Download or read book Transforming Church in Rural America written by Shannon O'Dell and published by New Leaf Publishing Group. This book was released on 2010-04-01 with total page 210 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "No matter what size church you are a part of, this book will challenge your traditional thinking, force you to look beyond the status quo, and enable you to grasp a bigger vision of what God has in store for your ministry and your leadership." -Ed Young, Fellowship Church "Shannon O'Dell's passion for the rural church in America is contagious" -Craig Groeschel, LifeChurch.tv Small church buildings dotting the countryside are home to ministries that often struggle with limited attendance, no money, and little expectation that change can revitalize their future. In Transforming Church in Rural America, Pastor Shannon O'Dell shares a powerful vision of relevance, possibility, and excellence for these small churches, or for any ministry that is stuck in a "rural state of mind." The book reveals: how to generate growth through transformed lives ways to create active evangelism in your community no-cost solutions for staffing challenges, enhancing the worship experience, and inspiring volunteers Focusing on vision, attitude, leadership, and innovation, you can learn the practical strategies and biblical guidance that helped to grow a church of 31 into a multi-campus church of several thousand, with a national and global outreach. Discover effective structure and ways to cast God-given vision so others can follow and make an impact. Experience the blueprint for transforming into effective, dynamic, and thriving churches no matter where the location or how small it may be. MORE INFO

Download or read book Rural Church Turnaround written by Danny Davis and published by Crosslink Publishing. This book was released on 2020 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Rural churches across North America are dying at alarming rates. Rural Church Turnaround is about real people who decided their rual communities needed a life-giving church. Rural Church Turnaround recoutns the experiences of pastors and lay eladers who led their dying congregations back to health, vitality, and impactful ministry."--Back cover

Download or read book Leading Turnaround Churches written by Gene Wood and published by . This book was released on 2001-01-01 with total page 168 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Reclaiming Rural written by Allen T. Stanton and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2021-05-15 with total page 137 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As rural America continues to undergo massive economic and demographic shifts, rural churches are uniquely positioned to provide community leadership. Leading a rural congregation requires a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing these communities, as well as a strong theological and community-focused identity. Allen T. Stanton describes how in establishing this identity, rural leaders build a meaningful and vital ministry. Reclaiming Rural explores the myths and realities of rural places, and how those common narratives impact the leadership of rural churches. Ultimately, rural congregations must practice a contextual understanding of vitality, which understands both the strengths and challenges of leading in a rural setting. Arguing for a practice of evangelism imbued with this mission of vitality, Reclaiming Rural promotes the church as a leader in economic and community development, modeled upon a Wesleyan theology of grace. Acknowledging the many challenges facing rural churches, this book is an energetic and encouraging guide to overcoming social and economic obstacles to build a thriving congregation.

Download or read book Pastor Unique written by Lavern E. Brown and published by WestBow Press. This book was released on 2016-07-27 with total page 346 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ADVANCED PRAISE FOR PASTOR UNIQUE: Becoming a Turnaround Leader Each year thousands of books are written, published, and distributed. Few are really significant works. Pastor Unique is, in my view, a significant book. Gary L. McIntosh, D.Min., Ph.D. Talbot Seminary, Biola University Helping pastors understand themselves and their role is crucial and fundamental. So is training them in the tactics and strategies of change. Furthermore, they must learn how their personalities help or hinder leading change. I believe the process described in this book is targeted more specifically than any other I know to provide this training . Paul Borden. Ph.D. Director, Church Health Initiative I am grateful to the authors for including The Birkman Method in their work with pastors. My father, Roger Birkman, was passionate about helping people of faith gain a clearer, more accurate understanding of self and others. The authentic kind of leadership development recommended in this book will profoundly impact pastors and the people they lead. We are proud that Birkman can play a role in the important initiative represented in Pastor Unique. Sharon Birkman Fink, CEO Birkman International, Inc. Are you still searching for that killer church health conference, that rock star pastor to imitate, or the perfect formula that will tell you how lead your church to effective service in Jesus mission? Pastors who chase dreams of high powered ministry by looking for answers outside of themselves are inevitably discouraged when they learn that what works for others wont work for them. If thats your story, Pastor Unique is what youve been looking for. Inside you will learn how to use all the tools the Head of the Church has already given you your identity, your personality, and your life experience to become a turnaround leader in your church.

