The Self Renewing Congregation

How can my congregation become more vital? How can we both honor the past and embrace the future? "[The Self-Renewing Congregation] calls for 'renewal'...from within, not without--a renewal that begins with institutional self-reflection, proceeds through a process of self-engagement, and ends with self-generated innovations that can deepen the synagogue congregation as a sacred community. The core of this book offers any congregation seeking this path a compelling and realistic roadmap, a vision, and a process that is rooted in applied research and practical experience." --from the Foreword by Dr. Ron Wolfson, codeveloper, Synagogue 2000; author of Shabbat: The Family Guide to Preparing for and Celebrating the Sabbath Revitalizing and re-imagining the organization of our synagogues takes work! Combining expert advice and experience garnered from congregations throughout North America, The Self-Renewing Congregation shows us how transformative change is possible. A complete resource full of ideas, information, and support, this is a guide for those of us involved in, or interested in, energizing our spiritual communities. Isa Aron, founding director of Hebrew Union College's Experiment in Congregational Education (ECE), offers concrete, practical information on how to bring about change through collaborative leadership, and helps us grow dynamic, successful congregations.

How can my congregation become more vital? How can we both honor the past and embrace the future? “[The Self-Renewing Congregation] calls for ‘renewal’...from within, not without—a renewal that begins with institutional self-reflection, proceeds through a process of self-engagement, and ends with self-generated innovations that can deepen the synagogue congregation as a sacred community. The core of this book offers any congregation seeking this path a compelling and realistic roadmap, a vision, and a process that is rooted in applied research and practical experience.” —from the Foreword by Dr. Ron Wolfson, codeveloper, Synagogue 2000; author of Shabbat: The Family Guide to Preparing for and Celebrating the Sabbath Revitalizing and re-imagining the organization of our synagogues takes work! Combining expert advice and experience garnered from congregations throughout North America, The Self-Renewing Congregation shows us how transformative change is possible. A complete resource full of ideas, information, and support, this is a guide for those of us involved in, or interested in, energizing our spiritual communities. Isa Aron, founding director of Hebrew Union College’s Experiment in Congregational Education (ECE), offers concrete, practical information on how to bring about change through collaborative leadership, and helps us grow dynamic, successful congregations.

Planned time away from the parish for study, rest, and spiritual renewal can be beneficial-and often necessary-for any pastor, as well as for the congregation. In this thoroughly revised and expanded edition of Alban's popular Sabbatical Planning for Clergy and Congregations, Bullock and Bruesehoff provide the definitive guide to putting together refreshing pastoral sabbaticals that can help keep ministry vital and growing for the long term

No pastor can lead a congregation to renewal alone. it requires a complete change of heart for the whole congregation. Congregational renewal occurs when people engage communally in a transition in their very understanding of the nature and purpose of their church. This goes far beyond a simple retooling of the mission statement or addition of a few programs. Authors Mary Sellon and Daniel Smith lead congregations through this process of renewal, breaking down into understandable components what is happening in the people themselves that makes renewal efforts successful. Pathway to Renewal offers pastors and congregational leaders a framework for understanding and addressing the deep cultural shift facing the people of a congregation during congregational renewal. This book will help leaders make sense of where their congregation could get stuck and guide them in thinking through what needs to be addressed next as a congregation seeks renewal. The realigning of a congregation's heart and sense of purpose can be a long process, but one that ultimately all congregations must experience in order to fully live out the world-transforming mission that God has given them to do.

In THE CHURCH AWAKENING, Charles Swindoll discusses the challenges, struggles, and priorities of the church in the twenty-first century. He reveals the problems inherent in the entertainment-based postmodern church and shows how a return to biblical teaching will restore its strength and impact. Now being replaced by a feel-good message instead of what Christians need to know to stand strong in a world that's lost its way--Swindoll exposes the problems of--and solutions for--the postmodern evangelical church. Just as he opened readers' eyes with his bold statements in The Grace Awakening, now he offers a straightforward volume revealing how to reestablish a life-altering church with Christ as Lord and Master. Illuminating and empowering, THE CHURCH AWAKENING will ignite a revolution in the way Christians "do church" for years to come.

"David Young's Servant Leadership for Church Renewal is a logical sequel to his earlier book, A New Heart and a New Spirit. Drawing on his experience as a pastor and a teacher of pastors, the author offers his own thorough, practical, and biblically based perspective on the meaning, implications, and importance of servant leadership. This is a useful resource for seminary students, pastors, and lay leaders." --Richard Stoll Armstrong, Princeton Theological Seminary "Young's book is a highly recommended read for any pastor seeking to bring renewal to the church through self-renewal and a commitment to a godly leadership so needed in the church today." --Scott Rodin, President, Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary "Young's book will be a strong stimulus to pastors and congregational leaders in many settings. It balances content and programming in a flexible and sensitive way. I recommend this book on servant leadership." --George R. Brunk III, Dean, Eastern Mennonite Seminary "David Young's presentations have effective references to Scripture, clear and concise outlines, and practical applications and illustrations. I have always been enriched in seminars taught by David Young." --Richard Sisco, Pastor, Akron (PA) Church of the Brethren "When we were developing a church vision, we consulted with David. His time with us was beneficial in helping us to be sensitive to the ministry God is uniquely creating at Frazer Mennonite Church." --Jason Kuniholm, Pastor, Frazer (PA) Mennonite Church "Servant Leadership for Church Renewal is a must read book for any and all servant leaders in the Kingdom of God. David S. Young masterfully explores the Bible and creatively teaches leaders the challenge of being in leadership in the Christian Church. This book was long overdue for the body of Christ. Every leader, every church member, every laity should be required to read this book before being allowed to serve in any capacity in the church. The author shows us through the word that we are called not to just be leaders who hold a position and title but rather we are called to lead people to a deeper and more fulfilling place in God. I have designed all my Leadership Training at Union Baptist Church around this book. It is a must have and a must read for all pastors and laity." --Rev. Antonio D. Anderson, Union Baptist Church in the Village of Harlem, New York

How can my congregation transform itself? How can we re-dedicate ourselves to learning? Improving spiritual connection in our communities takes work! Combining expert advice and experience garnered from congregations throughout North America, Becoming a Congregation of Learners shows us how transformative change is possible. A complete resource full of ideas, information and support, this is a guide for those of us involved in, or interested in, energizing our spiritual communities. Isa Aron, director of Hebrew Union College's Experiment in Congregational Education (ECE), offers concrete, practical information on how to bring about change and revitalization, and helps us make learning a vibrant, integral part of congregational life.

David S. Young shows a biblical style of servant leadership and how it can be applied in concrete situations. He sees the spiritual dimension as key to renewal in the church. Servant leaders are attuned to God's movement and listen for God's direction to help a congregation find a plan for using the strengths of their church. Servant leaders formulate a renewal plan and implement it through prayer, teamwork, and resources. They learn to handle hardship. They are involved in faith formation. They serve by the transforming springs of God and call others to renewal and service.