Transforming Congregational Culture
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Book Overview
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.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0802805183
ISBN13:9780802805188
Release Date:January 2003
Publisher:William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
Length:148 Pages
Weight:0.50 lbs.
Dimensions:0.5" x 6.1" x 9.2"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Lots of good points about culture and Christian congregations.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 14 years ago
This book gives a good overview of the ways in which the mainstream Christian church has had to change or disappear within our changing culture. There are many excellent points made. 75 years ago, the American culture was predominantly Christian. And thus , Chriistianity, and certain things htat went with that were assumed by the "church on main street". What was taken for granted then, about people's needs, and reasons for coming to church cannot be assumed now. Churches arelosing members in most denominations. This book delineates the difference between the Christian era and the post -Christian era in the USA, and speaks of the changes that are needed to inform and transform, and form our mainline Christian churches today. Many of the so called "mega-churches" are growing, precisely because they have figured out what is needed by the people they serve, and how to provide it. Our main line churches need to catch up.
Transforming Congregational Culture
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
This book is right on the mark with its succinct explanations, layman's language and direction to be taken. It is not an easy road to take, but if we are to retrieve our dying congregations, we must stand and do the work which began most of them in the first place. We were not promised an easy road. However, the road to Christian relevance is one that is not all that difficult when we are traveling together.
Understanding the Purpose of the Church
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
This is an excellent book. I have read the book twice. Having been a pastor for over 25 years I can only say I wish I had read this book sooner. What is significant about this book is that it lays out a clear vision of what the mission of the church should be. The book offers a number of excellent ideas though it is not so much a handbook on how to do ministry as it is a vision of what the church should be about. If I were to give a young pastor starting out in the ministry only one book, this would be it.
Excellent resource for mainline church leaders
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
A no-nonsense analysis of the predicament of and opportunities for old mainline churches as their leaders seek to do faithful ministry in a post-modern American culture.
Helpful, though not necessarily groundbreaking
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
Another book, similar to some others that I have reviewed, that articulately describes the challenges confronting us in the postmodern world, the ways that congregations need to be transformed, and the leadership skills that are necessary for the task. Robinson argues that we need the following transformations: from worship as talk about God to worship as experience of God; from Christian education to Christian formation; from givers to receivers who give; from board culture to ministry culture; from community organization to faith-based ministry; from democracy to discernment; from budget as end to budget as means; from fellowship to hospitality; and from passive membership growth to active membership growth. Robinson didn't say a whole lot that I thought was new and different from a number of other books I have been reading recently, but on the other hand the more I wrestle with the changing world and the more I read books like this, the greater clarity I achieve about the task that lies ahead, and my role in it.
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