Download or read book There s Hope for Your Church written by Gary McIntosh and published by Baker Books. This book was released on 2012-05 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Veteran church consultant calls church leaders back to the hope that God can and does restore churches, equipping them with practical tools to bring about healthy growth.

Download or read book Replanting Rural Churches God s Plan and Call for the Middle of Nowhere written by Kyle Bueermann and published by The Replant. This book was released on 2019-08-09 with total page 78 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: God has plans for Nowhere, USA. You might be surprised to learn that God has great plans for Nowhere, USA; population you, your family, a few people, and scores of cattle. As you surrender to Him, remain faithful to proclaim His Word, and maintain earnest prayer on your church's behalf, you can play a pivotal role in advancing the Kingdom. Maybe you have just been called to a town like that, maybe you are still wondering where you will serve, or maybe, just maybe you want to step out of your comfort zone and into the long-forgotten communities of rural America. If that's you, this book is for you.

Download or read book The Churching of America 1776 2005 written by Roger Finke and published by Rutgers University Press. This book was released on 2005 with total page 374 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This edition offers research, statistics and stories that document-increased participation in religious groups in the US in the 21st century. New chapters chart the development of African American churches from the early 19th century and the ethnic religious communities of recent immigrants.

Download or read book Setting the Atmosphere for the Day of Worship written by Joseph S. Girdler and published by . This book was released on 2019-03-05 with total page 170 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Whether you're starting your first church, or know you need to re-evaluate your current ministry, the collection of checklists and step-by-step walkthroughs in Setting the Atmosphere for the Day of Worship will provide many "Aha! moments for crafting your church's ultimate worship experience.The practical insights gained from decades of study and pastoral experience, provide a holistic framework from which churches can critique their vision and practices from a wide spectrum of practical, service-related topics. The process will help you achieve greatly desired outcomes for each aspect of your worship services, and you will be empowered to act intentionally toward excellence in ministry.Setting the Atmosphere for the Day of Worship is also a practical, approachable, and direct blueprint for church planters, and will be a great help before the launch. You will also find this book will help you most effectively steward your God-given resources to reach many more people with the life-changing message of Christ.

Download or read book Scrappy Church written by Thom S. Rainer and published by B&H Publishing Group. This book was released on 2018-09-25 with total page 90 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How many times have we heard these statements… “We can’t compete with the megachurch in our town!” “A new church was started two blocks from us. We’ve got plenty of churches without them!” “The church brought another one of their campuses near us. It’s totally unethical what they are doing.” “We can’t reach young families. They all go to the big church that has all the children’s and student stuff.” “We don’t have the money or the people the other churches have.” Bestselling author Thom S. Rainer (I Am a Church Member, Autopsy of a Deceased Church) has heard comments like these hundreds, if not thousands, of times. They are statements of hopelessness. They are statements of despair. They are statements of defeat. Church leaders don’t want to feel this way. They desire to break out of the mediocrity of the same, lame, and tame existence of their churches. They want their churches to make a difference. There is hope. God’s hope. God’s possibilities. What does a scrappy church look like? Let’s take a look together.

Download or read book Can a Church Live Again written by Ronald Russell and published by Smyth & Helwys Pub. This book was released on 2003 with total page 134 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Turning around an old, established church is not an easy task. Waters have to be stirred, people have to be shaken out of their comfort zones, and often there are enormous costs to bear.Change does not come easy in established churches. Many churches make the mistake of changing programs or worship styles without first changing the core values of the church. Change does not happen overnight. Anyone who would transition a church had better pack a lunch and make a commitment for the long haul.Can a Church Live Again? tells the story of one church's renewal and revisioning over the past decade. A long-tenured pastor and other church leaders had a vision for a spiritual restoration of their church through its disciple-making roots. The result has been that a century-old church in rural North Carolina has become a model for church renewal.This story is told in Pastor Ronny Russell's own words, sharing principles of how this all happened for his church...and how a similar renewal can be felt by any church. This is not a quick-fix for church stagnation or decline. Rather, it is the inspiring story of one church's journey into hope and life.

