The Faith-Sharing Congregation: Developing a Strategy for the Congregation as Evangelist [Perfect Paperback]

Roger K. Swanson (Author), Shirley F. Clement (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2003

In a society where many people search desperately for the elusive 'family values,' this book roots hospitality where it belongs - in the graciousness of God,"" writes one reviewer. In The Faith-Sharing Congregation, Swanson and Clement reclaim the local congregation as the center of ministry and mission, demonstrating that evangelism is the responsibility of the entire congregation - clergy and laity - working together. The Faith-Sharing Congregation suggests a three-fold evangelism strategy that includes: * sharing faith through the practice of genuine hospitality * sharing faith through relationships and personal stories * sharing faith through the ""domestic"" church, the Body of Christ Required text for You Can Lead in Evangelism.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Roger K. Swanson is a staff minister with the Foundation for Evangelism in Florida. Prior to this position, he was director of Operation Evangelization and Distinguished Evangelist in Residence with the Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Now retired from the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference, Swanson continues to consult with congregations and leads workshops. He is the co-author of several leadership and evangelism resources.
Shirley F. Clement retired as director of evangelism ministries at the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship, Nashville, TN, after many years of service. A diaconal minister from the Wisconsin Conference, she provided resources and support for evangelism leaders and was responsible for the Faith-Sharing Initiative and the Lay Witness Mission/Journey of Faith. She is the co-author of several resources for leaders.

Product Details

• Perfect Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Discipleship Resources (October 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881771538
• ISBN-13: 978-0881771534
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 5.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #876,109 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Call to Corporate Evangelisim, January 31, 2004

By 

Nicholas Robinson "Nick" (Kennett, MO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Faith-Sharing Congregation: Developing a Strategy for the Congregation as Evangelist (Perfect Paperback)

This is the first book I have read dedicated to the concept of corporate evangelism. Many simple suggestions are given to aid churches in making visitors feel welcome, and to develop in them a sense of belonging. While many of the suggestions are not new, this book can help a congregation see its primary task of evangelism as an organized effort and make it more efficient. To see the aggregate personlity of a congregation, as a visitor might, is an important insight to effective evangelism and church growth. It also stresses the importance of discipleship training and suggests various programs.

While the book aptly points to effective uses of church space as a proper means of evangelism, I tend to be a bit repelled by the authors' more gaudy suggestions.

I recommend this book to pastors and lay leaders who are looking for better ways to be obedient to Jesus' Great Commission. The book will be far more useful if it is shared widely in the congregation and if leaders can agree how to begin implementing its strategies.