Rekindling the Mainline: New Life through New Churches

Stephen C. Compton

Not only do new church starts in significant numbers bring systemic change and renewal to mainline denominations, but new church development brings similar change to individual aging congregations in their vicinity.

Author Stephen Compton argues that a decline in new church starts in the last half of the twentieth century was the major contributor to the decline of mainline church groups—not liberalism or lack of faith, as is often cited. He shows in this book how introducing considerable numbers of new congregations into these old denominations can cause these venerable institutions to revisit the meaning of “church” and “congregation,” develop a clearer vision of their collective mission, and grow in their ability to bring about positive change in the world. In effect, he contends, new churches in an aging organization do not merely make it grow. They make it change in ways that make it more effective in its mission and ministries.

This book will appeal to leaders across denominational lines, including those not ordinarily called “mainline,” and especially to pastors and leaders of older congregations. Foreword by Jackson W. Carroll.

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Praise for the Book

“I learned much from Rekindling the Mainline, and I commend it with great enthusiasm.” —Jackson W. Carroll

“Steve Compton has provided a remarkable resource for anyone concerned about the future of the church. Beginning with the reasons for denominational decline and coupling them with the age-old call to 'go forth and multipley,' this book is a sure-fire prescription for mainline renewal. The stories of creativity and faith that pour from the pages of this resource are encouraging and hopeful about what can happen when starting new churches is the heart of ministry. Reading this book inspired me to examine my own judicatory's strategy to plant congregation!” —Jill M. Hudson

“Steve Compton captures the dilemma of slow decline in mainline denominations. While honoring denominational roots, he proposes a bold vision to reverse this trend by starting new congregations and reinventing declining one. Based on a 'Gread Commission' agenda, his work is theologically sound, challenging, and exciting. His proposal for church planting, if thoroughly implemented, would require a massive transformation at every level of the church. Compton's vision, based on successful experience overseeing multiple new church starts every year, is both feasible and valuable.” —David Colin Jones

About the Author

Stephen Compton is the former dean of the Duke National Institute for New Church Development. Since 1989, he has served the United Methodist Church as a regional staff member responsible for the formation of new churches and as a consultant and trainer for as many as sixty older congregations a year.

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ISBN# 1-56699-279-6
Alban No. AL269
paper, 184 pages
2003

In stock

$15.00 ($12.00 for members)

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