A Field Guide for the Missional Congregation: Embarking on a Journey of Transformation

by Richard Rouse, Craig Van Gelder, Martin E. Marty

Overview

The roster of books on leadership is full of high theoryand grand expositions of biblical principles. But there isprecious little practical advice for regular peoplecommitted to releasing positive change within their localchurches. Here one of the church's foremosttheoreticians and one of its most accomplishedtransformational leaders combine strengths to clarifyboth how sound congregational transformation can beaccomplished by regular folks and the very Christcenteredfoundations upon which transformation mustrest. With unflinching honesty and a deep, knowingsense for the joy that comes from Spirit-led change, theauthors guide the reader on a quest for a future churchalive with the abundant life God intended.

A Field Guide to the Missional Congregation revealsseven "transformational keys," using real-life casestudies to illustrate each key. A reflective milestoneframework, including discovery questions for eachchapter, ground the book in a practical process.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780806680446
Publisher:	Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
Publication date:	04/01/2008
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Rick Rouse is an ELCA pastor, having served congregations in Arizona, California, Washington, and Oregon. He has also served as executive director for church relations and continuing theological education at Pacific Lutheran University for twelve years. The author of several books, Rouse has also appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show and has had his story of forgiveness and healing reported in USA Today, Reader"s Digest, and The Lutheran.Craig Van Gelder is professor of congregational mission at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he resides. Previously he taught at Calvin Theological Seminary as professor of domestic missiology.Martin E. Marty is the Fairfax M. Cone Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago, where he taught chiefly in the Divinity School for thirty-five years. He has published many books with Augsburg Books and Fortress Press including A Short History of Christianity (9780800619442), The Lord's Supper (9780806633398), Faith (9780806601328), Speaking of Trust (Lutheran Voices, 9780806649948) and with his son, Micah Marty, Places Along the Way (9780806627465) and Our Hope for Years to Come (9780806628363). He lives in Chicago.

Table of Contents

Foreword   Martin E. Marty     9
Introduction: Encountering God's Work Among Us: A Journey of Discovery     13
Does the Church Have a Future?     17
A Missional Identity: God's Vision for Congregations     30
Seven Transformational Keys
Develop a Vision for God's Mission     43
Focus on God's Mission and Discipleship     55
Cultivate a Healthy Climate     69
Build a Supportive Team of Staff and Lay Leadership     81
Stay the Course When Facing Conflict     95
Practice Stewardship to Build Financial Viability     109
Celebrate Successes and the Contributions of All     121
Epilogue: The Missional Journey: Bearing Witness to the Kingdom of God     133
Amazing Grace Church Strategic Plan     136
Example Financial Report for Amazing Grace Church     140
Notes     141