Download or read book Rural Social Work Practice written by Nancy Lohmann and published by Columbia University Press. This book was released on 2008 with total page 371 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Featuring contributions from practitioners, researchers, and academics, this volume synthesizes and analyzes current trends in rural social work practice and considers the most effective ways to serve rural communities. Contributors consider the history and development of rural social work from its beginnings to the present day, addressing the value of the Internet and other new information technologies in helping clients. They also examine the effects of nonprofit organizations and welfare reform on poor rural areas. Coverage of specific client populations and fields of practice includes services for rural mental healthcare; the chronically mentally ill; healthcare for minorities; and the challenges faced by the elderly in rural areas. The contributors also consider issues affecting gays and lesbians living in rural communities and the role of religiosity and social support in the well-being of HIV/AIDS clients. The book concludes with a consideration of the unique issues associated with educating social workers for rural practice.

Download or read book When Church Conflict Happens written by Michael Hare and published by Moody Publishers. This book was released on 2019-04-02 with total page 291 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: You Don’t Have to Dread Conflict Every church will experience conflict at some point. But it doesn’t have to destroy you. In fact, conflict can be an incredible opportunity, if you know how to seize it. Unfortunately, very few churches use the opportunity well, but your church can. Michael Hare, PhD, has been helping churches recover (and even grow) from conflict for over 20 years, and now he can help you too. Learn: how to recognize healthy and unhealthy conflicts what the five levels of conflict are and why they matter how to design an action plan that will succeed how to prevent unhealthy conflict before it begins With copious case studies and practical tools, you’ll find it’s surprisingly manageable to develop these new skills. Learn to lead confidently in the face of conflict and invest in your church’s future today. PLUS! Additional Resources in the back include: Conflict management Style Survey Conflict Assessment Tools Interview Questions for Assessing Conflict and more! "I enthusiastically endorse this book and welcome it as a valuable addition to the growing stable of peacemaking resources!" KEN SANDE Author of the Peacemaker and Founder of Peacemaker Ministries and Relational Wisdom 360 "Few things break God’s heart more, and cause the hosts of hell to rejoice more, than conflict among His followers. My friend Mike Hare is well-qualified to prepare church leaders with practical intervention strategies (brought to life by case stories) that enable us to anticipate, analyze, and resolve conflict, moving step-by-step through processes that result in unity and blessing." DR. WESS STAFFORD President Emeritus, Compassion International Author of Too Small to Ignore and Just a Minute

Download or read book The Prophethood of All Believers written by Roger Stronstad and published by A&C Black. This book was released on 1999-01-01 with total page 141 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For centuries Christians have had the concept of the priesthood of all believers firmly engrained in their minds. The prophethood of all believers, on the other hand, is, so Stronstad believes, the main focus of Spirit-baptism in Luke-Acts. A landmark study in Lukan pneumatology, this book is aimed at a mixed readership ranging from the scholar to the informed layperson. The role of the Spirit in Luke is clearly portrayed in terms of vocational empowerment. Traditionally, Lukan pneumatology has been viewed through Pauline or Johannine spectacles, but by interpreting Luke independently of the other Gospels and the epistles, Stronstad has cogently argued for the historical and contemporary relevance of Spirit-baptism. He challenges the reader to develop a new appreciation of Luke's theology of the Holy Spirit, and, in fact, to consider the role of the prophethood of all believers for today's world.

