michael was an unlikely
candidate for president of the church’s national association.
His opponent was widely known and well respected, with
endorsements from many incumbent national leaders.
Even with his strong track record of local success, Michael
was the underdog.
His local congregation added over 400 new members
at a time when churches and whole denominations were
languishing. A stunning success by any measure, the growth
was of particular note because it was in a community whose
spiritual diversity was highly pronounced. A few years into
Michael’s tenure, a member of the congregation comme-

nted, “After 20 years of on-again, off again involvement, I am
an enthusiastic, contributing member of this community.
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