Doing the Math of Mission
Doing the Math of Mission

Author: Gil Rendle

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2014-08-14

Total Pages: 157

ISBN-13: 1566997232

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Over the past ten years, the North American mission field has experienced dramatic changes, which in turn have required congregations, middle judicatories, and denominations to adapt. Among these adaptations is an expectation for clear goals and quantified progress towards those goals. Church leaders who have never needed to measure their goals and progress with metrics may find this change daunting. The use of metrics—denominational and middle judicatory dashboards, and the tracking of congregational trends—has become an uncomfortable and misunderstood practice in this search for accountability. Doing the Math of Mission offers theory, models, and new tools for using metrics in ministry. This book also shows where metrics and accountability fit into the discernment, goal setting, and strategies of ministry. While there are resources for research on congregations, tools on congregational studies, and books on program evaluation, there is a gap when it comes to actual tools and resources for church leaders. This book is intended to help fill that gap, giving leaders a toolbox they can use in their own setting to clarify their purpose and guide their steps. Resource materials that leaders can use in their own setting are available. In order to obtain this material, please contact [email protected].

The Galax Gatherers
The Galax Gatherers

Author: Edward Owings Guerrant

Publisher: Univ. of Tennessee Press

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 268

ISBN-13: 9781572333635

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"Mark Huddle's introduction to this edition places both Guerrant and his writing within a broader context of dramatic changes in American Protestantism at the end of the nineteenth century. He argues that the complex interactions between the inhabitants of the region and various home missions defy simplistic generalizations about religion and the perception of cultural isolation in Appalachia. The republication of this work promises to reignite debates over Appalachia's unique place in the history of the nation as a whole."--BOOK JACKET.

The Presbyterian Deacon
The Presbyterian Deacon

Author: Earl S. Johnson

Publisher: Presbyterian Publishing Corp

Published: 2022-02-01

Total Pages: 66

ISBN-13: 1646982754

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Updated 2022 Edition In this highly useful book, Earl S. Johnson, Jr. explores the role of the deacon in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The author explains the freedom for churches to define the roles of deacons while also supplying many helpful suggestions. Johnson examines the ministry as it is described in sections of the Book of Order and analyzes how the word "deacon" is used in Scripture. In addition, Johnson provides historical information regarding the inclusion of women and offers innovative ways to incorporate the ministry of deacons into the larger ministry of the church. Fully revised based on the new Form of Government of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), this book is invaluable for new deacons preparing for their roles, while also helping pastors and leaders who are training prospective deacons.

Sailboat Church
Sailboat Church

Author: Joan S. Gray

Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press

Published: 2014-01-01

Total Pages: 174

ISBN-13: 0664259588

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Is your church a rowboat church or a sailboat church? Rowboat churches depend largely on human effort. In a time of often shrinking budgets and membership, rowboat churches frantically row harder against a current, often frustrated and disappointed at their efforts. Sailboat churches, on the other hand, take up the oars, hoist sales, and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide them. Arguing that churches should be “sailboats,” author Joan S. Gray encourages readers to shift concern from the many daily, practical concerns of their local church to consider how new directions might be found by allowing the Holy Spirit to provide fresh ideas. The book includes four days of sailing prayers, quotes from Scripture, brief reflection questions, and an extensive bibliography that is arranged by theme. Perfect for groups to read together, this book will help leaders reframe their church’s mission and practice with the Holy Spirit as their guide.