Seven Levers

A lever helps us move an object that otherwise we could never budge. Seven Levers: Missional Strategies for Conferences
explores conferences in operational terms, highlighting focal points
for change. What works in conferences, what doesn’t, and why?

Author Robert Schnase shows
us how to identify and change practices that are no longer conducive to
our mission and demonstrates concrete ways to foster a more relevant and
effective connectionalism. He uses specific conference examples to
describe fundamental strategies that really work. Seven Levers
provides insight and a common language to help leaders focus their work
on what matters most and align their ministries, personnel, budgets, and
governance accordingly. It is an honest and practical guide for all the
pastors, lay leaders, conference staff, cabinets, and conference boards
striving to shape their common ministries through conferences.

Schnase’s best-selling Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations has focused and strengthened ministry in thousands of congregations. Now Seven Levers
gives hope and direction for those who are frustrated by conference
work that is too often unfocused and unfruitful and who long for a more
innovative and relevant connectionalism.

"Seven Levers charts
a clear and compelling course for annual conferences and other
judicatories." —Douglas T. Anderson, Associate Director of Church
Development, Indiana Conference (United Methodist Church)

"Filled with insight,
examples, provocation, and hope." —Lovett H. Weems Jr., Director, Lewis
Center for Church Leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary

"Positive and hopeful, Seven Levers will
change your conference. I heartily recommend it for every clergy and
lay member of the annual conference." —Janice Huie, Bishop, Texas
Conference (United Methodist Church)

"This book is gold. . . . Seven Levers is
itself an unprecedented lever for our denomination!" —Sue Nilson
Kibbey, Director of Connectional and Missional Church Initiatives, West
Ohio Conference (United Methodist Church)