Download or read book Alienated America written by Timothy P. Carney and published by HarperCollins. This book was released on 2019-02-19 with total page 368 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Now a Washington Post bestseller. Respected conservative journalist and commentator Timothy P. Carney continues the conversation begun with Hillbilly Elegy and the classic Bowling Alone in this hard-hitting analysis that identifies the true factor behind the decline of the American dream: it is not purely the result of economics as the left claims, but the collapse of the institutions that made us successful, including marriage, church, and civic life. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Donald J. Trump proclaimed, “the American dream is dead,” and this message resonated across the country. Why do so many people believe that the American dream is no longer within reach? Growing inequality, stubborn pockets of immobility, rising rates of deadly addiction, the increasing and troubling fact that where you start determines where you end up, heightening political strife—these are the disturbing realities threatening ordinary American lives today. The standard accounts pointed to economic problems among the working class, but the root was a cultural collapse: While the educated and wealthy elites still enjoy strong communities, most blue-collar Americans lack strong communities and institutions that bind them to their neighbors. And outside of the elites, the central American institution has been religion That is, it’s not the factory closings that have torn us apart; it’s the church closings. The dissolution of our most cherished institutions—nuclear families, places of worship, civic organizations—has not only divided us, but eroded our sense of worth, belief in opportunity, and connection to one another. In Abandoned America, Carney visits all corners of America, from the dim country bars of Southwestern Pennsylvania., to the bustling Mormon wards of Salt Lake City, and explains the most important data and research to demonstrate how the social connection is the great divide in America. He shows that Trump’s surprising victory was the most visible symptom of this deep-seated problem. In addition to his detailed exploration of how a range of societal changes have, in tandem, damaged us, Carney provides a framework that will lead us back out of a lonely, modern wilderness.

Download or read book Occasions of Sin written by Diarmaid Ferriter and published by Profile Books. This book was released on 2010-07-09 with total page 704 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ferriter covers such subjects as abortion, pregnancy, celibacy, contraception, censorship, infanticide, homosexuality, prostitution, marriage, popular culture, social life and the various hidden Irelands associated with sexual abuse - all in the context of a conservative official morality backed by the Catholic Church and by legislation. The book energetically and originally engages with subjects omitted from the mainstream historical narrative. The breadth of this book and the richness of the source material uncovered make it definitive in its field and a most remarkable work of social history.

Download or read book The Longview written by Roger Parrott and published by David C Cook. This book was released on 2010-01-01 with total page 257 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Are you rushing to find quick fixes to complex problems? Are you overwhelmed by pressure to produce immediate gains? Are you aiming at nearsighted remedies instead of long-term solutions? Become a leader who values transformation over turnaround–one who measures eternal outcomes as well as immediate effectiveness. This book shows you how. Consider it your personal guide to a leadership lifestyle of lasting significance. The Longview will revolutionize the way you lead. "Now more than ever, leaders everywhere are realizing that short-term thinking doesn't work. The Longview by Dr. Roger Parrott is essential medicine for today's hurry-up, quick-fix lifestyle. Read this book, read it again, and apply its message to your life." -- Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manager® and Lead Like Jesus “Roger Parrott is indeed a leader who looks at things from a long-range perspective. I have had the privilege of knowing him and watching him lead for many years. Not only does he model good leadership, but he also seeks to help others lead well." -- Steve Douglass, president of Campus Crusade for Christ "Roger Parrott has demonstrated over the years that true Christian leadership is a matter of integrity performed with excellence. When you live a life like that, you can't help but have followers! In his new book, The Longview: Lasting Strategies for Rising Leaders, he provides weathered advice to young men and women on leading with honesty and truthfulness. I highly recommend it!" -- Joni Eareckson Tada, JAF International Disability Center “Leaders in the United States have needed to heed the message of this book for years. Roger Parrott explains how leaders can best serve their people and the organizations they lead. Leading others is like running a marathon, not a sprint, and Roger Parrott is a leadership marathoner par excellence! I highly recommend this book.” -- D. Michael Lindsay, author of Faith in the Halls of Power