Leading from the Second Chair: Serving Your Church, Fulfilling Your Role, and Realizing Your Dreams

Mike Bonem is a consultant, coach, author, husband, and father. He has worked with churches, ministries, and Christian leaders for over twenty years, offering a unique blend of world-class consulting and leadership experience that enables clients to turn their visions into results. Mike has written extensively on ministry leadership, served for over a decade as an executive pastor, and equipped ministry leaders throughout the country. His books include Leading from the Second Chair and Leading Congregational Change (both Fortress Press).

Roger Patterson is the senior pastor of West University Baptist & Crosspoint Church, a multisite congregation in the heart of Houston, Texas. Roger and Julee have three children--Brady, Cooper, and Carson--who are the joy of their lives. Roger enjoys spending time with his family, coaching youth sports, and working out.

Mike Bonem is a consultant, coach, author, husband, and father. He loves to help ministries and their leaders reach their God-given potential. He has written four books on ministry leadership and has spoken across the country. Mike has an MBA from Harvard and a breadth of experience in ministry and business. More information is available at MikeBonem.com.

Roger Patterson is the senior pastor of West University Baptist & Crosspoint Church, a multisite congregation in the heart of Houston, Texas. Roger and Julee have three children--Brady, Cooper, and Carson--who are the joy of their lives. Roger enjoys spending time with his family, coaching youth sports, and working out.

"Someone said the hardest instrument to play is second fiddle. But since Jesus had one or two things to say about serving and submitting, this is a rich field. Mike Bonem and Roger Patterson have addressed a key need with wisdom and clarity." --John Ortberg, author, If You Want to Walk on Water, Get Out of the Boat; teaching pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church

"The mission of an organization either hangs together or it falls apart at the critical interface between first and second chairs. This helpful volume from seasoned practitioners identifies and addresses the character, competencies, and chemistry that make for effective second chair leadership. It's a book for you, no matter which seat you're in." --Reggie McNeal, author, The Present Future; director, Leadership Development, South Carolina Baptist Convention

"When first released, this book became a guide for me as I navigated the challenging role of leading those below me, but also those above me. To this day, it remains the book for thousands of leaders who have one of the most challenging roles--that of leading from the second chair." --Tim Stevens, Vice President of Consulting, Vanderbloemen

"If you are a second chair leader, are considering a second chair role, or work with a second chair leader, this book is a must-read!" --Warren Schuh, executive pastor, Calvary Community Church