Authentic Congregations

by William H. Hopper Jr.

Overview

Using case studies of authentic congregations—diverse Presbyterian congregations that are responding creatively and effectively in their social contexts—William Hopper draws insights for all congregations desiring more vital worship, service, and witness. He offers wisdom for congregations about how to engage controversial issues and develop faithful ministries in challenging times.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780664501068
Publisher:	Westminster John Knox Press
Publication date:	03/01/2000
Pages:	204
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

William H. Hopper Jr. is a Presbyterian minister who has served as pastor, missionary, and denominational leader. He is coauthor (with Clifton Kirkpatrick) of What Unites Presbyterians: Common Ground for Troubled Times.

Table of Contents

	Foreword	ix
	Acknowledgments	xi
	Introduction	1
1.	The Time of Renewed Emphasis on Congregations	8
Part I	Case Studies
2.	From Praying to Picketing: Second Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Tennessee	27
3.	It Doesn't Look like a Church, but It Is: First Presbyterian Church, Torrance, California	42
4.	Everybody Here Is from Somewhere Else: Presbyterian Church of the Eternal Hills, Fraser and Granby, Colorado	56
5.	Wherever You Are, God Can Use You: New Life Presbyterian Church, College Park, Georgia	67
Part II	Contemporary Issues
6.	Making Decisions Decently and in Order	81
7.	Lay Persons and Lay Leadership	96
8.	Congregations in Mission	111
9.	Inclusiveness: African Americans in the Church	122
10.	Inclusiveness: Women in the Church	139
11.	Theological Inclusiveness: When Women Re-Imagine	149
12.	Into the New Millennium	172
	Notes	185
	Acknowledgments of Copyrighted Material	196
	Index	198