Ecclesial Identification Beyond Late Modern Individualism

Why do some late modern churches grow, counter to the trend in Western Europe? Why do people identify with such churches – and does identification lead to morally transforming commitments beyond late modern consumerism? This case study investigates these questions based on ‘real life’ or empirical research, which include both the level of individual life strategies and organisational practice in two growing European churches. This innovative and interdisciplinary study draws on recent findings in theology, moral philosophy, sociology and organisational psychology. Its findings may prove useful not only for scholars in these disciplines, it may also enrich the reflection of practitioners who seek to perform the difficult art of transformational leadership in a late modern context.

Why do people identify with growing late modern churches – and does identification lead to morally transforming commitments beyond late modern consumerism? This case study presents findings that may inspire both social scientists and theological practitioners to new forms of thinking.

This volume is about ecclesiology and ethnography and what really matters in such academic work. How does material from field studies matter in a theological conversation? How does theology, in various forms, matter in analysis and interpretation of field work material? How does method matter? The authors draw on their research experiences and engage in conversations concerning reflexivity, normativity, and representation in qualitative theological work. The role and responsibility of the researcher is addressed from various perspectives in the first part of the book. In the next section the authors discuss ways in which empirical studies are able to disrupt the implicit and explicit normativity of ecclesial traditions, and also how theological traditions and perspectives can inform the interpretation of empirical data. The final part of the book focuses on the process of creating “the stuff” that represents the ecclesial context under study. What Really Matters is written to serve students and researchers in the field of ecclesiology and ethnography, systematic and practical theology, and especially those who work empirically or ethnographically—broadly speaking. The book might be particularly helpful to those who deal with questions of methodology in these academic disciplines. This volume offers perspectives that grow out of the Scandinavian context, yet it seeks to participate in and contribute to a scholarly conversation that goes beyond this particular location.

This book explores the nature and significance of social engagement by megachurches using Anglican and African diaspora Pentecostal case studies. It describes the range of social engagement activities, offering explanations in term of theological motivations and the influence of globalisation.

Must the church be either charismatic or sacramental? In this book, Terje Hegertun argues that she has the privilege of being both. The Day of Pentecost formed her identity and shaped her conviction of being lifted on the arms of grace and pushed forward by the power from on high. In the midst of her vulnerability and failure, the worldwide faith community is a composition of the Spirit. One of the greatest gifts the church may offer the world is simply to be church: a charismatic-sacramental fellowship, a dwelling place of God's Spirit. A church nurtured by graceful charismatic and sacramental gifts fosters a mature congregational spirituality distinguished by hospitable relations. Thus, the Spirit of God plays the main role of being the comprehensive principle of Christian unity across denominational lines.

This book is an attempt to synthesize the logic of mathematics, organizational behavioral/ management policy of an MBA and ecclesial scholarship of a Doctorate of Strategic Leadership into the pages of one book. This book begins with the premise that, similar to corporate leaders, faith-based leaders are also capable of implementing these skills and resources to maximize the efficiency of church organizations. It is critical that they have a full toolkit of resources to leverage when administering their organizations. It also acknowledges and recognizes that a life fully engaged in active ministry doesn’t necessarily allow time to pursue degrees in each of the aforementioned subjects. As a result, Dr. Bell has attempted to create a medium through which ecclesial practitioners and scholars may review these various topics to obtain insight. Similar to survey courses in college, readers should see it as a beginning point for further exploration. Take from it what you will and apply it to your God-given vision. Use it as a springboard to the progressively revealed Will of God for the effective administration of your call.

While books on famous and infamous Pentecostal leaders abound, the corpus of research on Pentecostal leadership is sparse. This is unfortunate, as strong and innovative leadership has been instrumental for the exceptional growth of the movement--and for countless examples of abusive behaviors in Pentecostal congregations. To promote effective leadership while avoiding the destructive effects of autocratic leaders, it is necessary to better understand the dynamics of leadership within Pentecostalism. This is the purpose of the book, and Truls Akerlund fills a gap in the present knowledge on Pentecostal leadership--first by discussing the extant literature on the topic and then by exploring the meaning of such leadership through a phenomenological analysis of the experiences of pastors in Pentecostal congregations. The author describes a general structure of Pentecostal leadership with essential characteristics of the phenomenon, locates Pentecostal leadership within the broader streams of organizational and religious leadership research, and points out crucial discussions and implications to be addressed in Pentecostal organizations.