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Description

Transitional ministry can be tremendously helpful for congregations in times of change, and yet, to be successful today transitional ministers and churches need to take into account the major changes in the religious landscape. From the decline of mainline churches to the rise of those who don’t identify with any religious tradition, the religious scene has changed dramatically since transitional ministry began three decades ago, and to remain vital today, the practice of transitional ministry must change as well.

This book provides transitional ministers and congregations with essential information on re-thinking transitional ministry in ways that take the current religious climate into account. Ten experienced authors—including seasoned practitioners of transitional ministry and those who oversee transitional ministry denomination-wide—propose new ways to approach transitional ministry today. Chapters address practical theology, leadership, specialized interim situations, renewal during interim time, alternative models of transitional ministry, and more. Essays address a range of diverse churches in size, racial/ethnic background, and location.

Transitional Ministry Today highlights how creative and cutting-edge ministry can be done during the “in-between-time” through creative thinking and practice in the face of new realities

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
PART ONE: Transitional Ministry for a New Day
CHAPTER ONE: Whither Transitional Ministry? by Norman B. Bendroth
CHAPTER TWO: A Theology of Transitional Ministry by David Sawyer
CHAPTER THREE: The Changing Landscape of the American Church by Cameron Trimble
CHAPTER FOUR: Focus Points and the Work of the Congregation by John Keydel
CHAPTER FIVE: Transitional Ministry as an Opportunity to Lead by Beverly A. Thompson and George B. Thompson, Jr.
CHAPTER SIX: Leadership Transition within Minority Churches by Bianca Duemling
PART TWO: New Models and Methods
CHAPTER SEVEN: The Role of Revitalization, Renewal or Redevelopment during the Interim Time by Michael Piazza
CHAPTER EIGHT: A Succession Approach by Anthony Robinson
CHAPTER NINE: An Appreciative Inquiry Approach by Rob Voyle
CHAPTER TEN: A Trauma Treatment Model for Interim Work with Chronically Dysfunctional Congregations by Deborah Pope-Lance
CHAPTER ELEVEN: Hospice Care by Gretchen J. Switzer
CHAPTER TWELVE: What’s Next? by Norman Bendroth
Bibliography
About the Authors

Product details

Published 05 Dec 2014
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 238
ISBN 9781566997508
Imprint Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Dimensions 229 x 152 mm
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

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