The Multigenerational Congregation: Meeting the Leadership Challenge
Gilbert R. Rendle
Congregations need to learn new cultural languages and practices in order to speak to and be heard by new generations of people. But how do congregations enter the wilderness of ministry with these new generations when many of those in the entourage do not appreciate the trip?
In contrast to many writers about church growth, Rendle works with three important observations:
- Most congregations are not “pure markets,” discrete groups with uniform values and behaviors, that can be targeted to the exclusion of all other audiences;
- Some of the differences and discomforts experienced in the congregation are based on the members' tenure, or length of membership, rather than their age;
- Leadership in congregations is not a matter of marketplace savvy but of spiritual authenticity in which we continue to shape our faith tradition to be heard and understood by a changing culture.
Rendle shows us how to talk with and really understand one generational cohort while another cohort is present “looking over one’s shoulder.” Foreword by Lovett H. Weems Jr., President, Saint Paul School of Theology.
Praise for the Book
“Rendle's fresh, well-researched book is indispensable for congregational leaders, denominational officials, and seminary teachers seeking to interpret congregational dynamics and creatively discern direction for their spiritual journeys.” —V. Sue Zabel
“In The Multigenerational Congregation, Gil Rendle takes us behind the scenes to understand the essential differences and unique dynamics between generations and between long-tenured members, stories, and biblical connections needed to harness the energy of generational differences for health and faithful witness in an age of constant change. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to unearth the blessings of the multigenerational congregation.” —Nan Cressman
About the Author
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Before joining the staff of the Alban Institute, Gil Rendle 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 impacts the decisions and behaviors that participants practice in their congregations. He is the author of fours books, as well as a contributor to two others books and the author of numerous articles and monographs.
ISBN# 1-56699-252-4
Alban No. AL244
paper, 150 pages
2002
In stock
$15.00
($12.00 for members)
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