Behavioral Covenants in Congregations: A Handbook for Honoring Differences

Gilbert R. Rendle

This down-to-earth workbook gets to the heart of modern congregational life: how to live creatively together despite differences of age, race, culture, opinion, gender, or theological or political position. Gil Rendle explains how to grow by valuing our differences rather than trying to ignore or blend them. He describes a method of establishing behavioral covenants that includes leadership instruction, training tools, resources, small-group exercises, and plans for meetings and retreats. An essential resource for all ministers.

Share|

Praise for the Book

“This gem of a book offers insightful commentary and detailed, practical resources that offer welcome help for congregational covenants of behavior, an effective new approach to faithful civility in the church.” —Reverend Dr. Samuel E. Roberson, General Presbyter, Presbytery of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio

“Gil Rendle's book invites us to claim a deeper truth of the covenant community discovered again in contemporary spiritual discipline, enabling us to bridge congregation and culture. In this book theory and versatility come together to provide models, adapted for multiple settings, for faith communities to work toward behavioral covenant agreements. For new pastors, congregations facing change and dealing with differences, and anyone seeking to understand more about how our culture shapes the faith communities we know best.” —Reverend Michelle Wright Bartlow, Office of Congregational Transformation, Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, The United Methodist Church, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

About the Author

Gil Rendle is a former senior consultant with the Alban Institute. He has served as senior pastor of two urban congregations in Pennsylvania for sixteen years and as a denominational consultant for the United Methodist Church for nine years. Gil has an extensive background in organizational development, group and systems theory, and leadership development. He frequently consults with congregations on planning, staff and leadership development, and issues of change. He is well-known for his work with middle judicatory offices and staff as they wrestle with the issues of both denominational and congregational change. In training workshops and leadership retreats, Gil has led numerous large and small groups in practical learning that directly affects the decisions and behaviors that participants practice in their congregations. He is the author of four books, as well as a contributor to two other books and the author of numerous articles and monographs.

top of page | Bookstore

ISBN# 1-56699-209-5
Alban No. AL199
paper, 126 pages
1999

In stock

$15.00 ($12.00 for members)

Create your own review