Community Ministry: New Challenges, Proven Steps to Faith-Based Initiatives

Praise for the Book

“Carl Dudley doesn't just tell you how to do community ministry. He tells you how actual congregations have done it and what they learned along the way. His four-step model for effectively reaching a community isn't mere theory; it's been tried and found true by actual congregations in concrete places among real people. His wisdom--and the additional, practical, relevant resources he points readers to--will enrich congregational leaders who want to share God's love in practical ways among their neighbors.” —Amy L. Sherman, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute
 
“Carl Dudley challenges the church to be true to its mission in the midst of a “sea change.” Just ten years ago, people were describing the trivialization of religion in our culture. Now religious institutions--faith based organizations--are being openly affirmed and even recruited by national leaders for their work of community building. Yet this work, what the church has long called “social ministry,” depends primarily on the church’s ability to be true to its mission, affirming its historic witness among people in ways that can be dictated neither by politics nor partnerships. This latest of Dudley’s offerings builds on his earlier work on developing best practices in community ministry and stakes out the space within which the church can hold fast to its historic mission, while considering the opportunities afforded by the new interest in faith-based partnerships.” —Dean Trulear, Pastor, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Twin Oaks, Pennsylvania