Imagining a Church in the Spirit: A Task for Mainline CongregationsThe greatest problem facing mainline churches today is not declining numbers, shifting social allegiances, or confused leadership. It is loss of vision. This bold yet constructive book urges pastors to again see their congregations as real expressions of "the body of Christ" and suggests ways to revise - and energize - their ministries based on this vision . . "Complete with discussion questions that make it ideal for use in a wide variety of educational settings, Imagining a Church in the Spirit will help church leaders successfully meet the cultural challenges that await us in the twenty-first century. |
Contents
A New Church Vision | 1 |
The Community of Christ | 20 |
Initiation in a Church in the Spirit | 39 |
Prayer in the Spirit | 60 |
Discerning a Churchs Mission in the Spirit | 74 |
Preaching to a Church in the Spirit | 89 |
An Inclusive Church in the Spirit | 105 |
Leading a Church in the Spirit | 117 |
Teaching in a Church in the Spirit | 131 |
A Final Word on How to Use This Book | 150 |
| 158 | |
| 160 | |
Common terms and phrases
apostles asked aspects awakened awareness baptism baptized become begin believe body of Christ cerning Cerulean Warbler challenge Christian church growth movement comes community of Christ context Corroborative Witness create cultural church discernment disciples early church ence enter Eucharist evokes experience face faith feel fellowship formation gathering gifts God's gospel growing hear heart Holy Spirit human imagine the church inclusive initiation invite Jesus Christ kingdom leadership listen look Lord Luke mainline churches mainline congregations membership ment mentor metaphor minister ministry ministry of Jesus mission narrative parable participate pastor Pentecost persons pray prayer preacher preaching presence of Christ QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION reality REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION response role sermon sharing sion small groups social son of Zebedee speak story Sunday morning task taught teacher teaching things tion tism transform truth unity vision wonder Word worship Zionsville