Transforming Congregational Culture [Paperback]

Anthony B. Robinson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2003

Were living in a postmodern society where mainline church membership is declining and congregants are aging. Whats the key to bringing about renewal? Transforming Congregational Culture, says Anthony Robinson. Arguing that cultural change goes deeper than just adding new programs, he suggests ways to lead life-transforming worship; implement Christian formation for all ages; involve people in ministry; be sensitive to the Holy Spirit; and more.

Product Details

• Paperback: 138 pages
• Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (January 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802805183
• ISBN-13: 978-0802805188
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #254,188 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Helpful, though not necessarily groundbreaking, August 12, 2006

By 

William Pinches "PC(USA) Pastor" (Mason, MI USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Transforming Congregational Culture (Paperback)

Another book, similar to some others that I have reviewed, that articulately describes the challenges confronting us in the postmodern world, the ways that congregations need to be transformed, and the leadership skills that are necessary for the task.

Robinson argues that we need the following transformations: from worship as talk about God to worship as experience of God; from Christian education to Christian formation; from givers to receivers who give; from board culture to ministry culture; from community organization to faith-based ministry; from democracy to discernment; from budget as end to budget as means; from fellowship to hospitality; and from passive membership growth to active membership growth.

Robinson didn't say a whole lot that I thought was new and different from a number of other books I have been reading recently, but on the other hand the more I wrestle with the changing world and the more I read books like this, the greater clarity I achieve about the task that lies ahead, and my role in it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lots of good points about culture and Christian congregations., March 4, 2010

By 

Karen L. Hamp (Michigan) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Transforming Congregational Culture (Paperback)

This book gives a good overview of the ways in which the mainstream Christian church has had to change or disappear within our changing culture. There are many excellent points made. 75 years ago, the American culture was predominantly Christian. And thus , Chriistianity, and certain things htat went with that were assumed by the "church on main street". What was taken for granted then, about people's needs, and reasons for coming to church cannot be assumed now. Churches arelosing members in most denominations. This book delineates the difference between the Christian era and the post -Christian era in the USA, and speaks of the changes that are needed to inform and transform, and form our mainline Christian churches today. Many of the so called "mega-churches" are growing, precisely because they have figured out what is needed by the people they serve, and how to provide it. Our main line churches need to catch up.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Transforming Congregational Culture, March 8, 2009

By 

Craig P. Wilson "assistant shepherd" (Cicero, New York) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Transforming Congregational Culture (Paperback)

This book is right on the mark with its succinct explanations, layman's language and direction to be taken.
It is not an easy road to take, but if we are to retrieve our dying congregations, we must stand and do the work which began most of them in the first place.
We were not promised an easy road. However, the road to Christian relevance is one that is not all that difficult when we are traveling together.