Appreciative Inquiry in the Catholic Church [Paperback]

Susan Star Paddock (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2003

2004 Catholic Press Associations' "Best Book By A Small Publisher." Susan Star Paddock explains that Appreciative Inquiry is a new way of looking at the world that turns problem-solving upside-down by looking within our heart-felt memories for the undiscovered solutions that already exist. This quick-read is rich with how-to information from those who use Appreciative Inquiry in Catholic communities for strategic planning, parish planning, relationship building, transition, community development, and for spiritual renewal. She tells the stories of Catholic Relief Services, the Diocese of Cleveland, the Catholic Health Association of Canada, four different religious communities, Catholic schools and parishes, and many others. The compatibility between Appreciative Inquiry and Catholic theology is well documented in this exciting new book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Thin Book Publishing Co (October 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966537343
• ISBN-13: 978-0966537345
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,514,975 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great introduction to the Appreciative Inquiry philosophy, November 10, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Appreciative Inquiry in the Catholic Church (Paperback)

This book is a great little primer on the appreciative inquiry approach to organizational change from the perspective of religious organizations. It's a quick introduction and practical guide for those at all levels of the church and contains a number of case studies, practical suggestions and references to scripture. The back of the book is full of AI interview questions that apply to a variety of contexts, which I have already used as a resource in my work with nonprofit organizations. It's a great book to recommend to leaders in the church who have busy schedules!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Useful primer on AI and congregations, August 3, 2006

By 

L. Hiner "org psych exponent" (Elk Grove, California) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Appreciative Inquiry in the Catholic Church (Paperback)

This work, from the author of The Thin Book of Appreciative Inquiry, comprises two main parts: one offers a concise correlation between AI and the principles of the Catholic Church; the other is a set of stories of how AI has been implemented to enhance church-related organizations, from parish pastoral councils to campus ministries and religious orders. Arguably, the brief treatise on the alignment of AI with Catholic principles and practices could well apply to most religions whose members espouse the innate dignity of humanity; but, as a Catholic who also sits on a parish pastoral council, I appreciate that the direct connection between AI and the church will likely contribute to shaping our council's outlook and process in a positive way. The remaining exemplary stories of AI in the church offer evidence of the correlation, and suggest ways in which AI might be employed in the service of God's people. And, as an exponent of Organizational Psychology, it is interesting to note that the narratives evidence both the extraordinary effort that it requires to do AI well, and the extraordinary benefits that it imposes when so done.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great given its limited purpose, August 2, 2005

By 

Stephen T. Hayes (Augusta, Maine) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Appreciative Inquiry in the Catholic Church (Paperback)

What this short book does best is provide examples of how AI has been applied in religious and educational organizations to good effect. You are provided with a short summary of each project, the questions used (key to use of AI) and the results. The introductory sections provide a quick overview of AI and how it relates to Catholic and Biblical doctine, very handy if you are trying to sell the method to those whose first response is "we never did it that way before." The examples then provide proof that AI is practical and reality-based, the questions provide you with guides for use in your situation, and the resources at the end (bibliography and more questions by topic) expand your capabilities. Those seeking to apply AI in an organizational setting will obviously want and need more, but this book is unique in helping you convince the church or school that it is worth trying in the first instance.