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The Gift of Small
Most churches in the US are small-membership congregations. As Allen T. Stanton notes, most church leadership resources focus on membership growth as a central, guiding paradigm for the work of the church. The assumption is that membership growth is a natural outcome of a healthy congregation and successful ministry. However, Stanton argues that this assumption fails to engage theologically with the vocational gifts that small-membership churches offer. This oversight fuels the perception that small congregations are failing in their ministries or lack vitality.?Instead, The Gift of Small argues that small-membership congregations are well positioned for the faithful, effective work of the c...
The Gift of Small
Most church leadership resources focus on membership growth as an indicator of ministry success, notes Allen T. Stanton. However, The Gift of Small argues that small-membership churches are well fitted for the faithful work of the church. Stanton offers a critical understanding of these churches' roles in vocational work and community leadership.
Reclaiming Rural
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.
Community as Church, Church as Community
Parishes of all denominations are in decline, shrinking, closing, dying. We know that there are increasing numbers, young and older, who are religious "nones" and "dones." This book explores why the decline is taking place, why the distancing is going on. But it goes on to examine parishes from all over the country and from various church bodies that are resurrecting. The central theme of death and resurrection shapes the analysis of parishes covered. Parishes are resurrecting by reinventing their ministries, by repurposing their building to better serve their neighborhoods, thus replanting and reconnecting with them. All of this is the Spirit's doing but through the community of sisters and...
Reckoning Methodism
Reckoning Methodism addresses the brokenness of The United Methodist Church (UMC) in the United States. Homosexuality is but one of several fault lines with decades-long histories in this predominantly White denomination. Demographic shifts, racism, and imperialism are heavily implicated in the current state of division. What, then, is the true nature and mission of this church? The UMC is the public church divided. Distinct missional theologies arise from competing commitments and priorities. When Methodist programmatic initiatives—such as vital congregations, environmental witness, and volunteers in mission—fail to account for these differences, denominational unity is weakened. Constr...
Each in Our Own Language
The so-called "rural-urban divide" in the United States has, by many accounts, become increasingly wide and deep. Most attempts, however sincere, to find ways to heal, bridge, or otherwise help rural and urban Americans understand their interdependence fail to account for the deep--and disparate--symbolic layers that suffuse these landscapes. Benjamin Durheim steps into this space to offer an insightful and compelling guidebook for understanding. Via story, semiotic analysis, and careful ethical, theological, and liturgical reflection, Durheim plumbs the depths of symbol and meaning in rural America. Being able to read and write symbol well is essential for ministry, liturgical practice, and...
Gazetteer and Business Directory of Allegany County N. Y.
Reprint of the original, first published in 1875. The Antigonos publishing house specialises in the publication of reprints of historical books. We make sure that these works are made available to the public in good condition in order to preserve their cultural heritage.
