Can Our Church Live? Redeveloping Congregations in Decline

Praise for the Book

“This book could turn thousands of declining congregations from despair to hope if it is read seriously by clergy and laity. The reader will find a rich tapestry of stories blended with a solid synthesis of theory. The most viable of options for redevelopment are insightfully explained. Finally, the author offers provocative questions to consider in making the hard decisions and beginning the extensive work that redevelopment necessitates. Leaders of struggling congregations will find in this book a complete resource for discernment and planning. This book should be required reading in all seminaries and on the desk of every informed church leader.” —Arlin J. Rothauge, Professor of Congregational Studies, Executive Director of Seabury Institute, Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, Evanston, Illinois

“Many religious leaders are concerned about the decline of mainline congregations today. Though there are resources and strategies available to address the problems of today's congregations, one of the strengths of this book is that it begins with the fundamental question. How do we connect our deepest faith-identity with the realities of our context today? The systemic and coordinated response of any congregation to this question has a great deal to do with its future as a faith community with integrity.” —Sheryl A. Kujawa, Director of Congregational Studies, Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, Massachusetts