# Navigating Transitions: Circles, Triangles, and Leadership in Faith Communities with Jonathan Massimi

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/to-be-and-do-with-philip-amerson-7105720/navigating-transitions-circles-triangles-and-leadership-in-faith-communities-with-jonathan-massimi
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/to-be-and-do-with-philip-amerson-7105720/navigating-transitions-circles-triangles-and-leadership-in-faith-communities-with-jonathan-massimi.md
Podcast: ["To Be And Do" with Philip Amerson](https://stenobird.com/podcast/to-be-and-do-with-philip-amerson-7105720)
Published: 2026-05-08T10:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://belonging-exchange.captivate.fm/episode/navigating-transitions-circles-triangles-and-leadership-in-faith-communities-with-jonathan-massimi
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/3ed1d2b3-c0a8-49b5-8ded-6c2e69179208.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1253

## Resource

Show Notes: To Be and Do Guest: Jonathan Massimi, Managing Director at Civic Bloom Host: Phil Amerson Episode Overview In this reflective episode, Jonathan Massimi delves into the complexities of leadership transitions within faith communities. Drawing from his experiences in Kitchener, Ontario and the frameworks of asset-based community development (ABCD), Jonathan Massimi and Phil Amerson explore how structure and spontaneity coexist, the role of institutional frameworks, and the spiritual metaphors that help communities grow through moments of uncertainty. Three Key Takeaways 1. The Importance and Paradox of Structure During Transitions Jonathan Massimi shares vivid examples highlighting the tension between hierarchical “triangles” (formal structures) and communal “circles” (relational communities) 04:18. In times of transition—like the recent resignation of a pastor—faith communities face instability, uncertainty, and competing reactions: worry, excitement, nostalgia, and power dynamics among those who step up to fill leadership gaps 01:23. Jonathan Massimi argues that while circles foster participation and community, some structure is necessary to provide direction and prevent the loudest voices from dominating 05:12. The challenge, he notes, is finding the right “geometry”—using structure not to restrict but to “prop up” healthy circles, akin to an ice cream cone supporting the scoop 13:29. 2. Balancing Inclusion and Leadership Ownership The episode discusses how leadership in communities is most effective when it invites widespread participation while maintaining clear roles. Phil Emerson offers a personal anecdote involving servant leadership expert Robert Greenleaf, who taught that strong leaders must include others in leadership to prevent disconnect or overr…

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## Transcript

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