Transforming Congregational Culture (Paperback)

by Anthony B. Robinson (Author) "I began my ordained ministry in 1977..." (more)
Key Phrases: congregational culture, congregational spirituality, board culture, Holy Spirit, American Christendom, Assuming the Goods (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"This book is a 'must read' for all clergy and lay leaders in the twenty-first century."

Product Description
Many recent books have attempted to address the "crisis" in the mainline church. Anthony Robinson here makes a significant — and in many ways unique — contribution to this discussion by bringing his personal insights as a pastor to bear on the issue of renewing congregational life.

Writing from twenty-five years of experience in four congregations of differing size, location, and ethnic makeup, Robinson prescribes concrete changes in the practice of ministry that have been tried, tested, and lived out to great success. At the heart of his framework for church renewal is what he calls "cultural change." According to Robinson, technical or programmatic change is not sufficient to address the needs of the day. He argues for changing the very culture of mainline congregations, which involves recognizing and fostering their particular gifts and genius rather than trying to remake them into something they are not. His fruitful strategies for renewal touch every aspect of congregational life, from personal spiritual formation to church leadership.

Product Details

• Paperback: 138 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (February 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: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #155,480 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 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

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource for mainline church leaders, June 3, 2007

By	Dennis Dewey "Biblical Storyteller" (www.DennisDewey.org) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A no-nonsense analysis of the predicament of and opportunities for old mainline churches as their leaders seek to do faithful ministry in a post-modern American culture.

1 of 1 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 (REAL NAME)

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.