Why do some religious institutions decline in the face of racial integration whilst others grow? How do congregations deal with economic distress? This study of congregations in the face of community transformation includes stories of over 20 congregations in nine communities across America.

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 brothers who make up each congregation of faith. Community as the core of church is the other reality shaping the book’s reflection. And community, a parish being with those around, living for more than its own survival are visions for going forward. Other aspects of congregational life are also examined, most importantly the pastors—how they serve when budgets shrink, how they are trained, how pastors act with the community not above it. No recipes are suggested for parish resurrection, but the stories of the parishes that have revived bear within numerous lessons for us in the future.

Contemporary worship music shapes the way evangelical Christians understand worship itself. Author Monique M. Ingalls argues that participatory worship music performances have brought into being new religious social constellations, or "modes of congregating". Through exploration of five of these modes--concert, conference, church, public, and networked congregations--Singing the Congregation reinvigorates the analytic categories of "congregation" and "congregational music." Drawing from theoretical models in ethnomusicology and congregational studies, Singing the Congregation reconceives the congregation as a fluid, contingent social constellation that is actively performed into being through communal practice--in this case, the musically-structured participatory activity known as "worship." "Congregational music-making" is thereby recast as a practice capable of weaving together a religious community both inside and outside local institutional churches. Congregational music-making is not only a means of expressing local concerns and constituting the local religious community; it is also a powerful way to identify with far-flung individuals, institutions, and networks that comprise this global religious community. The interactions among the congregations reveal widespread conflicts over religious authority, carrying far-ranging implications for how evangelicals position themselves relative to other groups in North America and beyond.

The church is called to be the agency through which God is not only known but through which his kingdom is also advanced. This book, therefore, is an attempt to examine the church's influence on communities through social justice practices as part of advancing the gospel of the kingdom of God. The book brings out results of a study about a congregation's significant impact on a local community through varied social justice programs. The book also provides relevant recommendations on how such initiatives can be improved for a more effective kingdom-driven ministry to local communities. It is hoped that the example of J. Jireh Ministry Church provides a case worthy of emulation by other churches, congregations, and similar faith-based community organizations for ministering to social justice needs at the local level.

Author Ed Delph challenges traditional mindsets about the church and its relation to the neighboring community in his new release, Church@Community. Dr. Delph proposes a paradigm shift in the way churches relate to the community at large. Instead of disengaging itself from secular activities, the church should be a sphere of influence in business, government, education, and entertainment. In this unique book on community reformation, Delph challenges conventionalism and the status quo. Based on the Book of Nehemiah, Church@Community addresses the need for Christian entrepreneurialism, diversity in the church, and strategic prayer. Written for pastors and leaders as well as anyone desiring to see transformation, church@Community raises a new standard for the body of Christ.

YOUR CHURCH, MINISTRY, OR ORGANIZATION CAN BECOME A FORCE FOR POSITIVE CHANGE. LEARN HOW AND START NOW! Pastors, other leaders, and people in every community yearn to bring change. To influence people and systems for good. To work for morally rooted social change. What is the best way to do this work? Together. Collaborative efforts between churches, schools, and other organizations are critically important for our future. Lia McIntosh makes the case for this claim and instructs leaders who are ready to start, as she lays out a principle-based framework built on the seven virtues (or principles) of Kwanzaa. Each chapter includes a summary of key points, plus a list of questions and suggestions for discussion, further inquiry, or action. The book closes with a full list of practical suggestions and instructions for putting the principles into action immediately. It is designed for leaders and teams to read and work through together, resulting in plans and action. The book is also filled with stories revealing the depth of need and the extraordinary results of positive change. It is inspiring, motivating, and instructive. Church/School/Community promises to help us move forward: - A historical review of the intersections of Faith and education, reminding us how the church has always been on the forefront of education. - An explanation of the Opportunity we have to change a student’s life, especially before the 3rd grade. - A challenge to Rethink the church’s role in education, moving from mercy to justice to advocacy. - Exploring the question, What can we do? And learning the practices that are essential for this work. - A challenge for faith communities to practice Advocacy, placing students at the center, and reviving the church. - A warning for us to Resist the urge to turn inward, reminding us that life is found by giving ourselves away. - Renewing our commitment as Americans to Democracy. Modeling it for students so they understand the power of their voices, their capacity to develop skills, and their responsibility to shape the future. Actionable and transformational. This book is a valuable tool for people and organizations who want to create an “ubuntu” way of looking at the world. Through healthy community, school and church partnerships, McIntosh offers a practical guide for leaders to discern the community’s assets and needs and bring good into the world. A must-have resource. --Kim Jenne, director of connectional ministries, Missouri Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church We are at our best when we partner with others for the sake of self, neighbor and community. We should have no expectation of meaningful change or transformation apart from profound partnering. McIntosh rehearses and re-envisions the power of church, school and community linking arms, where each helps the other become a better version of itself, and where the whole is more than the sum of the parts. --Gregory V. Palmer, bishop of the West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church This is a book worth reading! The Missouri Annual Conference has emphasized church/school partnerships and this book is a helpful, practical guide to our work. It paints a picture of fruitful and vital ministry. --Bob Farr, bishop of the Missouri Conference of The United Methodist Church Lia McIntosh shows up as a coach, encourager and cultural connector in every moment of her life, including this book. Churches are looking to create significant partnerships with their local communities, and schools are frequent partners. This book provides a framework for thinking through these connections, plus action steps to take. I'll be recommending this wonderful piece to every church leader I know! --Derrek Belase, director of connectional ministry, Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church Concepts and words are often misleading specially in a period when individualism is on the rise, and an abiding sense of togetherness is slipping away from the human family, Rev. Lia McIntosh calls 21st century readers to rethink about the centrality of community and formation of human connections through church, Academic circles and Ecclesial movements. This is a timely and much needed people – oriented piece of literature whose horizon is three –fold, faith – as – a portal for community formation, learning and instruction as an opportunity for community formation, and national and Global engagements as localities of community formation. This book is both a gift and legacy giving to all whose eyes will read the pages of this well – thought out work. --Israel Kamudzandu, associate professor and Lindsey Pherigo Chair, Saint Paul School of Theology, Leawood, KS Church/School/Community is a timely and much-needed resource. It is a must read for those who are committed to being World Changers in this heightened state of racial injustice, political division, and denominational uncertainty. McIntosh creatively utilizes the Kwanzaa principles as a plan and blueprint to strengthen churches and transform communities. As the National Director of SBC21 I highly recommend reading this critical book that can forge vital partnerships between church, school and community. --Michael L. Bowie, Jr., national executive director, Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century, The United Methodist Church

In this helpful book, Boyung Lee offers an encouraging vision of the mainline church’s future. Lee grapples with some of the greatest challenges facing the mainline church, offering compelling responses to recurring questions: What does faithfulness to the gospel look like in this changing world? What is our distinctive voice in the larger society? How does theological education have to change if it is to serve the needs of a new century? Lee argues that the church’s future is a promising one if the church can offer a richer and deeper definition of community—one that moves beyond the excessive individualism of western culture and that helps mainline Christians understand their solidarity with one another and with all of God’s people. Lee further explores the crucial role of faith formation at the congregational and seminary levels. More than mere schooling, theological education must engage all aspects of educators’ and students’ lives to prepare seminarians for the challenges that lie ahead. While not dismissing the mainline church’s challenges, Lee offers congregational leaders and seminary educators a vision of a church transformed for the 21st century.