Facing Decline, Finding Hope by Jeffrey D Jones
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 the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Plymouth, Massachusetts. He also serves as Director of Distance Learning at Andover Newton Theological School, where he is Instructor in Church and Ministry, teaching courses in leadership and congregational life. He has served previously as a pastor in New Jersey and New York and as a national staff member of the American Baptist Churches, USA. He is the author of several books, including Traveling Together: A Guide for Disciple-Forming Congregations.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781566997324 |
| ISBN 10 | 1566997321 |
| Title | Facing Decline, Finding Hope |
| Author | Jeffrey D Jones |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Alban Institute, Inc |
| Year published | 2015-02-05 |
| Number of pages | 152 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |