Leadership
Transforming Your Church
Seven Strategic Shifts — 2nd Edition
The church of Jesus Christ is called to be a transforming presence in every community, city, and nation. But transformation begins from within — with leaders willing to ask hard questions and make courageous changes.
In this book, Mark Conner presents seven strategic shifts that move a congregation from maintenance to mission, from inward focus to outward impact, and from passive consumers to active contributors.
Drawing on decades of pastoral leadership and study of healthy growing churches, Mark offers a roadmap that is biblical, practical, and deeply honest about the challenges of leading change.
Choose your format
Format 01
Printed Paperback
A physical book you can hold, annotate, and share. Ships worldwide from Amazon in your region.
Available via Amazon worldwide
Buy on AmazonFormat 02
Kindle eBook
Instant delivery to any device. No Kindle hardware required — read on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Available via Amazon Kindle store
Buy on KindleFormat 03
PDF Download
Buy direct from this site. Your download link is delivered instantly to your email — read on screen or print at home.
About the Book
Too many churches are stuck — not for lack of dedication, but because they are operating with assumptions and structures that no longer serve their mission. The world has changed. The needs of communities have changed. And the church must be willing to change too.
Mark Conner writes as a practitioner, not a theorist. Having led a church through significant growth and transformation in one of Australia’s most post-Christian cities, he knows firsthand what it costs — and what it gains — to make these shifts. His writing is honest about the resistance that comes with change, and encouraging about what becomes possible on the other side.
The seven shifts in this book are not cosmetic adjustments. They go to the heart of how a church understands power, mission, community, leadership, ministry, identity, and succession. Each chapter is richly supported by scripture, research, and practical application.
What People Are Saying
“Mark Conner is a superb leader and communicator whose vision has led to remarkable growth in his own church. I am so grateful for his friendship and inspiring example.”
Nicky Gumbel Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton & Developer of ALPHA International“Mark is in my opinion one of the spiritually brightest, organizationally savvy, and theologically intelligent church leaders in Australia today. He has clearly demonstrated great capacity to develop healthy churches in very difficult situations — whatever he says in Transforming Your Church has real heft. A worthy read.”
Alan Hirsch Author of The Shape of Things to Come and The Forgotten Ways“In this present age, the Church of God must come into the knowledge that it is our time to rise up, be transformed and used by God to fully engage the society and the community that he has placed us in. Mark’s book will make an important contribution to this end.”
Kong Hee City Harvest Church, Singapore“When Mark speaks I listen. Why? Because Mark is a leader who has grown a dynamic, missional and multicultural church in the soil of post-Christian Melbourne, Australia. He is truly an exceptional voice, who offers advice that is balanced, biblical and brilliant.”
Mark Sayers Author of The Trouble With Paris and The Vertical Self“Mark Conner is a leader for today’s church. His heritage is rich and his pastoral ministry is graced with wisdom and spiritual discernment. He is a man to be trusted in the coming years.”
Frank Damazio Lead Pastor, City Bible Church, Portland, Oregon“Of all the books I’ve read on leadership, none is more sensible and helpful, because Mark outlines a clear-headed, practical, step-by-step process of leading your church through change. Read it. Use it with the people on your leadership team.”
Gary Kinnaman Senior Pastor, Word of Grace Church“Mark’s ability to inspire, educate, build and expand the local church is outstanding. A true shepherd with a great ability to communicate will share his rich experience with you in a direct, practical yet visionary way.”
Ulf Ekman Word of Life Church, Sweden“In this excellent book, Mark Conner has nailed the strategic shifts essential for a church to keep from spilling the revival and harvest coming in the 21st century. Don’t miss a point as you go over your ministry and ask yourself the serious questions of change.”
Larry Stockstill Senior Pastor, Bethany World Prayer CenterReady to read?
Choose the format that suits you — print, Kindle, or instant PDF download.