Synopses & Reviews
Writing from twenty-five years of experience in four congregations of differing size, location, and ethnic makeup, Robinson here describes concrete changes in the practice of ministry that have been tried, tested, and lived out to great success.
At the heart of Robinson's framework for church renewal is what he calls "cultural change." According to Robinson, technical or programmatic change is not sufficient to address the needs of the day. He argues for changing the very "culture of mainline congregations, which involves recognizing and fostering their particular gifts and genius rather than trying to remake them into something they are not. Some of the shifts in congregational culture explored here include "From Civic Faith to Human Transformation, " "From Assuming the Goods to Delivering the Goods, " "From Givers to Receivers Who Give, " "From Christian Education to Christian Formation, " and more.
The first part of the book describes the larger context of church life and identifies specific challenges that mainline churches now face. Robinson then traces a series of consequential shifts in church life that have emerged during his own ministry and that must inform the present effort for renewal. He concludes the book with a chapter on leadership, showing why it matters so much today and outlining strategies for promoting fruitful change in thecurrent culture of congregations.
Informed, passionate, and practical, this volume will prove invaluable to anyone involved in guiding and leading mainline churches.
Synopsis
Many recent books have attempted to address the "crisis" in the mainline church. Anthony Robinson here makes a significant -- and in many ways unique -- contribution to this discussion by bringing his personal insights as a pastor to bear on the issue of renewing congregational life.
Writing from twenty-five years of experience in four congregations of differing size, location, and ethnic makeup, Robinson prescribes concrete changes in the practice of ministry that have been tried, tested, and lived out to great success. At the heart of his framework for church renewal is what he calls "cultural change." According to Robinson, technical or programmatic change is not sufficient to address the needs of the day. He argues for changing the very culture of mainline congregations, which involves recognizing and fostering their particular gifts and genius rather than trying to remake them into something they are not. His fruitful strategies for renewal touch every aspect of congregational life, from personal spiritual formation to church leadership.