Vital Signs: The Promise of Mainstream Protestantism [Paperback]

Milton Caolter (Author), John M. Mulder (Author), Louis B. Weeks (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 2002

Three noted historical theologians and a team of researchers study the reasons for the decline of the mainline denominations and then use that research to guide pastors, leaders and church members in finding new ways to grow both spiritually and in numbers.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The authors describe this book as a summary of research on American mainstream Protestantism in the twentieth century and an assessment of the significance of that research for mainstream Protestant denominations on the verge of the twenty-first century. The bewildering wealth of research certainly justifies a summary, and this one is both useful and timely. The intended audience of church members and clergy should find the book more accessible than much of the research it summarizes. But it is also likely to appeal to the broader audience of individuals who, though not religiously affiliated, share some interest in the cultural impact and vitality of mainstream Protestantism. Ample documentation makes the book a useful introduction for academic as well as nonacademic audiences; it is both a summary and a collection of pointers that should make the whole body of research more accessible to students of religion. Steve Schroeder --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

The authors find many vital signs of healing and renewal in the mainline church. This is an essential book. -- The Presbyterian Outlook, November 11, 2002

This book will help people who care about mainstream Protestant denominations to look toward the future with hope. -- Dorothy C. Bass, Valparaiso University

Vital Signs provides words of hope and worlds of insight for the future of many Protestant churches and denominations. -- Roberta Hestenes, Eastern College

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: FaithWalk Publishing (October 10, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0972419608
• ISBN-13: 978-0972419604
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,067,965 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book for Every Church Leader, October 29, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Vital Signs: The Promise of Mainstream Protestantism (Paperback)

This is a new, updated version of the book originally published by Eerdmans in 1996 (which is out of print) and now available from FaithWalk Publishing. An incredible amount of research went into this book. In easy to understand language it provides reasons for the decline in the mainline church and then gives several ways that a local church or even a denomination can address the issues causing the decline. Not only does this book deal with today's challenges, it also gives an historical context on what led to the problems in the first place. A good place to start when looking for ways to grow the church. Fascinating reading for pastors and lay people alike.