ChurchPublishing.org: Crisis Leadership

Recent crises have revealed the desperate need for wise, grounded leadership.

Too often, leaders have little experience and even less training in how to address crises in a way that strengthens their communities and guides them into the future. Drawing on examples from government, business, health care, non-profits, and the church, this book helps leaders in those sectors in the present crises and beyond. When a pandemic closes down churches, schools, and offices; when protests rage over racist police brutality; when everything you’ve always done as a leader becomes irrelevant, where can you turn? This book examines leaders who creatively navigated crises, drawing out principles of crisis leadership from them.

This series of Little Books of Leadership is designed to foster conversations within congregations around certain principles and practices that nurture community and growth in the ongoing life of the church.

MARGARET BENEFIEL, Executive Director of the Shalem Institute, has served as Chair of the Academy of Management's Management, Spirituality, and Religion Group, as Co-chair of the Christian Spirituality Program Unit of the American Academy of Religion, and in various leadership roles in Spiritual Directors International. Over 3,000 executives, managers, and other leaders have participated in her seminars and courses. She directs Shalem's Soul of Leadership program and has written extensively on various aspects of contemplative leadership and spirituality at work, including Crisis Leadership, The Soul of Higher Education, The Soul of Supervision, The Soul of a Leader, and Soul at Work. She lives with her husband in Greenbelt, Maryland.

“In a world of so many crises, this little book is essential for leaders who want to be effective.” —US senator Tim Kaine, Virginia

“An insightful and practical series of steps are offered for leaders in religious and nonreligious organizations to respond to their situations . . . reinforced by Margaret’s own story as a leader of the Shalem Institute.” —The Rev. Tilden Edwards, PhD, Founder and Senior Fellow, the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation

“We are desperately in need of spiritual guides who can stand with us in our disorientation: mentors who will show us how to embrace our own unraveling and how to discover what lies on the other side of letting go. Margaret Benefiel, the executive director of the Shalem Institute, is one of our proven guides.” —from the preface by Susan Beaumont, author, coach, consultant, and spiritual director

“Written during a crisis of global magnitude, Margaret encourages us to place our trust in God and keep our wits about us. We can—and will—emerge from the pandemic stronger in faith and ministry.” —The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Washington

“Converging in one year, three national crises served as an invitation to soul work for some courageous leaders. As she has done so well in her prior books, Margaret Benefiel again gifts us with the stories and learnings from leaders who welcomed this deep work through to evolutionary change for themselves and their organizations. In this powerful little book, Margaret reveals the opportunities that crises offer and the potential hope that is inherent therein for all leaders.” —Mary J. Novak, Executive Director, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice

“In the crises of today’s world, this is a must-read for leaders who want to stay deeply grounded, reflective, and effective.” —Joyce Ajlouny, General Secretary (executive head), American Friends Service Committee