Leading Congregations And Nonprofits In A Connected World

Drawing on studies of congregations across denominations, and nonprofits with historic ties to faith communities, Hayim Herring and Terri Elton share practical, research-based guidance for how these organizations can more deeply engage with their communities and advance their impact in a socially connected world.

Social isolation, loneliness, and suicide are conditions we often associate with the elderly. But in reality, these issues have sharply increased across younger generations. Baby Boomers, Gen X’ers, Millennials, and post-Millennials all report a declining number of friends and an increasing number of health issues associated with loneliness. Even more concerning, it appears that the younger the generation, the greater the feelings of disconnection. Regardless of age, it feels as though we’re living through a period of ongoing disequilibrium because we’re not able to adapt quickly enough to the social and technological changes swirling around us. These powerful changes have not only isolated individuals from their own peers but have contributed to becoming an age-segregated society. And yet we need fulfilling relationships with people our own age and across the generations to lead lives that are rich in meaning and purpose. Even in those rare communities where young and old live near each other, they lack organic settings that encourage intergenerational relationships. In addition, it isn’t technology, but generational diversity that is our best tool for navigating the changes that affect so many aspects of our lives - whether it’s work, entertainment, education, or family dynamics. We can’t restore yesterday’s model of community, where only those who were older transmitted wisdom downward to the generation below. But we can relearn how much members of different generations have to offer each other and recreate intergenerational communities for the 21st century where young, old, and everyone in between is equally valued for their perspectives, and where each generation views itself as having a stake in the other’s success. Here, Hayim Herring focuses more deeply on how Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials perceive one another and looks underneath the generational labels that compound isolation. He offers ways we can prepare current and future generations for a world in which ongoing interactions with people from multiple generations become the norm, and re-experience how enriching intergenerational relationships are personally and communally.

Explores how the church has engaged—and should engage—the American context What might faithful and meaningful Christian witness look like within our changing contemporary American context? After analyzing contemporary challenges and developing a missiological approach for the US church, Craig Van Gelder and Dwight Zscheile reflect on the long, complex, and contested history of Christian mission in America. Five distinct historical periods from the beginning of the colonial era to the dawn of the third millennium are reviewed and critiqued. They then bring the story forward to the present day, discussing current realities confronting the church, discerning possibilities of where and how the Spirit of God might be at work today, and imagining what participating in the triune God’s mission may look like in an uncertain tomorrow.

Jesus is present here and now, Christians have always affirmed. But how are we to understand his present activity in a challenging, post-Christian context? In what ways is he at work in our congregational worship, pastoral care, preaching—and even our board meetings? At a time when many feel uncertain about the future of the church, What Is Jesus Doing? brings together leading thinkers in pastoral theology, homiletics, liturgical theology, and missiology in a compelling resource for pastors and theologians. Emphasizing the reality of Jesus both as the resurrected, ascended Christ and as present and active today, the contributors consider how to recognize the divine presence and join in what God is already doing in all areas of church ministry. Contributors include: David Fergusson Dwight J. Zscheile Scott J. Hagley Craig Barnes Roger Owens Anthony B. Robinson Will Willimon Andrew Root John D. Witvliet Nicholas Wolterstorff Angela Dienhart Hancock Trygve D. Johnson With deep theological reflection, personal stories, and practical suggestions, this interdisciplinary conversation invites leaders to remember that the church is first of all God's project, not ours—and that this truth should fill us with hope.

An essential introductory textbook that provides a comprehensive and student-friendly overview of the key processes involved in developing and managing a theatre in the 21st century. It covers a complete range of topics fundamental to successful commercial and not-for-profit theatre management, from developing a mission statement to communicating with stakeholders, from marketing and promotion to fund development platforms, and from governance structures to community engagement. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Anthony Rhine encourages a critical understanding of theatre management; rather than simply giving students the facts and theories to memorise, he shows readers how to think like theatre managers, giving them the skills needed to be able to carve out their own career paths. Far-reaching and globally applicable, the text serves as an invaluable guide for aspiring theatre managers, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students on theatre management, arts management, creative industries and theatre and performance studies degree courses.

In the past decade many intelligent people who care deeply about synagogues have written about them. So how is this book different from all other books? Many books take the overall mission of the synagogue as a given, and the recommendations around structure are really about incremental change. Tomorrow's Synagogue Today stimulates the reader to unleash the power of synagogues to exponentially influence people's Jewish lives. Herring offers creative scenarios to stretch the imagination about how more synagogues could become vibrant centers of Jewish life and how congregational leaders can begin to chart a new course toward achieving that goal. Key to his vision are the ways synagogues can collaborate with other synagogues and other Jewish institutions in the local Jewish community and around the globe, as well as with organizations outside of the Jewish community. Herring also explores structural change that is occurring in the rabbinate, as well as future roles rabbis may play and how rabbis might begin preparing for that future now. He shares insights from twelve rabbis from across the country about new models of synagogue mission, governance, and organization. He concludes with recommendations about the kinds of investments those who care about synagogues and the Jewish future need to make so that synagogues will remain a significant force in the Jewish community.

We are in a new era of communication. The internet and social media have changed the way we connect and communicate with each other. As the body of Christ, it is important that we understand these changes, so that we can effectively serve others. Whether you are an established organisation or an individual starting your ministry, this book will help you understand these global, technology-enabled changes and how they impact churches, nonprofits and individuals in ministry. The four-part communication model and the six-step framework presented in this book will help you successfully implement a social media and digital ministry program, laying a strong foundation for the future of your ministry. Section I - Why the Church should use Social Media: In the first section, the book talks about the importance of using digital, online and social communication medium. The book explores the evolution of a new type of audience - the connected audience and helps the reader learn the biblical basis of social media marketing and its relevance to the Great Commission. Section II - The Communication Model: In the second section, the book introduces the four-part communication model. The author lays out a broader vision of a smooth, seamless communication within the Church, as one body using social media and technology. Section III - The Framework for Implementing the Communication Model: In the third section, the book moves from visioning mode to action mode. The author presents a six-step framework as a practical means to implement the communication model in your ministry. This is a hands-on implementation section that examines management strategies, marketing strategies and operational details. Section IV - Future Trends that will Impact the Church: In the fourth and final section, the book returns to a visioning mode as the author identifies key future trends and discusses ways in which churches, nonprofits and ministries can prepare themselves for the future. Foreword is written by Mark W. Schaefer - Social media keynote speaker, college educator, consultant, and best-selling author of six marketing books including Known, The Content Code, Social Media Explained and The Tao of Twitter. Introduction is written by Rev. Sam P. Chelladurai - Senior Pastor of AFT Church. He is one of the most prominent and respected Bible teachers in India.

Innovation is a key source of competitive advantage, but it remains frustratingly elusive for many organizations. This book shows you how to close the innovation gap by making individuals and organizations systematically and sustainably innovative. You will learn how to embrace a culture of innovation and make it permeate every level of the organization. You will find a clear road map and practical tools to redefine your workplace's culture, identify and tap into the existing innovative intelligence, and develop leaders who can close the innovation gap for greater business success.