Congregations in Transition: A Guide for Analyzing, Assessing, and Adapting in Changing Communities [Paperback]

Carl S. Dudley (Author), Nancy T. Ammerman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0787954225 | ISBN-13: 978-0787954222 | Publication Date: February 20, 2002 | Edition: 1

This hands-on guide helps congregations meet the reality and challenges of today's constantly changing urban and suburban church communities. Congregations in Transition, written in an easy-to-follow workbook format, is designed to help communities of faith focus on the changing needs of their members and explore the opportunities and options open to them.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a digestible marriage of keen analysis and practical exercises..." (Christianity and Renewal, June 2002)

"..it is a worthwhile book, easy to read, with good directions and clear to follow.."(Christian Research)

Review

"A wonderful, useful book. Here is a chance to take an honest look at what your church was, is, and could be. But be aware: if you just want to tinker with your dysfunctional parts, go elsewhere for advice. Instead, this book provides a sure, compassionate, comprehensive road map for churches willing to plunge into the exciting wilderness that is American life today-a wilderness, by the way, that is teeming with grace and possibilities." —Paul Wilkes, author, Excellent Protestant Congregations: The Guide to Best Places and Practices and Excellent Catholic Parishes: The Guide to Best Places and Practices

"Carl Dudley and Nancy Ammerman probably know more, and care more, about the vitality of local congregations than any other scholars in the country. Here they translate decades of astute observations into a clear, user-friendly, and practical set of planning strategies certain to help congregational leaders discern the most faithful and effective futures for their ministries." —John P. Kretzmann, codirector, the Asset Based Community Development Institute

"An excellent guide to developing the conversations that leaders of congregations need to be having. This is an important book for boards and planning committees making the difficult shift from business as usual to discerning new futures." —Gil Rendle, director of consulting and education, the Alban Institute

"This book is timely, challenging, and practical! Carl Dudley and Nancy Ammerman skillfully guide the pastor and church leaders through the journey of change toward greater effectiveness in ministry. A must-read for every pastor or church leader who desires to keep their congregation's ministry to the community on the cutting edge." —Efraim Espinoza, Commission on Discipleship-We Build People General Council of the Assemblies of God

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Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (February 20, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787954225
• ISBN-13: 978-0787954222
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #590,088 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than the first book, April 10, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Congregations in Transition: A Guide for Analyzing, Assessing, and Adapting in Changing Communities (Paperback)

In seminary I had read the previous book by these authors ("Studying Congregations") and found it to be a somewhat dated and not as practical. But this book is great! It really helps clarify the issues for any church facing major decisions like relocation, changing membership, redefined mission, etc.

This is the real stuff---it's a must-have!