The Other 80 Percent: Turning Your Church's Spectators Into Active Participants

ISBN-13: 9780470891292 / Angielski / Twarda / 2011 / 256 str.

Scott Thumma; Warren Bird

Opis

A research-based approach to developing more active and involved congregations In this practical resource, well-known and respected researcher Scott Thumma and professional co-writer Warren Bird draw upon new and heretofore unpublished research across a broad range of Protestant churches of all sizes and show how to create more active members. Offers solid information of what church leaders need to know about the factors and practices that create church members who are more actively and passionately involved in their congregations.

• Offers a first of its kind resource for developing engaged congregations
• Lead author Scott Thumma is a noted researcher and writer on congregational studies
• Warren Bird is coauthor of Culture Shift and Viral Churches

This book offers advice for moving church members from being spectators to living a life of discipleship and faith.

Spis treści

About the Jossey–Bass Leadership Network Series.

Preface.

Introduction: Wandering Sheep.

Part One: Listening.

1: What Do You Hear from the Committed 20%?

2: What Do You Hear from the Less–Committed 80%?

3: How to Create a Listening Team.

Part Two: Learning.

4: Cultural Causes of the 80/20 Problem.

5: Comparative Patterns in Churches.

6: Misinformed Efforts to Build Participation.

7: How to Create a Learning Team.

Part Three: Leading.

8: Start with What You Do Well.

9: Create More Ways for People to Participate.

10: Reach Toward Spiritual Growth and Development.

Afterword: The Sheep Who Came Back into the Fold.

Appendixes.

A. Resources.

B. Methods and Description of the Datasets.

C. Sample Survey Questions.

Annotated Bibliography.

Acknowledgments.

The Authors.

Index.

O autorze

Scott Thumma, Ph.D., is professor of sociology of religion at Hartford Seminary and researcher at Hartford Institute for Religion Research. Scott is recognized as a leading researcher and writer on congregational studies. He is also editor of the Lilly Endowment funded website Insights into Religion.

Warren Bird, Ph.D., is director of research and intellectual capital development for Leadership Network. An ordained minister, he serves as an adjunct faculty member at Alliance Theological Seminary. Warren has coauthored 22 books including Culture Shift and Viral Churches, both from Jossey–Bass.

Blurb

If you′re discontent with 20 percent of your flock participating in spiritual development and 80 percent being spectators on the sideline, you need to read this book over and over. It will show you surprising yet practical ways to draw the marginal 80 percent into ministry and spiritual development. The extensive research alone is worth the price of the book. Bill Easum, author, consultant, coach; president of 21st Century Strategies

Congregations seeking increased vitality only through reaching new people are missing a far larger group of potential disciples their own less than fully active members.  The Other 80 Percent, a book worthy of attention by every church and every pastor, combines solid research with practical methods for churches to take next steps. Lovett H. Weems Jr., distinguished professor of church leadership; director, Lewis Center for Church Leadership (www.churchleadership.com), Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC

Through solid research and a heart for the church, Thumma and Bird remind us of the need to focus on maturing the church into the mission of God. This book will help you reengage the people of your church into the work of the ministry. The Other 80 Percent is a helpful resource for any pastor′s library. Ed Stetzer, coauthor, Transformational Church, www.edstetzer.com

Who isn′t interested in seeing more people involved in their church? Then place The Other 80 Percent: Turning Your Church′s Spectators into Active Participants at the top of your reading list. Employing fresh research, authors Scott Thumma and Warren Bird offer insights that will empower your work with your less–active people. Pick it up today, read it tomorrow, and begin putting it into practice the next day. Gary L. McIntosh, D.Min., professor of Christian ministry and leadership, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University; author, Beyond the Visit: The Complete Guide to Connecting Guests to Your Church