|
When congregational membership or vitality declines significantly, members must struggle with such questions as: "do we close? If so, to what future mission is God calling us? If not, how can we revitalize our congregation?" These resources will enable you to respond faithfully.
CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY : Declining Congregations
  Can Our Church Live?: Redeveloping Congregations in Decline (Book)
Alice Mann, Author.
Herndon, VA: Alban Institute, 1999.
This study provides excellent theory, contextual case studies, and inspiration to allow leaders of congregations in decline to struggle through their wilderness and to imagine new possibilities for a more faithful and vital future.
Ending with Hope: A Resource for Closing Congregations (Book)
Beth Ann Gaede, Author.
Herndon, VA: Alban Institute, 2002.
Ending with Hope is not only about responsibly closing a congregation, but also about redirecting resources and energy for new ministry.
Rekindling the Mainline: New Life through New Churches (Book)
Stephen C. Compton, Author.
Herndon, VA: Alban Institute, 2003.
Stephen Compton proposes planting new churches as a solution to declining membership in mainline denominations.
 High Expectations: The Remarkable Secret for Keeping People in Your Church (Book)
Thom S. Rainer, Author.
Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999.
How do we keep our members from leaving or becoming inactive? Church leaders struggle with this dilemma constantly. Through his survey of 287 congregations, Thom Rainer attempts to answer.
Turnaround Strategies for the Small Church (Book)
Ronald K. Crandall, Author.
Herb Miller, Editor.
Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1995.
Arguing that small churches can grow and flourish, the author discusses the pastor's crucial role and explores the attitudes and behaviors that inhibit growth and those that can lead to revitalization.
You Only Have to Die: Leading Your Congregation to New Life (Book)
James A. Harnish, Author.
Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2004.
"We must die to be born again": a paradox as true for congregations as for individuals. James Harnish writes that congregations must be willing to die to the things that block discipleship. Through such losses there is room for resurrection.
See also these categories:
|
