Living with Paradox: Religious Leadership and the Genius of Double Vision

"I have written this book to reconstrue the role of religious leaders in management terms as they face what I consider to be the most critical aspect of their role, namely, the paradoxical nature of the religious environment. . . .The ones who succeed best are those who face the paradoxes in their environment and attempt to live with the double truths they represent." H. Newton Malony, from the Preface

For every important truth about effective religious leadership, there is a seemingly opposite assertion that is also true. It is true, for example, that effective religious leaders must manage profitable organizations; but it is also true that they need to minister without concern for cost. And while it is true that effective religious leaders give comfort and nurture, it is also true that they challenge their followers to make uncomfortable choices in the service of doing God?s work in the world. Perhaps the central paradox is that religious organizations are based on otherworldly concerns and yet must function in this world.

The manner in which religious leaders deal with paradox can make or break a ministry. In this perceptive book, H. Newton Malony outlines the critical skills needed to identify and embrace paradox?a key to effective leadership. He assures readers that living with paradox is a skill that can be learned. And he examines the various paradoxes one might encounter.

Religious leaders can be oppressed by thinking that they always have to choose between the two sides of a paradox. Malony asserts that there is genius in seeing both sides without becoming disoriented?and in coming up with workable options that respect both. Living with paradox, he says, "requires double vision. It asks leaders to move beyond ?either/or? to `both/and.?" This both/and thinking accepts the contradictions of a paradox and affirms that each side contains truth.

While acknowledging the unique aspects of the religious enterprise, Malony?s approach is grounded in sound management theory. And it is informed by his many decades of experience as a psychologist working in religious organizations. Filled with the stories, examples, and keen insights of a wise teacher, Living with Paradox promises to take leaders from "the tyranny of the or to the genius of the and."

Foreword by Max de Pree.

The Persistent Paradox of Religious Leadership.

PARADOXES IN THE LEADER′S ROLE.

Person and Position: Being True to Oneself and to Congregational Expectations.

Prophet, Priest, and King: Playing Three Roles at Once Without Confounding Them.

PARADOXES OF PERSPECTIVE.

Inclusivity and Exclusivity: Appreciating Both Uniqueness and Universality in Faith Convictions.

Timely and Timeless: Applying the Bible′s Eternal Truths to Present Circumstances.

PARADOXES BUILT.

For–Profit and Not–for–Profit: Balancing the Books While Serving a Larger Purpose.

Person and Organization: Running an Efficient Organization in Which People Feel Deeply Recognized.

PARADOXES OF CONGREGATIONAL MISSION.

Product and Process: Valuing Ends and Means Equally.

Mission and Maintenance: Moving the Congregation Toward Achieving Its Goals While Fostering Goodwill and Group Cohesion.

Conclusion: Leading Others to Double Vision.

NEWTON MALONY is senior professor of psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary, a licensed psychologist, and an ordained United Methodist minister. He earned his Masters of Divinity degree at Yale Divinity School, and he received his Ph.D. degree from George Peobody College at Vanderbilt University. Malony has written numerous books on psychology and religion, including Win–Win Relationships and the Psychology of Religion for Ministry. He and his wife live in Pasadena, California.

"Individuals who are in religious leadership positions will immediately recognize the dilemmas or paradoxes described in this book. The good news is that Malony offers sound practical advice on how to deal with them. This book is accurately descriptive and helpfully prescriptive." (Douglas Lewis, Wesley Theological Seminary)

"Malony suggests ways to turn destructive conflict into creative tension. A helpful guide for every religious leader struggling to make sense out of the colliding interests that buffet many congregations and other not–for–profit institutions." (William E. Hull, Samford University)

"Dr. Malony presents a helpful analysis using insights from psychology, theology, management theory, conflict resolution, practical experience, love of Church, and an ironic spirit. Anyone reading this study will no longer see conflict as an interruption of the Church mission, but an opportunity to be in ministry." (Mark Trotter, First United Methodist Church, San Diego, California)