Kurt Lewin’s model is one of the simplest change management tools, and still it packs a large dose of practical wisdom for change leaders. For churches that have been unfrozen and experimented with new models during COVID, this model gives tools to solidify what we want to claim going forward. It also teaches us how to engineer unfreeze and change in the future.

Currently the Pastor of South Congregational Church in Kennebunkport ME, Rev. Susan Townsley has been coaching churches and leaders in change, innovative thinking and play for over 20 years as a consultant and facilitator under her proprietorship, “Welcome The Spirit.” She originated the position of Associate Conference Minister for Innovation, Leadership and Change (The SNE Conference UCC), where she created “Blue Sky” opportunities using playful thinking games that give space to slant and creative thinking to shape the church for the future. She has studied Leadership and Change at the Milano School of Management (The New School, NYC), focusing on Transformational Leadership and resistance to Change. Susan is skilled at large group facilitation to surface vision and strategic pathways and to manage conversations where conflict is present. A graduate of Harvard Divinity School and Smith College, she is ordained in the United Church of Christ and has served churches in Maine, New York, Japan and Connecticut.