Facing Decline, Finding Hope: New Possibilities for Faithful Churches
Church today isn’t the same as it was fifty years ago—or even ten years ago. In spite of the powerful stories of turn-around churches with skyrocketing memberships, the difficult reality is that most congregations are getting smaller. Jeffrey D. Jones asks brave questions for congregations facing this reality—what if membership growth isn’t the primary goal for a church? How can churches remain vital, even with declining attendance?Facing Decline, Finding Hope is an essential resource to help congregations confront their shrinking size while looking towards the hopeful reality that God is calling them to greater faithfulness. The book draws on biblical and theological resources, as well as contemporary leadership studies, to help leaders—both clergy and laity—set aside a survival mentality and ask new questions to shape ministry more attuned to today’s world.Facing Decline, Finding Hope is a powerful book for leaders who want to honestly assess the size of their church and plan for faithful, invigorating service regardless of whether membership numbers are up or down.
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Facing Decline, Finding Hope: New Possibilities for Faithful Churches
Church today isn’t the same as it was fifty years ago—or even ten years ago. In spite of the powerful stories of turn-around churches with skyrocketing memberships, the difficult reality is that most congregations are getting smaller. Jeffrey D. Jones asks brave questions for congregations facing this reality—what if membership growth isn’t the primary goal for a church? How can churches remain vital, even with declining attendance?Facing Decline, Finding Hope is an essential resource to help congregations confront their shrinking size while looking towards the hopeful reality that God is calling them to greater faithfulness. The book draws on biblical and theological resources, as well as contemporary leadership studies, to help leaders—both clergy and laity—set aside a survival mentality and ask new questions to shape ministry more attuned to today’s world.Facing Decline, Finding Hope is a powerful book for leaders who want to honestly assess the size of their church and plan for faithful, invigorating service regardless of whether membership numbers are up or down.
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Facing Decline, Finding Hope: New Possibilities for Faithful Churches
Church today isn’t the same as it was fifty years ago—or even ten years ago. In spite of the powerful stories of turn-around churches with skyrocketing memberships, the difficult reality is that most congregations are getting smaller. Jeffrey D. Jones asks brave questions for congregations facing this reality—what if membership growth isn’t the primary goal for a church? How can churches remain vital, even with declining attendance?Facing Decline, Finding Hope is an essential resource to help congregations confront their shrinking size while looking towards the hopeful reality that God is calling them to greater faithfulness. The book draws on biblical and theological resources, as well as contemporary leadership studies, to help leaders—both clergy and laity—set aside a survival mentality and ask new questions to shape ministry more attuned to today’s world.Facing Decline, Finding Hope is a powerful book for leaders who want to honestly assess the size of their church and plan for faithful, invigorating service regardless of whether membership numbers are up or down.
Jeffrey D. Jones is associate professor of ministerial leadership and director of ministry studies at Andover Newton Theological School. He served as a pastor for many years and as a national staff member of the American Baptist Churches, USA. He is the author of several books, including Heart, Mind, and Strength: Theory and Practice for Congregational Leadership and Traveling Together: A Guide for Disciple-Forming Congregations.
Table of Contents
Table of ContentsForeword by Phyllis TicklePrefaceIntroductionPart 1—Facing Reality Chapter 1: The Trouble with Pool Tables and What that Means for UsChapter 2: Why Ezra and Nehemiah Were Wrong and What that Means for UsChapter 3: But Wait! There’s More!Part 2—Old and New Questions for ChurchesChapter 4: In/OutChapter 5: Pastor/CongregationChapter 6: Planned/DiscernedChapter 7: Survive/ServeChapter 8: Save/SignPart 3—Embracing the Dangerous Work of ChangeChapter 9: The PredicamentChapter 10: The PrayerBibliography