Energizing the Congregation: Images That Shape Your Church's Ministry [Paperback]

Carl S. Dudley (Author), Sally A. Johnson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1993

According to Carl Dudley and Sally Johnson, the discovery of strong and compelling congregational self-images binds church members together and energizes ministry. They describe five images of churches' relationships to their communities over time--the Survivor, Prophet, Pillar, Pilgrim, and Servant styles--thus allowing churches to gain the knowledge necessary to build on their strengths and address their weaknesses.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In an attempt to revitalize churches of different denominations, the authors describe characteristics of congregations and members' perceptions of their congregations using five images of the church community relationships: pillar, pilgrim, survivor, prophet, and servant. Articulating these images, which may otherwise be unconscious, leads to congregational empowerment and to new ministries within the congregation. The book focuses on five churches and their self-images and mixing of new images; the churches have diverse affiliations representing inner city, suburban, and rural environments. Highly recommended for seminary libraries.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Carl S. Dudley was Professor of Church and Community at Hartford Seminary and co-Director of the Hartford Institute for Religion Research in Hartford, Connecticut. Dudley was nationally known for his work in mobilizing local churches for community ministries, and is recognized for his long history of working for such causes as the peace movement, civil rights for the incarcerated, and housing reform. He is the author, co-author, or editor of sixteen books, including, Basic Steps Toward Community Ministry and Carriers of Faith: Lessons from Congregational Studies.

Sally A. Johnson is an associate of the Center for Church and Community Ministries in Chicago and a consulting staff member of the metropolitan Chicago affiliate of Habitat for Humanity.

Product Details

• Paperback: 132 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press; 1st edition (March 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664253598
• ISBN-13: 978-0664253592
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,520,329 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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