Holy Conversations: Strategic Planning as a Spiritual Practice for Congregations
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Book Overview
Planning can be challenging in the contemporary congregation, where people share a common faith and values but may have very different preferences and needs. Much of the literature on congregational planning presents it as a technical process: the leader serves as the chief problem solver, and the goal is finding "the solution to the problem."
Popular Alban consultants and authors Gil Rendle and Alice Mann cast planning as a "holy conversation," a congregational discernment process about three critical questions:Who are we?What has God called us to do or be?Who is our neighbor?
Rendle and Mann equip congregational leaders with a broad and creative range of ideas, pathways, processes, and tools for planning. By choosing the resources that best suit their needs and context, congregations will shape their own strengthening, transforming, holy conversation. They will find a path that is faithful to their identity and their relationship with God. Resource materials are available to purchasers of the book. E-mail [email protected] for more information.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:1566992869
ISBN13:9781566992862
Release Date:November 2003
Publisher:Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Length:316 Pages
Weight:1.27 lbs.
Dimensions:0.9" x 6.8" x 9.8"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Planning is a Process and Not Just a Goal
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
The strength of this book is in this statement on page 13 of the introduction, "we want to talk about the opportunity of planning as discernment." A fresh approach away from the mere goal setting and problem solving mode of planning, this book offers congregational planning as an on-going dialogue between leaders and with God. Filled very helpful ideas and guidelines, this book provides a wonderfully new approach to congregational development that treats a congregation as unique expression of God's kingdom.
Makes sense to me
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
The book helps a congregation look forward and look backwards. As one looks forward, one has to decide which of the three types of planning described are needed. It also looks backwards to ask what type of things (positive or negative)stamped their imprint on a congregation's DNA. One of the resources in the back describes why many mainline churches resist talking about numerical growth or being part of small groups. The book contends that asking three questions (honestly asking them and asking others to help answer them) can be transforming for a congregation. Who are we? Why are we here? Who is my neighbor? The authors suggest that scriptural stories can be claimed to describe a particular church's situation. This story claimed can be liberating and transformative.
Planning with God
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
This book is a wonderful resource and encouragement for any churches looking to plan, especially those who want to plan with God. It asks those fundamental questions that we do not seem to remember to ask ourselves: who are we? who are we called to serve? It has more practical resources than you could or should ever use and the authors tell you that - not every exercise will be right for your church. Still, it is nice to have options and it is nice to have a book that actually talks about discernment instead of trying to co-opt the business model for churches.
All is Great! Received!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
Thanks So Much! In good condition and received in timely manner. Thanks Again!
Excellent Resource for Congregations
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
This is a great resource and guide for congregations going through the planning process. As a lay member helping our Pastor, it helped me frame questions, lead discussions and develop a spirtual based planning process for our church.
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