Rekindling the Mainline: New Life through New Churches
Book, 2003, 183 pp
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Not only do new church starts in significant numbers bring systemic change and renewal to mainline denominations, but new church development brings similar change to individual aging congregations in their vicinity.
Author Stephen Compton argues that a decline in new church starts in the last half of the 20th century was the major contributor to the decline of mainline church groups—not liberalism or lack of faith, as is often cited. He shows in this book how introducing considerable numbers of new congregations into these old denominations can cause these venerable institutions to revisit the meaning of church and congregation, develop a clearer vision of their collective mission, and grow in their ability to bring about positive change in the world. In effect, he contends, new churches in an aging organization do not merely make it grow. They make it change in ways that make it more effective in its mission and ministries.
This book will appeal to leaders across denominational lines, including those not ordinarily called mainline, and especially to pastors and leaders of older congregations.
Author Stephen Compton argues that a decline in new church starts in the last half of the 20th century was the major contributor to the decline of mainline church groups—not liberalism or lack of faith, as is often cited. He shows in this book how introducing considerable numbers of new congregations into these old denominations can cause these venerable institutions to revisit the meaning of church and congregation, develop a clearer vision of their collective mission, and grow in their ability to bring about positive change in the world. In effect, he contends, new churches in an aging organization do not merely make it grow. They make it change in ways that make it more effective in its mission and ministries.
This book will appeal to leaders across denominational lines, including those not ordinarily called mainline, and especially to pastors and leaders of older congregations.
Steve Compton captures the dilemma of slow decline in mainline denominations. While honoring denominational roots, he proposes a bold vision to reverse this trend by starting new congregations and reinventing declining ones. Based on a 'Great commission' agenda, his work is theologically sound, challenging, and exciting. His proposal for church planting, if thoroughly implemented, would require a massive transformation at every level of the church. Compton's vision, based on successful experience overseeing multiple new church starts every year, is both feasible and valuable." -- David Colin Jones
| Type | |
| Genre | Personal Theory/Thesis |
| Expression | General Writing/Recording |
| Topic | Church Planting |
| Audience | Adults, Leaders |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Alban Institute |
| ISBN | 1566992796 |
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