Memories, Hopes, and Conversations: Appreciative Inquiry and Congregational Change (Paperback)

by Mark Lau Branson (Author) "We've done these mission studies before..." (more)
Key Phrases: select topics for further inquiry, missional outreach, provocative proposals, Appreciative Inquiry, Holy Spirit, Japanese American (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
When First Presbyterian Church in Altadena, California, was asked to provide a mission study report for its pastor nominating committee, the congregation was afraid they would find themselves engaging in busy work and producing a report that would wind up in a file gathering dust. They then asked professor Mark Lau Branson to consult with them on writing this report. He invited them to join in a process of Appreciative Inquiry--a transformational organization change process--which resulted in a major shift in congregational conversations and a new sense of hope.

Memories, Hopes, and Conversations recounts the experience of First Presbyterian and outlines a process that any congregation can utilize to harness the energies of the congregation at all levels of its common life. Branson first leads readers through the foundations of Appreciative Inquiry and bracingly explores biblical texts for understanding the practice in a faith context. He then outlines and illustrates a four-step process--Initiate, Inquire, Imagine, Innovate--that creatively employs constructive conversations and questions to evoke storytelling and spur imaginations.

Branson persuasively demonstrates how concentrating on needs and problems can mire a congregation in discouragement and distract it from noticing innate strengths. By focusing on memories of the congregation at its best, members are able to construct "provocative proposals" to help shape the church’s future. Grounded in solid theory and real-life practice, Memories, Hopes, and Conversations is a groundbreaking work of narrative leadership and the first book to apply the principles of Appreciative Inquiry to the lives of congregations.

About the Author
Mark Lau Branson is Homer L. Goddard Associate Professor of Ministry of the Laity at Fuller Theological Seminary. Known for his skillful weaving of biblical theology, theory, and practice for the purpose of congregational formation, his other publications include The Reader's Guide to the Best Evangelical Books and Conflict and Context: Hermeneutics in the Americas.

Product Details

• Paperback: 156 pages
• Publisher: Alban Institute (July 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566992885
• ISBN-13: 978-1566992886
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #73,031 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars An Instructive and Enlightening Book on Appreciative Inquiry, May 8, 2009

By	C. Stephans "www.craigstephans.wordpress.com" - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Branson demonstrates in this book the process and effectiveness of Appreciative Inquiry (AI). The case study focuses on Branson's work in a particular church; however, it is applicable to any organization. Branson provides clear instructions for leading AI. He provides the background of AI and how it differs from other leadership processes. He elaborates on his work with the church by giving the specific examples as he describes the process of AI and how it works. In this book, he also shows the Biblical basis for doing AI.

This book provides an excellent overall illustration of AI. I think that it offers all one needs in order to start and finish an AI process. I used it along with an AI textbook, but this book was all I really needed. It is well written and the examples and illustrations are clear and easy to follow.

5.0 out of 5 stars Moving the church forward, April 1, 2009

By	Kirk W. Mccullough "Bill McCullough" (Hampton Roads, VA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I think this work was well written and interesting. Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is an alternative to problem-based planning. It makes sense for a church to pay attention to its strength(s) and move forward along that dimension. I think AI also makes sense because it is a more optimistic planning method, aligned with Christian hope.

I thought Branson was detailed enough in his explanation to cover areas of possible confusion. Our Long Range Planning Team is modeling our next 5-year plan after Branson's model -- it makes sense.